Articles of War (part of the Late Act of Parliament referred to by
Cook) set out all the rules and regulations (and punishments) by which a Royal Navy ship
operated. They were a significant part of an Act of Parliament "The Act for amending,
explaining and reducing into one Act of Parliament, the Laws relating to the Government of
His Majesty’s Ships, Vessels and Forces by Sea". It had become law in 1749 as CAP. XXXIII
of Anno vicesimo secundo George II. Even though commonly known as the "Articles of War",
the Act itself specifically stated that the Articles and Orders "shall be duly observed and
put in execution as well in time of peace as in time of war".
The Master's warrant stated Cook's rank in the Royal Navy and by
reading it out to his crew, Cook was establishing his authority over them.