Database: The role of a ship's purser

The "ship's purser" was a warrant officer whose main task was to supply food, drink, clothes, and other small items to the crew. The pursers bought their function from the Admirality and received no pay for it. Acting as mandatory intermediary between the regular suppliers and the crew members, the pursers took their share from both sides. They were on-board suppliers, merchants, lenders, and even bankers. The role was undoubtedly profitable but the activity could also be risky due to unsold stocks and other hazards. Chasing the crew to get paid or withholding part of their salaries did not make pursers popular, especially as they were always suspected of making all kinds of immoral profits.