In case a powerful squadron of ships falls with our fleet, and will fight us, and we see it most convenient to fight before the wind, and the enemy follow us, I would have every commander place his ships in this order of sailing prescribed as followeth, and so continue sailing and fighting, doing his utmost to annoy the enemy, so long as shall be required for defence of himself and whole fleet.

Larboard side.  Portsmouth frigate. 
  Newcastle frigate. 
  Samuel and Henry 30
  Advice 20
  Diamond. 
  Friendship 12
  Lion 20
  Bonaventure. 11
  John and Joseph 10
  Pearl frigate. 
  Return 10
  Benjamin and Elizabeth 14
  Concord 26
  Fountain 8
  Leopard 20
  Boneto sloop, Baltam^r.[1]
  Plymouth, Admiral. 
  Spragge frigate, Batchelor.[1]
  St. Lucar Merchant 20
  Prosperous 30
  Sapphire frigate
  Mary and Martha 30
  Delight 9
  Olive Branch 10
  Italian Merchant 30
  Tiger 30
  James galley
  Dragon 18
  Samuel and Mary 24
  Mediterranean 16
  James Merchant 20
  King-fisher frigate.
Starboard side.  Portland frigate.

In case the enemy be to leeward of us, and force us to fight by the wind, then I would have each ship in this fleet to follow each other in a line as afore prescribed, either wing leading the van as the occasion shall require.

In case I would have the van to tack first (in time of service) I will spread the union flag at the flagstaff at the fore topmast-head, and if I would have the rear of the fleet to tack first I will spread the union flag at the flagstaff at the mizen topmast-head, each commander being [ready] to take notice of the said signals, and to act accordingly, following each other as prescribed, and be careful to assist and relieve any that is in necessity.

In case of separation by foul weather, or by any inevitable accident, and the wind blows hard westerly, then Zante Road is the place appointed for rendezvous.

Given under my hand and on board his majesty’s ship Plymouth, at an anchor in Zante Road.

This 4th of May, 1678.

JOHN NARBROUGH.

FOOTNOTE: 

[1] Neither Baltimore nor Batchelor nor any similar names of commissioned officers occur in Pepys’s Navy List, 1660-88.  Tanner, op. cit.

III