TACTICS

In a general sense, the evolutions, manoeuvres, and positions which constitute the main spring of military and naval fine e. The expre ion naval tactics is commonly understood to relate to the attack or defence of fleets or single ships; but as tactical manoeuvres are nece arily practised also in keeping any number of ships together, and in the communication of single Sftips, whether for hostile purposes or not, the subject, in fact, includes all considerations relative to the closing or separating of ve els at sea. We can of course here merely attempt to convey such general notions on the subject as may a ist the reader in the study of it. The subject of tactics, as applied in war, naturally divides itself into two parts; viz. disposing the fleet for closing with or avoiding the enemy while distant, and bringing on the engagement. The former alone of these [s. 1217]