Newfoundland offered valuable peacetime employment because maritime routes supplied much of the colony's essential infrastructure. A naval governor could combine command of a commissioned ship and continuing sea time with naval and gubernatorial pay. Rodney also trained at Lisbon before Medley introduced him to the Duke of Chandos. Chandos's influence secured Mediterranean service, where Rodney became a lieutenant aboard Dolphin on 15 February 1739. Service in Thomas Mathews's flagship then added another senior connection to his developing professional network.
Notable Point · 29:13-31:29
Why Newfoundland commands and Chandos mattered
Newfoundland explains the value of a later appointment, while Chandos's influence gave Rodney a Mediterranean lieutenancy and another senior patron.