Phoebe, family tradition, and historical evidence

Which frigate would you choose as a place to watch Trafalgar?

Phoebe, because of a possible family connection to her first officer.

Clarke's preference for Phoebe rests on a family tradition suggesting a connection to her first officer. He has not verified the relationship and does not present it as established genealogy. The story is something he enjoys privately and would not put in a history book without checking. That distinction keeps an appealing family tradition separate from claims supported well enough for professional historical writing.