Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1854-11-01
PREPARING FOR SEAFIGHT.

action between single ships, it has ever
been held considerable advantage TO OBJ
tam the weather gage at the commence
ment, and, If possible, to retain it through
out the engagement. OF course this is
by no means so important where steam
SHIPS OF war are engaged, as they can
change their position at pleasure but no
great battle has up to this period. occur
red between steamers. although it is high
| ly probable that we shall hear of several
during the present war between Russia
and the allied powers. The advantages
of securing the weather gage-that is, be-
| ;ug to windward of the antagonist-are
various, 1t enables a ship OF good sail
ing qualities to defer engaging. or to bear
plump down on the enemy at once, at op-
ton. Moreover, if the enemy discharge
their broadsides at medium range, the
weather ships side is less exposed. while
the leeward-ship's side is more exposed to
shot than would be the case were they re-
Spcctively in any other position; and
should they go about on fresh tack, the
shot holes of the former would be clear OF
the water. while those of the latter will
possibly prove dangerous leaks Again
the windward ship can bear up the rake
that is, stand athwart the bow or stern
of her adversary, and discharge III suc-
cession all the broadside guns so as to
sweep the upper deck from end to end,
or desperately damage the stern, the weak
est portion of ship As soon as hostile
vessels come in sight of each other, the
drum beats to quarters, and the crew pre-
pare for action The tackles of the guns
are overhauled the tompions withdrawn;
shot of all descriptions placed ready for
use; and the magazines opened By the gun
ner and his crew, who make ready to serve
out cartridges. The ecarpentet prepares his
slugs for shot holes and his fishes for
wounded spars, rigs the pumps 20 prepare
for leak, &c, the bulkheads are knock
ed down, or triced up to the beams, as the
case may be the great cabins are uncer
enormously cleared of the officers furni:
ture, &C.. and every deck, fore and aft.
Is put in fighting order The surgeons
dispossess the mldshipman of the cockpit,
and the erst convivial table is spread with
tourniquets foreeps. plasters, and amputa-
ting Instruments, all in sickening array
The boarders have put on their great
iron bound caps, and have stuck pistols in
their belts, and hold keen cutlass or u
glittering tomahawk in hand the ma.
riLes are drawn up on quarter deck and
poop. with ball cartridges in their boxes
the clews of the sails have been stopper
eG aud lest the ties should be shot away,
the yards are slung in chains Many
other preparations are made; and in a.
properly disciplined ship, everything is
done without confusion, and in a space of
time amazingly short Every man aud
boy capable of duty is at his post; and
when an action is imminent, the tars on
the doctors list have frequently been
known to drag their languid limbs from
the sick bay, to give what help they are
able to the fight. The spectacle of
ship cleared for action, with the crew at
quarters, silent aud motionless as their
grim guns. is one Of the most impressive
IN the world. 1t is at once terrible and
strangely exciting-something never to
be forgotten by whoever has witnessed il.
our blood thrills in every vein, and
your heart throbs heroically as you glance
along the tiers of black cannon, each with
its silent crew of stalwart seamen burning
for the fray. You know that at a single
word from the commander of this war
/ like world, those silent groups will start
| into life and activity, and those black
guns will thunder forth their iron mes
/ sage of death and destruction; and know
| ing aud feeling this. you can hardly keep
! in the wild hurrah for your country. Re
| ly upon it. that every one of the hairy
chested fellows you see at quarters will.
the moment the word to fire is given. join
in cheer shaking the very decks