The rest, which follow the old pattern, are the usual medley of articles of war, sailing instructions, and general directions for the conduct of the fleet at sea.

We cannot therefore safely assume that Article 18 fairly represents the tactical thought of the time.

It may be that Lindsey's orders were merely in the nature of 'General Instructions,' to be supplemented by more particular 'Fighting Instructions,' as was the practice later.
FOOTNOTES: [1] _Ante_, p.

27.
[2] The obsolete meaning of 'communicate' is to 'share' or 'participate,' to 'enjoy in common.' _THE EARL OF LINDSEY_, 1635.
_Such instructions as were given in the Voyage in 1635 by the Right Honourable Robert, Earl of Lindsey_.[1] [+Monson's Naval Tracts, Book III.

Extract+.] Art.18.If we happen to descry any fleet at sea which we may probably know or conjecture designs to oppose, encounter or affront us, I will first strive to get the wind (if I be to leeward), and so shall the whole fleet in due order do the like.