Nelson And the Twentieth Century

r nearly a hundred years after Nelson's death comparative stagnation reigned in the department of the Director of Naval Ordnance. When the present Board of Admiralty came into office they found themselves confronted with the cumulative conservatism of a century. Our defects in gunnery have been well known to progressive naval officers throughout the century, if not to Members of Parliament and the Press. It is desirable to set forth the actual condition of gunnery in Nelson's day. This purpose is best accomplished by citationfrom a rare work: " The Practical Sea- Gunner's Companion," by William Moun- taine, F.R.S., London, 1781. The preface is as follows:? " It is not possible (in the nature of things) for any one Kingdom to continue long in a state of peace and tranquility; and even during the time of (what we call) peace, there is a necessity for military or naval dispositions, or both, in order to bear some sway and prevent surprise. " That maritime Power which excels in ships of force and number bids the fairest to preserve that sway; but the hearts of the sailors, and sound judgment of the officers, will effectually render those formidable. " Among the several offices, that of a gunner is not of the least importance, for in time of action, the materials out of order, the artillery ill managed, or not well served and directed, will render all other previous means ineffectual. " For the preservation, then, of public safety (in every respective... --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.