Admiral Rodney between prize money and strategic duty

Rodney justified leaving the West Indies for North America as a choice between lucrative cruising and protecting Britain's position in America. His intelligence suggested Jamaica was secure, the Spanish fleet at Havana could not mount a major expedition, and much of the French fleet needed to return home. His letter presents the move as patriotic self-denial, but the accompanying commentary recalls his earlier refuge in France from creditors. Leaving Commodore Hotham behind also offered the possibility of retaining a flag officer's share of prizes. Rodney reported strengthening the blockade, deploying frigates that had taken six privateers, and arranging an expedition with Sir Henry Clinton. The reading nevertheless closes by noting his failure to attack the French force directly in its harbour. His stated motives therefore need to be read alongside his financial incentives and the limits of his operational action.