William Mowett is another recurring favorite subordinate of Jacks in the OBrian series, from Masters Mate of HMS Sophie in Master and Commander to the newly-promoted First Lieutenant of the 74-gun HMS Illustrious (in The Letter of Marque, after which he fades from view). Another prime seaman, hes especially popular for his attachment to vivid naval poetry, written and recited in the modern, fulsome style, with which he often entertains his mess-mates . In The Far Side of the World, Mowett is the official First Lieutenant of HMS Surprise, but happily agrees to share the duties with his slightly senior friend Commander Tom Pullings, who is without a ship.