The Rates

¹⁾ The classic 5th-rate was originally designed as a ship of the line with two battery decks. At the time of Quincey Howard, only the version with 44 guns was still in use.

In the second half of the 18th century, the 5th rate was gradually replaced by modern frigates, which were initially equipped with 28 guns, then 32 and 36/38 guns, developed enlarging the new designs for the 6th rates.

²⁾ As early as the first half of the 18th century, the classic 5th-rate ships proved to be too light and too weakly armed for the battle line. Instead, they were used for escort and patrol duties. For this reason, they were often referred to as frigates.

In the second half of the 18th century, they were then replaced by modern frigates in light and medium duty. Heavy escort and patrol duty was taken over by the 4th rates with 50 guns, which by then no longer fulfilled the requirements for the battle line.

Although they were outdated, a series of 44 gun ships was commissioned once again in the 1770s. Due to the shallow draught of this design, it was considered useful in the coastal waters of North America during the American War of Independence.

Afterwards, the remaining units were often used as troop transports and hospital ships.