Even amid wider unrest, Duncan retained enough ships to sustain the appearance of pressure on the Dutch coast. His sailors disliked the prospect of acting against the Nore mutineers but promised to follow him if the Thames and London's supplies were threatened. That conditional loyalty distinguished sympathy with fellow sailors from accepting a blockade that could trigger civil conflict and starve the capital. The admiral's paternal role was practical: training, food, clothing, materials, and protection, all backed by the same force with which he asserted command.
Notable Point · 1:06:29-1:11:39
The admiral as father and provider of the fleet
Duncan preserved a usable blockade force because sailors trusted him to enforce discipline while securing the necessities they were owed.