Catalogue description Admiralty: Masters' Logs

These logs were maintained by the Sailing Master of each vessel in commission, and were a record of the Ship's course, position, weather encountered, employment of the hands, and records of punishments carried out. They also recorded any discrepancies found when opening casks of food or drink (not an uncommon occurrence) to make subsequent claims against suppliers. The Sailing Master was also responsible for making sketches and charts of land and harbours not previously visited, which were often copied and circulated as navigational aids. They were mainly divided as required by the Master until the mid-nineteenth century, when they were supplied ready-lined.

Also includes a small number of lieutenants' logs.