COMMAND-OF-MIND MEN. Steady officers, who command coolly. COMMEATUS, OR PROVISIONS, going to the enemy's ports, subject only to _pre_-emption, a right of purchase upon reasonable terms, but previously liable to confiscation (Robinson). _Commeatus_, in admiralty law, is a general term, signifying drink as well as eatables. COMMERCE. Was not much practised by the Romans. The principal objects of their water-carriage were the supply of corn, still termed _annona_, and the tribute and spoils of conquered countries. COMMERCIAL CODE OF SIGNALS. As Marryat's and others. COMMISSARIAT. The department of supplies to the army. COMMISSARY. The principal officer in charge of the commissariat. COMMISSION. The authority by which an officer officiates in his post. Also, an allowance paid to agents or factors for transacting the business of others. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Those appointed by commissions. Such are admirals, down to lieutenants, in the royal navy; and in the army, all from the general to the ensign inclusive. COMMISSIONERS, LORDS, OF THE ADMIRALTY. In general the crown appoints five or seven commissioners for executing the office of lord high-admiral, &c.; for this important and high office has seldom been intrusted to any single person. The admiralty jurisdiction extends to all offences mentioned in the articles of war, or new naval code, as regards places beyond the powers of the law courts, or outside the bounds of a county. But all criminal acts committed within the limits of a county, or within a line drawn from one headland to the next, are specially liable to be tried by the common law courts. The high court of admiralty civil court takes cognizance of salvage, prize-derelict, collision, &c., at sea beyond the county limits, even as relates to ships of war if in fault. COMMISSIONERS OF CUSTOMS. The board of management of the customs department of the public revenue. COMMISSIONERS OF THE NAVY. Certain officers formerly appointed to superintend the affairs of the navy, under the direction of the lords-commissioners of the Admiralty. Their duty was more immediately concerned in the building, docking, and repairing of ships in the dockyards; they had also the appointment of some of the officers, as surgeons, masters, &c., and the transport, victualling, and medical departments were controlled by that board. It was abolished in 1831. COMMIT ONE'S SELF, TO. To break through regulations. To incur responsibility without regard to results.