Los privilegios de la matrícula de mar y su cuestionamiento práctico. La dureza del Real Servicio en la armada en el siglo XVIII

Abstract

The consolidation of the register of seamen achieved the objective of providing the Navy with a contingent of sailors who would be available at any convenient time. In return, those included in their lists enjoyed, in theory, the privileges of the navigation and fishing occupations, buth such privileges were diminished by the actions of farmers-fishers. Likewise, the fact of being on the register led to some exemptions from taxes and from the carrying out of municipal duties. These privileges and others such as making use of the Navy's jurisdition, were often abused (by local mayors, Royal taxes collectors...) Furthermore, if the harshness of the military service is considered ( long campaings, delay in payment of salaries...) which is tragically highlighted by the high rate of mortality in the Royal Service in the Barbanza area, the abundance of criticism made by men of the Enlightenment, clergyment and even people in high places in the Navy Department is understandable, aswell as the consequent desertions.