Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/67

lected in the Thames and Medway, and by means of the greatest expedition, was ready to sail, but waited for a fair wind. It consisted of sixty-four sail of the line and thirty-two frigates; George was no sooner informed of the enemy than he determined to command his fleet himself. He rode with all expedition to Chatham, and took the command from the Duke of Grafton, who was recovered of his late wounds, but his Grace continued in the ship with his Majesty to give him his advice.—The Britannia, on board of which was the King, was, without exception, the finest ship in the world; she carried 120 brass guns, and, in the opinion of the best judges, was so well built and manned, that no single ship could live near her. Nothing could exceed the joy of the sailors at having their young victorious Sovereign at their head, they expressed the greatest impatience to attack theenemy;