Most secret and confidential

the long version

"This book treats readers to a close look at the ingenious methods used to obtain and analyze secret material and deliver it to operational forces at sea. It brings together information from a variety of sources to provide the first concise analysis of the use and development of intelligence in the days of fighting sail. The British experience from 1793 to 1815 is the main focus of this book, but it also includes French and American activity and examines how commanders used intelligence to develop strategy and tactics and win - or sometimes lose - battles."--BOOK JACKET.