reasons of distinction it is Mathews’s battle that best measures the reaction of which Hawke is the type, for there was especially illustrated defect of spirit, to cover which the letter of the law was invoked; whereas in Byng’s action, extremely bad form, in the attempt to conform to the letter of the Instructions, emphasizes the contrast with Rodney’s methods, precise and formal unquestionably, but in which form ceases to be an end in itself and is reduced to its proper function as the means to carry into effect a sound military conception.  Of these two factors in the century’s progress, it needs hardly to be said that the one contributed by Hawke is the greater.  In spirit and in achievement he, rather than Rodney, is the harbinger of Nelson.

A short time after the action with L’Etenduere the cruise of the Eagle came to an end.  When she was paid off Rodney was presented at Court by Anson, the First Lord of the Admiralty; a merited and not unusual honor after distinguished service in battle.  The King was struck by his youthful appearance, and said he had not known there was so young a captain in the Navy.  As he was then nearly thirty, and had seen much and continuous service, it is singular that his face should not have borne clear traces of the facts.  Anson replied that he had been a captain for six years, and it was to be wished that His Majesty had a hundred more as good as he.  Making allowance for courtly manners and fair-speaking, the incident may be accepted as showing, not only that aptitude for the service which takes its hardships without undue wear and tear, but also an official reputation already well established and recognized.

Professional standing, therefore, as well as family influence, probably contributed to obtain for him in 1749 the appointment of Commodore and Commander-in-chief on the Newfoundland station; for he was still junior on the list of captains, and had ten years more to run before obtaining his admiral’s flag.  He remained in this post from 1749 to 1752.  They were years of peace, but of peace charged full with the elements of discord which led to the following war.  Canada was still French, and the territorial limits between the North American possessions of the two nations remained a subject of dispute and intrigue.  The uncertain state of political relations around the Gulf of St. Lawrence added to the responsibility of Rodney’s duty, and emphasized the confidence shown in assigning him a position involving cautious political action.

Explicit confirmation of this indirect testimony is found in a private letter to him from the Earl of Sandwich, who had succeeded Anson as First Lord in 1748.  “I think it necessary to inform you that, if the Governor of Nova Scotia should have occasion to apply to you for succor, and send to you for that purpose to Newfoundland, it would be approved by Government if you should comply with his request.  It is judged improper, as yet, to send any public order upon a business