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siderably outside of 1600 yards; for the enemy has not lost time in turning. This cutting off, moreover will be in a disadvantageous way for your ship, which to complete her manoeuvre should stand on presenting her beam to the enemy. This she would scarcely do; but her only escape would be by passing through the enemy's order, supported only by the ships, two or three perhaps, that have shared her mishap.

The question thus presents itself as one of the effect of extent of front upon the distance range, up to which you can maintain the order most favorable for artillery. Your wish to hold on to the latter may be very great, becuase you think yourself superior in it, or because the enemy's order, say in column of some kind gives great advantage to artillery. Our study must therefore turn to the shortest method, in distance and time, for passing from the order in line abreast to column, as well as to other devices for maintaining artillery distance; but first we must consider another bearing of the length of intervals upon the strength of the line (abreast). (Omit with a brief response.)

Although I have been led first to discuss their effect upon the total extent of front, my actual first thought of them was as gaps by which an enemy could penetrate. Being averse to a close engagement in single line, this consideration lost some weight with me; but as all may not have the same aversion, let us consider if the interval so far discussed, 200 yards, could be lessened.

If the intention is to engage in line, it undoubtedly can. Six