by John Marshall

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ A gun, ascertained not to be loaded, is run in under the half deck, and the men taught the first principle of pointing, by being made to bring the sights and a fixed object directly in one, the target being stationary. The lever is then made to vibrate, which causes the object to pass and repass before a man’s eye, as he keeps the sights in one, so as to represent the effect of his ship when rolling ”