BOARDERS.
87. Half the men composing a gun's crew, excluding the Powderman or Boy, are to be Boarders. When this rule gives an odd number of men, the odd one is to be a Second Boarder.
88. The Boarders are to constitute two divisions, called First and Second Boarders.
89. First Boarders are, generally, to be taken from the second part of a gun's crew; and Second Boarders from the first part.
90. All Petty Officers on the spar-deck, except the Quartermaster at the conn and the Quartermaster at the wheel, are to be First Boarders.—(For Arms of Boarders, see [Table, Article 101.])
The Executive Officer leads the Boarders. All the Division Officers on the spar-deck shall be First Boarders, except the officer commanding the quarter-deck division, who shall lead the Pikemen. On gun-decks the officer commanding the second division shall be a First Boarder; the commanding officers of the other divisions shall be Second Boarders. If there are two officers in any division, the second shall lead those Boarders who do not go with his principal. A Lieutenant or other responsible officer should be detailed to command the gun-deck in the absence of the boarders and pikemen.
PIKEMEN.
91. One-fourth of the number of men composing a gun's crew, rejecting fractions, and excepting the Powderman or Boy, and all the men of the Master's division on the spar-deck, except those designated as Boarders and those at the wheel and conn, are to be Pikemen, and compose but one division.
92. For each Pikeman at a gun there is to be a musket or carbine provided, which in action, when not in use, is to be kept with the bayonet unfixed, hooked securely against a carline or beam near the gun; or on a spar-deck placed conveniently at hand. When they are called away they will repair on deck with these arms, when, if ordered, they will place them in a secure place, to be designated by the Executive Officer, and arm themselves with pikes. Pikemen will wear a cartridge-box whenever at general quarters or in action.
Pikemen of the spar-deck divisions will, on being called away, arm themselves as directed.
Should it become necessary, in an emergency, to call "all hands" from below to repel an enemy, the Pikemen will, if not already so armed, arm themselves with muskets or carbines, leaving their pikes to be used by those whose arms are not designated—that is, by the remainder of the gun's crew and Powder Division.
93. One boarding-pike for each gun on covered decks is always to be kept triced up conveniently near it, and this is to be used by the Powderman, or any other person left at the gun to guard the port.
94. Pikemen are to be covered by the Marines with their bayonets fixed.
FIREMEN.
95. With broadside guns, one Fireman is to be taken from each gun's crew, and from pivot-guns two. Each Fireman is to have a fire-bucket at hand near his gun, and to wear his battle-axe in a belt around his waist.
SAIL-TRIMMERS.
96. In all vessels there shall be two divisions of Sail-trimmers, composed of all the men at the spar-deck guns, except 1st Captains, 1st Spongers, 1st Loaders, and Powder-boys. The 1st Sail-trimmers are to be taken from the guns on the forward half, and the 2d Sail-trimmers from those on the after half of the spar-deck.
97. In vessels carrying guns on more than one deck there are to be three divisions of Sail-trimmers, called 1st, 2d, and 3d Sail-trimmers, and the third division is to be made up of one man from each gun's crew on the other deck or decks, as designated in the tables.—([Article 101.])
This third division of Sail-trimmers is to be regarded as a reserved force, and is not to repair on deck at the general call for Sail-trimmers, nor except when specially ordered. Besides serving to re-enforce the other two divisions when absolutely necessary, it is also to re-enforce either the Firemen or the Pumpmen in cases of need.
98. The third division of Sail-trimmers, and all the Pikemen of the guns' crews, and others armed with muskets (See [Tables, Article 101]), may be made to assemble together as a body of Musketeers, either for landing or otherwise. No one gun more than another will be weakened by so doing; and this suggests the propriety of preferring these men ordinarily for the crews of boats.
PUMPMEN.
99. Each gun's crew composed of as many as 14 men is to furnish two, but, when of less than 14 men, one Pumpman only.
100. When Pumpmen are sufficiently numerous to admit of working the pumps with one-half their force, they should compose two divisions, to be called 1st and 2d Pumpmen.
DISTRIBUTION AND ARMS OF MEN AT THE GUNS.
101. The annexed Tables show the stations of guns' crews at pivot-guns, and at broadside-guns, when composed, respectively, of the following numbers of men: 24, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, or 6; how each man of a gun's crew is to be armed, and the number of small arms of all kinds required for each gun's crew.
N.B.—To these Tables is annexed another, showing the small arms of the Master's Division.
Pivot-Gun's Crew, composed of 24 Men and a Powderman.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 4 | 1st Sponger, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 2d Loader, 1 B. | 5 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger, 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Shellman and Pump. | 7 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 8 | 2d Shellman and Pump. | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 1st Front Lever., 2 B. | 9 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 10 | 2d Front Lever., 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Compressor. and Pike. | 13 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 14 | 2d Compressor. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Rear Lever. and Pike. | 11 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 12 | 2d Rear Lever. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| Tr.-tkl., Deck-block, 2 B. | 17 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 18 | Tr.-tkl., Deck-block, 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Tr.-tkl., Side-block, 2 B. | 19 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 20 | Tr.-tkl., Side-block, 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| Shifting-tkl., Deck-block, and Pikeman. | 21 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 22 | Shifting-tkl., Deck-block, and Pikeman. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| Shifting-tkl., Slide-block. | 23 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 24 | Shifting-tkl., Slide-block. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1st Tr. Lev. and Fireman. | 15 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 16 | 2d Tr. Lev. and Fireman. | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 2 | 2d Captain, 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powderman | 25 | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| Total number of Arms | 12 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | |||
Gun's Crew composed of 16 Men and a Powderman.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 4 | 1st Sponger, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger, 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 2d Loader, 1 B. | 5 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 8 | 2d Shell. and 1st Pump. | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 1st Shellman, 2d Pump. | 7 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 10 | 2d Handspike., 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Handspikeman, 2 B. | 9 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 14 | 2d Side-tackle. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Side-tackle. and Pike. | 13 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 16 | 2d Port-tackle. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Port-tackle. and Pike. | 15 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 12 | 2d Tr.-tack. and Sail-trim. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1st Train-tackle. and Fire. | 11 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 2 | 2d Captain, 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powderman | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Total number of Arms | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |||
N.B.—On other than lower decks, for Port-tacklemen substitute 3d and 4th Side-tacklemen.
