Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p2.djvu/517

 either docking a ship, heaving her down, or even returning into port, which must be the case when the broken pintles are hard jammed in.

“V. A towing strap (with a pendant attached to it) on the head of the rudder, we consider preferable to the rudder pendants and chains, from the facility it affords in veering the rudder clear of the stem, and getting it alongside for hoisting in.

“VI. Two straps round the rudder-head (used as slew ropes), to which straps the relieving tackles are hooked; and by this simple plan, two men to each moved the rudder with perfect ease from side to side, answering all the purposes of the horns, chains, and pendants, which may be discontinued, and thereby a considerable expence saved.

The following are selected from a great number of similar testimonials, communicated by individuals of known ability and long experience in their profession:–

“London, 2d August, 1830.

“I hereby certify that the barque ‘John Pink,’ under my command, has made a voyage from London to Jamaica and back, with a rudder fitted on the plan of Captain Lihou. I further certify, that it has answered in all respects, during every variety of weather, to my entire satisfaction; and that, besides the facility of rehanging it in case of damage, the rudder moves with much greater ease than rudders on the old plan, to which I consider it far superior.

(Signed)“, Master.”

“H.M.R.C. Stork, Leith Roads, Aug. 30, 1830.

“Sir,– It gives me much satisfaction to state, that the rudder on your plan, fitted to the Stork revenue cutter, under my command, works well and easy; and I have no hesitation whatever in saying that it answers every expectation. I am. Sir, &c.

(Signed)“, Lieut, and Comm$r$.”

“To Commander Lihou, R.N.”

“London, Sept. 9, 1830.

“I hereby certify, that the ship Chieftain, under my command, has made a voyage to the West Indies and back to London, with a rudder fitted on Captain Lihou’s plan; and I consider it but simple justice to state, that during an experience of thirty-three years, commanding vessels out of this port, I have never before met with an invention so important to shipping. A child of six years old can steer my ship on the present plan; and in the event of the rudder being knocked off, and the pintles broken, I have the means of repairing them, and re-hanging it at