ers and others from each gun when they are called
upon deck at quarters. Cutlasses should not be drawn nor bayonets
fixed until ordered, and, in moving from one part of the deck to
another, should be sheathed, to avoid accidents.

103. The use of fire-arms in the tops being dangerous, and only
admissible under very peculiar circumstances, they are never to be
used there without the express direction of the Captain.

CHAPTER III.

DUTIES AT QUARTERS, IN BATTLE OR EXERCISE.

CAPTAIN.

104. The CAPTAIN, when at general quarters, either for exercise or in
action, is to superintend and take the general direction of every
thing connected with the management of the ship and the service of her
armament.

105. He will from time to time carefully inspect the ship, in order,
before commencing a general exercise, to ascertain that all the
required and proper preparations have been made for battle. When time
and other circumstances will permit, he will always make this
inspection before going into action, and when prevented from making it
personally, he will direct it to be made by the Executive Officer.

106. When engaged with an enemy at so great a distance as to require
the guns to be elevated, he will, if practicable, cause the distance
to be ascertained by observation, and, when that cannot be done, will
estimate the distance, and from time to time send directions to the
Officers of gun divisions for what distances the sights of their guns
should be set, and the nature of the projectile, and, if a shell be
used, the time of the fuze (_See_ Article 326), and also the
cartridges to be used, whether for "distant," "ordinary," or "near"
firing.

107. He will determine and direct when two shot may be fired; when
"quick-firing" may be permitted; when small arms shall be distributed
and loaded; when Boarders shall be called up, and when they shall
assail an enemy. He will receive, through the Executive Officer, the
reports from all Officers commanding divisions.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

108. The EXECUTIVE OFFICER, under the direction of the Captain, and
with the aid of the Master, will work the ship when in action or at
general quarters. He will receive the reports of the officers of the
different divisions and others, and communicate them to the Captain of
the ship.

SIGNAL OFFICER.

109. The SIGNAL OFFICER is to see that every thing is prepared for
making and answering signals promptly, and will make all suc