Gun's Crew composed of 14 Men and a Powder-boy.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 4 | 1st Sponger, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger, 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 2d Loader, 1 B. | 5 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 8 | 2d Shell. and 1st Pump. | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 1st Shell. 2d Pump. | 7 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 10 | 2d Handspike. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Handspike., 2 B. | 9 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 14 | 2d Side-tackle. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Side-tackle. and Pike. | 13 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 12 | 2d Tr.-tack. and Sail-trim. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1st Train-tackle. and Fire. | 11 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 2 | 2d Captain, 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powderman | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Total number of Arms | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |||
Gun's Crew composed of 12 Men and a Powder-boy.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 4 | 1st Sponger, 2 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger, 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 2d Loader, 1 B. | 5 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 8 | 2d Shellman and Pump. | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 1st Shellman and Pike. | 7 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 10 | 2d Handspike. and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Handspike. and Pike. | 9 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 12 | 2d Tr.-tkl. and Sail-trim. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1st Train-tackle. and Fire. | 11 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 2 | 2d Captain, 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powderman | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Total number of Arms | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | |||
Gun's Crew composed of 10 Men and a Powder-boy.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 4 | 1st Sponger, 2 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger, 1 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 2d Loader, 1 B. | 5 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 8 | 2d Shellman and Pump. | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 1st Shellman and Fire. | 7 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 10 | Train-tackle. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1st Handspike. and Pike. | 9 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 2 | 2d Captain, 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powderman | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Total number of Arms | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | |||
Gun's Crew composed of 8 Men and a Powder-boy.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 4 | 1st Sponger, 2 B. | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger and Pike. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 2d Loader and Pikeman. | 5 | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 8 | Tr.-tkl., Fireman. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| Shotman and Pumpman. | 7 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 2 | 2d Capt. and Handsp., 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powder-boy | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Total number of Arms | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |||
Gun's Crew composed of 6 Men and a Powder-boy.
| ARMS. | |||||||||
| Titles of Gun's Crew on Left Side of Gun. | Gun Nos. | Titles of Gun's Crew on Right Side of Gun. | Swords. | Revolvers. | Pistols. | Pikes. | Muskets. | Battle-axes. | |
| 4 | 1st Sponger and Pikeman. | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | – | ||
| 1st Loader, 2 B. | 3 | 1 | – | 1 | – | – | – | ||
| 6 | 2d Sponger, Fireman. | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2d Ldr., Shot., and Pump. | 5 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | ||
| 2 | 2d Captain, and Handspike., Train-tackle., 1 B. | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1st Captain, 2 B. | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | ||
| Powderman | – | – | – | – | – | – | |||
| Total number of Arms | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |||
Small Arms of Master's Division.
| Stations. | Ratings. | Arms. |
| Conn | Quartermaster | Pistol and Sword. |
| Wheel | Quartermaster and Seamen | Pistol and Sword. |
| Signals | Quartermaster | Pistol and Sword. |
| Signals | Boys | Pikes. |
| Relieving Tackles | Quartermaster and O.S. | Swords. |
| Main Braces | C.A.C. | Pistol and Sword. |
| Mastmen | B.M. | Pistol, sword, and Battle-axe. |
| Mastmen | Seamen and O.S. | Pikes and Battle-axes. |
| Topmen | Seamen and O.S. | Muskets |
| Forecastle | C.F. | Pistol and Sword. |
| Bell | S.C. | Pistol and Sword. |
[Note.—It is proposed to abandon the pike and all muzzle-loading small arms for a breech-loading carbine and pistol, with one uniform metallic cartridge for both.
The revolver pistol does not realize in service with seamen the advantages claimed for that description of arm.]
102. The Captain will designate the different hatchways which shall be used by the Boarders and others from each gun when they are called upon deck at quarters. Cutlasses should not be drawn nor bayonets fixed until ordered, and, in moving from one part of the deck to another, should be sheathed, to avoid accidents.
103. The use of fire-arms in the tops being dangerous, and only admissible under very peculiar circumstances, they are never to be used there without the express direction of the Captain.
CHAPTER III.
DUTIES AT QUARTERS, IN BATTLE OR EXERCISE.
CAPTAIN.
104. The Captain, when at general quarters, either for exercise or in action, is to superintend and take the general direction of every thing connected with the management of the ship and the service of her armament.
105. He will from time to time carefully inspect the ship, in order, before commencing a general exercise, to ascertain that all the required and proper preparations have been made for battle. When time and other circumstances will permit, he will always make this inspection before going into action, and when prevented from making it personally, he will direct it to be made by the Executive Officer.
106. When engaged with an enemy at so great a distance as to require the guns to be elevated, he will, if practicable, cause the distance to be ascertained by observation, and, when that cannot be done, will estimate the distance, and from time to time send directions to the Officers of gun divisions for what distances the sights of their guns should be set, and the nature of the projectile, and, if a shell be used, the time of the fuze (See [Article 326]), and also the cartridges to be used, whether for "distant," "ordinary," or "near" firing.
107. He will determine and direct when two shot may be fired; when "quick-firing" may be permitted; when small arms shall be distributed and loaded; when Boarders shall be called up, and when they shall assail an enemy. He will receive, through the Executive Officer, the reports from all Officers commanding divisions.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
108. The Executive Officer, under the direction of the Captain, and with the aid of the Master, will work the ship when in action or at general quarters. He will receive the reports of the officers of the different divisions and others, and communicate them to the Captain of the ship.
SIGNAL OFFICER.
109. The Signal Officer is to see that every thing is prepared for making and answering signals promptly, and will make all such as the Captain may direct. He will provide himself with a watch, pencil, and signal note-book properly ruled.
110. He will note and report to the Captain all signals that are made to or by other vessels of the squadron, or other vessels in sight, and also note the time at which each signal was made. He will observe and report any material change which may take place in the positions of the vessels of the squadron, or of other vessels, and every event of moment that may occur.
MASTER'S DIVISION.
111. The Master will cause the persons in his division to sling the yards and gaffs, to stopper the topsail sheets, to lead out the preventer and other braces, and will see that they are clear, and toggled, to prevent them from unreeving.
112. He will have the fighting stoppers at hand in the chains and tops for stoppering the rigging; hatchets and axes ready for clearing away any casual encumbrances from the guns; axes and hatchets for this purpose must be sharpened, covered with painted canvas, and labelled "not for general use;" and will cause proper arrangements to be made for applying and securing grapnels, if they should be required.
113. He will see that the hammocks are compactly stowed, covered, and stopped down, and will cause the boat and boom covers to be hauled over and securely stopped down; the relieving tackles to be hooked and ready for use; a compass to be placed to steer by; and see the spare tiller at hand, the chronometer and other instruments put out of the reach of shot, and relieved as much as possible from the jar of the guns.
