Master's mate

[1] By the mid-eighteenth century, he was far more likely to be a superior midshipman, still waiting to pass his examination for lieutenant or to receive his commission, but taking rather more responsibility aboard ship.

Master's mates were allowed to command vessels, walk the quarterdeck, and mess in the gunroom with the other warrant officers.

They would examine the ship daily, notifying the master if there were problems with the sails, masts, ropes, or pulleys.

The master's mate with the highest seniority was appointed the head of the midshipman's berth and was responsible for teaching mathematics, navigation, and sailing lore.

[4] A midshipman who became master's mate earned an increase in pay from £1 13s 6p to £3 16s per month, but initially reduced his chances at a commission.

[10] In 1838 a Royal Commission, presided over by the Duke of Wellington, recommended the institution of the rank of mate as an official step between midshipman and lieutenant.

But the new title was more distinctive; it brought them into line with their opposite numbers in the Army and established them as commissioned officers.

By an act of the United States Congress in 1906, the mates on the U.S. Navy retired list were promoted to the next higher grade if they had creditable American Civil War service, which most of them had.

The act of 15 July 1870 gave formal recognition to mates as part of the naval forces and their pay was fixed at $900 when at sea, $700 on shore duty, and $500 on leave or awaiting orders.

The Navy stopped making appointments to the rank of mate in 1870 but allowed those in serving in the position to remain in service.

The U.S. Navy Register of Commissioned Officers of 1871 shows there were 130 mates on active duty as of January 1.

By an act of Congress in 1906, the mates on the U.S. Navy retired list were promoted to the next higher grade if they had creditable Civil War service, which most of them had.

A year after the passage of this act the Attorney General of the United States published the legal opinion that mates "occupy the status of both officers in the Navy and enlisted men".