[3] It is interesting to note that the distance adopted by D’Estrees and Tourville for the French service was a full cable.  See Hoste, p. 65.

THE DUKE OF YORK’S SUPPLEMENTARY ORDER, April 27, 1665.

[+Penn’s Tracts, Sloane MSS. 3232, f. 83+.]

Additional Instructions for Fighting.[1]

[1.] When the admiral would have all the ships to fall into the order of ‘Battailia’ prescribed, the union flag shall be put into the mizen peak of the admiral ship; at sight whereof the admirals of [the] other squadrons are to answer it by doing the like.

[2.] When the admiral would have the other squadrons to make more sail, though he himself shorten sail, a white ensign shall be put on the ensign staff of the admiral ship.

For Chasing.[2]

[1.] When the admiral shall put a flag striped with white and red upon the fore topmast-head, the admiral of the white squadron shall send out ships to chase; when on the mizen topmast-head the admiral of the blue squadron shall send out ships to chase.

[2.] If the admiral shall put out a flag striped with white and red upon any other place, that ship of the admiral’s own division whose signal for call is a pennant in that place shall chase, excepting the vice-admiral and rear-admiral of the admiral’s squadron.

[3.] If a flag striped red and white upon the main topmast shrouds under the standard, the vice-admiral of the red is to send ships to chase.

If the flag striped red and white be hoisted on the ensign staff the rear-admiral of the red is to send ships to chase.

On board the Royal Charles, 27 April, 1665.

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] This is preceded by an additional ‘Sailing Instruction,’ with signals for cutting and slipping by day or night.

[2] Also in Capt.  Moulton’s Sea Book (Harl.  MSS. 1247, p. 51_b_), headed ‘James Duke of York &c.  Additional Instructions for Sailing.’  At foot it has ’given under my hand on board the Royal Charles this 24 of April, 1665.  James,’ and the articles are numbered 9 to 12, No. 3 above forming 11 and 12.

PRINCE RUPERT, 1666.

[+Sir Edward Spragge’s Sea Book+.]

Additional Instructions for Fighting.

1st.  In case of an engagement the commander of every ship is to have a special regard to the common good, and if any flagship shall, by any accident whatsoever, stay behind or [be] likely to lose company, or be out of his place, then all and every ship or ships belonging to such flag is to make all the way possible to keep up with the admiral of the fleet and to endeavour the utmost that may be the destruction of the enemy, which is always to be made the chiefest care.

This instruction is strictly to be observed, not-withstanding the seventeenth article in the Fighting Instructions formerly given out.[1]