Final answer:
The denotative meaning of 'height' in the excerpt is 'the most intense part or period of something,' indicating the peak of England's naval power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given excerpt from Theodore Roosevelt's 'The Naval War of 1812', the denotative meaning of the word 'height' best corresponds to 'the most intense part or period of something'. The passage discusses the peak of English naval power and success, highlighting it as a time when their dominance was unquestionable and unmatched. Therefore, 'height' in this context refers to the zenith or pinnacle of England's naval power, rather than a physical elevation or measurement.