Illustrated Treatise on the Maritime Kingdoms, Volume 1

Summary of Ocean Maps Volume 1

For our own fleet of Centipede ships wugong chuanoriginal: "蜈蚣船" — long, narrow rowing vessels with many oars, resembling a centipede, designed for speed and maneuverability in coastal waters., consider a scenario where a barbarian ship is oriented with its bow to the east and its stern to the west. If our ships take advantage of a west wind to attack the stern, those positioned on the left should point their bows toward the southeast, while those on the right should point toward the northeast. By everyone adopting this oblique posture, the cannon fire will directed solely at the barbarian ship and will not risk hitting our own vessels.

The success of this maneuver depends entirely on the strength and skill of the helmsmen in turning the rudder. Those who are skillful and swift shall be rewarded several times over. Furthermore, they shall receive a double share of the silver, clocks, broadcloth, and camlets niyuoriginal: "呢羽" — high-quality woolen textiles and fabrics that were primary British trade goods; these were highly valued prizes of war. captured from the barbarian ship. However, should they fail in their duty at the critical moment—failing to advance when they should, or failing to turn when required—the helmsman shall be beheaded and his head displayed to the public as a warning.

1. As soon as the enemy is within range of the heavy cannons, begin firing immediately. Once they are within reach of the muskets original: "niaoqiang" 鳥鎗 — literally "bird guns," the standard long-barreled firearms used by the Qing military., fire them in tandem with the cannons. When the distance closes enough for fire tubes and fire pots original: "pentong" 噴筒 and "huoguan" 火罐 — incendiary weapons designed to be thrown or sprayed onto an enemy's deck to ignite sails and timber. to reach, use them freely; the more, the better. One must ensure they are thrown onto the barbarian...