SURROGATES. Those substituted or appointed in the room of others; as naval captains formerly acting for judges in Newfoundland.
SURVEY. An inspection or examination made by several practical officers into the condition of any stores belonging to a ship. Also, those important astronomical observations, soundings, and other data, collected by officers who are employed in constructing charts and plans of seas, shoals, rocks, harbours, &c.
SURVEYING VESSELS. Those equipped for examining coasts, dangers, &c.; their utility is unquestionable. Some of the smaller vessels of war on every station might be profitably employed in thus examining all reported dangers.
SURVEYORS AT LLOYD'S. See [Lloyd's Surveyors].
SURVEYORS OF THE NAVY. Two officers who formerly sat at the navy board, being invested with the charge of building and repairing the royal ships at the different dockyards of the kingdom; for which they were trained to the theory and practice of ship-building.
SUSPENSION OF ARMS. A short truce agreed upon by contending forces, for a special object of importance.
SUTILES. Ancient cobles made of strong staves sewed together, and covered with leather or skins.
SUTLER. A victualler who follows the camp to sell provisions to the troops. In garrisons and garrison-towns there are also sutlers who provide victuals of every kind; but Drayton's sutlers must have been very petty traders, as, when at Agincourt, Isambert's "rascals" were noted—
"For setting on those with the luggage left,
A few poor sutlers with the campe that went,
They basely fell to pillage and to theft."
SWAB. A sort of long mop, formed of rope-yarns of old junk, used for cleaning and drying the decks and cabins of a ship. Also, a sobriquet for a sot. Also, for an epaulette.—Hand-swab. A small swab for wiping dry the stern-sheets of a boat, washing plates and dishes, &c.