An Offshore Hydrographic Survey by the Royal Navy in 1798

摘要

Throughout the reconnaissance which would lead to battle in Aboukir Bay in 1798, Rear- Admiral Nelson lamented his want of frigates. A summary of the employment of those which were available for allocation by Admiral St Vincent, the commander-in-chief, revealed that the 36-gun Thalia, commanded by Captain Henry Paulet, was 'sounding around Cape Spartel'.1 Why, at such a critical juncture, was her allocation to this task so important?