I don't know if this answers the question, as it's nothing to do with the Royal Navy, but it is describing a voyage to the West Indies in 1796:
Quote:
Our steward is a very old sailor, tough as the ropes of the ship, and callous to every alarm; being the person more immediately about us, it most frequently falls to his lot to be teased with questions regarding the weather, the wind, and the sea; and the steady apathy of his feelings, together with his excessive sang froid and unconcern, have heen subjects of remark— sometimes, indeed of vexation to us; for his utter insensibility to the circumstances calling forth our cares and alarms, has, occasionally, provoked us. During one of our perilous storms, the wind having shifted to a point somewhat less unfavorable, although still blowing a terrific gale, the usual question was asked—" Well, steward! how is the weather?"—" Squally, squally, gentlemen—the wind^s coming about— be fine weather soon" According to the feelings of this old tar, the severest tempests that we have suffered, were only squalls, for, in the midst of the most tremendous gales, his reply has always been, " Squally, a little squally, gentlemen."—" Are we making any way, steward?" "Oh yes, fine wind, quite free,'going large, make six or seven knots?—" But surely we have too much of this good wind, steward?"—" Oh, no! fine wind as can blow, gentlemen—but a little squally~-rather squally"
Our dinner ceremony is often rendered a humorous scene: at this hour the cabin being the general rendezvous of the party, we meet - crawl, trembling, towards the table, and tie ourselves in the chairs. A tray is set before us, with deep holes cut in it for the dishes, plates, and glasses; the table and chairs are lashed to the deck; yet one or other frequently gives way, and upsets half the things in the cabin! Presently enters the steward with soup, followed by his little slave with potatoes; and the servants with such other covers as there may chance to be. But scarcely are the things upon table, and the servants stationed, clinging to the backs of our chairs, before a sudden lurch of the ship tumbles all into disorder. Away go steward, servants, and little Mungo, to the lee corner of the cabin : the soup salutes the lap of one of us; another receives a leg of pork ; a third is presented with apiece of mutton or beef; a couple of chickens or ducks fly to another; the pudding jumps nearly into the mouth of the next; and the potatoes are tossed in all directions, about the deck of the cabin. One seizes his plate; another stops his knife and fork; some cling to the table, thinking only of saving their persons; this secures the bottle; the next, half fallen, holds up his glass in one hand, and fixes himself fast to his chair with the other. Plates, dishes, knives, forks, and glasses clatter together in all the discord of the moment. Every thing is in confusion. The ship now becomes steady for a moment; the scattered parts of the dinner are collected; and those who have escaped sickness, again attempt to eat. Some, foreseeing all these accidents, fix themselves in a corner upon the cabin-deck, and take the plate between their knees, fancying themselves in security: but, quickly, they are tumbled, in ridiculous postures, sprawling, with outstretched limbs, to the other side of the cabin. One cries out with sore bruises; another from being wetted with the sprays: this calls for help; that relieves his stomach from sickness: some abuse the helmsman ; others the ship; and others the sea; while all join in a chorus of imprecations upon the wind.
Source: Pinckard, Notes on the West Indies
Nelson's cabin floor or deck in the
Victory was covered with canvas floor coverings and carpets, so in slightly less rough weather I guess that slowed down chairs a little from sliding about? Probably the best way to stop them was to sit in them! And I guess his steward had the duty of putting things straight again. I guess heavier furniture had to be lashed to the bulwarks, but lighter things like chairs would just need a cord round them to restrain them when it got rough.
All guesswork...