In this manner their first division will be practically useless, and if it forces sail to tack upon us it will lose much time, and will put itself in danger of being isolated by the calm which generally befalls in this sort of action by reason of the great noise of the guns.

We may also leave a great gap in the centre of our fleet, provided the necessary precautions be taken to prevent our van being cut off.

By these means, however inferior we be in numbers, we may prevent the enemy leaving ships astern of us.

_Example_ .-- Everyone did not disapprove the manner in which Admiral Herbert disposed his fleet when he engaged the French in the action of Bevesier [_i.e._ Beachy Head] in the year 1690.

He had some ships fewer than ours, and he had determined to make his chief effort against our rear.