The cloathing given each of the men is, a felt seaman’s hat, a kersey pea jacket, a waistcoat and drawers of the same, a pair of drab breeches, a pair of thin trowsers, a pair of worsted hose, a pair of yarn hose, two shirts, two worsted caps, one pair of shoes, one pair of buckles, one pair of buttons, a knife, thread, worsted, and needles, with a bag for their cloaths.
A note of these cloaths is given to every man and boy, by which he may see what he has, but nothing is delivered till they are actually on board the tender in the river Thames, or in their respective ships at the ports; except to the boys, who are attended to the ships.
Our author, who was one of the committee, observes, that from this society may be seen the great business that may be done for a trifling expence; for the Treasurer, Commissioners, Secretary, and Clerks; the house-rent and entertainments; the fire and candle, paper, pens and ink, do not all together cost the society an hundred pounds per annum; and if, by an additional Clerk, he adds, it should happen to swell to 150l. “greater good with less money, I will be bold to say, is not done by any society in this kingdom: for exclusive of the charge of cloathing, feeding, and sending boys to Portsmouth, the expence is very little more than the rent of two rooms at about 25l. per annum, the salary of a secretary, not exceeding 50l. per annum, and a Porter 10l. per annum.”
There is a general meeting every three months, viz. the first Thursday in January, the first in April, the first in July, and the first in October, or oftener, if the committee desire it; when an account of receipts and disbursements are laid before the subscribers under the direction of the committee, which consists of a considerable number of them. Of this committee not less than three persons act, who meet every Thursday at eleven o’clock at the Merchants Seamens office over the Royal Exchange; and any other day, if necessary, at the Secretary’s house in Prince’s street, where any two of the committee may transact the business when it is very urgent.
Mariners alley, Fore street, Lambeth.
Mariners street, Shadwell.
Mark lane, extends from Fenchurch street to Tower street, and is chiefly inhabited by merchants. Maitland says it was originally called Mart lane, it being once used as a public mart. On the east side of this lane is the Corn Exchange.
Market court, 1. By Oxford market. 2. By Shepherd’s market.
Market hill, Upper Shadwell.
Market lane, Pallmall.