“Should the wind be favourable, and the water sufficiently smooth, the ships may go in under sail; but if the wind is off the land and moderate, steam-vessels will be ordered to tow them.
“Signals made from the Phœnix are to be attended to in the same manner as if made from the Princess Charlotte.
“Robert Stopford, Admiral.”
“To Commodore Napier.”
What were the orders to the other Captains I did not know at the time. Captain Berkeley has since shown me a short note which he received the morning of the action:—
“Dear Berkeley,
“November 3, 1840.
“If the wind comes from the south-west, I mean to sail in from the south.
“Powerful, Princess Charlotte, Bellerophon, Thunderer. Ships to anchor as named in succession. You had better be prepared to bring up by the stern.
“Your’s truly,