Captain.

Repro ID: PW4974

Description: The captain was responsible for fitting out his ship for sea and had 'to use his best endeavours to get the ship manned', by fair means or foul which usually meant the press gang. At sea he was responsible for the ship and for all on board. The powers of the captain were so great that some behaved like tyrants thus inciting their men to mutiny. However, many, such as Nelson, were very popular and their men would follow them from ship to ship.

Creator: Thomas Rowlandson [artist]; Merks [engraver]; R Ackermann [publisher]

Date: 15th Feb 1799

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London