[London, 30 April 1778]
When Admiral Parker1 arrives at Halifax he will find there Admiral Gambier,2 and must, I suppose, put himself and his fleet under his command. Would that be right? Or is it desirable?
To say the plain truth I have seldom heard any seaman speak of Gambier as a good naval officer or as one who deserved to be trusted with any important command. Is not this circumstance an objection to Admiral Parker? He must either put himself under Gambier’s command or he cannot avail himself of Gambier’s ships. I am [etc.]
Sandwich Papers, 2: 39–40.
1. Rear Adm. Hyde Parker, Sr.
2. Rear Adm. James Gambier, second-in-command to Vice Adm. Viscount Howe, then stationed at New York City.
