This,
indeed, does but magnify the error made in not watching Brest betimes;
for in such case a fleet before Brest covered also the Channel.

With regard to the objects of the war in which they had become
partners, the views of France and Spain accorded in but one
point,--the desirability of injuring Great Britain. Each had its
own special aim for its own advantage. This necessarily introduced
divergence of effort; but, France having first embarked alone in the
contest and then sought the aid of Spain, the particular objects of
her ally naturally obtained from the beginning a certain precedence.
Until near the close of the war, it may be said that the chief
ambitions of France were in the West Indies; those of Spain, in
Europe,--to regain Minorca and Gibraltar.

In this way Gibraltar became a leading factor in the contest, and
affected, directly or indirectly, the major operations throughout the
world, by the amount of force absorbed in attacking and preserving
it. After the futile effort in the Channel, in 1779, Spain recalled
her vessels from Brest. "The project of a descent upon England was
abandoned provisionally. To blockade Gibraltar, to have in America and
Asia force sufficient to hold the British in check, and to take the
offensive in the West Indies,--such," wrote the French government to
its ambassador in Madrid, "was the plan of campaign adopted for 1780."
Immediately upon the declaration of war, intercourse between Gibraltar
and the Spanish mainland was stopped. Soon afterwards a blockade by
sea was instituted; fifteen cruisers being stationed at the entrance
of the Bay, where they seized and sent into Spanish ports all vessels,
neutral or British, bound to the Rock. This blockade was effectively
supported from Cadiz, but a Spanish force of some ships of the
line and many small vessels also maintained it more directly from
Algeciras, on the Spanish side of the Bay of Gibraltar. The British
Mediterranean squadron, then consisting only of one 60-gun ship,
three frigates, and a sloop, was wholly unable to afford relief. At
the close of the year 1779, flour in Gibraltar was fourteen guineas
the barrel, and other provisions in proportion. It became therefore
imminently necessary to throw in supplies of all kinds, as well as to
reinforce the garrison. To this service Rodney was assigned; and with
it he began the brilliant career, the chief scene of which was to be
in the West Indies.

Rodney was appointed to c