Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p2.djvu/510

 , as if the gun would recoil, has the power of stopping the motion of the lever as quick as the action of a great gun lock, and, consequently, fixing the object where it happens to be when he pulls the trigger line; he is then to look along the sights on the gun, and see if he has fixed the object in a direct line with them; if he has, he has fired a good shot; if not, it is presumed he would not have hit his mark if actually firing. The lever is made to move laterally, so as to represent an object to fire at opening from forward or aft. When it is wished to increase the difficulty of hitting the mark, the lateral and vertical motion can be given at the same time, to shew the effect of the combined pitching and rolling motion. This inboard exercise is calculated to teach men to fire a good shot, by quickening their eye; and to be a sure and easy test of a man’s abilities as a marksman. It can be carried on without interrupting the ordinary duties of a ship at sea or in harbour; and, though it is (save the explosion) the same as firing, it is not intended to curtail the expenditure of powder and shot, but to prevent any from being thrown away. As the crew of one gun only is thus exercised at a time, the important part of working the guns can be attended to in another part of the ship. The utility of this Lever Target, as it is now called, is obvious, when an officer wishes to ascertain, in a newly commissioned ship, what men are fittest to be selected as first and second captains of guns, as a man will shew what manner of man he is in one exercise. It is equally adapted to all classes of vessels, and can be fixed upright on deck, or hung to a beam. It is sufficiently portable, as it stows away in a box the size of a grape shot-box. In order that its effect on a ship’s company may be exemplified, its inventor has suggested a plan for a floating target, being merely an old hammock, stretched and painted, in a light iron frame, to stand up in the water at right angles, on a spar frame, moored by grapnels abreast of the ship. The intention is to present a conspicuous object, that may be repeatedly struck, and to prevent the expenditure of casks, which are often destroyed by the first shot that strikes them.”





services are recorded in Vol. IV. Part I., was promoted to the rank of captain May 31st, 1832.

