Thomas Baker had commanded Phoenix since April 1803 and by 1805 served under William Cornwallis in the Channel Fleet. Cornwallis kept frigates watching Cape Finisterre because he did not fully trust Robert Calder to manage the situation unaided. Calder was a safe and capable executor, though he was not the best available independent admiral. He later reached full admiral but received no further seagoing appointment after Finisterre. British command effectiveness depended on oversight and backup as well as individual talent.
Notable Point · 9:56-10:44
Cornwallis backs up Calder with frigate scouts
Phoenix's assignment shows the Channel Fleet building institutional redundancy around a cautious subordinate commander.