89

86

hundred feet represents ten breadths of an average modern first rate; and as a ship suddenly stopped would be instantly passed, not danger could be feared from that, if the interval were lessened by one half. [handwritten - Not ???] On the other hand, it would be quite possible for two firm men to lead a double column of the enemyh through a gap of 600 feet. It might for instance be thought desirable to lead through the third interval from the right; the right column of the attacking force raking the enemy's left wing, while the left column, aided perhaps by rams, attempted to crush the three separated ships. While standing down the attacking double column is exposed to the powerful artillery concentration which has been mentioned as the vice of a formation in column; but as the attacking columns close, the advantage of enfilading fire becomes transferred to them. The attack thus indicated could scarcely be attempted upon a gap of 300 feet. [diagram]

Again a narrow front, under supposition 800 yards or less than half a mile, presents a tremendous concentration upon the depth of a column or upon any point nearly opposed to its centre; and although as opposed to a similar line more open and extended, the flanks of the latter tend to enfilade the sides of a re-entrant angle Fig, this advantage will not come into play till the approach is very near. [diagram]

But can the interval now considered be