[90] See “Naval Tracts of Sir William Monson,” vol. ii. p. 318 et seq.
[91] See vol. x., p. 158, of Maclehose’s edition of 1903.
[92] This map will be found reproduced at p. 171, vol. ii., of Maclehose’s edition of Hakluyt, published in 1903.
[93] That is to say he not merely covers with the canvas-cloth the whole length of the deck to prevent boarding, but the nettings would also be drawn over the waist to catch the falling wreckage of spars. (See Fig. 53.)
[94] Dexterous.
[95] “Boord and boord”—i.e., when two ships touch each other.
Manwayring advises against boarding the enemy at the quarter, which is the worst place, because it is high. The best place for entering was at the bows, but the best point for the play of the guns was to come up to her “athwart her hawes”—i.e., across her bows. By this means you could then bring all your broadside to play upon her, while all the time the enemy could only use her chase and prow pieces.
[96] I am far from convinced, however, that the drawing is in this respect correct. Edward Hayward in his book on “The Sizes and Lengths of Riggings for all His Majesties Ships and Frigates,” printed in London in 1660, only twenty-three years after the Sovereign of the Seas was launched, makes no mention whatever of either her royals or of any mast or spar above topgallant, although he mentions in detail the masts and yards and rigging and sails other than royals. He does mention, however, that the Sovereign carried a bonnet to be laced on to her spritsail. It is possible, however, that the royals were added in 1684, when she was rebuilt.
[97] See Appendix II. of “Ancient and Modern Ships,” by Sir G. C. V. Holmes.
[98] See “A History of the Administration of the Royal Navy and of Merchant Shipping in Relation to the Navy,” &c., by M. Oppenheim, p. 268.