Admiralty, 12 June 1832

As some doubts appear to exist of the propriety of allowing private Marines to do the duty of officers� servants on board HM Ships, my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are pleased to direct that, in addition to the servants of the Officers of the Royal Marines, this indulgence may be carried to the extent, in each rate, of the following numbers, viz.:

provided the men do it with their own free will, and that they only attend on the Captain or Officers of the Ward or Gun-room (according to the rate of ship); but their so serving is not in any way to interfere with the necessary attendance at drill, inspection, or exercise of the great guns at quarters.

By Command of their Lordships.

John Barrow.

To all Captains, Commanders and Commanding Officers of HM Ships and Vessels.

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