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24. The fleet being in line, to form it into column

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The fleet should be first faced to the rear, and then formed into column as by the preceding methods, or it may be thrown into column to the right or left, at right-angles to the original direction, as in 10, Fig. 35; and then change direction to the course signalled by the commander-inchief, as by 56, Fig. 87.

And it must be borne in mind that the right or left of a fleet in line is its actual right or left on a line of bearing perpendicular to the course. If therefore, the signal be made, From the right of fleet, form column of vessels, number one will be the first to move forward if the fleet be in natural order, but number twenty-four if the fleet be in reversed order.

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25. The fleet being in line, in close order, to form it in open order, on any vessel that may be designated.

To form it in open order on number twelve.

FIG. 54.

The commander-in-chief signals:

On the twelfth vessel—form in open order. Flag-ships of divisions signal: On the twelfth* vessel-form in open order.

Twelve continues her course under steerageway; the vessels on her right steer four points to starboard, those on her left four points to port, under such steam as will enable them to preserve their line of bearing from her. When eleven and thirteen are in open order with respect to twelve, they resume their course and slow to steerage-way, at the same time hoisting the position pennant as a signal to ten and fourteen, which now form in open order upon them, and hoist the position pennant for the guidance of nine and fifteen, etc., etc. When all are in open order the fleet resumes its speed.

* Twelve's distinguishing pennant must here be hoisted.

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26. The fleet being in line, in open order, to form it into close order, on any vessel which may be designated.

To form it into close order on number twelve.

FIG. 55.

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12

The commander-in-chief signals:

On the twelfth vessel-form in close order. Flag-ships of divisions signal: On the twelfth vessel-form in close order.

Twelve continues her course under steerageway; the vessels on her right keep four points to post, those on her left four points to starboard, under such steam as will enable them to preserve their line of bearing from her. When eleven and thirteen are in close order with respect to twelve, they resume their course and slow to steerageway, at the same time hoisting the position pennant, as a signal to ten and fourteen, which now form in close order on them, and hoist the position pennant for the guidance of nine and fifteen, etc., etc.

When all are in close order, the fleet resumes its speed.

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