HATCH, JOHN P., b. New York, 1822; a graduate of West Point; served in the Mexican war and against the Indians. In the war of the rebellion he was brig.gen. of volunteers, commanding cavalry in northern Virginia, and was seriously wounded at South Mountain. lie was brevetted maj.gen. for gallantry. After the war he was made col. of the 4th (regular) cavalry.
Hakiles, are square or oblong openings in the deck of A ship, forming the COMMutaittfion's between one deck and another. The fore-hatchway is usually close abaft the fore-mast, the after-hatchway between the main and mizzen masts, and the main-hatchway immediately before the main-mast. This last is ordi narily the largest, and through it goods arc hoisted to and from the hold. In merchant vessels, and especially barges, there are frequently other hatchways, according to the nature of the cargo; indeed, in some craft, the whole deck consists of hatchways.
When used for purposes of communication, a companion-ladder is placed from each hatchway to the deck below. These ladders are, however, generally limited to the fore and after hatches. As he emerges through the latter, in ascending to the upper deck, every officer and sailor touches his hat in token of "salute to the quarter-deck." When not so used, the hatchway is covered by a wooden grating which admits air and suffi cient light to those below, while it protects men operating above from accident. During stormy or wet weather, these gratings are covered with tarpaulins, securely fa.tened, and the ship becomes water-tight. After an action by boarding, the conquered crew arc often battened down in the lower decks, and then made prisoners as they are allowed to ascend through the hatchway one by one.