8. In case it shall please God that any of his majesty's ships be lamed in fight, not being in probability of sinking nor encompassed by the enemy, the following ships shall not stay under pretence of securing them, but shall follow their leaders and endeavour to do what service they can upon the enemy, leaving the securing of the lame ships to the sternmost of our ships, being [assured] that nothing but beating the body of the enemy's fleet can effectually secure the lame ships. This article is to be observed notwithstanding any seeming contradiction in the fourth or fifth articles of the [fighting] instructions formerly given.
9. When the admiral would have the van of his fleet to tack first, the admiral will put abroad the union flag at the staff of the fore topmast-head if the red flag be not abroad; but if the red flag be abroad then the fore topsail shall be lowered a little, and the union flag shall be spread from the cap of the fore topmast downwards.
10. When the admiral would have the rear of the fleet to tack first, the union flag shall be put abroad on the flagstaff of the mizen topmast-head; and for the better notice of these signals through the fleet, each flagship is upon sight of either of the said signals to make the said signals, that so every ship may know what they are to do, and they are to continue out the said signals until they be answered. Given under my hand the 10th of April, 1665, from on board the Royal Charles.
By command of his royal highness.
WM. COVENTRY.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Also in Moulton's Sea Book, Harl. MSS. 1247, f. 52 but are there dated April 18, differently numbered, and signed 'James.'
[2] This is Article 17 of the complete set, which was modified by Rupert's subsequent order of 1666. See p. 130.
[3] It is interesting to note that the distance adopted by D'Estrées and Tourville for the French service was a full cable. See Hoste, p. 65.
THE DUKE OF YORK'S SUPPLEMENTARY ORDER, April 27, 1665.
[+Penn's Tracts, Sloane MSS. 3232, f. 83+.]