Improved Capstan and Windlass . 227 
having both fitted with rings, in the same way as the cap- 
stan already described. The proper place for the small 
horizontal barrel is forward, just before the windlass, 
and as much below its level as circumstances will admit $ 
it should be furnished with catch-palls as well as the 
windlass. 
Beside the advantages already stated, my proposed 
improvement to the capstan has others of considerable 
utility. Its construction is so very simple, that it is no 
more liable to derangement or injury than the capstan it- 
self. Its cost can be but small, and every part of it can. 
be made by a common ship carpenter, and be repaired 
by him at sea if damaged by shot. It will take up but 
little room, only that of a half barrel cask ; and it is of 
a nature so analogous to that kind of machinery, to 
which sailors are accustomed, that it can be readily un- 
derstood and managed by them. 
In order to render the description of my double cap* 
stan more clear, I annex a sketch of it, as fitted up in the 
manner proposed. I am, &c. 
J. Witley Boswell. 
liefer ence to the Engraving of Mr* BoswelVs improved 
Capstan , to prevent the necessity of surging . 
Plate 6, Fig 1 . 1 . 
A represents the larger or common capstan used on 
board ships. 
B another capstan of less dimensions, placed in a si- 
milar manner. 
C the coils of the messenger passing alternately round 
the large and small capstans, but with their direction re- 
versed on the different barrels, so that they may crags 
each other in the interval between them. 
DDDD projecting rings round each capstan or bar- 
