Will "A naval biographical dictionary" include masters?

I've seen mention of William Richard O'Byrne's 1849 tome "A naval
biographical dictionary : comprising the life and services of every
living officer in Her Majesty's navy, from the rank of admiral of the
fleet to that of lieutenant, inclusive" in this group. Does anyone who
has seen a copy know whether it would include masters?

Forrest Anderson...

They do not seem to be included. If you want to give me a name, I'll

Daphne Tregear...

Thank you very much for looking.

look him up in my copy of the book to double-check.

TNA website says that masters were commissioned officers from 1808 but
I'm not sure whether they are above or below lieutenants in rank in 1849.

Chris Watts...

According to Nicholas Rodger, neither - they were of equivalent rank to a
lieutenant!

Daphne Tregear...

Yes, from 1808. Re-reading Rodger's essay in the back of one of my
Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin books they were never really equivalent
since they were not 'gentleman' in a Navy where being a gentleman was
assuming greater importance. The Tregear in question certainly was not

I don't want to annoy my library by asking for it if it's all a waste of
time.

Chris Watts...

Either, or both, of the University Library or Mcr Central Ref. ought to have
a copy.

Thanks very much if you can help.