112

109
There are further reasons. If in rear of the line they must
be close to it so as to be near the enemy, and must get out of the
way when any flank movement is made. Also, as has been pointed out
the weak point in the mutual support of ships drawn up in line abreast or in re-entrant angle are the flanks of the line (the two
flanking ships); but when placed in rear of the ships the rams do
not contribute to the utmost to strngthen the flanks nor the or-
der in general.

There seems little doubt that when thus advancing with front
toward the enemy, the proper place for the rams is on both flanks,
nearly in prolongation of the line. The position causes the
least embarrassment to your own offense, offers fewest advantages
to the enemy, tends to the mutual support of your fleet, and gives
the rams fullest liberty of action.

There yet remains to consider the order and detailed position
of the three rams on a flank.

The best support for a ship threatened by the enemy's ram and
tied down to her place in line, comes, as has been said, from the
rear. On the other hand and in opposition to this consideration,
a ram advanced beyond the prolongation of the line is by so much
nearer the enemy; one of the objects that condition the station of
rams.
If there were but one ram available, the support of the flank
ship would override the other object and compel the ram to be
placed on the outer quarter of the ship; but with three it is pos-