| | | H | L |
| | EQUIPMENT. +----+----+----+----+
| A | | I | J | M | N |
+---+-------------------------------+----+----+----+----+
|24 | Ammunition { Gun 16 | . | . | 32 | 16 |
| | Waggons { Howitzer 8 | . | . | 16 | 8 |
| 1 | Store Limber Waggon | . | . | 2 | 1 |
| 1 | Forge | . | . | 2 | 1 |
| 1 | Store Cart | . | . | . | 1 |
| 1 | Medicine Cart | . | . | . | 1 |
| 2 | Light Forage Waggons | . | . | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Water Carts | . | . | . | 3 |
| 2 | { Spare Gun Carriages—1 } | . | . | 4 | 2 |
| | { Gun and 1 Howitzer } | | | | |
| . | For { Staff-Serjeants and } | . | 10 | . | . |
| | { Mounted Non-Com. } | | | | |
| | { Officers } | | | | |
| | { Trumpeters | . | 2 | . | . |
| | { Farrier | . | 1 | . | . |
| | { Shoeing-smiths | . | 2 | . | . |
| . | { Spare Men, Officers’ } | . | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| | { Servants and Bâtmen, } | | | | |
| | { &c., and Spare Horses } | | | | |
| . | Officers’ Horses | 6 | . | . | . |
| . | Bât Horses | . | . | . | . |
+---+ +----+----+----+----+
|35 | Total Carriages. Total | 6 | 16 | 60 | 36 |
+---+-------------------------------+----+----+----+----+
+-------------------------------------------------+
| { Captain 1 |
| Officers. { Second Captain 1 |
| { Lieutenants 3 |
| { Assist.-Surgeon 1 |
| |
| { Staff-Serjeants 2 |
| { Serjeants 6 |
| Non-Commissioned { Corporals 5 |
| Officers and { Bombardiers 7 |
| Men. { Gunners } 186 |
| { Drivers } |
| { Trumpeters 2 |
| |
| { Farrier 1 |
| Artificers. { Shoeing-smiths 7 |
| { Collar-makers 3 |
| { Wheelers 4 |
| --- |
| Total 229 |
+-------------------------------------------------+
DETAIL OF A SMALL ARM AMMUNITION RESERVE FOR ACTIVE SERVICE, TO BE
ATTACHED TO THE RESERVE ARTILLERY WITH THE ARMY IN THE EAST.
Key:
A = Number of Carriages.
C = Gunners.
D = Drivers.
E = Riding.
F = Draught.
G = Total.
H = Sets of Appointments.
I = Officers.
J = N. C. Officers.
L = Harness Sets Double.
M = Lead.
N = Wheel.
+---+-------------------------------+--------------+--------------+
| | | Men. | Horses. |
| | EQUIPMENT. +----+----+----+----+----+----+
| A | | C and D | G | E | F | G |
+---+-------------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+
|36 | Small Arm Ammunition Waggons | 36 |108 |144 | . |216 |216 |
| 1 | Store Limber Waggon | . | 3 | 3 | . | 6 | 6 |
| 1 | Forge | . | 3 | 3 | . | 6 | 6 |
| 1 | Store Cart | . | 1 | 1 | . | 2 | 2 |
| 1 | Medicine Cart | . | 1 | 1 | . | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | Light Forage Waggons | . | 4 | 4 | . | 8 | 8 |
| 3 | Water Carts | . | 3 | 3 | . | 6 | 6 |
| . | For { Staff-Serjeants and } | . | . | . | 10 | . | 10 |
| | { mounted Non-Com. } | | | | | | |
| | { Officers } | | | | | | |
| | { Trumpeters | . | . | . | 2 | . | 2 |
| | { Farrier | . | . | . | 1 | . | 1 |
| | { Shoeing-smith | . | . | . | 1 | . | 1 |
| . | { Spare Men, Officers’ } | 30 | 31 | 61 | 4 | 20 | 24 |
| | { Servants and Bâtmen, } | | | | | | |
| | { &c., and Spare Horses } | | | | | | |
| . | Officers’ Horses | . | . | . | 6 | . | 6 |
| . | Bât Horses | . | . | . | . | 6 | 6 |
+---+ +----+----+----+----+----+----+
|45 | Total Carriages. Total | 66 |154 |220 | 24 |272 |296 |
+---+-------------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+
+---+-------------------------------+---------+---------+
| | | H | L |
| | EQUIPMENT. +----+----+----+----+
| A | | I | J | M | N |
+---+-------------------------------+----+----+----+----+
|36 | Small Arm Ammunition Waggons | . | . | 72 | 36 |
| 1 | Store Limber Waggon | . | . | 2 | 1 |
| 1 | Forge | . | . | 2 | 1 |
| 1 | Store Cart | . | . | . | 1 |
| 1 | Medicine Cart | . | . | . | 1 |
| 2 | Light Forage Waggons | . | . | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Water Carts | . | . | . | 3 |
| . | For { Staff-Serjeants and } | . | 10 | . | . |
| | { mounted Non-Com. } | | | | |
| | { Officers } | | | | |
| | { Trumpeters | . | 2 | . | . |
| | { Farrier | . | 1 | . | . |
| | { Shoeing-smith | . | 1 | . | . |
| . | { Spare Men, Officers’ } | . | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| | { Servants and Bâtmen, } | | | | |
| | { &c., and Spare Horses } | | | | |
| . | Officers’ Horses | 6 | . | . | . |
| . | Bât Horses | . | . | . | . |
+---+ +----+----+----+----+
|45 | Total Carriages. Total | 6 | 16 | 82 | 47 |
+---+-------------------------------+----+----+----+----+
+-------------------------------------------------+
| { Captain 1 |
| Officers. { Second Captain 1 |
| { Lieutenants 3 |
| { Assist.-Surgeon 1 |
| |
| { Staff-Serjeants 2 |
| { Serjeants 6 |
| Non-Commissioned { Corporals 5 |
| Officers and { Bombardiers 7 |
| Men. { Gunners } 220 |
| { Drivers } |
| { Trumpeters 2 |
| |
| { Farrier 1 |
| Artificers. { Shoeing-smiths 7 |
| { Collar-makers 3 |
| { Wheelers 2 |
| --- |
| Total 261 |
+-------------------------------------------------+
ON THE INTERIOR MANAGEMENT OF A BATTERY.
1. The greatest care should be paid to the fittings of the saddles
and collars; extensive sore backs and galled shoulders arise chiefly
from neglect on the march: and by prompt attention on the part of
the officers, many horses may be preserved to the service, which
would otherwise be disabled for months. The drivers should never
be suffered to lounge in their saddles, or to sit uneven. A folded
blanket under the saddle is found to be the best preventive of sore
backs, as it adapts the shape of the saddle to any loss of flesh in
the animal.
On long marches, the shaft horse should invariably be provided with
a half blanket under the pad saddle; every driver should also have
attached to his harness a pair of pads of basil leather, about six
inches by four, stuffed with hair; and the moment any tenderness is
perceived in a horse’s shoulder, the pressure should be relieved by
placing the pads above and below the tender part.
2. On a march, there will always be an advanced and rear guard;
the advanced guard of one day becoming the rear guard of the next.
On arriving on the ground where the battery is to be parked, the
advanced guard will immediately pitch their tent, and post sentinels.
When the battery quits its ground, the non-commissioned officer of
the guard is responsible that nothing be left behind.
3. When a battery is to march, the camp kettles, and everything
that will not be required before morning, should be lashed on the
carriages at sunset.
4. In parking guns, the usual interval is ten or twelve paces; but
on a march, that everything may be better under the eye of the
sentinels, the intervals may be diminished to three or four paces.
The guns are to be in the first line, covered by their respective
waggons; the spare ammunition and store carriages in the third line.
The tents of the detachment are sometimes on the flanks of the
battery, and sometimes in rear of their respective sub-divisions:
the officers in rear of the battery. The horses are sometimes
picketed in rear of the whole, and parallel to the line of guns,
and sometimes perpendicular to this line, and on the flanks between
the detachments, tents, and the carriages; but in general, the form
of encamping will depend on the nature of the ground and local
circumstances. In every situation the approach to the park, and the
road by which the guns are brought out, should be kept clear and open.
5. If the battery is parked in hot weather, the naves of the wheels
must be defended as much as possible from the effect of the sun, by
sods or other covering.
6. When a battery arrives in camp, quarters, or cantonments, each
non-commissioned officer will immediately examine every part of the
carriages of his sub-division, especially the wheels, to the greasing
of which he will attend. Any damages, to be repaired without delay,
he will report to the officer of his division, who will report to the
commander of the battery.
7. When a battery is in stationary quarters, there must be a weekly
inspection of every part of the battery, and a parade in marching
order, when circumstances will permit; at which parade, every part of
the harness and appointments of gunners and drivers is expected to be
in the best order. Particular attention should be paid to the state
of the ammunition, which should be frequently aired; and no fresh
ammunition should ever be received without being gauged to the guns.
8. The drivers must immediately report any loss or breakage of their
harness; and, on the instant, make known to the non-commissioned
officer of the sub-division, any gall or other hurt which may have
happened to the horses committed to their charge: any neglect on
this point must be punished. Airing and beating with a knotted rope
the stuffing of the collars and saddles is an important part of the
driver’s duty, which should never be omitted on continued marches.
In camp, greasy heels are the most common disability which horses
labour under; and as they proceed from cold, occasioning humours to
settle, the best preventive is hand-rubbing and exercise, to keep up
a circulation.
9. Unless for some particular purpose, the elevating screws should
never be raised higher than the half of their length; on a march,
they should be covered with a piece of canvas, or an old flannel
cartridge, which will prevent their being clogged with dirt; and the
travelling chain should be always applied. The pintail, and the trail
plate eye, should be greased previous to marching.
10. After a field day, or an action, the bores of the guns should be
washed, and then laid under metal.
11. If a wheel be so disabled as not to be worth repairing, the nave,
if not damaged, should be at any rate saved. If the nave be good,
a new wheel can easily be made from materials perhaps found on the
spot, but it is very difficult to find a nave.
12. In marching in ordinary circumstances, the officer next for duty
will always proceed in advance, to take up quarters, and to choose
ground for parking, or encamping on; and the officer on duty for the
day will always march in, and bring up the rear.
13. When a battery is to march, and “_Boot and saddle_” has been
sounded, the officer of the day, the non-commissioned officers,
drivers, and horses will turn out, and immediately proceed to the
park and put-to; if encamped, tents to be struck, and lashed to the
carriages. At the sound “_Turn out_,” the whole of the officers,
non-commissioned officers, and gunners, repair to the park; and
when the usual inspections have been made, and the regular reports
delivered to the commander, the battery will be marched off.
14. Feeding will always take place three times a day at the park,
under the inspection of the officer of the day; when the nose-bags
have been filled by the non-commissioned officer in charge of the
forage, the trumpeter is to sound “_Feed_,” the nose-bags are put
on, and the drivers fall in, in front; after the feed, the nose-bags
are rolled up and buckled on.
15. A non-commissioned officer is to have charge of and serve out the
corn and forage, which for security will be deposited at the park
guard; but on a march, when the corn is carried on the ammunition
waggons, no more corn should be taken off the carriages than is
likely to be wanted.
16. Buckets are provided for watering the horses on a march; by this
means they can be watered from wells or places inaccessible to the
animals, or at least to more than one or two of them at a time: but
the operation is a long one. If on a march a small river or stream
of water is to be forded, this opportunity of watering them, or at
any rate of giving them a mouthful of water in crossing it, should
be seized: it saves much time. Should the stream, however, be very
rapid, or deep, or should there be troops immediately in the rear, no
halt should be made in fording it.
17. The _Serjeant-major_ is to superintend all parades and drills,
under the inspection of the officer on duty. The _Quartermaster
serjeant_ is to draw provisions and forage; he is to make out
returns, and have charge of the spare stores.
18. The _Trumpeter_ is always to be quartered in the nearest
billet to the commanding officer; and the men and horses of each
sub-division and division to be as near together as possible. A
gunner from each sub-division, or a gunner of the guard, is to be
made acquainted with the quarters of the commander of the battery,
that in any emergency there may be no delay in finding him out: the
same applies to the officers of divisions as far as their divisions
are concerned.
19. The _Farrier_ is to report every evening to the commanding
officer the state of the sick animals; and on the ——, (the particular
days to be mentioned) a return, in writing, of the number of horse
(and mule, if any) shoes, and quantity of horse medicines expended.
20. The senior _Collar-maker_, the _Jobbing-smith_, and the
_Wheeler_, to make similar reports of the stores expended in
their several departments: these reports to be delivered to the
serjeant-major, to be laid by him before the commander of the battery.
21. The _Artificers_ are to work as near as possible to the park
guard, the non-commissioned officer of which is responsible that no
work is done, or horse shod, except for the battery, without written
permission from the commander.
22. The _Forge_, when employed, should be removed to a proper
distance from the park. It should, at night, be brought back to its
place, and everything arranged on it, so that, should the battery be
suddenly ordered to march, there may be no delay.
LASSO.
_Lasso harness_ consists of a brown leather surcingle, and one trace.
The surcingle is rather wider than a common girth, and is composed
of two pieces (joined together by rings), one of which is placed over
the saddle, and the other round the belly of the horse. There are
also rings at the end of the surcingle, which is drawn very firmly
round the horse, and fastened tight by lapping a white leather thong
(fixed at one end of the surcingle) through these rings. There are
two descriptions of traces, one being 8, and the other 12 feet long.
They have hooks at each end, and, when the lasso harness is made use
of by cavalry, &c., to assist draught horses in moving very heavy
carriages, or in dragging guns, &c., up steep hills, one of these
hooks is fastened to a ring in the surcingle, and the other to the
carriage, &c.
Lasso harness may be advantageously employed with all horses; even
those unaccustomed to draught having been found perfectly tractable
and efficient the first time they were required to draw by means of
the lasso. When two horses are in draught, the traces must be inside,
and each rider should keep his horse’s croup a little outwards.
EMBARKING, AND DISEMBARKING.
The following directions will be found applicable to nearly all the
cases likely to occur: such as embarking, or disembarking from a
beach; from a wharf; with, or without boats; in presence of an enemy,
&c., &c.
_Sec. 39.[17] Embarking Guns, and Carriages._
_Preparations._
1. On the arrival of the battery at the place of embarkation, it
is to be drawn up in as compact order as is consistent with the
performance of the operations required. The horses are to be taken
out; the harness taken off and packed in vats, and the stores in
cases. When there are no vats and cases, the stores must be secured
to the carriages or tied together: the intrenching tools may remain
with the carriages. The non-commissioned officers in charge of
sub-divisions will attach to their harness and stores, pieces of
basil having the number of their sub-divisions written upon them. The
harness for each carriage should be embarked with it.
