of the
stationed ships. The moment of the Enemy's movement from
Boulogne, is to be considered as the movement of the Enemy from
Dunkirk. Supposing it calm, the Flotillas are to be rowed, and
the heavy ones towed, (except the stationed Ships), those near
Margate, three or four leagues to the north of the North
Foreland; those from Hoseley Bay, a little approaching the
Centre Division, but always keeping an eye towards Solebay; the
Centre Division to advance half-way between the two. The more
fast Rowing boats, called Thames Galleys, which can be procured
the better, to carry orders, information, &c. &c.

"Whenever the Enemy's Flotilla can be seen, our Divisions are to
unite, but not intermix, and to be ready to execute such orders
as may be deemed necessary, or as the indispensable
circumstances may require. For this purpose, men of such
confidence in each other should be looked for, that (as far as
human foresight can go,) no little jealousy may creep into any
man's mind, but to be all animated with the same desire of
preventing the descent of the Enemy on our Coasts. Stationary
Floating Batteries are not, from any apparent advantage, to be
moved, for the tide may prevent their resuming the very
important stations assigned them; they are on no account to be
supposed neglected, even should the Enemy surround them, for
they may rely on support, and reflect that perhaps their gallant
conduct may prevent the mischievous designs of the Enemy.
Whatever plans may be adopted, the moment the Enemy touch our
Coast, be it where it may, they are to be attacked by every man
afloat and on shore: this must be perfectly understood. _Never
fear the event_. The Flat Boats can probably be manned (partly,
at least,) with the Sea Fencibles, (the numbers or fixed places
of whom I am entirely ignorant of,) but the Flat Boats they may
man to be in grand and sub-divisions, commanded by their own
Captains and Lieutenants, as far as is possible. The number of
Flat Boats is unknown to me, as also the other means of defence
in Small Craft; but I am clearly of opinion that a proportion of
the small force should be kept to watch the Flat-Boats from
Boulogne, and the others in the way I have presumed to suggest.
These are offered as merely the rude ideas of the moment, and
are only meant as a Sea pl