LIEUTENANT of a Ship of War, the officer next in rank and power to the captain, in whose absence he is accordingly charged with the command of the ship, as also the execution of whatever orders he may have received from the commander relating to the king's service.
The lieutenant who commands the watch at sea, keeps a list of all the officers and men thereto belonging, in order to muster them when he judges it expedient, and report to the captain the names of those who are absent from their duty. During the night watch, he occasionally visits the lower decks, or sends thither a careful officer, to see that the proper sentinels are at their duty, and that there is no disorder amongst the men; no tobacco smoked between decks, nor any fire or candles burning there, except the lights which are in lanterns, under the care of a proper watch, on particular occasions. He is expected to be always upon deck, in his watch, as well to give the necessary orders with regard to trimming the sails and superintending the navigation, as to prevent any noise or confusion; but he is never to change the ship's course without the captain's directions, unless to avoid an immediate danger.
The lieutenant, in time of battle, is particularly to see that all the men are present at their quarters, where they have been previously stationed according to the regulations made by the captain. He orders
Lieutenant, and exhorts them everywhere to perform their duty, and acquaints the captain at all other times of the misbehaviour of any person in the ship, and of whatever else concerns the service or discipline.
The youngest lieutenant in the ship, who is also styled lieutenant at arms, besides his common duty, is particularly ordered, by his instructions, to train the seamen to the use of small arms, and frequently to exercise and discipline them therein. Accordingly his office, in time of battle, is chiefly to direct and attend them: and at all other times to have a due regard to the preservation of the small arms, that they be not lost or embroiled, and that they are kept clean and in good condition for service.