It has already been mentioned, that the rear-admiral was the best tactician in England, while the vice-admiral was merely respectable in that branch of his duty.

On the other hand, Sir Gervaise was deemed the best practical seaman afloat, so far as a single ship was concerned, while Bluewater had no particular reputation in that way.

Then, as to discipline, the same distinction existed.

The commander-in-chief was a little of a _martinet_, exacting compliance with the most minute regulations; while his friend, even when a captain, had thrown the police duty of his ship very much on what is called the executive officer: or the first lieutenant; leaving to that important functionary, the duty of devising, as well as of executing the system by which order and cleanliness were maintained in the vessel.

Nevertheless, Bluewater had his merit even in this peculiar feature of the profession.
He had made the best captain of the fleet to his friend, that had ever been met with.