Experiments with
lime and lemon juice as remedies for scurvy were made around 1764,
but were not used in the Navy until about 1800. Many more sailors
died from these diseases than from battle. Rum and water was a
daily ration introduced in 1745. The ordinary sailor was paid
about one pound a month, a rate established in 1650s and now out
of date. This was not in cash, but in a ticket which entitled him
to payment in full if he presented it at the pay office in London,
but was subject to swinging deductions if he tried to cash it in
another port.
Prize money from conquered ships was substantial. To encourage
seamen to enter the navy, Parliament provided that it be divided
among flag officers, commanders, other officers, seamen, marines,
and soldiers on board every ship of war, including private ships
commissioned by the Admiral, as directed by the king, or as agreed
with the owner of a private ship. It included an enemy's ships,
and goods and arms on the ships or in fortresses on the land.
There was also bounty money for enemy ships taken or destroyed.
For retaking or salvaging English goods taken by the enemy, 1/8th
their value was to be paid. Privateers taking merchant ships by
collusion were to forfeit their ships, with 1/3rd going to the
person who makes the discovery and prosecutes.
Later, any able seaman volunteering for the navy is to receive 5
pounds bounty.
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