CAPTAIN-GENERAL, AND Commander-in-Chief. ACCORDING to the Constitution of the Country, the King is Captain-General of all the Forces of Great Britain. This term implies the first rank, power, and authority known in the British service. It has, however, been entrusted to various distinguished characters at different periods, as will be seen by the annexed list; and, in 1799 his present Majesty delegated this rank, and the powers annexed to it, to his Royal Highness the Duke of York. The rank of Commander-in-Chief is next to that of Captain-General, and the officer in whom it is invested has the entire command of the troops. The Officers marked thus * were not commissioned as Commanders-in-Chief. BOARD OF ORDNANCE. Its Institution and Objects; and Succession of Masters General and Lieutenant Generals of the Ordnance. In the Military Dictionary, compiled by Major James, it is observed, that the Board of Ordnance is of a very early but uncertain date: " but that in the year 1548 Sir Philip Hoby (or Oby) was styled Master of the Ordnance." On reference to the Patents of Henry VIII. it will be seen that in the year 1537 Sir Christopher Morris, Knight, and styled, Master of the Ordnance, was appointed an Overseer of the science of Artillery, for the support of Archery, viz. long bows, cross bows, and hand guns; but even at an earlier period, 2d June 1483, that Office existed, and was under the superintendance of Rauf Bigod. The duties of the Master General of the Ordnance have always been of the greatest importance, inasmuch that he is entrusted with the sole regulation and command of every thing relating to the artillery and garrisons, both in time of peace and war. It is presumed that the following are correct lists of the Masters General in England and Ireland, as well as of Lieutenant Generals in England, and Colonels En Second in Ireland, and Surveyor Generals in England, from the first institution of the office to the present time. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, 29th March 1596 Do. Charles Blount, Earl of Devon, Sir Richard Morrison } 10th Sep. 1603, during pleasure 25th June 1609 Do. 5th May 1617 for life. . 26th Aug. 1623 Mountjoy Blount, Earl of Newport 2d Sep. 1634 Do. Do. |