The articles must be divided among the vessels according to the circumstances of the case; but as a general rule everything necessary for the service required at the moment of disembarkation should be placed in each vessel, so that there will be no inconvenience should other vessels be delayed.
If a particular kind of a gun is necessary for any operation, do not place all of one kind in one vessel, to avoid being deprived of them by any accident to it.
The pieces and caissons are brought to the wharf or shore and unlimbered, and the chests and wheels taken off; each set of implements is strapped together, the washers and linch-pins being put in a box; the harness is tied and labelled in sets; if the voyage is to be short, the harness for each horse may be tied up in its blanket. The battery-wagon and forge is unlimbered, and the limber-chest taken off, as well as the spare parts outside of the wagon. All the chests are distinctly marked, so that it can immediately be seen where they belong.
The pieces are first lowered to their places between-decks, the place for dismounting them depending upon the manner of embarking; then the carriages, limbers, implements, and wheels; the harness is placed (regard being had to its preservation) where it may be of easy access. The box of washers and linch-pins is under the special charge of a non-commissioned officer.
The battery-wagon and forge, with its limber and limber-chest, is stowed separate from the battery, but where it will be accessible.
Sponges, rammers, and intrenching-tools should be united in bundles or boxes.
The contents of each box, barrel, or bundle should be distinctly marked upon it. The boxes should be made small so that they can be easily handled.
The position of the different articles in each vessel is noted in a column in the list on board.
Place the heaviest articles below, beginning with the guns, then the carriages, limbers, ammunition-boxes, etc. Boxes of ammunition should be in the driest and least exposed part of the vessel.
Articles required to be disembarked first should be put in last, or so placed that they can be easily got at.