From end to end the influence of Hoste's Treatise and of Rodney's tactics in 1782 is unmistakable.[5] From Hoste it takes not only the sailing formation in three columns, but re-introduces into the British service the long-discarded manoeuvre of 'doubling.' For this there are three signals, Nos.
222-4, for doubling the van, doubling the rear, and for the rear to double the rear.

From Hoste also it borrows the method of giving battle to a superior force, which the French writer apparently borrowed from Torrington.

The signification of the signal is as follows: 'No.

232.

When inferior in number to the enemy, and to prevent being doubled upon in the van or rear, for the van squadron to engage the headmost ships of the enemy's line, the rear their sternmost, and the centre that of the enemy, whose surplus ships will then be left out of action in the vacant spaces between our squadrons.' The author's obligations to the recent campaigns of Rodney and Hood are equally clear.