Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé reporting on his movements and those of the British fleet, on the likely intentions of the French and Spanish fleets, and on his hope to intercept the armaments sent to the French from Brest, and commenting on the character of Sir George Rodney and his poor relations with the other captains.
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feel bold enough to attack Jamaica, without the Aid of the French. I appears to me therefore, that the most material & important object to look to, is the intercepting the expected armament from Brest; if we are lucky enough to fall in with it; The Enemy are undone—This is a language I hold to General Mathews on board the Formidable the two last days before I sail’d, and to which I attribute my having the Arrogant added to my division. The Triton frigate sailed, as escort to the Pacquet, as few hours after me and as She is coming near me, I cannot refrain giving you another short letter. I have the pleasure to assure you, that the most perfect harmony subsists between Sir George & me. But it is not so between him & the Captains; He swears, and makes use of such coarse language, that they are disgusted with him almost to a man—They fly to me with their Grievances I only laugh & tell them, he means to no harm, and endeavour all I can to keep them in humour, which I will most assiduously continue to do; but I do believe there never was a Commander in Chief, so universally despised — I have the good fortune to stand high in the opinion of the whole. they have confidence in me, which gives me hopes I may be able to do some good most affectionately yours Saml Hood
