In order to determine the relative merits of contemporary observations and modern theories on the social development of the officer corps, a survey was designed to identify and quantify the social backgrounds of young gentlemen. This information allowed a better understanding of the effects of various naval and civilian pressures on patronage networks, and their effects on the social makeup of the corps of officer aspirants. The data also enabled contemporary and modern theories to be tested on issues including: the perceived narrowing of opportunities for entry-level officers between 1793 and 1815; the rising importance of social and political influence on starting a naval career; the appearance of a more socially-homogenous, socially-elite corps of aspirants during the French Wars; and the adverse effects of the rising social status of recruits on naval standards of professionalism, subordination, and discipline.

The first step in constructing the survey was the creation of a database of the names, ages, places of birth, and ratings of young gentlemen. Genealogical searches on these candidates were then conducted in an effort to pinpoint the social status and/or professional connections of each boy's family. This system of identification and social classification enabled a limited quantitative analysis of the social networks in play. It also allowed a view of patterns of change in the social status of recruits, particularly among those who descended from the social elites, and the ways in which this affected the prospects of candidates from all walks of life.