Admiral Nelson's most frequent cry was for more frigates. Though not
ships of the line these fast and powerful warships were the 'eyes of the
fleet'. They enabled admirals to find where the enemy lay and his likely
intentions, as well as patrolling vital trade routes and providing
information from far-flung colonies. Together with their smaller
cousins, the sloops and brigs of the Royal Navy, they performed a vital
function.
Generally commanded by ambitious young men, these were the ships that
could capture enemy prizes and earn their officers and men enough
prize-money to set them up for life. The fictional characters Horatio
Hornblower and Jack Aubrey hardly surpassed some of the extraordinary
deeds of derring-do and tragedy described in these pages.
Originally published in two volumes, this book is a bargain for all who
want the factual low-down on Nelson's navy.