114. In case the Captain should give orders for sending small arms and ammunition into the tops, he will attend to having them sent there, and will be watchful that they are not so used as to expose the sails and rigging to danger from taking fire; and in order to furnish a sufficient supply of water, in case of accident, he will have four fire-buckets fitted for each top, with lanyards long enough to reach the water from the yard-arms, and these should be filled with water in preparing for action.
115. On the probability of an engagement, when the ship is on soundings, the Master will have the ground-tackling ready and clear; boats ready for getting out, and every preparation made for towing, warping, anchoring, and getting springs upon the cables; and have leads and lines in the chains. If at anchor, he will have the boats dropped astern, the oars secured to the thwarts, and, if directed, have the plugs ready to be taken out that the boats may fill, and also cause the spare spars to be put overboard.
116. Whenever the cables are bent, they shall be kept stoppered until wanted for use.
117. In action, besides aiding the Executive Officer in working ship, the Master is to pay special attention to the steerage of the vessel, and to the rigging, sails, and spars, and will see that the stoppers are properly applied, and damages repaired as speedily as possible.
In vessels where there is no Signal Officer, the Master, in action or general exercise, may be directed to perform the duties of Signal Officer.
118. The Boatswain being the assistant of the Master, is to see that the rigging, especially forward, is kept clear, and that all damages are promptly reported and repaired. In the absence of the Master, all the above preparations will be at once made by the Boatswain, and reported to the Executive Officer by him.
ENGINEER'S DIVISION.
119. The Chief Engineer will see all proper preparations made for repairing damages to the engine and its dependencies, and will have the apparatus for extinguishing fire ready for immediate use. As soon as these preparations are fully made, and his men mustered, he will report his division ready to the Executive Officer. He will also report such damages as may be received in action, and what assistance is required to repair them, and he will have charge of the preparations made for extinguishing fires below.
POWDER DIVISION.
120. The Officer commanding this division, when called to quarters for general exercise or action, will receive from the Captain the keys of the magazines and shell-rooms, and of their respective water-cocks, and will deliver them to the persons in charge, who are not to open them without his special order.
121. He will have the fire-screens let down, and the light-rooms and the deck under his charge lighted.
122. He will see that the shot and shell whips are in place and in working order, and that shot-troughs are placed for conveying shot where required; that the Gunner and his Mates at the magazine hatches and scuttles, and the persons stationed at the shell-room scuttles, are ready to open them when the order is given.
123. That all the precautions mentioned in the duties of Gunner and Carpenter have been taken against fire, namely: that the division-tubs are filled with water, and that wet swabs are placed by them, and under all the lower scuttles through which passing-boxes are returned; that a fire-tub is placed at the bottom of each chute for the return of empty boxes; that it is nearly filled with water, and has its wire grating shipped; that a proper supply of fresh water is provided for the use of the men; that the hatchways of the decks next above that on which the Powder Division is stationed are properly covered; that the air-ports are closed and secured; and that the hose is screwed to the force-pumps and ready for use.
124. He is to see that the means which are provided for lowering the wounded are ready and properly fitted, and that the wounded, when lowered down, are conveyed to the part of the vessel set apart for the Surgeon's Division, by the persons detailed for that purpose.
125. He will also see that all obstructions to the safe and rapid passage of powder, shot, and shells are removed; and when every preparation for action has been made in his division, will report it ready to the Executive Officer.
126. When the order is given from the Captain to open the magazines, shell-rooms, and scuttles, he will direct the Gunner and Gunner's Mate to repair to their respective scuttles, put on their magazine dresses and shoes, divest themselves of every article of metal, and see that the men stationed with them do the same; they are also to see that wet swabs and cans of fresh water are provided.
127. The magazines being opened, the lids of the tanks are not to be unscrewed until orders are given to that effect. Then the Gunner and his Mate, and their assistants in their respective magazines, will open as many, and no more, tanks than are necessary to supply charges of the kind ordered, which they will pass up to the men stationed on the deck above to receive them. These men will be particularly careful to observe the orders transmitted from time to time, designating the kind of charges required at the guns.
128. While at general quarters he will see that the men preserve their proper stations in silence, order, and coolness; and he will give particular attention to the sufficient and correct supply of powder and projectiles to the various divisions, and take care that in time of action, or of exercise with powder, the passing-boxes, after being once taken out of the magazine, are not passed into it again, or even inside of the screen, during the whole of such action or exercise. These duties are of the highest importance.
129. In exercise where no powder is used, he will see that such substitutes for the various charges as the Captain may direct are passed up in their proper boxes, so that the number of rounds and the kind of charge, whether "distant," "ordinary," or "near," may be ascertained, and compared with those ordered. Should any defect or deficiency in the arrangement for giving a full supply to the guns be discovered, it is to be reported immediately to the Captain, in order that a remedy may be applied as speedily as possible, by additional men or other proper means.
130. The Carpenter will see that the hatches on the deck next above the berth-deck or orlop are properly covered with gratings and tarpaulins, and that the air-ports are closed and secured.
131. He will then cause all the pumps to be rigged, namely, the main pumps, for freeing the ship in case of leaks, and the force and channel pumps. He will have the engine also rigged and filled to supply water for extinguishing fire.
132. He will attend particularly to the preparations for stopping shot-holes, and see that all the articles enumerated in his general duties ([Article 59]) are distributed among his mates and crew.
133. He will, when directed, cause the cabin and other bulkheads to be taken down, and every other obstruction removed which comes within his department, that may interfere with the working of the guns or the passage of ammunition; and having performed this service, will report to that effect to the Officers of the Divisions in which such obstructions existed.
134. When these preparations are completed, he will see that the men under his direction are in their proper stations, and, when all their preparatory duties have been performed, will so report to the Executive Officer, and to the Officer commanding the Powder Division what relates to that division.
135. During an action the Carpenter will attend the pumps, sound the well frequently, and, should he discover indications of serious injury below the water-line, will immediately make them known personally, either to the Captain or to the Executive Officer, and to them only.
136. During an action, such of the Carpenter's crew as are stationed in the wings, or on the orlop, in line-of-battle ships, or on the berth-deck in other vessels, will be constantly on the look-out for shot-holes.
When a shot enters they are to make its position known by reference to the numbers of the ports under or near which the hole is found, and its distance below or above the water-line, as shown by the interior line corresponding to it, already described in the general duties of the Carpenter ([Article 60]); and are also to apply promptly such remedy themselves as may be in their power.
