Letters written in France, to a friend in London, between the month of November 1794, and the month of May 1795Tench, Watkin
History
Letters written in France, to a friend in London, between the month of November 1794, and the month of May 1795
Tench, Watkin
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Personal narratives, British; Tench, Watkin, 1759?-1833 -- Correspondence
The ranks of officers differ from ours: those only who command
line-of-battle ships, and frigates carrying 18-pounders, are properly
styled captains. Other frigates are commanded by lieutenants; and
vessels of 20 guns or under by ensigns. Common courtesy, however, with
them, as with us, annexes the title of Captain to all commanders.
Agreeably to this classification the pay is regulated, but it is at
present found so grievously inadequate, as to cause great complaints;
and yet the French are unanimous in affirming, that all ranks are not
only better paid, but better fed, clothed, and treated, than under the
old government. Besides his pay, every officer, including the warrant
officers and midshipmen, is allowed a _traitement_, in lieu of the
table which was formerly kept at the king’s expence. The _traitement_ of
admirals and captains is very handsome, and suited to their rank, as
they are enjoined to keep separate tables: that of Captain le Franq is
24 livres a day. No half-pay has yet been settled upon, or even promised
to, the French officers. The seamen are divided into four classes: the
pay of the highest class is 40½ livres a month; of the second 36½; of
the third 33½; and of the lowest 30½.
Their gradations of command are very similar to our own, from the
captain to the lieutenants, ensigns, and boatswain. The office of
_pilote_, which formerly answered to that of master with us, is
abolished. It is particularly enjoined, that the officers be put at five
watches, if the state of the ship will allow of it. The lieutenant of
the watch is stuck up on a little pedestal, which overlooks the
helmsman, whence, except in emergencies, he never stirs during his
guard, the ensign appointed to assist him, who is distinguished by
wearing a gorget, being charged to superintend the execution of his
orders.
The general uniform of both their navy and army is a blue coat, with a
red waistcoat and breeches: the naval facing is white edged with red,
and that of the soldiery red; both services wear gold epaulettes. The
naval button is an anchor, surmounted by the cap of liberty, and
encircled by the words “_La République Française_.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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