In Rodney's famous battle only five ships were taken, though Jamaica was saved thereby.
In order to determine the soundness of the principle, which is claimed as being illustrated by these two cases (St.Christopher will be discussed later on), it is necessary to examine what was the advantage sought, and what the determining factor of success in either case.

At Yorktown the advantage sought was the capture of Cornwallis's army; the objective was the destruction of the enemy's organized military force on shore.

At Grenada the chosen objective was the possession of a piece of territory of no great military value; for it must be remarked that all these smaller Antilles, if held in force at all, multiplied large detachments, whose mutual support depended wholly upon the navy.

These large detachments were liable to be crushed separately, if not supported by the navy; and if naval superiority is to be maintained, the enemy's navy must be crushed.

Grenada, near and to leeward of Barbadoes and Sta.