137. The Master-at-arms, assisted by the Ship's Corporals, will see the galley fire and all unauthorized lights put out; that the lamps are in their places, properly trimmed and lighted; and that the lenses and reflectors are cleaned and polished.
After the magazines have been swept, closed, and secured, and the retreat has been beaten, the Master-at-arms will see that the lights in the light-rooms are extinguished, and apply to the Executive Officer for permission to renew the usual lights and fires.
SURGEON'S DIVISION.
138. The Surgeon or senior Medical Officer will see that all necessary preparations are made for the reception and treatment of the wounded, in the part of the ship which may have been set apart by the Captain for that purpose, and report to the Executive Officer when such preparations are completed.
139. He will cause a sufficient number of tourniquets, or temporary substitutes for them, to be distributed to such men of the different divisions, and in each top, as may be appointed to receive them; and he will take care that the persons in his division, and such others as the Captain may direct, are instructed in the use of tourniquets, to prevent, as far as possible, any dangerous loss of blood before the Surgeon or his Assistants can attend to wounded men.
OFFICERS COMMANDING DIVISIONS OF GUNS.
140. Each Officer Commanding a Division of Guns is to see that all persons belonging to it are present; that all the prescribed arrangements are duly and promptly made; that every article designated for use in the division is in order and in place; that the decks are wet and well sanded; that the hand-swabs at the guns are wet; and that any small arms that may be distributed among the men of his division are properly loaded at the time directed by the Captain.
141. In action he will cause the wounded of his division to be promptly and properly conveyed to the Surgeon, but will see that no man leaves his quarters on pretence of assisting the wounded. Four men, "aids to wounded", should be attached to each Division of Guns, so as not to take men from guns for that purpose.
142. On the lower deck of line-of-battle ships, or the main deck of frigates and spar-deck of single-deck vessels, he will see the hatchways in the range of his division properly covered by the Carpenter's crew, assisted by the handspikemen or compressor-men of the nearest guns, and the scuttles and whips duly prepared for passing powder, shot, and shells.
143. He will be particularly careful to prevent the men from loading the guns improperly, or otherwise than may be specially ordered, and will prevent any unnecessary noise.
144. He will see that the guns are very carefully pointed and properly aimed; that there is no firing until correct sight can be obtained, as random firing is not only a waste of ammunition, but it encourages an enemy, when he sees shot and shell falling harmlessly about and beyond him.
He will carefully impress upon the Captains of guns that there is no excuse for several successive bad shots, as observation of the first or second will surely indicate an erroneous estimate of distance, and afford means of correcting it. Accuracy of fire is to be encouraged rather than rapidity.
It is essential to rapidity and accuracy of fire, particularly on covered decks, that the Division Officers shall keep the Gun Captains constantly advised of the position and distance of the object.
145. He will also take care to prevent confusion at the powder-scuttles in the range of his division, and that all orders which require to be repeated are duly passed. In case of accident to the Powder-passers, he will promptly supply their places by such men as can be best spared from his division.
146. He will take care that each gun in his division is provided with all the "Equipments and Implements" prescribed for its use; and that the "spare" articles which may be required in his division in action are in place.—([Article 148].)
147. He will report to the Executive Officer when all preparations have been made for action; and also after action and exercise, when the guns have been properly secured, and the stores and implements belonging to his division have been returned to their places.
EQUIPMENTS AND IMPLEMENTS.
148. Those for broadside-guns, whether mounted on two or four truck carriages, or on slides, are to be as follows, viz.:
| Articles for each Gun. | Where they are to be put when the Gun is Secured. |
| Carriage complete, with bed and quoin, or elevating screw | At its port. |
| Breeching with shackle-bolts and pins | At the gun. |
| Compressors and levers, pivot-bolt and housing-chock, for Friction Carriages | At the gun. |
| Two side-tackles | Hooked to the securing-bolts on each side of the port and to the carriage. |
| One train-tackle | Hooked to the securing-bolts in the side, with the parts of the fall round the breech of the gun. |
| Two handspikes [1] | Resting on the bed-bolt, in-board ends secured by beckets. |
| One tompion with lanyard and wad | In the muzzle of the gun. |
| One sponge and cap [2] | On the beam or carling over the right side of the gun (on movable brackets). |
| One rammer [2] | On the beam or carling over the left side of the gun (on movable brackets). |
| One lock with string and vent-plug complete | In place on the gun. |
| One breech-sight with cover | In place on the gun. |
| One reinforce-sight with cover | In place on the gun. |
| One priming-wire and one boring-bit, with beckets for the wrist | Inside of the brackets of the carriage, near the breech. |
| One fire-bucket with lanyard | On gun-decks, close to the side, near the beam over the gun; on spar-decks, round the capstan and the boats forward. |
| One bucket of prepared grease or oil for rifle cannon | On the breast-piece. |
| One battle-lantern, with candle or lamp trimmed and primed, but provided for gun-decks only; none for spar-decks | In the fire-buckets. The candle in supply box. |
| Battle-axes (as prescribed according to the number of men at gun).—See [Art. 101] | Inside of the brackets. |
| One hand-swab | On the breast-piece of the carriage. |
| One deck-bucket and large swab | To be kept in the hold until wanted. |
| Two chocking-quoins for truck-carriages | When not in use, between the brackets and the bed. |
| Two lanyards for each half port | In place. |
| Lanyards, chain pendents, runners and tackles for tricing up, and bars and keys for securing lower deck ports | In place. |
| Ten shot for shot-guns | In racks round hatches nearest the gun. |
| For shell-guns, one shell in its box | Between the trucks on the left side of the gun. |
| Ten selvagee wads for shot and shell guns | On the breast-piece of the carriage, strung on a pin. |
| Two housing-chocks for lower deck guns | Placed before the front trucks when the gun is run in for housing. |
[1] Marsilly carriages require a roller handspike each.
[2] The rammers and sponges belonging to the broadside-guns of spar-deck divisions of all ships having topgallant forecastles, or other light decks, may be kept under the forecastle or light deck when not in use. In ships not provided with these decks they are to be kept at the guns inside the brackets; or, if that cannot be done, triced up overhead on the next deck below.
