It will be seen that it was in virtue of his new commission, and in expectation of encountering a superior French force, that Narbrough issued his orders, and they may be profitably compared with those of Lord Sandwich on the eve of the Second Dutch War as the typical Fighting Instructions for a small British fleet. No collision however occurred; for Louis could not face the threatened coalition between Spain, Holland, and England, and was forced to assent to a general peace, which was signed at Nymwegen in the following September.
[1] Corbett, _England in the Mediterranean_, ii. 97-104. The official correspondence will be found in Mr. Tanner's _Calendar of the Pepys MSS._, vol. i., and in the _Lettres de Colbert_, vol. iii.
_Sir John Narbrough, Knight, admiral of his majesty's fleet in the Mediterranean seas for this expedition.
Instructions for all commanders to place their ships for their better fighting and securing the whole fleet if a powerful enemy sets upon us_.
When I hoist my union flag at the mizen peak, I would have every commander in this fleet place himself in order of sailing and battle as prescribed, observing his starboard and larboard ship and leader, either sailing before or by the wind, and so continue sailing in order so long as the signal is abroad.
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.