Naval tactics and trials of sailing; illustrated by diagrams of the several evolutions. To which are added, the established plan of lights for steam-vessels, and regulations to avoid collision

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 Excerpt: ...at pleasure; their disabled ships are at liberty to leave their stations, without difficulty, if necessity requires it:--thus they find themselves wearing under cover of the rest, where they may soon be assisted by the steamers or boats. In this position they can form the order of retreat, or continue the action as long as convenient. The lee fleet can also, if superior in numbers, double the enemy, by making some of the van ships tack in succession: thereby passing through the weather line, and placing its extremity between two fires, as Fig. 109; for although the fleets are advancing on the line, yet there is every chance of cutting off some of the sternmost of the weather fleet. / Fie. 109. The disadvantages of the fleet to leeward.--Its disadvantages are, being enveloped in smoke, and the burning wads falling on board, which, if not attended to, may be productive of serious accidents. The fleet to leeward can hardly do more than accept the battle, without being able to determine either time or distance. It is but with difficulty they can avoid being boarded; or prevent their line being broken, if the weather ships are determined on doing it. A general rule for the adoption of either the weather or lee gage cannot be laid down. Accident often ends our choice; but the strength of the fleet, the object of the enterprise, the state of the weather, and various other circumstances, will regulate the conduct of a commander-in-chief in his preference to one or to the other. TO DISPUTE THE WEATHER GAGE. Being in line of battle to leeward of a fleet of which you want the weather gage.--Your fleet should not extend ahead of the enemy; because, by keeping in that position, they would require to keep so much away, should they be inclined quickly to engage; and you m...