149. He will also assure himself that the following articles, which may be required, are in readiness in his division, and prepared for use, namely: One rattle for calling Boarders; one division-tub for fresh water; one spare bed and quoin for carriages requiring them; two spare gun-trucks; four spare handspikes; one worm; one scraper; one bristle sponge for cleaning guns; two spare breechings; four swabs, and, if any of the guns be on slides, a spare pivot-bolt. Of these articles the worm, scraper, sponge, and spare breechings[1] are to be becketed up between the beams and carlings on the gun-decks as far as practicable, and those which cannot be so placed will be kept at hand in the storeroom or other convenient place. A ladle is supplied for each calibre on board, and will be kept ready in such place as may be designated by the Executive Officer.
The above allowance of articles designated as "spare," including worm, scraper, sponge, and swabs, is upon the supposition that each division is composed of five guns and their opposites. In case the number of guns should be either more or less, the articles will be increased or diminished proportionally to the nearest whole number.
150. He will take care that the Quarter Gunners of his division keep the two division-boxes marked "supply" and "reserve" constantly provided with the following articles, all in good order, viz.:
The "Supply" box with a waist-belt for each Boarder, Pikeman, Fireman, Sail-trimmer, and Pumpman; a primed candle for each battle-lantern; a thumbstall and vent-guard for the 1st and 2d Captains of each gun. The belts of Boarders to be furnished with a frog for a pistol, with its cartridges and percussion-caps; those of 1st and 2d Captains of guns with a box containing fifty primers fitted to slip on the waist-belt. Those for Firemen, Sail-trimmers, and Pumpmen to have each a frog for the battle-axe.
The "Reserve" box with one drill-brace; three vent-drills; one vent-punch; two gun-locks and strings complete; a flask of priming-powder; two boring-bits; three priming-wires; eight thumbstalls; four boxes of percussion-primers; one box of friction-primers; one spare lock-string for each gun, and one fuze-wrench; a shackle-punch and pin, and some rags for wiping. These boxes are to be placed by the Quarter Gunners in their respective divisions, near the mast, and on the opposite side to that engaged.
In vessels of the class of Frigates and upward, these boxes are to be, on covered decks, kept in their several divisions and secured overhead.
On spar-decks they are to be kept under the break of the poop and the topgallant forecastle, and, in vessels having neither poop nor topgallant forecastle, between the beams on the berth-deck. They will be kept under lock and key.
151. He will see that such men of the divisions, and others who are appointed for the purpose, obtain the requisite number of tourniquets, and distribute them to the men selected to use them. (See [Article 139.])
BROADSIDE GUNS.
STATIONS AND GUN-NUMBERS.
152. The following are to be the gun-numbers and stations for a gun's crew composed of sixteen Men and a Powderman, when working broadside-guns on lower decks; on other decks 15 and 16 are 3d and 4th Side-Tacklemen.
| Left Side. | Gun-Nos. | Right Side. | |
| First Loader. | 3 | 4 | First Sponger. |
| Second Loader. | 5 | 6 | Second Sponger. |
| First Shellman. | 7 | 8 | Second Shellman. |
| First Handspikeman. | 9 | 10 | Second Handspikeman. |
| First Side-Tackleman. | 13 | 14 | Second Side-Tackleman. |
| First Port-Tackleman. | 15 | 16 | Second Port-Tackleman. |
| First Train-Tackleman. | 11 | 12 | Second Train-Tackleman. |
| First Captain. | 1 | 2 | Second Captain. |
Powderman near the midships, and on the left of the gun.
For a gun's crew of fourteen men and a Powder-boy, or of twelve men, the higher numbers are those to be omitted, and the stations and duties of all the others remain unchanged.
With a gun's crew of ten men, all the numbers continue with the same stations and duties excepting No. 10, who becomes Train-Tackleman, and the 2d Captain handles the handspike.
With a gun's crew of eight men, numbers from 1 to 7 inclusive retain the same stations and duties; No. 2 will, in addition to his duties as 2d Captain, also attend to the handspike, and No. 8 becomes Train-Tackleman.
With a gun's crew of six men, all the numbers retain the same stations and duties, excepting that No. 5 also acts as Shotman, and No. 2 attends to the handspike and train-tackle in addition to the duties of 2d Captain.
153. This arrangement exhibits the gun's crew placed as the men should stand when first assembled at quarters, either for inspection or any ordinary exercise. It is intended that the men are then to stand parallel with the gun, and facing in-board.
CALLS FOR ASSEMBLING AT QUARTERS.
BEATS OF DRUM.
1st. The ordinary beat will be the call for Inspection at general quarters.
2d. The ordinary beat, preceded by one roll—Exercise at general quarters, without powder.
3d. The beat quick—Action; or Exercise at general quarters with powder, as though engaged in battle.
4th. When at quarters, a roll of the drum will be a signal for "silence and attention!" All firing or other noise will immediately cease, and the next order be awaited in perfect silence. It is of the utmost importance to impress this upon the officers and crew.
5th. When the Captain is satisfied that his order has been delivered and understood, he will order two taps to be beaten, as a signal for the "Execution of the Order." The roll and the taps to be given sharply and distinctly.
155. On assembling at quarters for inspection or general exercise, unless directed otherwise, in port, the men are first to go to the starboard guns on the spar-deck, the port guns on the main deck, the starboard guns on the next deck below, and so on. At sea they are first to go to the weather guns, or, if the ship be dead before the wind, to the same sides as in port.
156. When assembled for inspection, besides seeing that all the guns and articles belonging to them are in order and in place, it is directed that the men, without arms or implements, or casting loose the guns, shall be frequently called away and mustered in their stations as Boarders, Pikemen, Sail-trimmers, and Firemen; and also practised in shifting from one side to the other, and in taking their places for fighting both sides at once.
157. On assembling for exercise at general quarters without powder, after the men have been mustered and the divisional reports made, the order will be given: "Cast Loose and Provide!"
Then the starboard watch will provide and cast loose the odd-numbered guns, and the port watch will provide and cast loose the even-numbered guns.
The 1st parts of guns' crews on the starboard side providing and casting loose the starboard, and the 2d parts the port guns. The 1st parts of guns' crews on the port side the port, and the 2d parts the starboard guns. In securing guns the same order of distributing the men is to be observed.
When both these services of providing and casting loose have been performed, and the luffs choked or hitched and trucks chocked, the men are all to return to the guns at which they were mustered, and, taking their places, await in silence further orders, if not already given.
158. When assembled for exercise as though actually engaged in battle, besides what is prescribed for an exercise at general quarters without powder, the further preparations indicated hereafter will be made. The guns' crews will proceed at once to provide and cast loose both sides without waiting to be mustered, or for any further orders.
