BOARDING a ship, is entering an enemy's ship in a fight.
In boarding a ship, it is best to bear up directly with him, and to cause all your ports to leeward to be beat open; then bring as many guns from your weather side as you have ports for; and laying the enemy's ship, on board, loof for loof, order your tops and yards to be manned and furnished with necessaries; and let all your small shot be in a readiness; then charge at once with both small and great, and at the same time enter your men under cover of the smoke, either on the bow of your enemy's ship, or bring your midship close up with her quarter, and so enter your men by the shrouds: or if you would use your ordnance, it is best to board your enemy's ship athwart her hawse; for in that case you may use most of your great guns, and she only those of her prow. Let some of your men endeavour to cut down the enemy's yards and tackle, whilst others clear the decks, and beat the enemy from aloft. Then let the scuttles and hatches be broke open with all possible speed to avoid trains, and the danger of being blown up by barrels of powder placed under the decks.