ase the intention of boarding should be discovered by the enemy,
and he collects his men to repel the attack, the marines and small-arm
men should take positions where they can best fire upon the men thus
collected; and, if possible, the spar-deck guns loaded with grape, and
howitzers loaded with canister, should be used for the same purpose
before the Boarders are ordered to make the attack.

So long as the contest is continued after boarding, the fire should be
kept up against the enemy from all the guns with as much vigor as the
number of men remaining at them will allow.

The guns should then be much depressed, in order that there may be
little or no danger to our own men. Much positive injury may be
inflicted on the enemy in this way, besides the advantages of
dividing his attention at such an important moment.

If it should be necessary to repel Boarders from the enemy, the
Boarders and Pikemen must be called, and at the order--

"PREPARE TO REPEL BOARDERS!"

(AT ANY SPECIFIED PART OF THE SHIP.)

339. The Pikemen should arrange themselves in rear of those armed with
swords, and in situations which will allow them to rest the points of
their pikes on the hammocks or rail, and cover that part of the ship
and the parts where the assault is expected. The marines, with their
muskets loaded and bayonets fixed, may be formed behind the Pikemen,
or at any other place from which their fire on an assailing enemy may
be most effective and least dangerous to our own men.

340. The moment an enemy commences his assault, the order--

"REPEL BOARDERS!"

Should be given, and every effort made to prevent his gaining or
retaining any foothold in the ship.

It will, of course, be important to bring grape and musketry to bear
at once upon the enemy's men when they are assembled for boarding, if
they should be discovered in time.

The men left at the guns must be watchful that the enemy does not gain
an entrance through ports or quarter-galleries.

341. In case the enemy should effect a landing on the decks, the pikes
may, from their length and the press of the contending parties, become
less efficient than the swords. Whenever this occurs, the sword must
be brought into full use, as the most efficient weapon for attack or
defence at such close quarters.

342. The howitzers, mounted on the field-carriage and charged with
canister, should be ready for use in case of the enemy's getting a
footing on the spar-deck.