159. The call for Boarders to repair to the spar-deck will be by the rattle and verbal order, repeated by the Officer of each division of guns. They should be trained to form promptly on the opposite side to that engaged, near the hatch by which they ascend.
On the first call or order, the first division only will repair to the spar-deck, led by their officers. If the call or order should be repeated before the first division shall have returned to their guns, the second division will immediately repair to the spar-deck.
160. The call for Pikemen to "repel boarders" will be by sounding the Gong. At this signal all the Pikemen will assemble on the spar-deck with their muskets.
161. All Hands will be summoned to repel boarders (See [Article 92]) by springing the rattles and sounding the gong together, and by verbal orders.
162. Sail-trimmers. The particular division that may be wanted at a time will be called by passing the word for it.
163. The call for Firemen to repair to the spar-deck will be given verbally and by striking the ship's bell rapidly. The rapid ringing of the bell will be the Fire-alarm at all times, when the crew will immediately assemble at quarters.
164. Boarders, Pikemen, and Sail-trimmers of the spar-deck guns, or any portion of them, and of the Master's division, as well as the Marines, may be ordered from their quarters to perform a particular service, without any call, whenever the Captain may deem proper.
165. Men called for any of the foregoing duties will, on reaching the spar-deck, form on the gangway, upon the side not engaged with the enemy, unless otherwise directed at the time.
166. When called to quarters, every person is to repair to his station promptly and without unnecessary noise; and on the order, "to your quarters," all will return to their stations in the same manner.
PREPARATIONS FOR EXERCISE AT GENERAL QUARTERS, WITHOUT POWDER.
167. Sling the topsail yards and gaffs, and put the preventer braces in place; distribute fighting stoppers and jiggers; stopper the clews of the topsails; get whips on each side of the lower masts for tricing up the pendant tackles, and also the mast-bands and fishes required for securing a crippled mast. Make arrangements for using grapnels; get hauling-lines ready for sending small arms and ammunition into the tops; if not on soundings, haul over boat and boom covers and stop them down; bring up and stow, if down, such hammocks as interfere with the guns, or are in the way of the powder division;[2] haul over and secure the hammock-cloths; hook and mouse the relieving-tackles; place the spare tiller and compass at hand; put the chronometers, and other instruments of navigation, out of the reach of shot; distribute the small arms together with their accoutrements and a supply of filled cartridges, to the men appointed to use them; place axes and hatchets at hand on the spar-deck for clearing away incumbrances at guns; grapnels in mizzen channels with whips to after-davits and spanker-boom end, to hook up any gear likely to foul the screw. In steam vessels, topgallant masts and rigging ready to be sent down and all unnecessary gear unrove.
If underway and on soundings, get the boats ready for hoisting out; the ground-tackle ready for use and keep it clear, and make every preparation for towing, warping, and anchoring with springs on cables; stopper the chains; get lights in the light-rooms, including those of the shell-rooms; light powder division; also gun-decks, if at night, and it be ordered by the Captain; drop magazine screens; get shot and shell whips, and buckets or nets, in place; rig canvas chutes for returning empty passing-boxes; remove every obstruction to the free passage of powder; clear away and open shot-lockers; see the hatchways of the next deck above the powder division properly covered; division and fire-tubs in place, with wet swabs by them, and at the landing of each line of scuttles through which the passing-boxes pass; rig main, force, and channel pumps and fire-engine, which fill with water; get light Jacob-ladders and slings ready for lowering the Carpenters outside, and materials for stopping shot-holes; take down cabin and other bulkheads, when directed, and pass them below; sand the decks; place a bucket of water and a wet swab in rear of each gun, and for all rifle-guns a bucket of oil or prepared grease; have spare breechings at hand; rope ladders for hatchways in place; a bag, to be supplied from one reserve-box, containing a flask of priming-powder and the following spare articles: two locks, four lock-strings, eight thumbstalls, two boring-bits, two priming-wires, a shackle-punch and pins and some old rags, to be slung round the neck of the Quarter Gunner of each division of guns; rammers and sponges placed, and the latter uncapped; one worm in place, on each side of the deck, for each division, and a ladle at hand for each calibre on board; pistols, in frogs furnished with cartridges and caps, and cutlasses and battle-axes, belted round the respective persons designated to wear them; marines accoutred and under arms, and distributed as the Captain may direct; tourniquets to be distributed as may be judged necessary. (See [Articles 139] and [151.])
PREPARATIONS FOR EXERCISE AT GENERAL QUARTERS, WITH POWDER, AS THOUGH ENGAGED IN BATTLE.
168. Crew cast loose the guns; shell-rooms and magazine are opened; powder and shells passed up, and every thing ready for firing, the order for which is awaited. If the beat is followed by orders from the quarter-deck to fire, then this is performed as soon as each gun is ready. In this case, besides what has just been prescribed for a General Exercise without powder, the following further preparations will be made: Put out galley fire and all unauthorized lights; light match and place it in manger; open magazines and powder-tanks, and also shell-rooms, when ordered; close and secure air-ports; fill division and fire tubs with fresh water; place cans of fresh water and wet swabs in magazines and shell-rooms; light up the cockpit, or other place, for the wounded; place mattresses, and if there be room, sling spare cots; get ready the amputating-table, instruments, bandages, lint, medicines; have a plentiful supply of fresh water and swabs, and sprinkle the decks. Make a particular examination of all the arrangements for extinguishing fire; see that force-pumps and hose are in good order, and the men stationed at them in their places.
Speed being one of the principal elements of military force, steamers will, on going into action, have all the furnaces clean, and the fires in condition to make steam rapidly.
The beat to quarters for action is therefore a signal to start fires in any furnaces not in use.
PROVIDING BROADSIDE-GUNS.
169. When the exercise of broadside-guns is to be confined to one side only, each gun's crew is to provide its own gun, on the side at which it is ordered to assemble, as follows: but when the guns on both sides are to be exercised at once, each part of a gun's crew is to provide its own gun; each Captain, Loader, Sponger, &c., doing separately what is done by both himself and his second when the exercise is confined to one side only.
170. Captains of guns to provide themselves with percussion-primers, thumbstalls, and priming-wire, and to see that the men of their respective parts of the gun's crew discharge their several duties promptly and carefully.
171. Spongers provide sponges and rammers.
172. Loaders provide a bucket of water and a wet swab; and, for rifle cannon, a pot of oil or prepared grease.
173. Shell or shotmen provide a sufficient supply of selvagee and six junk-wads, and supply the racks around the hatchways with shot from the lockers as required.
