_Attacking a Vessel at Anchor by Crossing her Bow._--In this case the torpedo is sufficiently diverged when near to the vessel with a good scope of tow rope out. After having crossed her bow, proceeding onwards, the tow rope will be brought obliquely across her cable, and the torpedo will swing into her, as shown at Fig. 111. It may be here remarked, that in all cases the depth of the explosion can be obtained by the sudden slacking of the tow rope; and the tow rope once under the keel, causes the torpedo to be hauled down near to it before exploding.
_Attacking a Vessel at Anchor by coming up from Astern on either Side._--In this case the torpedo is launched when on the quarter of the vessel attacked, as at _A_, the tow rope left slack. After steaming ahead some distance, hold fast the tow rope, when, by continuing to steam on, the torpedo will diverge into contact with the bottom of the vessel attacked, as shown at Fig. 112. _When skilfully performed_, the total destruction of the enemy is certain, since the torpedo is springing from a depth to the surface, and will, in consequence, strike near her keel. The torpedo vessel can pass at her greatest speed, and, if thought necessary, near enough to clear away any of the ordinary obstructions, such as booms, nets, &c.
_Passing Down between Two Lines of Vessels at Anchor._--In this case it would be impossible to fire at the torpedo vessel, for fear of injury to their friends. Two or more torpedo vessels following each other with preconcerted signals would cause great destruction. See Fig. 113.
_Attacking a Vessel in Motion from Right Ahead._--In this case two torpedoes are launched, port and starboard, each diverging to its full extent; when passing the vessel attacked, one or the other of the tow ropes is brought across the cut-water, and by the simultaneous motion of the two vessels in opposite directions, the torpedo is brought alongside of or under the bottom of the vessel attacked, as shown at Fig. 114. The torpedo vessel should keep the masts of her enemy in one until close to, when either torpedo will be used, according to the movement of the enemy. At the time of the tow rope taking the cut-water, the brake is suddenly eased up; the tow rope will then pass under the bottom, when by checking the tow rope the torpedo will be hauled under the bottom.