Here is a curious case, which shows the want of men to man the fleet, and how unscrupulously even magistrates lent themselves against all justice, and equity, in helping to kidnap men for the use of the Navy Services:—
"PUBLIC OFFICE, BOW STREET.—A master bricklayer, of the name of Whitehead, brought his apprentice before the sitting magistrate, on a charge of having stolen a scaffolding board, value under ninepence: he had his choice, either to enlist as a soldier, or to be sent on board the fleet: to both of which he objected. The Magistrate then ordered a letter to be written to the Regulating Captain, Tower Hill, to have him sent on board the Navy."—(Times, Jan. 5, 1795.)
On this, one of the spectators addressed Mr. Bond, and told him he was acting improperly.
"Who are you?" says Mr. B——. "I am a Mr. Thompson, a Member of the House of Commons for Evesham: and I tell you that you act illegally." "Do you tell me, sitting here as a magistrate, that I act illegally?" "I do: for the boy has committed a crime, he is not to be punished by you, or any other justice: it is to the laws of the land, and to them alone, that he is amenable: and I say, that it is a violation of the liberty of the subject." Mr. Bond observed, that the King wanted men: and did not Mr. Thompson think that it was proper to procure those for him, who had forfeited their liberty? Mr. T. replied, that he knew that the King did want men, but that that was a very improper mode of coming at them. Mr. Bond then observed, that probably Mr. T. might investigate it in the House of Commons: but whether he did or did not, he should act as he thought proper for that time. He then sent for Major Leeson, and had him enlisted. Mr. Thompson signified as much to him, as that it should be brought before the House."
(On Monday, 5th Jan., the matter was introduced in a speech of Mr. Thompson's, on the Habeas Corpus Bill, but nothing was done.)
Jack did, occasionally, get some prize money, but nothing ever came up to the "Hermione" in 1762, when each ordinary seaman had about £800 for his share; but when we look at the disparity between the Captain's and Sailor's share, we can enter into the spirit of the Sailor's prayer, before an engagement, that the shots might be apportioned, like the prize money,—the greater part among the officers.
"By the determination of the Lord Chancellor in favour of the captors of the St. Jago Register ship, Admiral Gell will get, as his proportion, near £100,000 prize money. All the captains of his fleet will divide about £30,000, and so downwards in proportion. The precise value of the St. Jago, Spanish ship, retaken in April 1793, from the French, which the Lords of Appeal adjudged to the captors, on Thursday evening last, is £935,000."—(Times, Feb. 4, 1795.)
"The first payment of the immense St. Jago prize is commenced, Captain Sir A. Douglas having received his share. The following is the declared proportion of the specie only: Each Captain's share, £13,920; Lieutenant's share, £910; Warrant officer's share, £612; Petty officer's share, £140; Foremast-man's share, £26. Besides two seventh's shares of the whole in reserve, till the question, whether the Boyne, and Powerful, have a right to share with the Squadron. The above statement is independent of the valuable cargo, and bullion, which are yet to be shared. The Admiral's shares are not yet declared."—(Times, March 21, 1795.)
"Saturday, the 26th inst., the sailors on board the Sea Horse frigate, had 2800 dollars served out to them at Portsmouth, and leave of absence for 48 hours' recreation on shore. This ship shares the whole of the Spanish prizes taken by her, and carried into Portsmouth. Their cargoes consist principally of about 300,000 dollars and gold doubloons, and about 120,000 raw hides, tallow," &c.—(Times, Dec. 2, 1796.)
"The Spanish prize, taken by the Raven brig, one of Admiral Earl St. Vincent's squadron, which was sent home, now lies at Deptford, where she is strongly guarded, and no persons suffered to go on board, till she has gone through a complete search, as it is suspected some other valuables, besides the Platina, of which 4000 ounces have been taken out and sold, are hid. Platina is a metal of the colour of silver, and about one eighth heavier than gold. None has ever been seen in Europe, at least in any quantity, but in Spain where it is consigned to the Crown, from South America."—(Times, Sept. 20, 1797.)