we are of opinion, that Captain Pechell’s plan of exercise, so as to resemble the roll of a ship by means of a spar in the muzzle of the gun, is excellent, by keeping a regular motion until the man aiming has the object exactly on; and with such accuracy were two shots fired by the captains of the guns from a 12-pounder on the after part of the quarter-deck, that a stave, the size of a spunge-head, fixed on a staff from the fore-rigging, was struck off both times. Captain Pechell has also great merit in having accomplished the depressing the guns and carronades, as much as the ports will admit, by means of chocks, described in this book. And also by ascertaining, with the greatest precision, the elevation and depression necessary; having the segment of a circle in front of the wheel with a plumb-line, each gun being previously laid by a spirit level, and having its scale of degrees.
“The sights fitted on the guns are as accurate as simple, and most convenient from being constructed so as to lay flat, and out of the way of the ropes when not actually in use. The disparting the carronades, as described in Captain Pechell’s plan (which is entirely his own) appears to be the only accurate method. Our zeal for the public service will, we are confident, sufficiently apologize for addressing you on this subject, and we have the honor to be, &c.
| “Signed by | E. J. Foote, Rear-Admiral of the White, | |
| W. T. Lake, Capt. H.M.S. Magnificent, | ||
| John Halliday, | Tigre, | |
| B. W. Page, | Puissant, | |
| G. Fowke | Price.” | |
“To Admiral Sir R. Bickerton, Bart., &c. &c. &c.”
On the 28th of the same month, Captain Pechell had the gratification of receiving a letter from Sir Richard Bickerton, worded as follows:
“Sir,– Having transmitted to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty a letter addressed to me by Rear-Admiral Foote, and the Captains Lake, Halliday, Page, and Fowke, reporting their favorable opinion of the method adopted by you in training the crew of the St. Domingo at the exercise of the great guns, by means of which the seamen appear to have attained a very unusual degree of proficiency and dexterity in firing at a mark, their Lordships have been pleased to direct mc to express to you their approbation of your attention to this important object, and have, at the same time, transmitted to me for your information copies of reports from the Ordnance, to whom your plan was referred relative thereto. I am, &c.
“Captain Pechell, St Domingo.”
