What does "with an Anson or a Hawke" mean? Thanks.
context: For the battle itself, well, Sir, you know how that fell out, and the consequences for poor Admiral Byng. The Enemy broke off the action and fell away to leeward, that they might reform their line out of range of our guns. They were faster than us and there was no signal from the Admiral to chase. In truths our ships were badly mauled, and though, with an Anson or a Hawke, we should no doubt have pressed on, at the time we were glad enough of a respite. Certainly no one may accuse the English sailors of wanting the stomach for a fight. They are endlessly brave. I do not believe they ever think of being killed. They live only in the instant.The future is nothing to them.

What does "with an Anson or a Hawke" mean? Thanks. Waiting for your help.

Question

What does "with an Anson or a Hawke" mean?  Thanks.
context:  For the battle itself, well, Sir, you know how that fell out, and the consequences for poor Admiral Byng. The Enemy broke off the action and fell away to leeward, that they might reform their line out of range of our guns. They were faster than us and there was no signal from the Admiral to chase. In truths our ships were badly mauled, and though, with an Anson or a Hawke, we should no doubt have pressed on, at the time we were glad enough of a respite. Certainly no one may accuse the English sailors of wanting the stomach for a fight. They are endlessly brave. I do not believe they ever think of being killed. They live only in the instant.The future is nothing to them.

What does "with an Anson or a Hawke" mean?  Thanks.  Waiting for your help.

Answer

The clue is in the capitalisation. The fact that these words have initial capitals tells you that they are names.

A bit of searching will take you to the naval commanders Admiral George Anson and Admiral Edward Hawke. The writer is saying that if they had had an admiral of the same calibre as Anson or Hawke ( as opposed to the unfortunate Byng), they would certainly have pressed on.