Here is how towing was done in the old days.(almost the same as today)This info is from Historic Naval Ship Association(HNSA). Below it talks about ship A towing ship B in which both are tall ships. There would be a strain on both ships and a great cost to manuverability and speed, with only a few crew to help steer the towed vessle. (there are different rules for towing a ship into port.
http://www.hnsa.org/doc/luce/part10.htm
TAKING IN TOW AT SEA.
(a) There is a fresh breeze blowing, and A is wholly disabled, or nearly so. B steams along the weather side and throws a heaving line, if prudent, then puts helm hard a starboard, and stops when she can maintain her position on the bow of A, for some little time. If it be desirable to send a boat with a heaving line she is in a good position for doing so.
(b) It is blowing a moderate gale. A is totally disabled, and in the trough of the sea. B dare not lower a boat, but slings a water-tight empty cask to the end of the deep sea lead line. She steams up on A's weather quarter at a safe distance, veering or hauling in line to bring the cask alongside of A. B then puts his helm hard a starboard, and holds his position till the towline is fast on board of A.
(c) There is a heavy sea, and A is under control. B steams ahead at a safe distance, head to wind. A barrel, full of holes, is slung, and the rope paid out until alongside of A. The barrel being full of holes will sink to the water's edge and will not be affected by the wind. A cork fender and grate bar may be used instead of the barrel.
(d) Calm and smooth sea. A is disabled. B steams along her port side and throws a heaving line, puts helm hard a starboard, stops and hauls hawser on board.
(e) In a seaway. A has rudder disabled, but motive power is good. B wishes to help her into port. B takes hawsers from A's quarters. A tows
and B steers. By this disposition, both steamers being large full powered vessels, B can steam at least at half speed, thus relieving A of that much work. If A were being towed, she would take rank sheers at short intervals, obliging B to slow or stop to prevent parting towlines.