2. The gun detachments will prepare the carriages for embarkation.
They will take off the side arms and secure them together, take out
the elevating screws, unkey the cap-squares, unlash the ammunition
boxes, and coil up the lashing ropes. Each carriage, when called
for, is to be run forward to the boat or crane; the gun is to be
unlimbered and dismounted; the ammunition boxes, shafts, wheels, &c.,
to be taken off; the washers and linch-pins must be carefully put
away in the slow match box, and in the small box between the limber
boxes. Every article must be stowed away with the greatest care, and
arranged so as to be got at without delay.
3. Those articles which will be the last required when disembarking
are the first to be embarked. The divisions, and everything belonging
to them, should be kept together as much as possible. The first
to be embarked are the spare carriages and forge, which are to be
stowed forward, the left division next to them, and before the
main hatchway; the centre abaft the hatchway; the right under the
hatchway. The whole of the guns are put together, generally in the
bottom of the hold, vents turned downwards, and a fid in them, to
prevent their being choked.
4. When a battery is embarked in different vessels, every part
should be complete, and a proportion of general stores be on board
of each. If the voyage is likely to last some days, the cartouches
with the ammunition must be taken out of the boxes, and stowed in the
magazine. The ammunition must be so placed that whatever part belongs
to any particular carriage may be got at without difficulty. When
the cartouches are not taken out, the boxes must be stowed well aft
in the hold, or between decks, and they should be well covered with
wadmilltilts, or hair cloths.
5. In embarking from a beach, it may be necessary to erect small
sheers, made of a couple of topgallant masts, previously prepared
for the purpose. In embarking from a wharf, if there are cranes,
they should be made use of. If boats are employed, the loads must be
regulated by the state of the weather, and distance of the vessels.
_Embarking the horses._
6. When the vessels can come alongside a wharf, the horses are
hoisted in by means of tackle. The slings, made of canvas, should
be minutely inspected, to see that they are secure. There must be a
double guy made fast to the horse’s head, one end on shore, the other
on board, to keep his head steady. A shoeing-smith should be in each
ship, to receive the horses.
7. A horse requires at least four men besides the driver to sling
him, one on each side, one at his breast, and one behind. One end of
the sling is passed under his belly, and both ends made to meet over
his back; one man passes his loop through the other, it is received
by the man on the other side, who hauls it through, hooking the
tackle to it, both men holding up the ends of the sling. The men at
the breast and behind bring their ropes round, and make them fast to
the grummets. The driver holds the horse’s head, and makes fast the
guys to it. The horse being previously blindfolded, the word “HOIST
AWAY” is given, and he is hoisted on board. The sling is then taken
off, and he is led to his place; the first horses being always placed
forward or aft, as the ship fills; the stalls nearest the hatchway
being reserved for the horses which are to be first landed.
8. The horses are to be embarked in the same order as the carriages,
taking care that the officers’ and non-commissioned officers’ horses
are on board with the divisions to which they belong. The farriers
and shoeing-smiths should be distributed in different ships.
9. When horses are embarked in boats; sheers, or a derrick, are
necessary. The head of the derrick must incline inwards when the
horse is rising, but when he is high enough the head of the derrick
or sheers must be forced out, to bring the horse over the boat. This
applies to a beach, or wharf. Sand or straw should be put in the
boats, to prevent the horses slipping. They should stand athwart, the
head of one horse being on the starboard, and the head of the next on
the larboard side. The drivers sit on the gunwale, or stand between
the horses.
10. When horses are embarked from an open beach without any
appliances, they are to be led to the boat, and the halter given to
one of the men in it. The horse must then be made to walk or leap
into it, the gunwale of the boat being inclined towards the shore.
A quiet horse should first be embarked, and the others will more
readily follow.
11. In embarking in presence of an enemy, the horses and carriages,
should first be embarked, the guns being retained to the last, to
repel any attack. If the position be a mile or two from the place of
embarkation, it may be necessary to retain a portion of the horses.
APPLICATION OF FIELD ARTILLERY.[18]
_General remarks._
1. In a defensive position, the guns of the largest calibre should be
posted on the weakest points of the line, and on those from whence
the enemy can be discovered at the greatest distance. Those heights
on which the enemy in advancing may rest his flanks, and those from
whence he may be fired upon obliquely, must also be occupied by the
largest calibres.
2. In an offensive position, the guns of the heaviest calibre should
be placed in such situations as will render them available, without
difficulty, for any operations in advance. In heavy ground, a nine or
twelve pounder battery, when coming into action, should reverse, when
it will be only necessary to drop the trail, instead of carrying it
round by hand.
3. The guns should be placed as much as possible under cover; this is
easily done on heights, by keeping them so far back that the muzzles
are only to be seen over them. By proper attention, advantage may be
taken of many situations, such as banks, ditches, &c.
4. Artillery in the field should be concealed from the enemy till the
very moment it is to open; the guns may be masked by being a little
retired, or by being covered with troops, particularly by cavalry.
_Ammunition waggons._
5. No positive rule can be laid down for all cases, with respect to
the ammunition waggons in presence of an enemy: this must depend on a
variety of circumstances; but in general it will be found expedient
to place them under charge of an officer, who will conform to the
movements of the main body, in such a manner and at such distance, as
to enable him to supply the guns with ammunition, before that which
is in the limbers is expended.
6. The spot selected for a battery should be one which does not
present any obstacles to the ulterior movements.
7. The most elevated situations are not the best; the greatest effect
may be produced at a distance of six hundred yards, from a height
of thirty or forty yards; and at two hundred yards distance from a
height of sixteen.
8. Round shot should be used from three hundred yards, upwards. The
use of case should begin at three hundred, and the quickness of fire
increase as the range diminishes.
9. Double charges of case may be used at one hundred and fifty or one
hundred and sixty yards. Shrapnell shells should not be used at a
less range than six hundred and fifty yards.
10. The guns should never be abandoned till the last extremity; the
last discharges are the most destructive.
_On the march._
1. Intelligent non-commissioned officers should be sent to
reconnoitre a road or ground that artillery is to pass over, and,
when necessary, to report the state of it. When the march is
connected with military operations, an officer should always be
employed for this duty.
2. The officers of divisions should frequently halt, to see that
their carriages are marching in proper order, and are well up.
3. The strictest attention should constantly be paid to the correct
preservation of distances, the loss of which may be made up by
small bodies of artillery; but when in large bodies, or when acting
with infantry, the operation is attended with serious disadvantage,
particularly to the latter; it is a point, therefore, which cannot be
too strongly insisted upon, being one of most essential consequence.
_Advanced Guard._
4. A battery marching by itself should always have an advanced guard.
In a narrow road it should be considerably in front, to stop all
carriages which might cause obstruction. In a hilly road, it should
reconnoitre the top of every hill, and see that it is all clear
before the guns come up.
5. Parties should always be sent out on each flank.
6. When an accident happens to a carriage, either on the march, or
manœuvring, those in its rear should pass it on the most convenient
flank, and fill up its interval. It will resume its place as soon as
the damage is repaired. A waggon belonging to a disabled gun should
always remain with it; but a gun must not wait for its disabled
waggon, but leave only a sufficient number of men to put it into a
proper state.
_Crossing fords._
1. Artillery can cross a river about three and a half feet deep,
though much depends on the strength of the current. The ammunition
boxes are so well made that the water will seldom penetrate through
them, particularly if the river be narrow, and the guns pass quickly.
The canvas cartouches afford additional protection, and they may be
taken out if necessary.
2. When the water is deep, and the current strong, great attention
must be paid in fording. The person conducting the column over
a direct ford, should keep his eye steadily on an object on the
opposite bank, which points out where the ford is: he must never look
at the stream, which would deceive him, and would appear to carry him
down, and he would endeavour to keep too high up the stream, and miss
the ford.
3. All those in the rear should keep their eyes on those in front;
every individual should wade rather against the stream, in order to
resist its power.
4. Troops should always cross a ford with the largest possible front,
for the same reason.
5. If the ford is not well known, and there is no guide, it should be
previously examined, and the dangerous places marked. In fording, the
horses should neither be allowed to trot, halt, or drink.
_Passage of military bridges._
1. Great attention and caution are required in passing over pontoon
bridges, the vibratory motion of which is very dangerous, and should
be lessened by every possible means.
2. The troops, in passing, should not preserve an equal pace. There
should be no halt on the bridge. As soon as the bridge is perceived
to rock, the passage of the troops must be stopped.
3. The greatest precaution is necessary to prevent accidents in tide
rivers at low water. Unless battens are nailed across the chesses on
the slopes, the horses will have the greatest difficulty in keeping
their feet, indeed if the chesses be wet it will be impossible; the
men must therefore always assist; holding on when going down, and
manning the wheels when going up.
4. The drivers must in some cases dismount, and an interval must be
left between the carriages equal to their own length; they must be
passed over gently. In wet weather over chesses, great care must be
taken to prevent the horses slipping. It may sometimes be necessary,
unless the bridge be strong, to pass the carriages and horses over
separately.
5. In passing over a flying bridge, it may occasionally be advisable
to take the horses out; and in boisterous weather, or at night, the
wheels should be locked.
_Crossing a bridge, and passing a defile._
1. The battery should always pass with the largest front possible.
2. The artillery must be previously posted to the right and left
of the bridge; if it be flat, and that the other side can be seen,
a gun or two should be placed on each side, and close to the road
leading to it; these guns should cross first and come into action on
the other side, the remaining guns continue in action and follow by
degrees; they should be posted at such a distance from the bridge,
that they may keep up a fire while the others are crossing and
forming.
_Advancing through a defile._
3. A defile should be passed as quickly as possible, as it is a
much more hazardous operation than crossing a bridge. Artillery can
seldom be made available till it has passed the defile; whereas it
can generally be employed in clearing the opposite bank of a river,
previous to the troops pushing across.
_Over a bridge._
4. In retreating over a bridge, the artillery will gradually close
in from the flanks of the troops, till all the guns are in line in
front of the bridge. They will cross by degrees; the flank guns
will generally cross under the protection of the centre ones; they
may retire limbered up, taking up their position and coming into
action to the right and left of the bridge, to protect the centre
guns, which will retire with the prolonge and with the largest front
possible. They may halt on the highest part, or middle of the bridge,
and keep the enemy in check.
_Retiring through a defile._
5. A battery should retire from one of its flanks under the
protection of the other; the covering guns retiring with the largest
front possible.
6. Should the defile be wide, and there are any favourable situations
in it, they should be taken advantage of, and guns posted to protect
the retreat of the others. The situations must be such as the guns
can retire from, and continue the retreat without difficulty.
7. When artillery is retiring along a road, or through a defile which
is hilly, some of the guns should halt on the tops of the hills, and
protect the retreat of those in the hollow. In these cases, round
shot may be fired with safety to the troops retreating, and perhaps
with good effect against an enemy.
8. The guns which are retreating, may pass those in position without
halting; they will take up other positions, the whole retreating
alternately.
9. In retreating towards a defile, the artillery may retire in
line, or by half batteries, or by divisions; forming new lines and
retreating again; or it may retreat alternately; or in echellon from
either flank. This must depend on the nature of the ground, and the
flank on which the enemy may be.
10. In these retrograde movements, the ammunition waggons must be
sent to the rear. One or two may be kept nearer than the others, to
supply ammunition.
_Artillery, acting with other troops._
1. The artillery should always cover the troops when advancing,
retiring, or deploying into line.
2. When the line retires by alternate companies, wings, or
battalions, the artillery must remain with that part of it which is
nearest the enemy; retiring with the prolonge, and halting when it
arrives at the halted part of the line.
_In column._
3. When the troops are in column, the artillery should be on the
flank.
4. When a line of troops wheels backward into column, the artillery
break into column, and close to the reverse flank, so as not to
interrupt the line of pivots.
ENCAMPING, AND PICKETING.
_[19]Sec. 29. First method._
The battery being formed in line, at full intervals, the horses are
picketed, and the tents pitched in rear.
_Prepare to encamp, and picket._
At the word PREPARE TO ENCAMP, AND PICKET, the drivers dismount and
unhook; the markers take up an alignment twelve yards in rear of the
battery, and facing it, for the line of pickets; the marker of the
centre division in the centre; the others extend from him the number
of yards there are horses in each half battery. One staff serjeant
ten yards in rear of the centre marker indicates the alignment for
the men’s tents. The second staff serjeant twenty yards in rear of
the other, to mark the spot for the captain’s marquee. Nos. 1 and
6 unlash tents; 4 and 5 of each sub-division are told off for the
marquee; 2, 3, 7, and 8 take a picket each, 9 a maul, and the wheel
drivers a picket line.
_Encamp, and picket._
At the word ENCAMP, AND PICKET, the numbers with the pickets form on
the centre marker, facing to the front, the numbers with the mauls in
front of and facing them.
The start’ officer gives OUTWARDS FACE—QUICK MARCH, when the men with
pickets extend outwards, dividing themselves at equal distance along
the alignment taken up by the markers.
The staff officer dresses them, and gives the word STEADY, when the
numbers with the mauls commence to drive the pickets.
The markers dismount, and assist the wheel drivers in making fast
the line from centre to flanks, taking two half hitches round each
picket, above and below the hook.
The horses are then brought up, the marker’s horse of the centre
division in the centre, the spare horses on each side of him, the
wheelers, centre horses, and the leaders of the centre waggon next,
and the rest in succession; the officers’ and N.C. officers’ horses
on the flanks of their respective divisions.
_Fastening the horses._
The horses are fastened by the centre of the collar chains to the
line, taking two half hitches round it; the T end being also passed
through the diamond link.
Nos. 1 take up an alignment ten yards in rear of the pickets, for the
men’s tents. They are dressed by the staff serjeant.
The centre of the tent is indicated by a peg; they then drive four
guy pegs to the front, rear, right, and left, at three yards distance
from the centre one. Nos. 6 spread out the tents, and fix the second
cord from each side of the door to the front peg, the fifth cord on
each side to the side pegs, and the rear cord to the rear peg. They
then put the tent-pole into the canvas, lying on the ground.
_Raising the tents._
As soon as all is ready, the commanding officer gives the word RAISE
THE TENTS, which is done by Nos. 6. Nos. 1 and 6 then drive in their
pegs, and fasten the remaining cords.
_Preparing the marquee._
The second staff serjeant dismounts, and the position of the marquee
is indicated by two pegs, driven at a distance equal to the length
of the ridge pole, on the spot where his horse stood. Nos. 4 and 5
of each sub-division (being detailed for the marquee), fall in, and
are told off by the second staff serjeant, from 1 to 12; as eight men
only are required, the remainder are spare. 1, 2, 3, and 4 spread out
the roof, the outside on the ground, the door to the rear; 5 and 7
double the lining, lay it on the roof, and put in the ridge pole; 6
and 8 put the standards together, and pass them through the lining; 5
and 7 fix the girthing and ridge pole on the spikes. The inside being
thus arranged, half of the roof is turned over in order to prepare
the outside. Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 fix the vases on the spikes, and take
two half hitches round them with the centre of each guy.
