pon the interests of
all under him, and he is alone responsible for costs and damages: he may
act erroneously, and abandon what might have turned out good prize to
himself and crew.--_Commander_ is also the name of a large wooden mallet
used specially in the sail and rigging lofts, as anything of metal would
injure the ropes or canvas.

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. The senior officer in any port or station appointed
to hold command over all other vessels within the limits assigned to
him. Thus the commodore on the coast of Africa is, _de facto_,
commander-in-chief, free from the interference of any other authority
afloat.

COMMAND-OF-MIND MEN. Steady officers, who command coolly.

COMMEATUS, OR PROVISIONS, going to the enemy's ports, subject only to
_pre_-emption, a right of purchase upon reasonable terms, but previously
liable to confiscation (Robinson). _Commeatus_, in admiralty law, is a
general term, signifying drink as well as eatables.

COMMERCE. Was not much practised by the Romans. The principal objects of
their water-carriage were the supply of corn, still termed _annona_, and
the tribute and spoils of conquered countries.

COMMERCIAL CODE OF SIGNALS. As Marryat's and others.

COMMISSARIAT. The department of supplies to the army.

COMMISSARY. The principal officer in charge of the commissariat.

COMMISSION. The authority by which an officer officiates in his post.
Also, an allowance paid to agents or factors for transacting the
business of others.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. Those appointed by commissions. Such are
admirals, down to lieutenants, in the royal navy; and in the army, all
from the general to the ensign inclusive.

COMMISSIONERS, LORDS, OF THE ADMIRALTY. In general the crown appoints
five or seven commissioners for executing the office of lord
high-admiral, &c.; for this important and high office has seldom been
intrusted to any single person. The admiralty jurisdiction extends to
all offences mentioned in the articles of war, or new naval code, as
regards places beyond the powers of the law courts, or outside the
bounds of a county. But all criminal acts committed within the limits of
a county, or within a line drawn from one headland to the next, are
specially liable to be tried by the common law courts. The high court of
admiralty civil court takes cognizance of salvage, prize-derelict,
collision, &c., at sea beyond the county limits, even as relates to
ships of war if in fault.

COMMISSIONERS O