MASTER of a Ship of War, is an officer appointed by the commissioners of the navy, to take charge of navigating a ship from port to port under the direction of the captain. The management and disposition of the sails, the working of a ship into her station in the order of battle, and the direction of her movements in the time of action, and in other circumstances of danger, are also more particularly under his inspection. It is likewise his duty to examine the provisions, and accordingly to admit none into the ship but such as are found, sweet, and wholesome. He is moreover charged with the stowage; and for the performance of these services he is allowed several assistants who are properly termed mates and quarter-masters.