The marquee is raised by 5, 6, 7 and 8, at the same time as the
tents. Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 take a guy peg and a mallet each, stretch
the guys, and fasten them to the pegs in such a manner that they
cross each other at each side, at the point of the dirk, which is
painted on the roof; they then drive in the roof pegs, working round
to their left, with their backs to the marquee; the pegs on the sides
to be driven in a line parallel to the marquee, but at the ends in
a half circle; 5 and 6 then hook on the wall from rear to front,
overlapping two hooks at the rear, and peg it down; 7 and 8 hook on
the lining, and peg it down; 5, 6, 7 and 8 also arrange the door. If
there is a second marquee, it is fixed in the same manner.
As soon as the pickets are driven, Nos. 2 and 3 of each sub-division
pitch the subalterns’ tents, directed by the staff serjeant, ten
yards in rear of the men’s tents, in the centre of their division,
the doors to the front; Nos. 7 pitch the guard tent, twenty yards in
front of the centre of the battery, the door to the front.
_Sec. 30. Second method._
The battery being formed in line, at half intervals, the horses are
picketed, and the men’s tents pitched on each flank; the officers’
tents in rear.
At the word PREPARE TO ENCAMP, AND PICKET, the markers of the flank
divisions mark twelve yards from the flanks of the battery for the
line of pickets, facing to the rear.
At the word ENCAMP, AND PICKET, the picket numbers of each half
battery form on the markers facing the battery; the numbers of the
centre sub-divisions next the markers; they are faced to the rear,
extended at equal distances, and dressed by the officers of the flank
divisions; the distance they extend must be regulated by the number
of horses in each half battery, allowing one yard for each horse.
The men’s tents are ten yards outside of the line of pickets, facing
the horses of their own sub-divisions, dressed by the staff serjeants.
The subalterns’ tents ten yards in rear of the last line of
carriages, and the commanding officer’s marquee ten yards in rear of
them.
The guard tent as in the first method.
All the duties of picketing the horses, pitching the tents and
marquees, are performed by the same numbers as detailed in the first
method.
_Arrangement of the harness._
If the harness is to be taken off, it is placed in line, ten yards
behind the horses. The traces, breeching, and collars are put inside
the pad, which is laid inside the saddle; and the whole is kept
compact by buckling the surcingle of the saddle tight round it; the
bridles are laid over the cantles, which are towards the horses.
_Sec. 31. To strike the Encampment._
The horses being harnessed and hooked in, at the word STRIKE TENTS,
AND PICKETS, the pickets are struck at once; the tents and marquees
prepared for striking by pulling up all the pegs except the guy ones.
At the word DOWN, the whole are lowered together, and packed up as
quick as possible.
With a brigade of batteries, the commanding officer’s marquee would
be pitched fifteen yards in centre, and in rear of the whole, door to
the rear, by the spare marquee men of each battery. The pickets and
tents of the whole brigade would be pitched in line, dressed by the
adjutant, and serjeant-major.
WEIGHT, DIMENSIONS, ETC., OF TENTS.
CAPTAIN’S MARQUEE.
ft. in. in.
Ridge pole, length 6 11 } { 2½
Standards, each 8 2 } in two pieces diameter { 2½
Door standards 6 3 } { 1½
Mallets, 2. Pins—Large, 4; Small, 96.
Weight of Marquee complete, 142 lb.
SUBALTERN’S MARQUEE.
ft. in. in.
Ridge pole, length 6 3 } { 2¼
Standards, each 8 0 } in two pieces diameter { 2¼
Door standards 6 1 } { 1½
Mallets, 2. Pins—Large, 4; Small, 76.
Weight of Marquee complete, 132 lb.
BELL TENT, CIRCULAR.
ft. in. in.
Standards, length 10 3 in two pieces diameter 2
Pins, 40 Mallets, 2.
Weight of Tent complete, 60 lb.
LABORATORY TENT, CIRCULAR.
ft. in. in.
Standards, length 16 3 { in two } diameter { Top 3
{ pieces } { Bottom 5
Mallets, 2. Pins—Large, 4; Small, 100.
Weight of Tent complete, 2 cwt. 10 lb.
HORSES.
The average weight of artillery horses is 10 cwt. 2 qrs.
An allowance of 27 square feet is generally made for each horse
standing at picket, or three feet in breadth, and nine feet in
depth.[20] A horse should seldom be made to draw more than three cwt.
besides the weight of the carriage. With great burthens, less weight
must be allowed for each horse to draw than with medium burthens; as
with a team of horses, the leaders cannot draw so much as the horses
nearer the carriage, and the disadvantage must increase in proportion
to the lengthening of the team.
{ 4 horses may each draw 6 cwt. Total, 24 cwt.
A Team of { 6 do. do. 5 do. 30 do.
{ 8 do. do. 4 do. 36 do.
{ 12 do. do. 4 do. 48 do.
These weights include the carriages. It is usual, however, in heavy
carriages, to reckon all their weight exceeding twelve cwt. as part
of the load.
The most useful mode of applying a horse’s power is in draught, and
the worst is in carrying a load. This is owing to the structure of
the animal. It has been found that three men, carrying each 100 lb.,
will ascend a hill with greater rapidity than one horse carrying
300 lb. When a horse has a large draught in a waggon, however, it
is found useful to load his back to a certain extent, this prevents
him from inclining so much forward as he would otherwise do, and
consequently frees him from the fatigue of great muscular action.
The best disposition of the traces in draught is when they are
perpendicular to the collar; when the horse stands at ease, the
traces are then inclined to the horizon, at an angle of about 15°;
but when he leans forward to draw, the traces should then become
nearly parallel to the road. The most proper inclination, however, is
determined from the relation which subsists between the friction, and
the pressure, in every particular case.
When a horse is employed in moving a machine, by travelling in a
circular path, the diameter of the path ought not to be less than
twenty-five or thirty feet, and in most cases forty feet should be
preferred: at all events, it must not be less than eighteen feet.
The following table shows the _maximum quantity of labour_, which
a horse of average strength is capable of performing at different
velocities, on canals, railways, and turnpike roads; but in comparing
this table with practice at the higher velocities, it is reckoned
necessary to add one-third more than the useful effect for the total
mass moved.
+----------+--------+----------+--------------------------------+
| | | | Useful effect per Day for a |
| | | | distance of one Mile on a |
|Velocities| Day’s | Force of | |
| per hour.| work. | traction.| Level Level |
| | | | Canal. railway. road. |
+----------+--------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| Miles. | Hours. | lb. | Tons. | Tons. | Tons. |
| 2½ | 11·5 | } { | 520 | 115 | 14 |
| 3 | 8· | } { | 243 | 92 | 12 |
| 3½ | 5·9 | } { | 153 | 82 | 10 |
| 4 | 4·5 | } { | 102 | 72 | 9 |
| 5 | 2·9 | } 83⅓ { | 52 | 57 | 7·2 |
| 6 | 2· | } { | 30 | 48 | 6 |
| 7 | 1·5 | } { | 19 | 41 | 5·1 |
| 8 | 1·8 | } { | 12·8 | 36 | 4·5 |
| 9 | ·9 | } { | 9 | 32 | 4 |
| 10 | ·75 | } { | 6·6 | 28·8 | 3·6 |
+----------+--------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
_Result of experiments_ with a light four-wheeled cart, weighing with
its load 1000 lb., drawn upon different sorts of roads, (12½ lb.
having been deducted from the force of traction for the friction at
the axles, which were of wood).
Turnpike-road, hard, dry 18 } Force of traction
Do. dirty 26½ } required to move the
Do. new gravelled 130½ } carriage, independent of
Loose sandy road 191½ } the friction at the axles.
_Note._—An ox can draw about 4 cwt., and a pair of oxen 9 cwt.,
on a level road.
MANAGEMENT OF DRAUGHT HORSES.
Whatever the difficulties of a road or ground may be, ten horses
are as many as can be harnessed with effect to one carriage. It is
difficult for a greater number to act at the same instant, even if
the pull be straight.
Before a carriage moves, the traces should be equally stretched out,
that at the word “MARCH” every horse may act steadily at the same
instant on the carriage, and not by jerks.
The distance of one horse’s length between the carriages is always to
be maintained on the best road, to prevent fatigue and unnecessary
stoppage to the horses. In bad or difficult roads it may be necessary
to increase the distance to double, or perhaps more, according to the
nature of the ground.
After going up a short steep hill, the horses should be halted, but
when that cannot be done, they ought to move slowly to recover their
wind. Should the ascent be long, and steep, the road in a bad state,
or when from any other cause the exertion is likely to be very great
for the horses, a part of the carriages should halt, the leaders of
them be hooked on to those in front, and when they arrive at the top,
as many leaders sent back as may be necessary.
In going up a hill, a carriage may be halted to rest the horses, by
bringing them across it, and locking the limber.
Whenever the ruts are very deep, the carriages must quarter the road,
and if the road is narrow, and sunk between banks, the horses should
be left to themselves, and not be hurried.
In passing over deep furrows, or small ditches or drains, the
carriages should cross them obliquely: when they are crossed
perpendicularly, the horses not only encounter greater difficulty,
but they, as well as the harness, suffer much from the jerks. The
former line of march should be resumed as soon as they are passed.
HORSE-SHOES.
NEW PATTERN.
There are three sizes of horse-shoes in the service, and also a
smaller size made for mules.
Size. lb. oz.
Weight { 1st } (not including the weight of nails) 7 0¼
of { 2nd } do. do. 6 4½
set. { 3rd } do. do. 4 8½
{ Mules } do. do. 2 14
NAILS.
LENGTH, WEIGHT, NUMBER, ETC.
1st size. { No. of nails* 8 9 10 } 5½ oz. }
Largest. { No. of each required 16 8 8 } }
} Weight
2nd size. { No. of nails* 7 8 9 } 4½ oz. } of set.
{ No. of each required 8 12 12 } } 32 Nails.
}
3rd size. { No. of nails* 5 6 7 } 3½ oz. }
{ No. of each required 8 8 16 } }
No. of Nails. Length of Nails. Weight of 1000 Nails.
188 2¾ inches. 10 lb.
187 2½ — 9 —
186 2⅜ — 8 —
185 2¼ — 7 —
184 2⅛ — 6 —
183 2 — 5 —
*_Note._—These several nails are known by farriers according to
their No.—viz., when they say shoes require nails, Nos. 8, 9, 10,
this implies nails of 8, 9, and 10 pounds per thousand nails.
FORAGE.
_Method observed in carrying one day’s forage._
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND TRUMPETERS.—One feed of oats in the
nose bag, and buckled to the near-ring of the saddle. Three feeds
in the corn bag, and carried across the saddle. Twelve pounds of
hay twisted, and rolled up into two bundles, each nine inches long,
carried at the ends of the kitt, and made fast with the forage cord,
one end to pass in front, and the other in the rear of the kitt,
making it fast by two hitches.
DRIVERS.—One feed of oats for each horse, carried in the nose-bags,
and made fast to the rear staples of the off-horses’ saddles. Three
feeds for each horse (six feeds) in the corn bag, carried across the
saddle of the near horse. The hay is twisted and rolled up into two
bundles of twelve pounds, each eighteen inches long; carried on the
off-horse at the ends of the kitt; the end of one forage cord passing
in front of the kitt, the end of the other forage cord passing in
rear of the kitt, both ends being made fast by two half hitches.
If a waggon accompanies the battery, the officers’ horses’ forage
will be carried in it; if not, the oats are to be divided between the
sub-divisions, and the hay carried on the foot board in front of the
body of the waggon.
_In heavy marching order, when forage is not ordered to be carried._
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND TRUMPETERS.—The nose bags are rolled
up and buckled to the near-ring of the saddle. Forage cord, currycomb
and brush, mane-comb, picker, and sponge, are made fast to the
off-ring.
DAILY RATION FOR ONE HORSE.
Oats. Hay or Grass. Straw.
lb. lb. lb. lb.
In Quarters 8 18 .. 6
In Barracks 10 12 or 36 8
A load of Hay, or Straw 36 trusses.
A truss of Hay 56 lb.
Ditto Straw 36 lb.
VETERINARY DIRECTIONS.[21]
MASSES.
_The ordinary dose of every Mass is One ounce (Avoirdupois)._
NO. I.—CATHARTIC MASS.
_One ounce of this Mass made into a ball is a Dose of physic._
_A Ball contains seven drams of Aloes, the remaining dram being made
up with Ol. olivar, Ol. carui, and water._
Any horse to which a dose of physic is given, should be fed on bran
mashes, in lieu of corn, until its operation has ceased. If there be
no cause for its immediate administration, let ample bran mashes be
given, by way of preparation, in lieu both of hay and corn, during
one day, and the ball administered the following morning, after
the horse is sufficiently watered, and a couple of hours at least
before his bran mash be given him. Exercise also, during the day,
is advisable. The following day, early in the morning, after the
horse has had water, with the chill taken off, offered him, till he
refuses to drink more, let him be walked out briskly for one hour,
unless he purge; in which case let him be returned to the stable,
littered down, frequently watered, and plentifully supplied with
bran mashes. But should the physic not operate at the expiration of
his exercise, nor after he has remained four succeeding hours in the
stable, let him be exercised for another hour; and he may be gently
trotted at this time should he still show no signs of purging; let it
be here understood, however, that in no case is a horse in physic
to be galloped. To insure purgation, water is no less requisite than
exercise.
Should the animal continue to purge on the third day, let his bran be
eaten dry, and let him be kept short of water, and without exercise,
until the physic be set. As soon as his dung shall have put on its
natural appearance and consistence, the usual ration of provender may
be restored, and he may return to duty.
If the horse has been lately taken up from grass, or be low in
condition, or light-carcassed, six drams of the mass is generally a
sufficient dose; but if he be of large size, and in high condition,
even nine drams may be occasionally required.
Horses of a costive habit, whose dung-balls are small and not of
their natural colour—whose coats are rough and skins tight upon their
ribs, and who do not thrive, require physic. Purging balls are also
given with benefit to horses that have mange, or itchy skins—swelled
legs, or grease—fever in the feet—inflamed eyes—staggers—locked
jaw—any swellings from blows or wounds, &c.
When a sick or lame horse requires physic, to whom exercise would
be injurious, let the dose be increased by one or two drams; and to
him the ball may be given at any time—either day, or night—he may
stand in need of it; in order that its operation may be as speedy as
possible.
To a horse not labouring under active disease, a second dose of
physic is not to be administered prior to the seventh day; but to a
_sick_ one, should the case be urgent, the dose may be repeated at
the expiration of twenty-four hours.
Horses suffering from coughs, discharges from the nose, or
inflammation of the lungs, are not to have full doses of purgative
medicine given them, but the febrifuge, or sedative mass should be
given.
NO. II.—FEBRIFUGE MASS.
