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in the leading squadron, and should be in the rear of the double columns and between them.) The point here under discussion is whether the formation can be made simply and without confusion from our purposed line for artillery fire. The reply is that the leading squadron is already nearly in the required formation if we attain it by breaking to the rear the two flank ships; or to express the same in another way, if we form double columns on the centre. [diagram]

When the enemy approaches with a front of three or four ships, in column that is of squadrons or of divisions, I believe that passing by the flank of a single, or double indented, column is the best form of concentration because the fire of the two squadrons farthest from you, and their rams too, are masked; concentration on the head of such a formation seems to me unwise. It is powerful for attack and particularly in the direction in which it is already standing; in other words powerful at the head. [diagram] To meet it on the head, with the same formation, is simply to accept battle on equal terms, a theory not to be accepted; to meet it with a wider head and less depth, is to invite the division of your fleet by this order breaking through. A fleet passing in single column on