MATE
MATE. The second officer on board of a merchant ship or vessel.
2. He has the right to sue in the admiralty as a common mariner for wages. 1. Pet. Adm. Dee. 246.
3. When, on the death of the master, the mate assumes the command, he succeeds to the rights and duties of the principal officer. 1 Sumn. 157; 3 Mason, 161; 4 Mason, 196; See 7 Conn. 239; 4 Mason, 641 4 Wash. C. C. 838.