_A ball contains—Aloes one dram, Antim. tart. one dram, Nitre two
drams, and Common Turpentine three drams._
In fever, also in cough or discharge from the nose in which fever
is present, this mass is especially useful; and if the fever be
violent, the horse ought to lose three or four quarts of blood before
the ball is given. Let the animal be warmly clothed—a hood be worn
in catarrh—be littered down, have bran mashes in lieu of corn, and
be kept still and quiet in a well-ventilated box. The ball may be
administered once or twice a day according to the symptoms; but it
must be discontinued whenever it seems to affect the appetite, or
should purging appear to be coming on. The appetite being restored,
and the dung in balls again, should it be required, the ball may be
repeated.
NO. III.—SEDATIVE MASS.
_A ball contains—Digitalis one scruple, Antim. tart. one dram, Nitre
two drams, Linseed meal three drams, and Treacle three drams._
In case of inflammation of the lungs, these balls are especially
beneficial—a disease in which colds and coughs not unfrequently
terminate. After having drawn four or five, or even six quarts of
blood, according to the violence of the symptoms and the apparent
strength of the animal, give a sedative ball three times a day at
regular intervals. Let the sides of the chest be well rubbed with
some of the blistering liquid, clothe warmly and hand-rub the legs,
making use of the turpentine liniment from time to time until they
become warm; and bandage them with flannel. Keep the stable well
ventilated.
Should the symptoms continue unabated, four or five quarts more blood
must be taken away at the expiration of four or five hours from the
first bleeding, and the operation may be repeated again in six should
the animal continue unrelieved.
Let the horse be littered down, and have bran mashes. No exercise.
NO. IV.—DIURETIC MASS.
_A ball contains—Common Turpentine half an ounce, Nitre two drams,
and Sulphur two drams._
Diuretic or urine balls may be given in all cases in which they
may be required, one every third night: seldom is it necessary to
administer one every other night, and still more rarely every night.
Should the flow of urine prove abundant—the horse frequently making
efforts to stale, and groaning in so doing; or if he cannot stale,
but appear to experience pain about the loins and hips, and to be
stiff in moving those parts, diuretic balls must on no account be
given.
Diuretics are beneficial in recent swelled legs; linen bandages and
walking exercise being had recourse to at the same time. They are
also useful in watery farcy, dropsy, and puffy or watery swelling of
all kinds.
NO. V.—ALTERATIVE MASS.
_A ball contains—Aloes one dram, Calomel a scruple, Sulphur half an
ounce, and Treacle three drams._
To ill-conditioned horses that do not thrive, notwithstanding they
eat and appear otherwise in health—to horses that rub themselves, or
that have small lumps or bare places upon the skin (not mange), balls
made up of this mass are serviceable; one may be given every day for
a week, or every other day for a fortnight, unless the horse should
purge, when they are to be omitted, and had recourse to again in the
course of a week or ten days.
Bruised corn, hay cut into chaff, and frequent and full supplies
of water, contribute to restore such horses to condition. Walking
exercise once or twice a day, according to the strength and thrift of
the horse, is also recommended.
NO. VI.—TONIC MASS.
_A ball contains—Blue Vitriol one dram, Verdigris half a dram,
Linseed meal four drams, and Treacle two drams._
These balls may be administered with advantage to horses affected
with farcy, or under suspicion of glanders, after the swelling and
inflammation attendant upon those diseases have been abated by
bleeding, purging, and diuretic medicines.
Not more than one ought to be given in the space of twenty-four
hours; nor on any account should the dose be continued unless the
horse’s appetite is good; as soon as he refuses any part of his
provender, or appears to be in any manner affected by the medicine,
let the ball be omitted.
NO. VII.—ANTI-SPASMODIC DRAUGHT.
_This draught is prepared for horses that become griped, after the
following manner:—_
_Mix together two ounces of Spirits of Turpentine, and one ounce of
Tincture of Opium, and add a pint and a half of warm water._
In mild cases of gripes this single draught will generally suffice;
but in violent attacks, four or five quarts of blood ought to be
immediately taken away, and the draught, after an interval of a
couple of hours, repeated; also two or three ounces of the turpentine
liniment should be well rubbed upon the surface of the belly. If no
dung is passed, let the horse be raked, and have clysters of salt and
water (about four ounces of salt dissolved in four quarts of water)
thrown up every hour until the bowels be relaxed. When the horse
continues to lie down and rise in the stall, and to roll upon his
back, relief will frequently be given by walking exercise for ten
minutes.
Those cases, in which the symptoms do not intermit, and in which
the pulse and breathing are much quickened, are not gripes, but
_inflammation_ of the bowels. Take away five or six quarts of blood
without loss of time, and give a draught composed of eight or ten
drams of aloes dissolved in a pint and a half of hot water,[22] with
the addition of an ounce of tincture of opium, inject clysters
frequently, rub a blister upon the belly, composed of equal parts of
oil of turpentine and blistering liquid, wrap the legs in flannel
bandages, making use of the turpentine liniment to the legs if
cold, and clothe warmly. Water, with the chill taken off, should be
plentifully given; or, what is better, water-gruel.
If the symptoms do not speedily subside, draw three or four quarts of
blood again, and repeat the blister to the belly, and clysters and
turpentine liniment to the legs if not warm.
NO. VIII.—VERMIFUGE POWDER.
_Three drams of this powder, containing one dram of Calomel and two
drams of Tartarized antimony, form a dose._
To be given in a bran mash at night to a horse having worms, and
to be followed up by the administration of a dose of physic the
following morning—paying attention to the directions already laid
down under the head—CATHARTIC MASS. The powder and physic may be
repeated in the course of a week or ten days.
NO. IX.—ANTI-PURGATION POWDER.
_This powder is composed of prepared Chalk half a pound, Cinnamon
four ounces, Tormentil three ounces, Gum arabic three ounces, and
Long pepper half an ounce, reduced to a fine powder, and mixed
together, with the addition of Gum opium._
An ounce of the powder, which contains only a scruple of gum opium,
may be administered in a quart of gruel, in cases of continued
purging or scouring, every four or five hours, or as circumstances
may require, but its use is to be discontinued when the purging is
checked.
NO. X.—DISCUTIENT POWDERS.
_This powder is composed of Zinc vitriol three drams, and Bole armen.
one dram._
A lotion, composed of half an ounce of this powder, and one quart of
water, is a proper application to sore backs, and to recent swellings
from blows or injuries of any kind.
Bandages may be used, wetted with this lotion, in sprains of the back
sinews.
NO. XI.—ASTRINGENT POWDER.
_This powder is composed of Linseed meal half an ounce, Powdered alum
half an ounce, Blue vitriol half a dram, and Bole armen. two drams._
This powder is prepared principally for grease and thrushes, but it
is also a good dressing for unhealthy sores—or sores in which there
is proud flesh.
In cases of grease, when the discharge is but little, and not very
offensive, besprinkle the affected parts with this powder; let the
horse be exercised in the morning and afternoon; and, if the legs be
swollen, let a diuretic ball be occasionally administered.
But should the discharge be copious and fetid, apply to the heels,
by means of pledgets of tow and linen bandages, a liniment composed
of this powder and oil. This dressing ought to continue undisturbed
for two or three days; during which time a dose of physic may be
administered with considerable benefit. Let his food consist of bran
mashes. As soon as the dressings shall have been removed, the animal
ought to be exercised for two hours, the heels afterwards wiped dry,
and the liniment again applied, unless the discharge have ceased; in
which case the powder sprinkled upon the part, as above recommended,
and a diuretic or two will complete the cure. Should the case require
a repetition of the liniment, purging balls are preferable to
diuretics.
Of horses that have thrushes, lower the heels, that the frog may be
upon a level with the heels of the shoe, pare out the cleft with a
small drawing-knife, so as to cut away the ragged parts of it, and
introduce a little of the astringent powder daily, at the evening
stable hour. If heat be perceptible in the foot, a dose of physic may
be given at the same time.
NO. XII.—OPHTHALMIC POWDER.
_This powder is composed of Sugar of lead two drams, Turmeric half a
dram._
So long as the eyes appear red and angry, nothing but cold water
should be made use of to them, with which they ought to be
continually wet. At the same time, if there be much inflammation,
take four or five quarts of blood from that side of the neck
corresponding to the affected eye, or from both sides, should both
eyes be bad.
When the inflammation is abated, sponge the eyes and eyelids with a
lotion, made by dissolving a quarter of an ounce of this powder in a
quart of cold spring water, several times in the course of the day.
In every case in which it is found advisable to draw blood, a dose of
physic is recommended.
NO. XIII.—BLISTERING LIQUID.
_This liquid is composed of Cantharides four ounces, and Linseed oil
a pint and a half._
For sore throat and _jugged_ swellings, in glanders, or farcy—for
inflammation of the lungs, and inflammation of the bowels, the
blistering liquid is a proper application.
For spavins, splints, old strains, curbs, ringbones, windgalls,
thoroughpins, and other enlargements of joints that have no heat
in them, and swellings in general which will not yield to simple
remedies, this liquid may likewise be used.
Let a small quantity of it be well rubbed in with the hand—without
the hair being cut off—and let the same be repeated at the expiration
of six hours, should it not have taken effect.
About one table spoonful of this mixture is sufficient for the
throat, two for the leg, three for the side or the chest, and so on.
NO. XIV.—TURPENTINE LINIMENT.
_This liniment is composed of equal parts of Spirits of turpentine,
and Linseed oil._
In cases of sore throat and cough, this liniment will be found very
useful, as well as in cases of inflammation of the lungs, and fever,
where the legs are cold, making use at the same time of flannel
bandages, and repeating the liniment every two or three hours, until
they become warm.
Half an ounce will be found sufficient for a leg, or for the throat,
and requires to be well rubbed in.
NO. XV.—TURPENTINE OINTMENT.
_It is composed of equal parts of Common turpentine, and Hog’s lard._
This ointment is the best application that can be made use of in case
of treads or wounds on the coronet, between hair and hoof; a small
quantity is to be spread upon a pledget of tow, and bound on with a
bandage. It is likewise a good dressing for broken knees, or cuts,
and to promote the action of rowels.
NO. XVI.—BLACK OIL.
_It is composed of Olive oil one pint, Spirits of turpentine half a
pint, and Acid vitriol two drams._
In recent wounds, such as broken knees, or other lacerated wounds,
this will be found a good dressing to promote healthy and speedy
granulation. It may be applied to extensive wounds by means of a
feather; and in cases of broken knees, a pledget of tow is to be
bound on with a tail bandage. It is likewise a good application for
sitfasts, produced by the pressure of the saddle.
NO. XVII.—HOOF OINTMENT.
_This ointment is composed of Tar, and Train oil, equal parts._
This ointment is intended for brittle feet, or such as have sand
cracks.
By mixing one part of the ointment with two of train oil, it forms a
good application for mange.
CONGREVE ROCKETS.
Rockets may be of great use when a disembarkation of troops takes
place in presence of an enemy, since Rocket men can land with the
first party of Infantry, and commence firing before any guns can be
brought into position. Rockets will not only be useful against masses
of Cavalry, and squares of Infantry, but, when guns cannot be brought
up, may be of material benefit in dislodging an enemy from villages
or houses, which could not be approached by Infantry alone without a
considerable loss of men, and chance of failure. The larger rockets
are of great service in bombardments and sieges.
Congreve Rockets are of four different natures—viz., 24 pounders, 12
pounders, 6 pounders, and 3 pounders. The cases are of wrought iron,
and the rockets are driven upon the same principle as Signal rockets.
Congreve rockets may be used either as shot or shell-rockets, and
the shell may be made to burst either at long or short ranges. Each
rocket is fitted with a fuze screwed into the base of the shell;
this fuze is as long as the size of the shell will admit of, so
as to leave sufficient space between the end of it and the inner
surface of the shell, for putting in the bursting powder, and the end
of the fuze is capped to serve as a guide in the insertion of the
boring-bit. There is a hole in the apex of the shell, secured by a
screw metal plug, for putting in the bursting powder, and for boring,
according to the different ranges at which it may be required to
burst the shell.
ON FIRING ROCKETS.
If the Rocket is to be used as a Shot-rocket, the only thing to be
attended to, is to take care that there is no powder in the shells,
and that the plug is secured in the plug-hole. If the rocket is to be
used as a shell-rocket at the longest range, the plug is to be taken
out, and the shell filled, the fuze left at its full length, and the
plug replaced. If at the shortest range, the fuze is to be entirely
bored through, and the rocket composition bored to within an inch and
a half of the top of the cone in the 24 pounder rocket, and to within
one inch in the 12, 6, and 3 pounder rockets. The distances from the
surface of the shell to the top of the cone, and from the surface of
the shell to the end of the fuze, and also, the length of the fuze
being fixed and known, the place on the boring-bit at which to screw
the stopper, whether for various lengths of fuzes, or lengths of
rocket composition to be left over the cone, is easily determined;
these distances are marked on the brass scales for each nature of
rocket, and the length of rocket composition available for boring
into, and the lengths of fuze, are also set off and subdivided into
tenths of an inch.
ELEVATIONS, RANGES, AND LENGTHS OF FUZE.
The 24 pounder and 12 pounder rockets are very destructive against
troops from 800 to 1000 yards; against buildings, &c., from 500 to
600 yards: with 6 pounders about 300 yards, and never at a greater
range than 600 or 700 yards.
The range and elevation of a 12 pounder rocket is 10 degrees of
elevation for 600 yards, and 1 degree more is given for each
additional 100 yards, as far as 1250 yards, the elevation for which
will be 16 degrees.
The range and elevation of a 6 pounder rocket is 7¾ degrees for 400
yards, and as far as 700 yards 1 degree for each 100 yards; and from
700 to 1250 yards, half a degree increases the range about 100 yards.
_24 pounders._—If the whole length of fuze is left in the shell,
the rocket may be expected to burst at from 3300 to 3700 yards;
elevation, 47 degrees.
If the whole of the fuze composition is bored out, and the rocket
composition left entire, the shell may be expected to burst at about
2000 yards; elevation, 27 degrees.
If the rocket composition be bored to within 1·5 inch of the top of
the cone, the shell may be expected to burst at about 700 yards;
elevation, 17 degrees.
_12 pounders._—If the whole length of fuze be left in the shell, the
rocket may be expected to burst at about 3000 yards; elevation, 40
degrees.
If the whole of the fuze composition is bored out, and the rocket
composition left entire, the shell may be expected to burst at about
1300 yards; elevation, 15 degrees. If the rocket composition be bored
to within one inch of the top of the cone, the shell may be expected
to burst at about 500 yards; elevation, 9 degrees.
_6 pounders._—If the whole length of the fuze be left in the shell,
the rocket may be expected to burst at about 2300 yards; elevation,
37 degrees. If the whole of the fuze composition be bored out, and
the rocket composition be left entire, the shell may be expected
to burst at about 950 yards; elevation, 13¾ degrees. If the rocket
composition be bored to within one inch of the top of the cone, the
shell may be expected to burst at about 500 yards; elevation 9½
degrees.
