[7] Cf. Boscawen’s Nos. 9 and 10.

[8] This appears to correspond to Article XXI. of the Additional Fighting Instructions in use in 1780, to which Rodney referred in his report on the action of April 17 in that year.

[9] Cf. Boscawen’s No. 3.

[10] Cf. Boscawen’s No. 2.

[11] Cf. Boscawen’s No. 17.

[12] In connection with these three articles the following dictum attributed to Rodney should be recalled:  ’During all the commands Lord Rodney has been entrusted with he made it a rule to bring his whole force against a part of the enemy’s, and never was so absurd as to bring ship to ship when the enemy gave him an opportunity of acting otherwise.’  And cf. supra, p. 213.

[13] This may be an Additional Sailing Instruction.

[14] Cf. Boscawen’s Nos. 5, 6 and 7.  A number of other Additional Instructions are referred to, but they seem to relate to Sailing, Chasing or General Instructions.  No more Fighting Instructions can be identified.

LORD HOODS ADDITIONS, 1783.[1]

[+MS. Signal Book in the Admiralty Library+.]

1.  For the ships to steer for (independent of each other) and engage respectively the ships opposed to them.

2.  When in line of battle, for the leading ship to carry as much sail as her commander judges the worst sailing ship can preserve her station with all her plain sail set.

3.  To prepare to reef topsails together.

4.  When in line of battle or otherwise for the men to go to dinner.

5.  After an action for the ships to signify whether they are in a condition to renew it.[2]

6.  For ships in chase or looking out to alter course to port or starboard.

7.  To stay by or repair to the protection of prizes or ships under convoy.

8.  When fetching up with the enemy and to leeward, or on a contrary tack, to break through their line, and to endeavour to cut off part of their van or rear.

9.  For the leading ship to cut through the enemy’s line of battle.

10.  To signify that the admiral will carry neither top nor stern lights. Note.—­The fleet immediately to close.

11.  For particular ships to reconnoitre the enemy in view, and to return to make known their number and force.

12.  For a particular ship to keep between the fleet and that of the enemy during the night, to communicate intelligence.[3]

13.  To signify to a ship that she mistakes the signal that was made to her.

14.  To prepare to hoist French or Spanish colours.

15.  For a particular ship to open her fire on the ship opposed to her.

16.  When a ship is in distress in battle.

17.  Signal to call attention of larboard or starboard line of the division only.[4]

FOOTNOTES: