The Admiralty preferred volunteers because it considered impressment inefficient and politically costly. Captains could advertise their achievements and the officers they had served with at recruiting stands in Chatham, Portsmouth, or Plymouth. A famous captain's reputation could attract sailors much as a celebrated footballer might attract players to a new team. Money also encouraged recruitment. When a ship decommissioned, pursers from commissioning ships could meet its departing crew with a bounty and information about the new captain. A sailor could choose another commission on the strength of both the offer and the commander's reputation.
Chapter · 13:10-15:31
Captain reputations and bounties attracted volunteers
Recruiting stands advertised a captain's record, while pursers offered departing crews money to join another ship. Both helped the Navy attract willing sailors.