_3 pounders._—If the whole length of the fuze be left in the shell,
the rocket may be expected to burst at about 1850 yards; elevation,
25 degrees. If the whole of the fuze composition be bored out, and
the rocket composition be left entire, the shell may be expected
to burst at about 750 yards; elevation, 10 degrees. If the rocket
composition be bored to within one inch of the top of the cone, the
shell may be expected to burst at about 500 yards; elevation, 8
degrees.
_Ranges, and Elevation of Congreve rockets._
+---------+-------------------------------------------+
| | Elevation. |
| Ranges. +---------------------+---------------------+
| | 12 Pounder. | 6 Pounder. |
+---------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
| Yards. | Degrees. | Minutes. | Degrees. | Minutes. |
| 400 | | | 7 | 45 |
| 500 | | | 8 | 45 |
| 600 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 45 |
| 700 | 11 | 30 | 10 | 30 |
| 800 | 12 | 45 | 11 | 15 |
| 900 | 13 | 30 | 11 | 45 |
| 1000 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 30 |
| 1100 | 14 | 45 | 13 | 15 |
| 1200 | 15 | | 14 | 0 |
| 1250 | 16 | | 14 | 30 |
+---------+----------+----------+----------+----------+
EXERCISE OF ROCKETS.[23]
The 24 pounder is used for siege purposes. The 12 and 6 pounders are
for service in the field.
EXERCISE OF 12 AND 6 POUNDER, OR FIELD ROCKETS.
_Telling off the Detachment._
The detachment falls in, in rear of and facing the carriage, and is
told off as for gun exercise.
“FORM THE ORDER OF MARCH, LEFT FACE—QUICK MARCH.”
_Disposition and Duties of a Detachment of Seven Men, with a 12 and 6
pounder Rocket._
No. 1 stands one yard in rear of the tube, points, and commands.
3 stands on the left of the tube, | 2 stands on the right of the tube,
in line with its centre, | in line with its centre,
elevates,and traverses. | elevates, and traverses.
5 stands on the left of the tube, | 4 stands on the right of the tube,
in line with the rear of it, | in line with the rear of it,
primes, and fires. | brings up rockets, arranges
| the priming, and loads.
7 stands in rear of the carriage | 6 stands in rear of the carriage,
and prepares rockets. When | assists No. 7 in preparing
firing shell-rockets, he bores | rockets. When firing shell
out the composition, assisted | rockets he puts in the
by No. 6. | bursting powder, &c.
_The following is the proportion of Stores furnished with Field
Carriages._
_Two hundred and sixteen rockets with sticks._ } with
_Two hundred and sixteen bursters._ } 6 pounder.
_One hundred rockets with sticks._ } with
_One hundred bursters._ } 12 pounder.
_One rocket tube. One rocket frame, comprising two }
cheeks, a prypole, elevating bar, and tangent scale. }
Two funnels. One boring stock. Two boring bits. } with both
One brass scale_ fitted to bits. _Two turnscrew bits. } natures.
One grease box. One tube pocket with tubes. One }
lanyard with hook_ for friction tubes. }
_To every other equipment not exceeding 144 Rockets._
_One rocket tube with frame. One stick for each rocket. One burster
ditto. Two funnels. One boring stock. Two boring bits. One
brass scale_ fitted to bits. _Two turnscrew bits. One grease box.
One tube pocket with tubes. One lanyard with hook_ for friction
tubes.
_One angle. One plummet with line. One elevating } with
chain. Two guy ropes. Two additional pieces_ for } 24 pounder.
the cheeks. }
On field service the bursters are carried in the limber boxes, in
canvas cartouches, similar to those in which the field ammunition is
carried. The 12 pounder rocket carriage takes 50 bursters in each
limber box, and the small stores in a box on the body of the carriage
corresponding to the slow match box. The 6 pounder carriage takes
108 bursters in each limber box, and the small stores in a box which
is between the limber boxes. In mountain equipments the bursters and
small stores are carried in a box fitted to the pack saddle.
[24]ACTION FRONT, REAR, RIGHT, OR LEFT. DRIVE ON. LOAD. ELEVATE.
LOWER. HALT. MUZZLE RIGHT, OR LEFT. HALT. Priming, and Firing, as at
Field guns.
[Illustration: PLAN OF A GARRISON CARRIAGE.
A _Sides or brackets_ K _Stool bed_
B _Transom_ L _Quoin_
C _Fore axletree_ a _Transom bolt_
D _Hind axletree_ b _Bed bolt_
E _Steps_ c _Bracket bolts_
F _Quarter round or ovolo_ d _Linch-pins_
G _Fore truck_ e _Axletree hoops_
H _Hind truck_ f _Stool bed bolts_
I _Trunnion hole_ g _Eye or loop bolts_
J _Axletree arm_]
[Illustration: ELEVATION OF A GARRISON CARRIAGE.]
EXERCISE OF 24 POUNDER, OR SIEGE ROCKET.
_Disposition, and duties with seven men._
When the detachment is in action, the disposition and duties of the
numbers are the same as at the lighter natures.
PUT THE FRAME TOGETHER AT LOW ORDER. RAISE THE FRAME. REEVE THE GUYS.
SLING THE ROCKET TUBE, AND FIX THE ANGLE. ADJUST THE FRAME. LOAD.
TRAVERSE, when necessary, MUZZLE RIGHT, MUZZLE LEFT. If greater
alteration be required, than can be given by means of the guys, the
cheeks of the rocket frame are moved in the named direction, CHEEKS
TO THE RIGHT, OR LEFT. ELEVATE, when necessary. Priming, and Firing,
as directed for Field guns. When the frame is fixed at _Low
order_, the prypole forms an angle of 30 degrees with the horizon.
If greater elevation than this be required, the frame must be raised
to _High order_—45 degrees elevation; or higher still—50 degrees
elevation.
PREPARE TO RAISE THE FRAME TO HIGH ORDER. JOIN THE CHEEKS. RAISE THE
FRAME. ADJUST THE FRAME. LOAD, ETC. PREPARE TO STRIKE THE FRAME.
STRIKE THE FRAME.
PART VII.
REPOSITORY COURSE.
SERVING, AND WORKING HEAVY ORDNANCE.[25]
PART I.—_Article 1.—Telling off the Detachments._
The men fall in two deep, and are told off on the same principle as
for field guns. No. 1 always commands his detachment.
A gun detachment being drawn up in line, two deep, No. 1 is the right
hand man of the front rank; No. 2 is the right hand man of the rear
rank; and No. 3 his front rank man; and so on.
The men must go through every part of the exercise in turn. At the
word “_Change round_” when there are seven men in a detachment,
No. 2 becomes 4 | No. 1 becomes 7
4 ” 6 | 7 ” 5
6 ” 1 | 5 ” 3
| 3 ” 2
No. 3 shifting in front of the muzzle.
When there are only six men in a detachment,
No. 4 becomes 1
1 ” 6
6 ” 5
the rest as above.
The detachments are told off on their private parades, and marched
to the battery. Arrived there, they are halted a few paces in rear
of the platforms, to the left of their respective guns, so as to be
covered by the merlons, and facing the parapet.
The commander then gives the caution, “_Take post under cover of the
merlon_;” and immediately afterwards the executive word, “_To the
right face_,” No. 1 after facing takes an oblique pace to the rear,
on the left of 3. At the word _quick march_, the detachments step
off except No. 1, who at first marks time until the detachment has
past him, and then follows in rear of 6. When the detachments are
opposite to the left corner of the platforms, the ranks open out on
each side of the guns, the rear ranks on the right, the front ranks
on the left—the whole outside of the platforms. Nos. 2 and 3 halt
next to the embrasure, as soon as they arrive at the parapet; 4, 6,
and 1 halt in succession on the right of 2; 5 and 7 on the left of 3.
When all the numbers have arrived at the parapet in the order here
detailed, the commander gives the word, “_Right about face_.”
The detachments are now in the position, which they should always
occupy in action, in a battery, unless actively employed in their
duties at the guns.
When there is no parapet, the command is given to “_Take post at the
guns_;” Nos. 2 and 3 halt in line with the muzzle of the piece; 4 and
5 in line with the trunnions; 6 and 7 with the vent; 1 the trail: the
whole outside of the platform and in echellon. The numbers should
never cover if they can avoid doing so.
The following general detail of duties for a detachment of seven men
is applicable to all natures of guns, from 18-pounders and upwards,
on any description of carriage whatever.
No. 1 commands, points, and primes.
3 loads, assists to ram home shot | 2 searches, spunges, rams home,
and wad, runs up, and elevates. | runs up, and elevates.
5 supplies 3 with shot and wad, | 4 clears the vent, serves it,
runs up, and traverses. | pricks the cartridge, runs up,
| and traverses.
7 supplies 3 with cartridge, | 6 supplies 2 with side arms,
double-man’s his handspike, | double-man’s his handspike,
serves 1 with tubes, and fires. | replaces 1’s handspike, and
| supplies 7 with cartridges,
| (and 3 with shell when
| required.)
The following general detail of duties for a detachment of six
men, is applicable to all natures of guns below 18-pounder, on any
description of carriage whatever.
No. 1 commands, supplies 2 with side arms, points, and primes.
3 loads, assists to ram home shot | 2 searches, spunges, rams home,
and wad, runs up, and elevates. | runs up, and elevates.
5 supplies 3 with cartridge, shot, | 4 clears the vent, serves it,
and wad, runs up, and traverses. | pricks the cartridge, runs up,
6 supplies 5 with cartridge, | and traverses.
replaces 1’s handspike, serves |
him with tubes, and fires. |
Besides the men told off to each gun, there must be some at the
magazine, to fill and issue cartridges. When shells are fired, some
men must be appointed to fill them, and to cut and fix fuzes; No. 6
brings up shells to 3, who uncaps the fuze.
Guns are always laid under metal, _i. e._, at an angle of depression,
after exercise.
The following is a list of stores required for the service of heavy
ordnance in batteries:—
_One spunge_ { to be placed on the right of the gun outside of 4,
_One rammer_ { resting against the parapet; the spunge head, rammer
_One wadhook_ { head, and the worm uppermost, and just below the
{ interior crest.
When there is no parapet the side arms must be laid on the ground in
the order above detailed, about two paces from the gun, and parallel
to it; the spunge and rammer heads to the front, and supported to
keep them free from gravel.
_Five handspikes._—Two of these are placed on each side of the
platform close to the edge of it, the points towards the parapet; the
points of the front handspikes about two feet from the hurter, the
points of the rear ones overlapping inside to about the middle of the
front ones; the front handspikes for the use of 2 and 3, the rear
ones for the use of 4 and 5. The fifth handspike is placed close to
the rear of the middle of the platform, small end to the right, for
the use of 1. All bevelled handspikes are to be laid bevelled side
upwards.
_One set of priming irons_ { For the use of No. 4. The priming
_One thumbstall_ { irons to be placed in the loop on
{ the right of the carriage.
_One leather pocket with tubes._—The tube pocket must be strapped on
the left side of No. 7, who will keep it close shut.
_One lanyard with hook_ for friction tubes in charge of No. 7, who
attaches it to the waist belt of the tube pocket; or, one hammer with
lanyard likewise in charge of 7, who fixes it to the gun, assisted by
1.
_Shot_, piled on the left of the gun, close to the front of the
platform.
_Wads_, (if necessary,) close to the shot.
_Broom, shovel_, one or two for each battery.
_Spade, pick_, one per battery if thought necessary.
Guns on dwarf and casemate traversing platforms require nearly the
same stores.
_Two shod levers_, in place of three common handspikes, and in
addition,
_Two truck levers. Two scotches. One preventive rope._
_Two luff tackles._ With 8-inch guns and all above that calibre, the
tackles should consist of double blocks.
Guns on common traversing platforms require nearly the same stores
as those on dwarf platforms. When the four trucks are on, two shod
levers to be substituted for two truck levers.
_Article 3._
TO SHIFT A GUN FROM THE FIRING TO THE TRAVELLING, OR FROM THE
TRAVELLING TO THE FIRING TRUNNION HOLES.
The wheels of the gun carriage and those of the limber should, if
possible, always be on a level and scotched. In shifting the gun
either way, it should only be lifted so high, as to keep the under
side of the trunnions clear of the cheeks of the carriage.
When the gun is in the travelling holes, the screw must be taken out
to prevent its being damaged; it is lodged in a place for it between
the cheeks. The gun roller is strapped to the hind part of the centre
transom.
Heavy guns on travelling carriages require the following number of
men for their service in the field:—
24-pounder 18 men } besides non-commissioned
18 ” 14 ” } officers,
12 ” 12 ” }
being necessary on the march for extricating them out of
difficulties, taking up positions, laying temporary platforms,
placing planks under the wheels and trail, to facilitate the working
of the gun, &c., &c.
PREPARE TO SHIFT THE GUN. BEAR DOWN. LOWER. LIFT, AND HEAVE. HALT,
LOWER THE MUZZLE. BEAR DOWN. LOWER. STRAP ON THE SIDE ARMS AND
HANDSPIKES.
_Article 4._
EXERCISE OF GUNS, ON SIEGE CARRIAGES.
The disposition, and duties of the detachments are the same as
detailed for guns on standing carriages; with the exception of the
application of the handspikes.
In addition to the stores, and side arms for the service of the gun,
a heavy gun in the field requires men’s harness, and dragropes, a
lifting jack, a set of intrenching tools, and three planks of a
foot wide, and ten or twelve feet long. There should be a lever,
and fulcrums, and prop, for every two guns; besides a gyn, rollers,
tackles, and ropes for every four guns. The side arms, handspikes,
and planks are strapped on the cheek; the gyn, rollers, tackles, &c.,
are carried on a platform waggon.
Planks for temporary platform. When the ground is not very hard, it
will be found very necessary to lay planks under the wheels and trail
for the carriage to recoil on.
_Article 5._
EXERCISE OF GUNS ON DWARF, AND CASEMATE TRAVERSING PLATFORMS.
The disposition, and duties of the detachments are the same as at
page 174, with the following additions, viz., No. 1 guides the levers
whilst the gun is running back; Nos. 1, and 7 hold on the preventer
rope, and 4, and 5 guide the levers, whilst it is running up; Nos.
2, 3, 4, and 5 manage the truck levers, reeve the tackles, hook, and
unhook them.
[26]PREPARE FOR ACTION. REEVE THE TACKLE, AND FIX THE PREVENTER
ROPE. HOOK THE TACKLES. LOAD. RUN THE GUN UP. EASE OFF. HALT. _After
Pointing, Laying, Priming, and Firing_——RUN THE GUN BACK. HEAVE.
HALT. UNREEVE THE TACKLE, AND TAKE OFF THE PREVENTER ROPE.
_Article 6._
EXERCISE OF GUNS ON COMMON TRAVERSING PLATFORMS.
