Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy is a fourth edition dated 1866. Part I relates to the preparation of vessels of war for battle, and to the duties of officers and others when at quarters. Part II covers the equipment and manœuvre of boats and exercise of boat howitzers, and Part III covers ordnance and ordnance stores.

One rule says that whenever the magazines or shell-rooms are opened, every precaution is to be taken to guard against accident by fire. The rules also say the tanks are never to be opened unless by special order, or when powder is actually required for service. A section headed Directions in Case of Fire says its only object is to notice some of the more prominent and common preparations which may be generally made, and the measures to be adopted in vessels on the alarm of fire. Shallow copper bowls, large enough to hold an ounce of powder and with a handle two feet long, are to be supplied to all vessels.