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tive advantages of different formations for close action, but only whether those [crossed out - close actions] formations can be reached, from a line abreast, simply and without confusion. The single or double column can be so formed from either flank or the centre.

Concentration could be practised on the head of a column by moving off your ships after they had declined their fire on the enemy's leaders. There can be no question as to the comparative risk run by the two fleets thus acting. [diagram] The two leading ships at D should be crushed by the combined gun and torpedo fire of AB, nor should there be much danger from the ram of CD until the rear B has taken the new course after which it will become a question of speed till A can countermarch. But whatever the merits or demerits of the attack, it presents no difficulty in being effected from the line abreast, being only a simple column.

Concentration on the head of a column might be practised in a column of squadrons, in double echelon, which would be more applicable [applicacable] to a double than to a single column of the enemy. Such a column of squadrons may be equally well called a double line abreast; and illustrates the transitions from columns to line and vice versa, of which indeed it may be called the transition phase. [diagram] The formation permits a powerful concentrated fire upon the enemy's leaders up to the moment of collision (passing) and maintains it throughout. (NOTE: the 9th. ship should be in the leading squadron, and should be