The disposition, and duties of the detachments, as at page 174.
LOAD. RUN THE GUN UP. HEAVE. Elevating, Traversing, Priming, Firing,
and Running back, as detailed for guns on dwarf, and casemate
traversing platforms.
_Article 7._
DISPOSITION, AND DUTIES OF FIRING HOT SHOT, WITH SEVEN MEN.
No. 1. commands, supplies 2 with side arms, points, and primes.
3 loads, puts a dry wad over the | 2 searches, spunges, rams home,
cartridge, then a damp one, | assists to put in the shot,
(and a dry wad over the shot | runs up, and elevates.
if necessary,) assists No. 2 to |
ram home the dry wads, runs |
up, and elevates. | 4 clears the vent, serves it,
5 supplies 3 with cartridges and | pricks the cartridge, runs up,
wads, runs up, and traverses. | and traverses.
7 brings shot from the furnace, | 6 assists 7 to bring shot from
and assists to put them in, | the furnace, double-mans 2’s
double-mans 3’s handspike, | handspike, and supplies 5 with
supplies 1 with tubes, and | cartridge, and wads.
fires. |
With all kinds of traversing platforms, No. 3 receives the bearer
from 6 and 7, and assists 2 to put in the shot.
The gun is spunged in the ordinary manner, but the spunge must be
wetted, and the gun frequently cooled with it.
The same stores are required as for the service of heavy guns with
cold shot. Junk wads are indispensable, and those which are used wet
should be made of a low gauge.
_Utensils required for the Shot._
_One furnace or grate._
_One moving tool._
_One scraper._
_One pair of tongs._
_One poker._
_One rake._
_One shovel._
_One stand_ on which to place the shot, in order to scrape them.
_One shot bearer_ per gun. _Two tubs_ full of water, to soak wads,
cool tongs, &c. _Two or three water buckets._
_The furnace_ may be heated either with wood, or coals, or a mixture
of coal and coke, according to circumstances.
There should never be less than three men to attend the furnace, even
when the shot and wood are close at hand, and four will generally be
required, viz., one non-commissioned officer, or steady man in charge
to see that the reddest shot are served out and replaced by cold
ones, and to keep up such a fire as he may judge necessary.
One man to light and attend the fire, and supply fresh fuel when
required.
One to take out shot, lay them on the stand, scrape them, and
afterwards place them on a bearer.
One to supply the furnace with cold shot, and to bring fuel.
_Loading._
The powder must be in a good flannel cartridge, which must undergo
the strictest examination, to see that there are no holes in it,
lest in setting it home any grains should fall out. The gun must be
elevated, in order that the shot may roll freely along the bore.
LOAD. PREPARE TO LOAD. LOAD.
ADDISON’S SHOT FURNACE.
This furnace will contain in three rows, alongside of each other,
fifteen 32-pounder, or eighteen 24-pounder, or twenty-one 18-pounder
shot.
_To heat the furnace._
To heat the furnace, it takes of coals ½ a bushel, of coke 2½
bushels, and shavings for lighting it. It should be allowed twenty
minutes to light properly.
_To heat the shot._
Fifteen 32-pounder shot being then put in, are heated in forty
minutes.
_Order of using the shot._
The shot should be taken equally out of each row from the rear of the
furnace, and replaced by cold ones from the front.
After the furnace has been thoroughly heated, it will supply a new
batch of shot every twenty minutes.
The furnace should be placed to leeward, and as near the battery as
may be convenient, carefully selecting an open space, with as great a
draught as can be found. The draught-hole should be to windward, and
the furnace perfectly horizontal.
_Article 8._
EXERCISE OF CARRONADES, 68-POUNDER, SEVEN MEN.
The disposition and duties are the same as detailed for the service
of heavy guns with seven men, in Articles 1 and 2. But as the spunge
stave is short, No. 2 receives it with his right hand at the rammer
head, and left near the spunge head, pushes it up to the bottom of
the chamber at once, spunges out, and proceeds as directed for guns.
The shot weighing above ½ cwt. No. 2 assists 3 to put it into the
bore by means of a shot bearer, which they raise to the muzzle with
their outward hands, backs down, and their inward hands, backs up.
_24 and 12-Pounders, Six men._
The disposition, and duties are the same as detailed for the service
of heavy guns with six men. See Articles 1, and 2.
_Article 9._
EXERCISE OF GUNS, AND CARRONADES ON SHIP CARRIAGES, WITH SEVEN MEN.
The disposition, and duties are the same as in the gun and carronade
exercises, but a few additional men are necessary for manning the
tackles.
The same stores as for guns on common traversing platforms, with the
exception of the four levers, and in addition, three handspikes, and
a breeching.
FIX THE BREECHING. HOOK THE TACKLES. RUN THE GUN IN. HEAVE. HALT.
Spunge, and load, _as detailed for guns on standing carriages_. RUN
THE GUN OUT. HEAVE. HALT. Elevating, Traversing, Priming and Firing,
_as directed in Article 2_.
_Article 10._
GUNS, AND CARRONADES ON DEPRESSING CARRIAGES.
When, after being fired, the piece is to be loaded, it must be
brought to such a position that the spunge may be clear of the
ground, or sill of the embrasure. Short pieces, such as carronades,
and howitzers, are superior to guns for great depression, as they are
easily managed and quickly loaded.
_Article 11._
EXERCISE OF 10 AND 8-INCH HOWITZERS, ON STANDING AND SIEGE CARRIAGES,
WITH SEVEN MEN.
No. 1 commands, supplies 2 with side arms, points, and primes.
3 loads, runs up, and elevates. | 2 spunges, wipes the shell, uncaps
| the fuze, puts the shell up,
| runs up, and elevates.
5 supplies 3 with cartridge, | 4 clears the vent, serves it,
runs up, and traverses. | pricks the cartridge, runs up,
| and traverses.
7 prepares and brings up shells, | 6 prepares and brings up shells,
assists to put them in, | assists to put them in,
double-mans 3’s handspike, | double-mans 2’s handspike,
supplies 1 with tubes, cuts | replaces 1’s handspike, supplies
and fixes fuzes, and fires. | 5 with cartridges, cuts and
| fixes fuzes.
The same stores are required for the service of howitzers as for that
of guns, (substituting shells for shot,) and, in addition, a shell
bearer, a sheepskin, and a pair of setting up pincers.
The detachments take post as directed for guns.
LOAD. SHELL. The howitzers are run up, elevated, traversed, primed,
and fired, _as detailed for guns_.
_Article 12._
EXERCISE OF MORTARS.
The detachments are told off and numbered as detailed in Article 1.
When they are to take post the commander gives the word, “_Take post
at the mortars, to the right face_.” No. 1, after facing, takes an
oblique pace to the rear on the left of No. 3. At the word “_Quick
march_,” the ranks open out and march on each side of the mortars,
as directed for guns. Nos. 2 and 3 halt in line with the muzzle; 4
and 5 with the trunnions; 6 and 7 with the rear of the bed; the whole
outside of the platform, and in echellon, except No. 1, who takes
post in rear of the platform.
_Disposition, and Duties of Detachments, for 13 and 10-inch Mortars,
with Seven men._
No. 1 commands, hands the spunge to 2, points, and primes.
3 runs up, puts in the cartridge, | 2 runs up, spunges, wipes the
assists to put in the shell, | bottom of the shell, uncaps
and traverses. | the fuze, assists to put the
| shell in, and traverses.
5 runs up, supplies 3 with | 4 runs up, clears the vent, serves
cartridge, and traverses. | it, pricks the cartridge, and
| traverses.
7 double-mans 3’s handspike, | 6 double-mans 2’s handspike,
prepares and brings up shells, | prepares and brings up shells,
assists to put them in, cuts | assists to put them in, supplies
and fixes fuzes, supplies 1 | 5 with cartridges, cuts
with tubes, and fires. | and fixes fuzes.
At 10-inch mortars, Nos. 2 and 3 are sufficient to put in the shell.
_Disposition, and Duties of Detachments, for 8, 5½, and 4⅖-inch
Mortars, with Five men._
No. 1 commands, hands the spunge to 2, points, and primes.
3 runs up, puts in the cartridge, | 2 runs up, spunges, wipes the
puts in shell, and traverses. | bottom of the shell, uncaps
| the fuze, and traverses.
5 prepares and brings up shells, | 4 clears the vent, serves it,
cuts and fixes fuzes, supplies | pricks the cartridge, supplies
1 with tubes, and fires. | 3 with cartridges, cuts and
| fixes fuzes.
The shells ought always to be deposited behind traverses raised
for the purpose, or in other sheltered places, and one or two men,
according to circumstances, should be appointed to scrape and clean
the inside of them, and prepare them for the powder and fuzes. There
must also be men to weigh or measure out the charges of powder,
according to the directions of No. 1.
The following stores are required for the service of mortars:—
_One spunge_ to be placed on the right of the mortar, the spunge head
to the front, and supported to keep it free from gravel.
_One scraper_ for two mortars.
_One cartridge case_, for bringing up the cartridge; or a paper or
leather case, for loading when the powder is loose.
_One beam hook_, for 13-inch; _One pair of hand hooks_, for 10-inch.
_One new pattern hand hook, or piece of cord_, for 8-inch.
_Four handspikes._ Two on each side of the platform, as directed for
guns.
_Two pointing rods, or pickets._
_One plummet_ with line, in charge of No. 1.
_A piece of sheepskin, or an empty sand-bag_ for wiping the bottom of
the shell; to be placed on the right of the spunge.
_One quadrant, One perpendicular, One fuze engine_, for every four or
five mortars. _One tube pocket. One lanyard with hook_, for friction
tubes. _One set of priming irons. One filling funnel. One cork screw.
One mallet. Two setters. Tow, or flax. Shells. Pound shot, or stones.
Bottoms_ for ditto. _Valenciennes composition. Fuzes. Carcasses.
Light balls._
_At the Magazine._
_One budge barrel._
_One set of weights and scales._
_One set of powder measures._
PREPARE FOR ACTION. PLANT THE POINTING RODS. HALT. PLANT THE ROD.
Pointing rods are sometimes fixed in two and a half or three inch
planks, about seven or eight feet in length, prepared for this
purpose.
Mortars are run up by the same numbers, and in the same manner, as
guns on standing carriages, the handspikes being applied under the
running up bolts. LOAD. PUT IN THE SHELL. TRAVERSE. MUZZLE RIGHT.
HEAVE. HALT. MUZZLE LEFT. HEAVE. HALT. _If necessary_—CROSS LIFT THE
MORTAR TO THE RIGHT, (or LEFT). HEAVE. DOWN. Priming, and Firing, as
detailed for guns, except that No. 2, at the word “READY,” takes the
sheepskin out of the mortar, and as well as No. 3 takes an oblique
pace to the rear, to be clear of the explosion.
_Article 13._
FIRING BY NIGHT.
To insure as accurate a fire as possible during the night, the
following expedients have been adopted:—
_For guns on standing carriages._—A directing bar, or piece of
timber, about a foot or eighteen inches longer than the platform and
four inches by six in thickness, is used. It has a hole at one end,
through which a bolt is passed into the platform close to the hurter,
and in the object line. On this bolt the bar traverses. At equal
distances from the axis or middle line of the carriage, two cleats
are bolted under each axletree, at a distance from each other equal
to the breadth of the bar, and the bar is passed under the carriage
and fitted between these cleats. Holes are bored at the tail of the
platform, for the reception of bolts, at distances from each other
to suit the size of the bar. The gun is laid for the object during
the day, and should the bar fall exactly between two holes, the bolts
are put in, and the bar remains fixed. When however the bar covers
a hole, the bolts are put into the nearest holes on each side, and
small wedges driven in between them and the bar, in order to keep
it in its place. The gun now requires nothing more after each round
than to be loaded, run up, and fired; operations which are as easily
performed by night as by day.
_For guns on travelling carriages._—The gun having been properly laid
during the day, a bead or piece of timber of a proper scantling is
nailed or screwed to the platform, inside the felloe of each wheel,
and parallel to the object line, and two shorter pieces are fastened
in like manner outside of the cheeks of the carriage, at the trail.
By a proper application of scotches, the Madras and every description
of traversing platform can be made available for night firing.
When the foregoing expedients cannot be resorted to, the platform and
the carriage should be chalked in different places, and when the gun
is run up, these chalk-marks should be made to correspond. A lantern,
in this case, is always required.
_For Mortars._
After the mortar has been accurately laid, a plank, thin enough to go
under the running-up bolts without touching them, is placed against
the outside of one of the cheeks of the bed, and nailed or screwed
to the platform, and the mortar after every round, run up to it. If
a suitable piece of plank cannot be procured the platform must be
chalked close to the mortar bed.
_Article 14._
FIRING AT MOVING OBJECTS.
For firing at moving objects a garrison carriage may be fitted with a
directing bar, as for night firing, and traversed by means of tackles
hooked to eye-bolts in the rear end of the bar. If the rear end be
shaped for about ten inches like an axletree arm, and fitted with
a truck, the operation of traversing will be greatly facilitated.
This method is peculiarly applicable to coast batteries, where the
guns are mounted _en barbette_ and where vessels under sail are the
objects to be fired at. The gun is elevated and primed, and the
proper tackle being then hauled upon, No. 1 gives the word “_Fire_,”
without any caution to the traversing numbers.
PART 2.—_Article 1._
LEVER, AND HANDSPIKE.
The lever is of essential use in the service of artillery. When it
is 6 feet long, and 3½ inches square at the large end, called _the
point_, it is termed a handspike. The greater the length of the lever
the greater is its power.[27]
_Slewing._
To slew a gun, or mortar, strictly speaking, is to turn it on its
axis without moving it from the spot on which it rests.
_Pinching._
Pinching is the operation of moving a gun, or mortar, by small heaves
of the handspike, without allowing it to turn on its axis. It is
moved little by little, and never raised in its progress, but rubs
against the skid on which it rests.
_Cross-lifting._
To cross-lift a gun, or carriage, is to move it in a direction nearly
perpendicular to its axis. Heavy guns, mounted, or dismounted,
require a long lever, and a fulcrum, for cross-lifting. Guns of
medium weight may be cross-lifted by means of handspikes.
_Article 2._
FULCRUMS, AND PROPS.
Any piece of strong timber of suitable dimensions may serve for a
fulcrum, or a prop. It is called a fulcrum when used to support a
lever, and a prop when used as a temporary support for anything else.
_Fulcrums._
The distance of the fulcrum from the weight which is to be raised
should be such that, when the lever rests upon the top of it, the
point may be put under the weight, and the lever form such an angle
with the horizon that, when it is heaved down, and the small end
nearly touches the ground, the weight may be raised to the required
height.
Except with very heavy bodies, care must be taken, in placing a
fulcrum, that it is inclined in a small degree towards the body, so
that when the lever acts it may bring the fulcrum into a vertical
position.
