Plymouth and Eagle were two-decked 60-gun fourth rates, useful warships with both firepower and manoeuvrability. Ships carrying around 60 to 66 guns remained common before the 74-gun third rate became dominant. During the intervening Ludlow Castle command, Rodney brought Samuel Hood and his own younger brother James Rodney into his professional circle, then continued their training aboard Eagle. After Thomas Mathews was forced out following the Toulon controversy, Edward Hawke took the lead in reshaping the same professional faction. Rodney and Philip Saumarez were among the like-minded captains Hawke brought together for Cape Finisterre.
Chapter · 18:58-24:25
Fourth rates and Rodney's place in Hawke's faction
Rodney's commands in 60-gun fourth rates gave him opportunities to train Hood and his younger brother before joining Hawke's fleet at Cape Finisterre.