$56 Observations on the Circular Sterns of Ships. 
culty of preventing men from wooding their guns in training 
them. 44 In the retreat of Admiral Cornwallis before the French 
fleet, they had no means but of firing right aft.” In this case, 
of course, the after-guns of the broadside were put out of the 
stern-post ; and with the round stern more could not have been 
done ; for had the guns been brought from forward, the trim of 
the vessels would have been spoilt, and capture would have been 
the inevitable consequence. u Sir Robert ” observes, 4 4 they 
were mutilated to such a degree, to enable them to apply their 
guns, that a refit of no small extent was necessary.” This, I 
fear, would partially take place now ; as of course the iron rail- 
ings of the stern- walks must be removed ; and there is a pro- 
bability of fire lodging there, as well as the great danger of the 
ship’s catching fire, if the gun that is intended to go through 
the quarter-gallery port, were not run out to its full extent, 
which, in the heat of action, is very liable to be the case, 
44 In the event of future wars,” observes Sir Robert, 44 an al- 
teration in the form of the stern of ships of war, would in all 
probability be absolutely necessary, by which the guns may be 
worked with greater effect and facility, in consequence of the 
introduction of steam-vessels ; and that America is firmly con- 
vinced that a system of attack, by this description of vessels, 
is not only practicable, but that it will also be destructive in its 
operations, is not to be doubted. Indeed,” continues Sir Ro- 
bert, 44 I have been told, from good authority, that they have 
lately well manned one of their frigates, given the command of 
her to a good officer, and directed an experiment to be tried, if 
a vessel propelled by steam could not, under any circumstances, 
lay on the quarter of the ship she attacked, and the result was 
completely in favour of the steam-vessel. If we enquire into 
the cause of this failure, we shall undoubtedly find, that the 
frigate was incapable of defending her quarter, owing to the 
square form of her stern,— a circumstance which could not have 
taken place, had she possessed one of a circular form.” This 
appears weighty, but I fear it is not so ; for if the steam-vessel 
could, under any circumstances, lay on the quarter of the ship she 
attacked, she could, with equal ease, take up a position on the 
bow ; and no sooner would her enemies’ guns be transported from 
forward to aft, than she would take up a fresh position. If it 
