Suppose a fleet to consist of three columns, and six ships in each column, to determine the proper interval of the columns, the distances between the ships heing 100 fathoms, and the length of each ship from the jib•boom end, to the fly of the ensign 46 fathoms.
The length or the column in the present case will be 776 fathoms. Applying the first rule, its square will be 602176, and the square root of the double of this amounts to 1097. Subtracting from this last result the given ,length of the column, and there will remain 321 fathoms for the interval be tween the columns. By taking ,s,ths of the length of the column, according to the second rule, there results 323 fathoms for the distance of the columns, which is sufficiently near for practice.
If the distances between the columns should at any time be given, the converse of the last rule will afford a ready method of determining the necessary lengths of the columns, viz. by multiplying the given distance by 12, and dividing the result by 5.
It may, however, happen that the columns have been already formed independently of the preceding rules, and that it is necessary to determine their in terval. Suppose, by way of example, that a fleet consists of 12 ships in a column, and therefore of 11 intervals between the ships. Then we shall have, rnthi,m• And to find the distance between the columns, let the bearings of the leading ship of one column, with the sternmost ship of another column be taken, and which may be denominated the angle of position. This may amount to thirty degrees, and hence we shall have, by the ordinary rules of trigonometry, Our nautical friends will readily perceive that the same might have been worked by a traverse table, employing the length of the column as a difference of latitude, and the distance of the columns as a de parture.
Order of Battle.
There is no method of preserving order in battles at sea, but by keeping upon a line, not quite close hauled, a-head of each other, and under very mode rate sail. The distance between each ship varies according to circumstances, from one third of a ca ble's length to about 100 fathoms. Thus, in Fig.
4, let AB, A'B' represent two hostile fleets drawn up in order of battle; CD, C'D' their frigates and fire ships, the latter being distributed a-breast of the van, the centre and the rear, and protected a-head and astern by some frigates. These latter lines, it will be observed, are so arranged as to be to wind ward, when the enemy is to leeward, and vice versa. Beyond these are the two parallel lines EF, E'F', composed of hospital ships, transports, &c. and protected by frigates both a-head and a-stern.
The order of Retreat.
The order of retreat is seldom if ever rendered necessary to our gallant sailors, although the splen did retreat of Cornwallis affords a proof, that we have admirals who can conduct one with honour and success. Of course it can only be rendered necessary in the presence of a very superior ene my. The general principle is illustrated in Fig. 5, in which the fleet is arranged in two lines, AB, BC forming an obtuse angle, the admiral forming the angular point to windward, in the centre of his fleet. The frigates, fire-ships, transports, Ecc. are placed EF, FG, between the two lines to leeward. The course of a retreat is generally before the wind; but the fleet may go more or less large, ac cording to the exigency of the moment.
To form and manoeuvre the different orders without changing- from or into another order.
it is a most important principle in naval tactics to become perfectly acquainted with the different methods of forming and manceuvring the several orders of sailing, without changing into another order; and many important advantages would re sult to the British navy by forming miniature fleets and squadrons of boats, and training the youthful aspirant for naval honours, to just perceptions of the nature of every evolution.
Our limits will only permit us to name the prin cipal manceuvres connected with the fifth order of sailing with the figures which respectively illus trate them.
Figs. 6 and 7. Tacking the columns in succes sion either by day or by night.
Fig. 8. Veering the columns in succession. Fig. 9. Plying to windward in column.