©fficers of t|>e ©rter.

The Functionaries of the Order of the Bath consist of a Great Master andNine Officers; namely, The Dean, Genealogist, King of Arms, Regis-trar, Secretary, Gentleman Usher, and Messenger, under the Statutesof 1725; and of an Officer of Arms Attendant upon, and a Secretaryto the Knights Commanders and Companions, under the Ordinance of the2nd of January 1815.

THE GREAT MASTER.

By the Letters Patent, it is provided that the Order shall consist of a GreatMaster, to continue during the pleasure of the Sovereign, and Thirty-six Com-panions; 1 and King George the First appointed John Duke of Montagu “ tobe the First Great Master of the said Order, to hold the said Office during Ourpleasure, with such powers, privileges, and emoluments, and subject to suchregulations as shall be for that purpose appointed in the Statutes.” Power wasthen given to the Great Master, for the time being, to appoint, under the Sealof the Order, a Registrar, King of Arms, Genealogist, Secretary, Usher, andMessenger, and to “ fill up the places of such Officers upon vacancies, accordingto such rules and directions as shall for that purpose be laid down andexpressed in the Statutes.” 2

The Sovereign’s motive for appointing a Great Master, and the duties andpowers of that Dignitary, are thus expressed in the Statutes: “ Since the impor-tant, weighty, and urgent affairs of state and government will sometimes neces-

1 Vide p. 40, antea.

4 Vide pp. 40, 41, antea.

/