174. Handspikemen see the handspikes in place, and then assist in getting up shot for the guns; and, if necessary, in covering hatchways in the division.
175. The Powderman or Boy is to provide an empty passing-box, if no powder is to be used; otherwise he is to present himself at the appointed place to receive a full one.
176. The Fireman is to take down the fire-bucket, and place it and the battle-lantern in their appointed places. On gun-decks the lantern should be hung up at the ship's side, or in rear of and between the guns, as may be directed, and lighted when ordered by the Captain, and the fire-bucket directly in rear of the gun. On spar-decks the bucket may be laid on the deck, or hung up in any convenient place in rear of and near the gun.
177. Side-tacklemen provide sand and water, and sprinkle and sand the decks, if directed; and get bucket and swab from the hold, fill the bucket with water, wet the sponge and the swab, and lay it on deck under the sponge.
178. Quarter Gunners of divisions, besides equipping themselves, as already directed (Article 167), with a bag of spare implements, will attend to the "Supply" and "Reserve" boxes of their divisions (See [Article 150]), and distribute the belts, primer-boxes, and other articles which they contain, to the guns' crews, as soon as practicable, and then keep themselves ready to furnish any reserved or spare articles which may be required, such as spare breechings, ladles, and worms, and will see the battle-lanterns provided with candles with primed wicks, ready for lighting when ordered by the Captain.
179. The swords and pistols should be always available for the Boarders, at the shortest notice; but their particular disposition at quarters, and at what time the pistols shall be loaded, will be determined by the Captain, as in his judgment circumstances at the time may require. Pistols should be loaded, on the probability of action, without further orders.
Lith. by J.F. Gedney, Washn. C.K. Stellwagen, del.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR DELIVERING AND DISTRIBUTING POWDER.
180. In making arrangements to deliver and distribute powder from the magazines, for action, the following general considerations and rules should govern:
181. Cartridges, as experience proves, can be passed up each independent chain of scuttles leading from the magazine to the point at which the Powder-boys are to receive the full boxes, at the rate of one every six or seven seconds.
182. Experience also proves that, under the most favorable circumstances, the broadside-guns of a man-of-war cannot be advantageously fired oftener than once in every seventy-five seconds.
Hence it may be received as a rule, that a single chain of passing-scuttles is abundantly sufficient to supply powder for a division of guns as large even as eight of a side; and that it is also sufficient when both sides of such a division are to be used at once, for then the firing of each piece is unavoidably retarded by the division of the guns' crews.
183. No one chain of scuttles should be required to supply cartridges for more than a single description of guns,[3] unless their cartridges be the same in diameter, weight, and form, and their passing-boxes alike, as in the case of the 8-inch shell-gun of 63 cwt. and the 32-pounder of 57 cwt. If, therefore, there be on a deck of guns but one differing from the rest in calibre, class, or assimilation of cartridges, that one should have a separate chain of scuttles for its supply, in order to guard effectually against confusion, or, at least, delay. In a word, each additional calibre or class of guns, unless the cartridges be assimilated and the passing-boxes alike, involves an additional chain of passing-scuttles for its supply; and it should be borne in mind that errors with respect to cartridges of guns of the same calibre, but differing in class, are more to be apprehended than with guns differing only in calibre.
184. If the guns on a deck be all of the same calibre and class, or of like cartridges and passing-boxes, then one chain of scuttles to supply the forward half of those guns, and another to supply the after half, will be all-sufficient.
185. For each chain of passing-scuttles there will probably have to be—
One man in the magazine to deliver charges from the tanks.
One man in the passage to receive and pass those charges through the scuttle in the orlop or berth deck.
One man at the passage-scuttle on the orlop or berth deck, to receive the charges and pass them to the screen.
One man just outside of the screen, to receive the charges through a flapped hole therein, and put them in the empty passing-boxes.
One, two, or three Runner-boys (according to the distance) to run, on the orlop or berth deck, with full passing-boxes, from the screen to the scuttles through the deck, and back again with the empty boxes to the screen.
One man, a very careful one, at the bottom of the canvas chute, to receive the empty passing-boxes, strike them, in an inverted position, over the fire-tub, and inspect them carefully before allowing them to be taken away to be replenished.
One man, on the orlop or berth deck, at the passing-scuttle through the deck above, to pass up full boxes.
One man at the passing-scuttle on the next deck above the orlop or berth deck, to receive and pass up full boxes, or, in the case of a single-deck vessel, or of distribution on the main deck of a frigate, or on the lower deck of a ship-of-the-line, to receive and deliver them to Powder-boys.
One man at the passing-scuttle on the second deck above the orlop or berth deck, to receive and pass up full boxes; or, in the case of a frigate, or distribution on the main deck of a ship-of-the-line of two decks, to receive and deliver them to Powder-boys.
And one man at the passing-scuttle on the third deck above the orlop, to receive and deliver full boxes to Powder-boys on the spar-deck of a ship-of-the-line of two decks.
Thus each chain of scuttles will require—
Seven men to supply its guns on the first deck above; as, for example, the lower deck of a ship-of-the-line, the main deck of a frigate, or the spar-deck of a sloop-of-war, or other single-deck vessel.
Eight men for the spar-deck of a frigate, for the main deck of a ship-of-the-line of two decks, or for the middle gun-deck of a ship-of-the-line of three decks.
Nine men for the spar-deck of a ship-of-the-line of two decks, or for the main deck of a ship-of-the line of three decks.
And ten men for the spar-deck of a ship-of-the-line of three decks.
Besides, each of these numbers—7, 8, 9, and 10—is to be increased by two or three Runner-boys, for the purposes above described.
186. In vessels of and above the class of frigates, or having two magazines—one forward and the other aft—the forward half of the guns on each deck is to be supplied from the forward magazine, and the after half from the after magazine. Thus, for each deck of guns, one scuttle at each of the two magazines, together with its corresponding chain of scuttles, will be sufficient, if all the guns be of the same calibre and class, or have like charges. But the introduction on board of any vessel of guns differing in either of these respects will involve the necessity above stated of a separate scuttle of delivery at the magazine, and also of a distinct chain of scuttles connected with it, for the exclusive supply of each variety of charges that may be introduced.
In this case, the exceptional guns should be supplied, whenever practicable, from the larger magazine, when there are two differing in size.
187. In single-deck vessels carrying more than sixteen guns, all of the same calibre and class, and having but one magazine, two scuttles at that magazine will be sufficient—one to supply the forward half of guns, and the other the after half.
