Wellington would have preferred first-rate ships of the line to escort the convoys sustaining his army. The Royal Navy judged sloops and brigs sufficient against the privateer threat. Its commanders had to allocate a finite budget and a finite number of major warships across many demands. Maritime support therefore depended on service-wide risk management rather than granting the land commander everything he requested.
Notable Point · 14:50-15:24
Wellington and the Royal Navy balanced escort priorities
Wellington wanted powerful escorts for his supply convoys, while the Royal Navy matched smaller warships to the limited privateer threat and its wider commitments.