Andrew Mitchell and the Royal Navy's experience advantage

Andrew Mitchell was five years younger than Story, yet became a lieutenant only two years later and reached post captain earlier after distinguishing himself in action. Service under Howe in the Channel Fleet preceded his promotion to rear admiral in 1795 and vice admiral in 1799. Advancing within the much larger Royal Navy meant competing with a substantial pool of capable officers. His later career included major overseas commands, and he died in Bermuda in 1806 while commanding the North American and West Indies station. The comparison with Story emphasizes the advantage of retaining experienced officers within an institution spared a recent political purge.