ttle for his passing-box,
which having received he returns and stands a little to the left and
in rear of the gun, keeping the passing-box under his left arm and the
cover closely pressed down with his right hand.

216. When there are fourteen or more men at a gun, the PORT-TACKLEMEN
and SIDE-TACKLEMEN, on lower decks, lead out port-tackle falls and
assist in tricing up the port, and, when high enough, belay the fall.

217. In the temporary absence of the first Captains, Loaders, or
Spongers, when at quarters on one side, their Seconds will take their
places and perform their respective duties.

When exercising by divisions, or single gun's crews, every station
should be filled; if necessary, taking men from the Master's or Powder
division to fill vacancies. The guns will be sufficiently exercised in
working with reduced crews at general quarters.

218. With a gun's crew of ten or more men, No. 7 will take the place
of No. 5, and No. 8 of No. 6, when Nos. 5 or 6 are absent
temporarily.

[Illustration: RUN-IN. {Diagram No. 2.} D. Van Nostrand Publisher.
Julius Bien, pr.]

[Illustration: SPONGE-LOAD {Diagram No. 2.} D. Van Nostrand Publisher.
Julius Bien, pr.]

III. "RUN IN!" (_preparatory_).

(Diagram No. 1.)

219. Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (and, if necessary, 5,
6), man the Train-tackle.

2d Captain ships and works Roller Handspike. Nos. 3, 4, overhaul or
tend the Side-tackles.

The gun having been run in, No. 12 chokes luff of Train-tackle,
assisted, if there is much motion, by No. 11.

Nos. 3, 4 place Truck-quoins in front of Trucks.

No. 6, with back square to gun, and facing over left shoulder to
Sponger, takes up the Sponge, head in-board, and stands ready to hand
it to 4.

No. 8, facing to the gun, and outside of 6, does the same with the
Rammer.

The rest of the men go to their stations.

IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"[7]

(Diagram No. 2.)

220. Gun Captain serves and then stops the Vent. No. 4 receives the
moist Sponge from 3, right hand over, left under, sends it home, and,
assisted by 3, presses it to bottom of bore; then, turning it round
two or three times, from left to right, in the direction which is
needed to have the worm take, withdraws it, and, when out, strikes the
staff several smart taps under the muzzle, then hands it back to 6,
who lays it on the deck or lodges it overhead on the hooks, if they
are provided. No. 10 examines and clears sponge-head and worm