the carriage will hang square, and set the
compressors tight.

When the boat has been hoisted out, the howitzer, its ammunition, and
equipments, should be stowed in it conformably to the requirements of
the occasion.

Ordinarily, the howitzer may be placed in the bow on its
boat-carriage, bolted to the stem-pivot; the field-carriage aft, with
its wheels resting on the floor of the stern-sheets and bearing
against the after thwart; the trail laid over the quarter-rail, so as
not to interfere with the steering; and the ammunition stowed in the
stern-sheets, or elsewhere, as may be most convenient for trim of
boat, or for its own preservation.

These arrangements can be subsequently changed as circumstances may
require.

The Captain of the howitzer slings his haversack and deposits in it a
supply of primers, a vent-bit, and vent-cloth, which are handed to him
by the Quarter Gunner.

The equipment of the boat will be much facilitated by assigning to
each man special duties of preparation and providing articles.

As the bow-oars cannot well be pulled when the howitzer is mounted in
the bow, Nos. 1 and 2 do not ordinarily assist at the oars.

[Illustration: FRIGATES LAUNCH D. Van Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien,
pr.]

STATIONS.

21. For 20 men the stations in the boat and at the howitzer will be as
follows; if fewer are employed, the higher numbers are to be omitted:

BOAT. | HOWITZER.
|
_Stations._ | _Duty._
|
Quarter Master, Stern-Sheets. | Signals and assists with ammunition.
Quarter Gunner, Ammunition. | Ammunition.
Cockswain, Helm. |
Chief of Piece, Bow. | Superintends the firing.
|
_Port._ _Starboard._ |
|
1. ---- Bow-oar. | Captain of howitzer, points and fires the
If the lock and sight are on | gun, superintends orders, and gives
left side Captain will take | orders in absence of an Officer.
station on port side. |
|
|
2. Bow-oar. ---- | 2d Captain, tends vent and primes.
3. ---- 2d oar. | Sponger, sponges and pushes home charge.
4. 2d oar. ---- | Loader, receives and enters ammunition.
5. ---- 3d oar. | Tends forward compressor.
6. 3d oar.