_Byron’s squadron._ John Byron (1723-1786), Vice-Admiral; sailed from
Plymouth with a squadron in pursuit of D’Estaing, June 1778; his ships
joined Howe’s fleet piecemeal during the summer.
_Lord Howe._ Richard Howe (1726-1799), fourth Viscount Howe in the
peerage of Ireland; M.P. for Dartmouth; Vice-Admiral; Commander-in-Chief
on the North American station, 1776-78; resigned his command because of
discontent with the ministry, September 1778; cr. an English peer, 1782,
and Earl Howe, 1788.
_Mr. Rigby._ Richard Rigby (1722-1788), M.P. for Tavistock and Paymaster
of the Forces. Reputed to have derived immense profits from his office
during the American war, Rigby served as the model for Disraeli’s corrupt
politician of the same name in _Coningsby_, 1844.