Majestic (Vice-Admiral Lord Beresford), Magnificent (Rear-Admiral Lambton), Cornwallis, Exmouth, Russell, Mars, Prince George, Victorious, and Caesar.
"The cruisers St.George (Captain Winsloe), Sutlej, Niobe, Brilliant, Doris, Furious, Pactolus, Prometheus, Juno, Pyramus, and Pioneer.
"The destroyers Myrmidon, Chamois, Flying Fish, Kangaroo, Desperate, Fawn, Ardent, Ariel, and Albatross.
"Two torpedo flotillas.
"Two ammunition ships, two colliers, and a hospital ship are to be alloted to the division.
"A squadron under Commodore Prince Louis of Battenberg (flagship, Implacable) will remain in reserve to watch for the possible approach of a French fleet.In case one is seen, the first division is to unite with this reserve squadron under the supreme command of Vice-Admiral Domvile, and to attack the French fleet vigorously, it being left to the second division to give battle to the German fleet.The general orders given to the fleet for the attack will then only apply to the second division.His Majesty's Government expects that the division will be able to defeat the enemy, even without the help of the first division.As soon as the scouts of the second division have driven the German guardships from the mouth of the West Schelde, the left wing of the fighting ships will open fire on Flushing, the right on the land fortifications of the south bank.The wings are not to stop, but to advance with the rest of the fleet, and the entire division will press on to Antwerp or until it meets the German fighting fleet, which must be attacked with the greatest vigour.
"The precise details of the manner of attack are left to Vice-Admiral Domvile.
"If, contrary to expectation, the German fleet, at the beginning of the attack in the mouth of the Schelde, should decide upon an advance, the admiral commanding must act upon his own judgment, according to circumstances; but, above all, it should be remembered that it is of more importance to capture as many German ships as possible than to destroy them, so that the captured ships may be used by us during the further course of the war."The Prince-Admiral had listened in silence while Heideck was reading.The excitement which what he had heard had caused him was plainly reflected in his features.
"There seems a strong internal probability that these orders are genuine," he said thoughtfully; "but I should like to have further and more positive proof of it; for it is quite possible that it is intentionally designed to mislead us.Where does this document come from, Herr major?""I have already most humbly reported to your Royal Highness that Ihave induced the skipper Brandelaar, whom I arrested as an English spy, to act for the future in our interest.Brandelaar's boat brought this order.""Where is this man?"
"His boat lies in Flushing harbour."
"And how did Brandelaar get possession of it?""I did not get it from Brandelaar himself, but from a lady, an Englishwoman, who crossed with him from Dover.My honour imposes silence upon me.I must not mention this lady's name, but I am firmly convinced and believe that I can guarantee that the document in Admiral Hollway's office has been copied word for word.""We can soon find means of convincing ourselves whether the British fleet is preparing to carry out these orders.Then at last the time for energetic action would have arrived.His Majesty has foreseen some such advance on the part of the British fleet, and we have now to carry out the plan of the supreme commander.I thank you, Herr major!"Heideck bowed and turned to go.He felt that he could endure it no longer, and it was only with an effort that he maintained his erect, military bearing.
When he reached the threshold, the Prince turned to him again, and said, "I think I shall be doing you an honour, Herr major, if Igive you the opportunity of witnessing, by my side, the events of that great and glorious day in the life of our youthful fleet.
Report yourself to me on the morning of the 15th of July on board my flagship.I will see that your present post is provided for.""Your Royal Highness is very gracious."
"You have a claim on my thanks.Au revoir, then, Herr major."The Prince immediately summoned the adjutant on duty, and ordered him to have several copies of the English naval plan of attack prepared at once.
One of these was intended for the admiral in command of the French fleet at Cherbourg.The Prince gave the imperial messenger, who was to convey the document to him, an autograph letter in which he urged upon the admiral to do his utmost to reach Flushing on the morning of the 15th with as strong a fighting fleet as possible, so as to assist the German fleet in its engagement with the numerically superior fleet of the English.
