QUARTERS, a name given at ſea to the ſeveral ſtations where the officers and crew of a ſhip of war are poſted in action. See Naval Tactics.
The number of men appointed to manage the artillery is always in proportion to the nature of the guns, and the number and condition of the ſhip's crew. They are, in general, as follow, when the ſhip is well manned, ſo as to fight both ſides at once occaſionally:
| Pounds. | No. of men. | Pounder. | No. of men. |
|---|---|---|---|
| To a 42 | 15 | To a 9 | 6 |
| 32 | 13 | 6 | 5 |
| 24 | 11 | 4 | 4 |
| 18 | 9 | 3 | 3 |
| 12 | 7 |
This number, to which is often added a boy to bring powder to every gun, may be occaſionally reduced, and the guns nevertheless well managed. The number of men appointed to the ſmall arms, on board his Maieſty's ſhips and ſloops of war, by order of the admiralty, are,
5 Rate
| Quarters | Rate of the ship. | No. of men to the small arms. |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | - | 150 |
| 2d | - | 120 |
| 3d of 80 guns | - | 100 |
| — of 70 guns | - | 80 |
| 4th of 60 guns | - | 70 |
| 4th of 50 guns | - | 60 |
| 5th | - | 50 |
| 6th | - | 40 |
| Sloops of war | - | 30 |
The lieutenants are usually stationed to command the different batteries, and direct their efforts against the enemy. The master superintends the movements of the ship, and whatever relates to the sails. The boatswain, and a sufficient number of men, is stationed to repair the damaged rigging; and the gunner and carpenter, wherever necessary, according to their respective offices.
The marines are generally quartered on the poop and forecastle, or gang-way, under the direction of their officers; although, on some occasions, they assist at the great guns, particularly in distant cannonading.