Reports from Cartagena emphasized both Rowley's ship handling and the morale that let Montagu move rapidly from one task to another. By this stage he had built a following that crossed officer and lower-deck ranks, with some trusted personnel accompanying him between commands. Earlier captures under Hawke and the prizes taken at Cartagena gave those followers a material stake in serving with him. Prize money helped sustain cohesive, experienced command teams across successive ships.
Notable Point · 17:35-18:54
Prize money and the personal following behind Rowley's command
At Cartagena, competent command and prize money helped Rowley retain trusted officers and sailors.