15. The fleet being in line, heading N., to form it into columns of vessels, from the right of divisions, on any course from N. to E.

The commander-in-chief first forms the fleet into column of vessels, from the left to the N.W. (as explained in manœuvre 13), at right angles to the course on which he intends to break

*Should the fleet be formed into column of vessels from the right to the N. W., and then from line into columns of vessels from the right of divisions to the N.E., it would be in reversed order, with the van division on the left, and the rear squadron of each division leading.

it into columns of vessels, from the right of divisions, then into line on that course N.E., upon general signal N.E.,* and completes the manœuvre by signalling, as in 2, Figs. 19 and 20.

2d Method.

FIG. 44.

17

The commander-in-chief first forms the fleet into column of vessels from the right, upon general signal E., then changes the direction of the column to the S.E., by signalling, as explained in 56, Fig. 87, and afterward proceeds as in the first method.

Or he may signal heads of divisions N.E., as explained in manœuvre 35.

The commander-in-chief signals :

From the right of divisions, form columns of vessels-fleet E.N.E-right vessels wheel to N.E.

Flag-ships of divisions signal: Division E.N.E. -right vessel N.N.E.

The vessels on the right of divisions keep N.N.E.; one under steerage-way, nine* and seventeen at full speed; the other vessels steer E.N.E. at such speed as will take them into their proper places in their respective columns. (See Table D.)

* Or nine may preserve such speed only as will enable her to keep on a line between one and seventeen.

When nine finds one bearing from her on a line perpendicular to the course signalled by the commander-in-chief (S.E. is the bearing in this case), she hoists the position pennant as a guide to seventeen, and "slows to steerage-way," until seventeen, bringing her and one on this bearing, hoists the position pennant, when, upon one's "breaking the stops" of compass signal N.E., all the leaders of the columns keep N.E. at full speed; the other vessels stand on N.N.E., at full speed, until in the wake of their leaders, when they steer N.E.

4th Method.

As the 3d, except that, upon the signal of the commander-in-chief, fleet E., the vessels steer E. to get into column in the wake of their leaders, steering N.N.E., and preserve, of course, the same speed as their leaders.

It is evident that the fleet can be formed into columns of vessels from the left of divisions on any course from N. to W., according to the same principles.