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ing at close quarters. I should fear for it a loss of speed in
fresh wind and sea from insufficient bulk. A combination of larg-
er and smaller rams might [underlined] offer equal advantages with increase of
economy.
(The English "Hecla" - Torpedo depot ship, carries 6 or 8
torpedo boats, in cranes, somewhat similar in manner to the way a
Whaler carried her boats. Attached to a fleet the "Hecla" could
drop these swift torpedo boats (steam up) as needed. S.B.L.)
I labor here under the grave disadvantage of not being ac-
quainted with the details of the methods by which torpedo boats
are to be got into the water, nor of knowing what success has at-
tended the practical working of these methods at sea. It seems to
me however, that it should not be at all impracticable, nor even
very hard, to put these boats into the water in any weather in
which they can be usefully handled. I should feel however, very
doubtful about getting them out or down successfully in the heat
of action, and very particularly doubtful of getting them out
quickly enough to seize one of the flitting chances of battle.
With favorable weather it seems to me the little brood of tor-
pedo boats must be got out as one of the preparations for action,
and it may be remembered[strike out] remarked in passing that the care of them
after action may very well hamper a fleet and prevent a victory
from being followed up. While the battle rages, the small fry may
be left to sink or swim as best they can; but when victory has de-