_Props._
There cannot be a better prop than a quoin, when it is long enough,
or a piece of wood of that shape, of proportionate size.
If the wheels of a carriage are to be taken off, and the carriage
propped, the trail should be first secured from slipping.
The props are placed under each cheek, or under the shoulder of the
axletree, with a slight inclination towards the carriage.
When one wheel only is to be taken off, and the other scotched, the
props may be placed vertically; but practice alone will point out the
proper position of props in all situations.
The point of the lever must not be withdrawn, until it is evident
that the prop is well placed.
_Article 3._
LIFTING JACK.
The lifting jack forms part of the equipment of every battery, and
battering train. It may be applied to many of the purposes for which
a long lever is used; but it is commonly employed to raise the
wheels of carriages from the ground when they are to be greased, or
exchanged, and to extricate them from ruts and holes.
The wheel opposite to that which is to be raised must be scotched.
On soft ground a piece of board must be placed under the foot of the
jack, to prevent its sinking.
There are three kinds of lifting jacks in the service—
1st. _The common lifting jack_ is used for field carriages only. The
arm, which may be adjusted, within certain limits, to any required
height, is a lever of the first kind, and is applied accordingly. The
body of the jack is the support on which it works.
2nd. _The tooth and pinion jack_ is of greater power than the common
jack, and is used for heavy carriages. It is applied vertically under
the carriage, which is raised by turning the winch of the jack.
3rd. _The screw jack_ is an elevating screw of large dimensions, and
is of greater power than either of the other two. Like the tooth
and pinion jack, it is applied vertically under the body, which is
raised, like the breech of a gun, by turning up the screw. The foot
of it is furnished with three spikes, to prevent its slipping when
the screw is turned.
If a wheel is to be extricated from a rut, into which it has sunk so
far that the lifting jack cannot be applied in the ordinary manner,
the jack is placed as close to the wheel as possible, on the outside
of it. A piece of rope, passed under the nave, is made fast to the
extremity of the arm, if the common jack is used, or to the fork,
if either of the other kinds be employed. The jack is then worked
as usual, and stones or other hard substances are thrown under the
wheel, to prevent its sinking, as often as it may be necessary to
take fresh purchases.
The tooth and pinion and screw jacks may be employed to move bodies
horizontally a few inches, provided a good abutment or support can be
found for the foot of the stock. By the application of two jacks, in
opposite directions, bodies may be brought together to be spliced,
riveted, &c.
_Article 4._
ROLLERS.
Rollers are solid cylinders of wood, used in mounting guns upon their
carriages, in shifting them from carriage to carriage, and in moving
them through passages too narrow to admit of the use of the ordinary
means of transport. Their dimensions vary, according to the nature of
the service for which they are intended.
They can be used with advantage, only on a perfectly level plane
surface.
When a cylindrical body is moved on rollers, they must be perfectly
horizontal, or it will roll off them; and even when the rollers are
horizontal, steadying handspikes should, if possible, be applied, to
guard still further against such an accident.
The rollers must be placed at right angles to the direction in which
they are intended to move, projecting equally on each side of the
axis of the gun, or other body, which they support.
A gun laid upon rollers may be moved, either by hauling upon it with
ropes, or by means of levers. In the last case, two holes crossing
each other at right angles, are pierced near each end of the several
rollers, and in them are inserted the points of iron levers, by means
of which the rollers are turned in the required direction.
In order that rollers may be used with the greatest effect, and that
there may be as little necessity as possible for shifting them during
the course of an operation, it must be borne in mind,—
1st. That a roller moves in a direction perpendicular to its own axis.
2nd. That it moves over half the space only which is traversed by the
body it supports.
_Article 5._
CRAB CAPSTAN.
A crab capstan consists of a barrel, (in shape, a frustum of a cone,)
and of a framework of wood and iron by which the barrel is supported
in a vertical position with its largest diameter next the ground. It
is furnished with two levers, called capstan bars, which are passed
through mortices in the upper part of the barrel, and by means of
which the barrel may be turned about on its axis. By means of the
crab capstan, a few men, acting at the levers, can move weights
which would be far beyond their strength, if applied in the ordinary
manner; and it may, therefore, be used with advantage in many
situations, in which it may be either difficult to command labour, or
desirable to economise it.
One end of a rope is made fast to the weight which is to be moved,
and is called the _standing end_. The other, called the running end,
is passed two or three times round the lower part of the barrel, the
loose or running end being kept above the turns, and stretched taught
by the man who passed it round. As the barrel is turned, the standing
end of the rope winds round it, forces the turns up the barrel, and
clears itself. As fast as the running end comes off the barrel, it is
coiled by a man appointed to that duty.
The capstan, when used, is secured by ropes to pickets, driven on
the opposite side of it to that on which the strain acts upon it.
Three men at each end of both bars—_i. e._, twelve men in all—is the
greatest number that can be employed at the capstan with advantage;
and two men are required for the running end of the fall, as
previously described. The levers are twelve feet in length, and the
power of twelve men, acting upon them, is about equivalent to that of
132 men acting at the end of a taught rope.
If a crab capstan cannot be procured, the windlass of a gyn may be
used as a substitute, the cheeks being laid on the ground and secured
with pickets; or a temporary capstan may be rigged, by lashing four
handspikes to the spokes and felloe of a limber wheel, which is
turned upon the pintail of the dismounted limber.
_Article 12._
SLING CART.
The sling cart weighs about 15 cwt., and is employed for moving heavy
ordnance. It is capable of carrying 65 cwt.
One non-commissioned officer and six men are required, numbered as
usual; but it can be worked by one non-commissioned officer and four
men.
Articles required:—
_One sling_ of six-inch white rope, two fathoms long, with an
eye-splice at each end.
_One sling tye_, of one-inch tarred rope, two feet long.
_One prypole._
_One prypole rope_, 2½-inch, three fathoms long.
_Two levers_, six feet nine inches long.
_Two lever ropes_, of two-inch tarred rope, each two fathoms.
_Two pawls._
_Two common handspikes._
_Two pieces of short skidding_, about 4½ feet long, and five or six
inches square.
The detachment is drawn up in rear of and facing the cart, the
command is given, “_Form the order of exercise—to the right
face—quick march_.” The detachment wheels to the left, and the ranks
open out. Nos. 2 and 3 halt one pace in rear of and covering the
wheels. The whole one pace from each other, and covering.
_Disposition, and duties of the Men._
No. 1 attends to the pawl, and commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._
|
3 has charge of the left lever, | 2 has charge of the right lever,
and skids the gun when | and skids the gun when
necessary. | necessary.
5 has charge of a handspike, | 4 has charge of a handspike,
assists 3 at the lever, and | assists 2 at the lever, and
skidding, and raises the weight | skidding, and raises the weight
when it is to be lashed. | when it is to be lashed.
7 assists 3 at the lever, slings, | 6 assists 2 at the lever, slings,
and unslings the gun, and | and unslings the gun, and
lashes it to the prypole. | lashes it to the prypole.
FORM THE ORDER OF MARCH. QUICK MARCH. If the gun be not on skids,
a piece of skidding is placed under it, a little in front of the
trunnions, to make room for the sling to be passed under the piece.
Before the piece is slung, the trunnions are brought vertical, or
nearly so, either by the ordinary method of slewing, or by means of
the sling cart, as follows:—
BACK THE CART OVER THE GUN. SCOTCH THE WHEELS. FORM THE ORDER OF
EXERCISE. QUICK MARCH. UNLASH THE PRYPOLE, LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES.
FIX THE SLING TO THE RIGHT OF THE WINDLASS. OVERHAUL THE SLING.
PREPARE TO RAISE THE RIGHT TRUNNION. HEAVE IN THE SLACK. TAKE UP
LEVERS. RIGHT LEVER TAKE PURCHASE. HEAVE. LEFT LEVER TAKE PURCHASE.
RIGHT LEVER FETCH. LEFT LEVER HEAVE. RIGHT LEVER TAKE PURCHASE. LEFT
LEVER FETCH. HALT. OUT LEVERS. SLING THE GUN. HEAVE IN THE SLACK. MAN
THE LEVERS. HEAVE. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. Alternately
to the lever numbers—HOLD ON, and FETCH, until the gun is close to
the axletree, HALT. PREPARE TO RAISE THE BREECH. RAISE THE BREECH.
(If necessary, TAKE A FRESH PURCHASE. HEAVE.) HALT, LASH THE BREECH.
LASH LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES.
_Unslinging the Gun._
UNLASH LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES. UNLASH THE PRYPOLE. MAN THE LEVERS.
EASE OFF. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. RIGHT LEVER HOLD ON.
LEFT LEVER FETCH. OUT LEVERS.
_Slinging a Howitzer._
A howitzer is slung, and unslung according to the foregoing details.
_Slinging a Mortar._
A mortar is slung with the muzzle towards the rear. For a 13-inch
mortar, the wheels of the sling waggon ought to be used for the sling
cart, and a double-barrelled windlass, if procurable.
_Unslinging a Mortar._
See “Unslinging a Gun.”
_Slinging a Mortar bed._
The windlass for raising Mortar beds is of a different construction
from that of guns, being square in the middle, and cylindrical at
each end. The bed is slung with the front part towards the rear of
the cart.
SLING THE BED. LASH THE BED.
_Unslinging a Mortar bed._
Unslinging a mortar bed is just the reverse of slinging, each number
undoing what he had previously done.
_Article 13._
SLING WAGGON.
The sling waggon weighs about 29 cwt., and is employed for
moving heavy ordnance, and their standing carriages. It requires
a detachment of 1 non-commissioned officer and 8 men; but 1
non-commissioned officer and 6 men can sling any weight below a
24-pounder.
The following articles are required:—
_One sling_ of five-inch white rope, 2½ fathoms long, and having an
eye-splice at each end.
_One sling tye_ of one-inch tarred rope, two feet long.
_One breech rope, or carriage sling_, of 2½-inch tarred rope, 6
fathoms long.
_Two levers_, six feet nine inches long.
_Two lever ropes_, of two-inch tarred rope, 2½ fathoms each.
_Two pawls._
_Four common handspikes._
_Two pieces of skidding_, about four feet long, and six or seven
inches square.
_One pair of strong dragropes._
The detachment is numbered in the usual manner, and takes post for
exercise, as at the sling cart.
_Disposition, and duties of the men._
No. 1 attends to the pawls, and commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._
|
3 has charge of the left lever, | 2 has charge of the right lever,
and skidding, scotches the | and skidding, scotches the
wheels in rear, assists in | wheels in rear, assists in
unlimbering, and limbering up. | unlimbering, and limbering up.
5 has charge of a handspike, | 4 has charge of a handspike,
assists 3 at the lever, scotches | assists 2 at the lever, scotches
the wheels in front, fixes the | the wheels in front, fixes the
carriage sling, and assists in | carriage sling, and assists in
unlimbering, and limbering up. | unlimbering, and limbering up.
7 assists 3 at the lever, slings, | 6 assists 2 at the lever, slings,
and unslings the gun, lashes the | and unslings the gun, lashes the
breech, handspikes, and levers, | breech, handspikes, and levers,
and assists in unlimbering, and | and assists in unlimbering,
limbering up. | and limbering up.
9 assists in unlimbering, and | 8 assists in unlimbering, and
limbering up, keys, and unkeys | limbering up, keys, and unkeys
the limber chain, and fixes the | the draught chain, and fixes
breech rope. | the breech rope.
_Bringing the stores._—If the stores are not with the waggon, Nos. 2
and 3 bring a lever each, and 4 and 5 two handspikes each; 6 the gun
sling, and 7 the carriage sling or breech rope; 8 and 9 the skids and
drag ropes.
The gun is supposed to be lying on skids, and its carriage on one
side, with its breast nearly in line with the breech.
FORM THE ORDER OF MARCH. QUICK MARCH. BACK THE WAGGON OVER THE GUN.
PREPARE TO UNLIMBER. UNLIMBER. OUT LEVERS. PREPARE TO TURN THE GUN
CARRIAGE OVER. TURN THE GUN CARRIAGE OVER—HEAVE. TAKE OFF THE TRUCKS.
PREPARE TO LIFT THE CARRIAGE TO THE CROSS-BAR. LIFT THE CARRIAGE TO
THE CROSS-BAR. FIX THE CARRIAGE SLING. TAKE UP LEVERS. RIGHT LEVER
TAKE A PURCHASE—HEAVE. OUT LEVERS—OFF SLING. PREPARE TO LIMBER UP.
LIMBER UP. PREPARE TO BACK THE WAGGON. BACK THE WAGGON. SCOTCH THE
HIND WHEELS. PUT ON THE TRUCKS. FORM THE ORDER OF EXERCISE. QUICK
MARCH. PREPARE TO RAISE THE TRUNNION ON THE RIGHT. HEAVE IN THE
SLACK. TAKE UP LEVERS. RIGHT LEVER TAKE A PURCHASE—HEAVE. LEFT LEVER
TAKE A PURCHASE. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. LEFT LEVER HEAVE. OUT LEVERS.
SLING THE GUN. MAN THE LEVERS. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON—RIGHT LEVER FETCH.
PREPARE TO RAISE THE BREECH. RAISE THE BREECH. FRAP AND MAKE FAST.
PLACE STOOL BED, AND QUOIN. LASH UP LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES.
_Dismounting the Gun, and Carriage._
PLACE SKIDS, UNLASH, AND SCOTCH THE WHEELS. UNLASH THE BREECH. FORM
THE ORDER OF EXERCISE. QUICK MARCH. LEVERS TAKE A PURCHASE TO LOWER
THE GUN. BEAR DOWN. EASE OFF. RIGHT LEVER HOLD ON. LEFT LEVER FETCH.
LEFT LEVER HOLD ON. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. EASE OFF.
_Slinging Howitzers._
A howitzer is slung in the same manner as a gun.
_Slinging Mortars._
A 13-inch mortar and its bed require each a waggon for itself; but a
10 or 8-inch mortar can be conveyed on its bed, by one waggon.
LIMBER UP. UNSCOTCH THE WHEELS. RUN THE WAGGON BACK. PREPARE TO LASH
UP THE MUZZLE. HEAVE. RUN THE WAGGON FORWARD.
_Article 15._
TRIANGLE GYNS.
There are two patterns of triangle gyn, the small and the large.
The small gyn has legs sixteen feet long, weighs about 8½ cwt.,
including the tackle, and is capable of raising with safety 65 cwt.
It is principally used for mounting guns and howitzers on their
carriages, and for dismounting them; and for placing ordnance of
every description on platform waggons.
The large gyn has legs twenty feet long, weighs about 11½ cwt.,
including the tackle, and is also capable of raising with safety
65 cwt. It is principally used for mounting guns upon traversing
platforms, and for dismounting them.
The rear of the gyn is the part where the windlass is fixed. The
front of the gyn is the prypole.
