MATE of a SHIP of WAR, an officer under the direction of the master, by whose choice he is generally appointed, to assist him in the several branches of his duty. Accordingly, he is to be particularly attentive to the navigation in his watch, &c. to keep the log regularly, and examine the line, and glasses by which the ship's course is measured, and to adjust the sails to the wind in the fore-part of the ship. He is to have a diligent attention to the cables, seeing that they are well coiled and kept clean when laid in the tier, and sufficiently served when employed to ride the ship. Finally he is to superintend, and assist at the stowage of the hold, taking especial care that all the ballast and provisions are properly stowed therein.