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From:
Subject: Re: [Mar] Age for Captaincy
Date: Sun, 6 Nov 2005 04:35:39 EST

Sue

You cannot really judge the age of naval officer simply by the dates of his
promotion. The 18th / early 19th century were run on what was known as
"interest" - i.e. who you knew, not what you knew. The only age barrier was that
to be commissioned as a Lieutenant, one had to be 20 years old. After that it
was "interest" - If your family was well connected it was quite possible to
be a Captain at a remarkably young age and remarkably quickly; for instance
one Josiah Nisbet went from being commissioned as a Lieutenant to Captain in
twelve months, he then being just 18 years old. Not only was he under age, he
was under qualified. The fact that his step-father just happened to be one
Horatio Nelson was the significant factor. For those without "interest", it
meant slogging away for years trying to get yourself noticed. For these
officers promotion could come at a very slow pace indeed.

For your man Masefield, to become a Captain in his 40's would suggest one of
the latter. He was examined for a Lieutenant in 1793, which if he was born
in 1753 would mean that he was 40 .... an old man compared to the 18 and 19
year old midshipmen who were taking the exam. at the same time.

Incidentally, to take his exam. he must have submitted a certificate
detailing his past ships, proving that he done the required amount of
sea-time....and he must also prove his age. Has this been checked? The papers are in the
National Archives

regards

David H

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