_Strength of Gyn Detachments._
One non-commissioned officer and ten men are allowed to raise and
work the gyn, numbered as for gun drill.
The same number is sufficient to carry the small gyn. The large one
should be drawn to the place where it is to be used in a hand cart.
At exercise the even numbers are on the right, and the odd numbers on
the left.
The following is the list of stores required for the service of gyns:—
_One fall_, of 3½-inch white rope, seventy-two feet long, for
the small gyn.
_One fall_, of 3½ inch white rope, ninety-six feet long. }
_One staple_, fixed in the top of the prypole. } For
_One four-inch block_ for whip. } the
_One whip fall_, of 1½-inch rope, thirty feet long. } large
_Four lashing ropes_, each nine feet long. } gyn.
_Two levers and lever ropes._ }
_One triple block._ }
_One double block._ }
_One sling_, of six-inch white rope, of a length to suit the}
dimension of the gun or other object which is to be slung. }
_One single lashing rope_, 2½-inch, for slinging mortars. }
_One piece of spun yarn_, three-stranded, 1½ fathom long, }
for seizing the clinch of the fall. }
_One ditto_, one fathom long, for stoppering the fall. } With
_One fid_, (for which a couple of handspikes may be } both
substituted,) for slinging the gun; or,— } patterns.
_One short piece of skidding_, for the same purpose, }
for slinging mortars and howitzers. }
_One hammer._ }
_Three trucks_, or _small pieces of board_, four inches }
thick, with a hole in the centre of each, to receive the }
spikes of the feet of the gyn on soft ground. Handspikes }
laid upon the ground, and on each side of the several }
spikes, will answer this purpose. }
_One pair of dragropes._ }
_Disposition, and duties of the Men._
No. 1 commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._
|
3 carries the foot of the left | 2 carries the foot of the right
cheek, has charge of the left | cheek, has charge of the right
lever, keys and unkeys the left | lever, keys and unkeys the
capsquare, runs the carriage up, | right capsquare, runs the
or back. | carriage up or back.
5 carries the top of the left | 4 carries the top of the right
cheek, assists 3 at the lever, | cheek, assists 2 at the lever,
runs the carriage up, or back. | runs the carriage up or back.
7 carries the levers and | 6 carries the windlass, passes the
handspikes, assists 6 to pass | fall round it, holds on the fall
the fall round the windlass, | and makes it fast, eases off
holds on next to him. | the fall, and lowers the gun.
9 carries the top of the prypole | 8 carries the foot of the prypole
with sling, fid, trucks, &c., | with sling, fid, trucks, &c.,
holds on the fall behind 7, | holds on the fall behind 6.
and coils it up. |
11 assists in carrying the blocks, | 10 assists in carrying the blocks
and fall, reeves, and unreeves | and fall, reeves, and unreeves
the triple block, assists in | the double block, assists in
slinging the gun, and steadies | slinging the gun, and steadies
it on his own side. | it on his own side.
PUT THE GYN TOGETHER, AND REEVE THE TACKLE. PLACE THE WINDLASS.
_To raise, and place a Gyn._
PREPARE TO RAISE THE GYN. At a small gyn the tackle is hooked before
the gyn is raised; at a large gyn it is not hooked until after the
operation has been performed. _At the Small gyn_, HOOK THE TACKLE.
RAISE THE GYN. HALT. PREPARE TO PLACE THE GYN, either pattern. LIFT
THE CHEEKS IN, OUT, TO THE RIGHT, OR TO THE LEFT. _At the Large gyn_,
PREPARE TO HOOK THE TACKLE. HOIST THE TACKLE.
_To raise a Gun, or other object, and to mount and dismount a Gun or
Howitzer on, and from a standing carriage; or to shift it from one
carriage to another._
POST YOURSELVES. PASS THE FALL ROUND THE WINDLASS. PUT ON THE SLING,
AND HOOK THE BLOCK. FIX THE SLING, to a gun, or howitzer without
dolphins. Or, FIX THE LASHING, to a mortar, or other piece of
ordnance with dolphins. FIX THE SLING, to a mortar bed. SHIFT THE
FALL TO THE RIGHT OF THE WINDLASS. HAUL TAUGHT. Everything being
prepared for raising the piece, &c., which has been slung, WORK THE
LEVERS. HEAVE. FETCH. HEAVE, FETCH, alternately until the piece,
&c., is high enough. HIGH ENOUGH. MAKE FAST THE FALL. If a gun, or
howitzer is to be dismounted, the carriage is run from under by Nos.
2, 3, 4, 5, and the piece is lowered to the ground—PREPARE TO LOWER
THE PIECE. LOWER. The piece is unslung, and the sling removed by
the same numbers that slung it. Before striking the large gyn, the
tackle must be unhooked; an operation exactly the reverse of hooking.
PREPARE TO STRIKE THE GYN. STRIKE THE GYN. TAKE THE GYN TO PIECES.
_To mount a Gun, and Carriage, upon a platform waggon, by means of a
triangle gyn._
The gyn is placed over the gun in the usual manner, and the platform
waggon is brought to the side of the gyn, with its rear towards the
muzzle of the gun. The gun is then raised, by means of the gyn; and,
when high enough, and the fall made fast, the carriage is run back by
Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5. PREPARE TO BACK THE WAGGON. BACK THE WAGGON. LOWER
THE GUN. The sling is then removed, and the waggon is run forward.
The gun carriage is next brought under the gyn, and turned bottom
upwards—LIFT. FIX THE CARRIAGE SLING. The carriage is now raised by
means of the gyn, and is lowered upon the piece. LASH THE CARRIAGE.
_Article 16._
GIBRALTAR GYN.
The Gibraltar gyn is principally used for mounting, and dismounting
guns, and howitzers on, and from standing carriages. It weighs 10¾
cwt., and can support three tons with safety.
The following stores are required for the service of the gyn:—
_One fall_, of 3½-inch white rope, eight fathoms long.
_Two lashings_ for slinging the gun, of 2½-inch tarred rope, each
twenty feet long.
_One stopper_, about 5½ feet long, of 2½-inch tarred rope, more than
one half plaited as a gasket.
_One iron triple block_, with brass sheaves, to which is attached a
bar of iron 2½ feet long, for suspending the gun, its ends turned up
to prevent the slings slipping off.
_Four common handspikes. Two dragropes._
One non-commissioned officer and six men are allowed for working the
gyn, numbered as usual.
The gyn is moved by means of dragropes hooked to the staples of the
front, or rear axletrees by Nos. 6 and 7. It can be drawn over hard
level ground by the working detachment of six men. On ground of an
unfavourable nature, a greater number than this is necessary.
The rear of the gyn is the part where the windlass is fixed.
The detachment being formed a few paces in rear of the gyn, No. 1
gives the word, “TAKE POST FOR EXERCISE—TO THE RIGHT FACE—QUICK
MARCH.” The detachment wheels to the left, and the ranks open out.
Nos. 2 and 3 halt one pace in rear of their respective axletree arms.
The whole one pace from each other, and covering.
_Disposition, and Duties of the Detachment._
No. 1 commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._
|
3 runs the carriage up, or back, | 2 runs the carriage up, or back,
heaves round the windlass, | heaves round the windlass,
assists 7 to sling the gun. | assists 6 to sling the gun.
5 runs the carriage up, or back, | 4 runs the carriage up, or back,
assists to hold on the fall, | holds on the fall, makes it
stoppers, and unstoppers it. | fast, and lowers the gun.
7 reeves the tackle, slings, and | 6 reeves the tackle, slings, and
unslings the gun at the chase, | unslings the gun near the first
and steadies it. | reinforce, steadies the gun,
| and overhauls the tackle.
PREPARE TO PLACE THE GYN. PLACE THE GYN BY HAND, (or BY
CROSSLIFTING). REEVE THE TACKLE. PREPARE TO SLING THE PIECE. SLING
THE PIECE. HAUL IN THE SLACK. HEAVE ROUND THE WINDLASS. HALT. STOPPER
THE FALL. SHIFT THE FALL. HALT. The carriage having been run under
the piece, or away from it, as may be required, the piece is lowered,
and cast loose, each number reversing the operations which he
performed in lashing; and raising it.
PART VIII.
GUNNERY.
By the Parabolic Theory, the greatest range is when the angle of
elevation is 45°, or half a right angle; and the ranges are equal
at angles, equally above, and below 45°. In projectiles, moving
with velocities not exceeding 300 or 400 feet per second of time,
the Parabolic theory will resolve cases tolerably near the truth;
but in cases of great projectile velocities, that theory is quite
inadequate, without the aid of data, drawn from good experiments; for
so great is the effect of the resistance of the air to projectiles
of considerable velocity, that some of those, which in the air range
only two or three miles, would, in vacuo, range between twenty and
thirty miles. The effects of this resistance are also various,
according to the velocity, the diameter, and the weight of the shot.
By experiments it will be found that the greatest range (instead of
being constantly that at an elevation of 45°, as in the Parabolic
theory), will be at all intermediate degrees between 45° and 30°
(with ordinary charges about 42°), being more, or less, both
according to the velocity, and the weight of the projectile; the
smaller velocities, and larger shells ranging farthest when projected
almost at an elevation of 45°; while the greatest velocities,
especially with the smaller shells, range farthest with an elevation
of about 30°. However, as sufficient experiments have not yet been
made to establish true rules for practical gunnery, independent of
the Parabolic theory, we must at present content ourselves with the
data of some one certain experimental range, and time of flight at
a given angle of elevation, and then, by help of these, and the
Parabolic theory, we can determine the like circumstances for other
elevations that are not greatly different from the former, assisted
by the following rules:—
PRACTICAL RULES IN GUNNERY.
1.—_To find the Velocity of any shot, or shell._
It has been found by experiments, that with shot of mean windage,
and powder of mean strength, a charge of one-third of the weight of
the ball gives an initial velocity of about 1600 feet per second:
therefore, _to find the velocity given by any other charge_, divide
three times the weight of the charge by the weight of the ball, and
multiply the square root of the quotient by 1600, the product will be
the velocity in feet, or the space the shot passes over in the first
second.[28]
2. _The first graze, with given elevation, and charge, being known,
to determine the charge for any other first graze, and elevation._
Multiply the known charge, and elevation into the proposed first
graze, also the proposed elevation into the known first graze, and
divide the first product by the last, for the charge required in
ounces.
3. _Given the range for one charge, to find the range for another
charge, or the charge for another range._
The ranges have the same proportion as the charges; that is, as one
range is to its charge, so is any other range to its charge, the
elevation of the piece being the same in both cases.
_Table of Velocities, &c., of shells._
Nature of shells, in inches 13 10 8 5½ 4⅖
Their weight (loaded) in pounds 200 92 46 16 8
Charge of powder (land service) do. 5 3 2 1 ½
The velocities 436 500 629 693 693
_From Experiments on the velocities of shot_, the following results
have been obtained:—
1. _The time of a ball’s flight is nearly as the range_, the gun, and
elevation being the same.
2. _The velocities decrease as the distances increase_ (arising from
the resistance of the air, which opposes the progress of the shot,)
in a proportion somewhat higher than the squares of the velocities
throughout, and subject only to a small variation.
3. _Very little advantage is gained, in point of range, by increasing
the charge_ more than is necessary to attain the object, the
velocities given by large charges being very soon reduced to those
by moderate charges; those, for instance, given by half the shot’s
weight are reduced to an equality with those by one-third, after
passing through a space of only 200 feet. (_Vide_ 8.)
4. _Very little benefit is derived from increasing the length of
guns_, the velocity given by long guns of 22 calibres being reduced
to an equality with that of short guns of 15½ calibres with similar
charges, after passing through the following spaces—viz.:—
With ½ the shot’s weight, about 285
” ⅓ do. do. 200
” ¼ do. do. 150
” ⅙ do. do. 115
5. _The resistance of the air_ against balls of different diameters
with equal velocities, is very nearly in the proportion of the
squares of their diameters, or as their surfaces.
6. _A very great increase of velocity may be acquired by a decrease
of windage_, from ⅓ to ¼ being lost by the windage of ½0 the diameter
of the bore.
7. _By firing the charge in different parts_ (separately, or
simultaneously), by compressing the charge, by the use of wads,
by varying the weight of the gun to lessen the recoil, or even by
stopping the recoil entirely, no sensible change is produced in the
velocity of the ball.
8. _The velocity increases with the charge_, to a certain point,
peculiar to each gun; but, by further increasing the charge, the
velocity gradually diminishes; yet the recoil is always increased by
an increase of charge. (_Vide_ 3.)
9. _The velocities of balls fired with equal charges_ increase to
a certain point, when the gun is longer, in a proportion which is
nearly the middle ratio between the square and cube roots of the
length of the bore.
10. _When shot of different weights are fired with the same charges
of powder_, the velocities communicated to them are nearly in the
inverse ratio of the square roots of their weights. Therefore,
shot which are of different weights, and impelled by the firing of
different charges of powder, acquire velocities which are directly
as the square roots of the charges of powder, and inversely as the
square roots of the weights of the shot. By making use of shot of
a heavier metal than iron (lead for instance) the momentum of the
shot discharged with the same charge of powder would be increased in
the ratio of the square root of the shot’s weight, which would both
augment the force of the blow with which it would strike, and also
the extent of the range.
_Compound-shot_, or shells filled with lead, fired with charges
increased ⅛th, will increase the power of range considerably.
11. _With common shells at 45° elevation, the time of flight_ is
nearly equal to the square root of the range in feet, divided by 4;
or, more nearly, equal to the square root of the quotient of the
range in feet, divided by 16-1/12.
12. _The range at 45° elevation_ is nearly equal to the square of the
time of flight in seconds, multiplied by 16-1/12 feet. The range at
15° will be about half that at 45°.
13. _Upon inclined planes, at any elevation_, there are always two
elevations with which any range may be obtained.
_The elevation which gives the greatest range, on a given ascent_, is
equal to half the sum of 90° added to the ascent.
_The elevations which give equal ranges on a given ascent_, are the
complements of each other added to the ascent.
_The elevation which gives the greatest range on a descent_, is equal
to half the complement of the descent.
14. _The depths penetrated by balls of the same size into wood_,
with different velocities, or charges, are nearly as the squares of
the velocities. Balls of different sizes will penetrate to depths
proportionate to their diameters; therefore a greater ball will not
only make a larger hole, but will also penetrate farther than a
small one with the same velocity.
15. By experiments at a mean range, it has been ascertained that in
common earth, dug up and well rammed, a musket ball buries itself
nearly 1½ foot; a 6-pounder from 3½ feet to 4½ feet; 9-pounder from
6½ feet to 7 feet; 12-pounder from 8½ feet to 10 feet; 18, and
24-pounders from 11½ feet to 13 feet.
THEORY, AND PRACTICE OF GUNNERY,
APPLICABLE ESPECIALLY TO THE SERVICE OF NAVAL ORDNANCE.[29]
_Double Shotting._