A 5 th rate frigate, which would have 270 men, would only have 3 lieutenants, while a sloop with 135 men would only have 1 lieutenant. He should have had at least six years of sea duty and be able to produce certificates and journals to show he met the qualifications for his commission. He needed to have spent at least 2 years as a midshipman or as a Master's Mate. His pay varied, in 1793, a Lieutenant of a 1st or 2nd rate was paid 7 per month while the rest of the lieutenants were paid 5-12. By 1808 and for the rest of the war, all lieutenants were paid the same, 8-8 per month.
Lieutenants live in the wardroom on the upper deck on ships of the line.
Within the wardroom, individual spaces are provided using walls of painted canvas on a frame. In the middle of the wardroom is the mess table, the social center of the ship for the officers. At the end of the room would be the stern windows providing light to the space. Each room would have about 8 square feet, with the best going to the 1 st lieutenant. It is said that this bed was wonderful to sleep in, soft with padding and since it was hung the rocking motion made sleep very easy.