Peace threatened to leave Rodney without naval income, so he preserved his prize capital by seeking paid employment. Command of HMS Rainbow and appointment in May 1749 as governor and commander-in-chief of Newfoundland combined a captain's pay with a governor's salary. Protecting the cod fleet from pirates and privateers mattered to a trade presented as nationally important. Rodney oversaw three Newfoundland fishing-fleet expeditions from 1749 through 1751. The Duke of Bedford and Lord Sandwich became new patrons as he moved into politics, first losing a Launceston by-election and then taking the Admiralty-controlled Saltash seat. He continued the Newfoundland voyages while serving as a member of Parliament.
Chapter · 1:00:35-1:04:39
Newfoundland combines naval pay, cod protection, and politics
HMS Rainbow and the Newfoundland governorship gave Rodney two salaries, responsibility for the cod trade, and a route into Parliament during peace.