- description
- # CHAPTER XLVIII.
PURSER, PURSER’S STEWARD, AND POSTMASTER IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
## Overview
This is a chapter from the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ) by Herman Melville. It discusses the role and importance of the Purser and Purser's Steward on a man-of-war, as well as the Purser's Steward's function as a postmaster. The chapter was extracted from the source file [white_jacket.txt](arke:01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY). It is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection.
## Context
This chapter is preceded by [CHAPTER XLVII. AN AUCTION IN A MAN-OF-WAR.](arke:01KG8AJS39K1V9TPKTGQA17NAS) and followed by [CHAPTER XLIX. NEVERSINK.](arke:01KG8AJS32NFQ1HHTK2EEJVN9E) in the novel.
## Contents
The chapter details the Purser's role as the head of financial affairs on a man-of-war, comparing his importance to that of the Secretary of the Treasury in the United States government or the First Lord of the Treasury in England. It also describes the Purser's Steward as the head clerk of the frigate's fiscal affairs, managing accounts and acting as a postmaster for the crew. The chapter also discusses the monthly "mess-bills" for supplies and the historical abuses and reforms in the Purser system, highlighting the Purser's significant salary and responsibilities.
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- CHAPTER XLVIII.
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- title
- CHAPTER XLVIII.
PURSER, PURSER’S STEWARD, AND POSTMASTER IN A MAN-OF-WAR.