On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 13:55:11 EDT, Lvt430 wrote
> I'm not sure about this but it may have something to do with his experience
> level.  I seem to remember in the British Navy about that time you
> weren't  a sailor ( seaman ) until you had some training...so Seaman
> may in fact be a form of rank

Correct!
When he first enlisted in the Virginia State Navy, and if he had no prior
maritime experience, the captain would have rated him "landsman". Two years
later when he entered the Continental Navy, he probably acquired enough
experience to rate as a "seaman". If he were expert then he would have
possibly been rated able-bodied-seaman. The various ratings of skill would
determine the sailor's pay as well as amount or shares of any prize money
that may come their way by capture of enemy vessels. Typically these ratings
were at the discretion of the captain who could adjust a sailor's rating (up
or down) according to the performance exhibited.

Regards,

Tom Apple

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