Chapter XXXIII: Appendix: C.--No. I

REPORT OF AN INSPECTION

_Of the U.S.-----------, -------------- Commanding,

made by -----------, this -------- day of ---------, 186-,

at --------------------._

ARMAMENT.

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[These inspections are required to be made of each vessel--when first commissioned and before proceeding to sea, chiefly with reference to the completeness of her equipment and the proper stationing of her crew; semi-annually during the cruise; and at the end of it, before being paid off. As a general rule, the first and last inspections are _not_ to take place alongside of the Navy Yard, but in the stream.]

1. What time has the vessel been in commission, and what
opportunities has she had for exercise and target practice?

2. Date of last inspection?

3. Date of last target practice?

4. Hours. Minutes.
{ _Gun Divisions._
Times { 1st, commanded by
in which { 2nd, " "
each { 3rd, " "
division { 4th, " "
reported { 5th, etc. " "
ready { Master's " "
for { Powder " "
action. { Engineer " "
{ Marine " "

5. Were _all_ the divisions properly prepared? If not, state what
divisions were found defective, in what particulars, and from
what causes. Include in the answer to this question the
condition of _division-boxes, spare implements, and equipments_,
and their readiness for use.

6. Are the men well skilled in the exercise of the great guns,
including working both sides at once, and in pointing and firing?

7. Time required to dismount, shift carriage, remount, load, and run
out any broadside-gun selected by the Inspecting Officer. State
its position and weight.

8. Time required to transport a gun from one side to the other, and
back, giving numbers of ports and weight of gun.

9. Time required to shift breechings, trucks, and tackles.

10. Have the prescribed arrangements been correctly made for
supplying the batteries with powder and projectiles; are the men
properly stationed for these purposes, and are they expert in the
performance of these duties? Is the supply ample, and without
confusion of charges?

11. Condition of magazines, shell-rooms, shot-lockers, and lighting
apparatus.

12. Are the men well trained in securing masts and spars, stoppering
rigging, and repairing injuries to the steering apparatus, and in
getting springs on the cables? State the time required to perform
_efficiently_ the most important of these operations; for
instance:

Bowsprit shot away, to secure foremast;
Port main rigging and main stays disabled, to secure mainmast;
To fish a lower mast and yard;
Steering apparatus disabled, what means of repairs or substitutes
prepared.

13. Are the prescribed arrangements for stopping shot-holes
complete, and the men well trained to that duty?

14. Are the arrangements for boarding and repelling boarders
efficient? Note the time required to assemble each division
properly armed. Are the boarders and others well trained in the
use of the single-stick or broadsword?

15. Is the _whole crew_ well trained in the use of small-arms, and
in company and battalion drill? If not, state the reasons
assigned. State also the condition of the armory, small-arms, and
their ammunition.

16. What is the state of the equipment and preparation of boats for
armed service? If defective, in what particulars and for what
assigned reasons?

17. Times from the call "ARM AND AWAY" to the shoving off of each
boat. Time to form a line abreast. Time required for other
evolutions. Time required to land small-arm men, from the signal
or order given when near the shore. Time to land howitzers,
specifying their weights. Time to embark them; to shift from bow
to stern. Time to load properly and fire safely three rounds. Are
the crews expert in these points?

18. Are the arrangements and apparatus for extinguishing fire
efficient? If not, state deficiencies and their causes. Times
required to get the several streams of water to the designated
point; time required for complete readiness.

19. Have the "ORDNANCE INSTRUCTIONS" been fully complied with in
this ship? State exceptions and reasons assigned, if any.

20. General condition of the vessel in point of armament, carriages,
and other ordnance equipments, and of the crew as to efficiency
for action, stating particular exceptions, if any, and what
remedies have been suggested or applied.

* * * * *

GENERAL ORDER.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, _April_ 5, 1861.

Flag Officers are required to hold the semi-annual inspection of each vessel under their command, according to the foregoing form given in Appendix C, No. 1, ORDNANCE INSTRUCTIONS.

Commanding Officers of vessels acting singly will hold the same general inspection, and in either case, the reports will be forwarded to the Bureau of Ordnance by the first favorable opportunity after the inspection has taken place.

GIDEON WELLES,
_Secretary of the Navy._