188. In single-deck vessels carrying only sixteen guns, or less, all of the same calibre and class, or having like charges, one scuttle at the magazine will suffice.
189. Should any single-deck vessel be of such great length, or so remarkable in her armament of guns, although all of the same calibre and class, as to render additional scuttles advisable, they are to be cut.
PASSING-SCUTTLES.
190. All the powder is to be passed up from the orlop or berth deck through circular scuttles, cut in the deck or decks at places, as nearly as circumstances will permit, immediately abreast of the middle of the particular set of guns to the supply of which each chain of scuttles is specially appropriated. Besides these scuttles for passing the powder up, there are to be corresponding ones for each set, provided with a canvas chute for returning the empty boxes below. The drawing shows the manner of supplying an upper deck and returning the empty boxes from it. Each deck is to be supplied in like manner, by a distinct and separate arrangement, through as many independent sets of scuttles as may be required by the preceding "Arrangements for delivering and distributing powder."
191. Each scuttle is to have a tompion or other means of closing it, so as to be water-tight when not in use, and to be so placed or regulated in height as not to interfere with the transportation of guns.
192. Should any serious difficulty arise in finding places for cutting any of the different sets of scuttles through the decks, or in the cases of small or very wet vessels, recourse may be had to the gratings of the hatchways. Still, they are always to be cut through the decks whenever it can be done with propriety.
193. For each scuttle at the magazine for the delivery of powder there must be a corresponding flap-hole in the magazine screen, and this is to be regarded as a part of the chain of supply equally with the scuttle itself.
194. When on board ship there are any guns of the same calibre and class, or of assimilated charges, carried on two consecutive decks, all of them may be supplied by the same chain of scuttles, provided the whole number of guns thus made to depend upon this chain does not exceed eight of a side. For instance, under the circumstances stated, the chase, or a few shell or other guns on a spar-deck, may be supplied by a chain of scuttles intended principally for the main-deck guns; or, the shell-guns on a main deck being few, may be supplied by a chain intended principally for the deck below.
195. In delivering cartridges from the magazines for serving guns, they are to be passed up from the magazine to the orlop or berth deck before they are put into the passing-boxes, which, in time of action, or when exercising with powder, after being once taken out of the magazine, are not, on any account, to be allowed to go into it again, or even inside of the screen, during the whole time of such action or exercise. They are to be replenished at the screen, but outside of it.
196. All passing-boxes shall be painted black, with the calibre and charge painted in white letters, two and one-half inches (2 1/2) long on the side, and one and a half (1 1/2) on the top.
197. If, however, there are any guns of the same calibre on spar-decks requiring lighter charges, the lower half of the box shall be painted white. For gun-decks in similar case the lower half shall be painted red.
198. Empty passing-boxes returned by the chutes are always to be landed upon wet swabs, and then to be turned upside down, and so struck over a fire-tub, as before directed, to free them from any loose powder.
199. One fire-tub, nearly filled with water, is to be placed on the deck, alongside the bottom of each chute for returning empty boxes. The top of this tub is to be provided with a stout hoop to ship and unship, with a grating of stout copper wire, the meshes of which are to be made small enough to prevent the passing-box from falling into the water, in case of slipping from the man's hand while being struck over the tub.
SHOT AND SHELL.
200. Shot and shell are to be passed up by hand, or whipped up, by the most convenient hatchways. The hands stationed below at the lockers are to work the whips, each of which, being fitted with a toggle, will indicate when the projectiles are hoisted high enough. In case a shot-locker should be somewhat removed from the hatchway, up which the shot are to be passed or whipped, the shot may be speedily conveyed over the distance by means of a wooden trough fitted for the purpose.
HATCHWAY FOR THE WOUNDED.
201. One hatchway, or portion of a hatchway, and that as nearly amidships as possible, is to be reserved for lowering the wounded below, and to be properly provided with a cot or cots, having a whip to each.
D. Van Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.
NAVAL GUN-CARRIAGES.
202. All gun-carriages and their equipments are to be made in conformity with directions from the Bureau of Ordnance.
NOMENCLATURE OF ORDINARY NAVAL TRUCK-CARRIAGE.
WOODEN PARTS.
Carriage.
A. Brackets of large truck-carriages are made each of two pieces, joined by a jog a, and dowelled. The remaining parts of the brackets are the trunnion-holes b, steps c, quarter-rounds d, and arch e.
B. Transom, let into brackets.
C. Breast-piece, in two parts—the inner part fixed, by two bolts, into transom; the outer part movable, connected by hinges.
D. Front and rear axletrees, consisting each of square body f, and arms g, jogged into brackets.
E. Front and rear trucks.
F. Dumb trucks.
G. Bed and stool.
H. Quoin.
Implements.
I. Handspikes.
K. Chocking-quoin.
METAL PARTS.
Carriage.
1. Two cap-squares.
2. Four cap-square bolts and two keys and chains.
3. Two bracket-bolts.
4. Two rear axletree-bolts.
5. Two side-tackle eye-bolts.
6. One train-tackle eye-bolt.
7. One transporting eye-bolt.
8. Two breast-bolts.
9. Two hinges of breast-pieces.
10. Two transom-bolts (upper and lower).
11. Two breeching side-shackles and pins.
12. Bed-bolt.
13. Four axletree bands.
14. Chafing-plates of steps and brackets.
15. Four linchpins and washers.
16. Quoin-plate and stop.
17. Ratchet for quoin-stop.
18. Four training loops.
19. Breeching-thimble (cast iron).
20. Side-shackle bolts for breechings.
21. Shackle-pin, plates, and keys.
22. Two axle-stays.
23. Handspike-shoe.
OF PARTS PECULIAR TO MARSILLY CARRIAGE.
A. The lowest piece of the bracket, in place of the rear truck of ordinary carriages.
B. Rear transom, in place of rear axle.
C. Breast-piece (fixed).
D. E. Sweep-pieces.
D. Fixed below the port-sill
E. Movable, with brass catches (f f) and hooks and eyes (g g).
H. Elevating screw and lever, with saucer (I) in place of bed and quoin.
K. Roller handspike.
L. Loop for handspike.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The spare breechings should never be stowed near the galley nor Engine-room, lest they be damaged by heat and moisture.
[2] The Executive Officer of the ship should appoint a sufficient number of men in each watch for the purpose of stowing the hammocks of the watch below in case of being called to quarters in the night, so as to prevent confusion and insure the greatest possible dispatch in clearing for action.
[3] See Table of Charges for Great Guns.