By July 1776 the Navy and Victualling Boards had taken up more than 146,000 tons of transport, 46,000 tons above the previous war's peak. Their experienced and relatively frugal system contrasted with the Ordnance Board and Treasury shipping under Germain's direction, which chartered separately, outbid naval buyers, and cleared the market. Unlike naval transports, these vessels sailed unescorted and without even the mutual protection of a convoy. American privateers and warships caused losses serious enough to alarm insurers. Replacing those ships and feeding the North American station absorbed sailors and weakened the Royal Navy's ability to mobilize rapidly at home.
Notable Point · 37:03-39:33
Transport policy that strained the Royal Navy
Experienced naval transport and convoy practice sat alongside departmental shipping that competed for vessels and sent cargoes without protection.