that these two ‘Additional Instructions’ were something quite new and local, since they were used by Vernon and not by Mathews.  They are given below, and will be found to correspond closely to Articles I. and III. of the set used by Boscawen in the next war.  Since, therefore, in all the literature and proceedings relating to Mathews and Lestock there is no reference to any ‘Additional Instructions,’ we may conclude with fair safety that these two articles used by Vernon in the West Indies were the origin and germ of the new system.

Nor is it a mere matter of inference only, for it is confirmed by a direct statement by the author of the pamphlet.  At p. 74 he has this interesting passage which practically clears up the history of the whole matter.  ’Men in the highest stations at sea will not deny but what our sailing and fighting instructions might be amended, and many added to them, which by every day’s experience are found to be absolutely necessary.  Though this truth is universally acknowledged and the necessity of the royal navy very urgent, yet since the institution of these signals nothing has been added to them excepting the chasing signals, excellent in their kind, by the Right Honourable Sir J——­ N——.[1] Not but that every admiral has authority to make any additions or give such signals to the captains under his command as he shall judge proper, which are only expeditional.  Upon many emergencies our signals at this juncture [i.e. in the action before Toulon] proved to be very barren.  There was no such signal in the book, expressing an order when the admiral would have the ships to come to a closer engagement than when they begun.  After what has been observed, it is unnecessary now to repeat the great necessity and occasion there was for it; and boats in many cases, besides their delay and hindrance, could not always perform that duty.

’Mr. V[ernon], that provident, great admiral, who never suffered any useful precaution to escape him, concerted some signals for so good a purpose, wisely foreseeing their use and necessity, giving them to the captains of the squadron under his command.  And lest his vigilance should be some time or other surprised by an enemy, or the exigencies of his master’s service should require him to attack or repulse by night, he appointed signals for the line of battle, engaging, chasing, leaving off chase, with many others altogether new, excellent and serviceable, which show his judgment, abilities, and zeal.  The author takes the liberty to print them for the improvement of his brethren, who, if they take the pains to peruse them, will receive benefit and instruction.’