HANDBOOK
FOR
LIGHT ARTILLERY.
BY
A. B. DYER,
_First Lieutenant, Fourth Artillery, U. S. A._
_FIRST EDITION._
FIRST THOUSAND.
NEW YORK:
JOHN WILEY & SONS.
LONDON: CHAPMAN & HALL, LIMITED.
1896.
Copyright, 1896,
BY
A. B. DYER.
ROBERT DRUMMOND, ELECTROTYPER AND PRINTER, NEW YORK.
PREFACE.
In preparing this work it has been my endeavor to place in compact
form all the data I could obtain that might prove of service to those
persons interested in the subject of light artillery, both in the
Regular Army and in the National Guard.
I have held strictly to the lines laid down in Army Regulations,
Drill Regulations, Official Reports, etc., as regards the matter
extracted from such sources; and such as has not been so obtained has
been carefully selected from the best authorities I have been able to
consult.
I make no claim to originality in this work. It is drawn on the lines
of similar handbooks in foreign services; and a great deal of the
matter has been copied verbatim from the works consulted. To the
writers and compilers of those works I hereby express my thanks.
While I do not consider that machine-guns are proper weapons for the
light artillerist, I feel that occasions may arise when knowledge
regarding them may prove of service; hence the chapter pertaining to
them.
I express, with pleasure, my thanks to Lieut.-Colonel E. B. Williston,
3d U. S. Artillery, for his assistance.
I am particularly obliged to Captain L. L. Bruff, Ordnance Department,
for having permitted me to copy from the manuscript of his work on
Ordnance and Gunnery (now being published), and also for the use of
many of his cuts. His friendly consideration in so doing is fully
appreciated.
I also express my appreciation of the assistance given me by Colonel
A. R. Buffington, Ordnance Department; Captain V. McNally, Ordnance
Department; Captain J. L. Lusk, Corps of Engineers; Captain James
Parker, 4th Cavalry; Captain L. A. Craig, 6th Cavalry; Captain S. W.
Taylor, 4th Artillery; Lieut. E. B. Babbitt, Ordnance Department;
Lieut. M. M. Patrick, Corps of Engineers; Lieut. E. Russel, 5th
Artillery; Mr. J. E. Trautwine, Jr.; Mr. Charles W. Parker; and Mr. L.
V. Benet of the Hotchkiss Ordnance Company.
The following is a partial list of the works consulted:
U. S. Army Regulations; U. S. Drill Regulations for Light Artillery;
U. S. Drill Regulations for Cavalry; U. S. Drill Regulations for
Hospital Corps; Soldier's Handbook, U. S. A.; Reports of the Chief
of Ordnance, U. S. A.; Ordnance Notes; Manual of Heavy Artillery
Service, United States Army, Tidball; Manual of Guard Duty; Ordnance
and Gunnery, Metcalfe; Gunnery for Non-commissioned Officers,
Cronkhite; Description and Service of Machine-guns, Mills; Lectures
on Explosives, Walke; Modern Explosives, Eissler; Interior and
Exterior Ballistics, Ingalls; Preliminary Tactics, Baker; Handbook for
Field-artillery, R. A. Service Institution; The Soldier's Pocket-book,
Wolseley; Manual of Military Engineering; Aide-mémoire de Campagne;
Aide-mémoire, R. E.; Artillerist's Manual and Soldier's Compendium;
the handbooks of Trautwine, Haswell, and Kidder; The Future Training
and Employment of Mounted Infantry, Parr; The Soldiers' First Aid
Handbook, Dietz; Nystrom's Mechanics; Horses and Stables, Fitzwygram;
The Veterinarian's Vade Mecum, Gamgee; The Book of the Horse, Sydney;
The Mule, Reilly; Special Report on the Diseases of the Horse, U. S.
Department of Agriculture; the pamphlets of Hotchkiss, Gatling, Maxim,
Driggs-Schroeder, etc. etc.
A. B. DYER,
1st Lieut., 4th Artillery.
WEST POINT, N. Y., March 1, 1896.
CONTENTS.
PART I.
_MOUNTAIN-ARTILLERY._
CHAPTER I.
PAGES
Description of 1.65 inch and 3.0 inch Guns--Carriages
--Ammunition--Packing-outfit--Range Tables
--Organization of Mountain-batteries 1-38
CHAPTER II.
The Pack-train--How Packed 39-48
CHAPTER III.
The Mule--Description--Diseases--Treatment 49-57
CHAPTER IV.
General Instructions for Mountain Artillery--Supply of
Ammunition--Care and Preservation of Harness--Instructions
for Drivers--Marches--Camps--Weights
and Dimensions of Foreign Mountain-artillery 58-71
PART II.
_FIELD-ARTILLERY._
CHAPTER I.
Detailed Construction of Field-guns 72-88
CHAPTER II.
3.2 inch Guns--Sights--Ammunition--Fuzes--Range
Table 89-107
CHAPTER III.
3.6 inch Gun--Sights--Ammunition--Fuzes--Carriages--Range
Table 108-112
3.6 inch Mortar--Sights--Ammunition--Fuzes--Range
Table--Weights and Dimensions of Foreign Field-artillery 113-123
CHAPTER IV.
Wheel--Carriage--Limber--Caisson--Battery-wagon
and Forge--Artillery-wagon--Harness--Water-cart--Revolver
--Hunting-knife 124-160
CHAPTER V.
Care and Fitting of Harness--Care of Carriages--Care of
Guns--Care of Ammunition--Guard Orders 161-187
CHAPTER VI.
The Horse--How Obtained--Description of--Inspection
of--Power of Teams--Weight behind Artillery Teams--Gaits
of Artillery--Dentition--Plate of Diseases--Health
and Disease--Veterinary Medicines--Drugs
and Doses, and How to Administer Them--Mashes--Poultices,
etc.--Veterinary Notes, with Symptoms and
Treatment of Various Diseases--Stables and Stable
Management--Grooming--Feeding--Kinds of Food--Watering--Training
Horses--Rules for Treatment and
Care of Horses--Destruction of Horses 188-260
CHAPTER VII.
Organization of Artillery--Composition of Light
Batteries--Equipment--Equipment and Clothing for
Marches--Marches--Selection of Camps--Making Camp--Breaking
Camp--Allowance of Wagons 261-300
CHAPTER VIII.
Transportation by Rail; by Sea--Embarkation--Care of
Animals--Diseases of Animals at Sea--Disembarkation 301-315
CHAPTER IX.
Machine-guns--The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon--The
Gatling Gun--The Gardner Gun--The Maxim Gun--The
Metallic Carriage for Machine-guns 316-361
CHAPTER X.
Theoretical Gunnery--Definitions--General Principles--Probability
of Fire--Burst of Shell--Burst of Shrapnel 362-372
CHAPTER XI.
The Causes of Bad Shooting--Estimating Distances--Range-finding--Rule
for Sighting--General Duties
of Artillery Commanders--Target Practice, How Conducted--Projectiles
Used--Kinds of Targets--Night-firing 373-391
CHAPTER XII.
Cordage, How Preserved--Strength--Blocks and
Tackle--Knots, Hitches, etc.--Lashings 392-402
Bridges--Trestles, Piers, etc.--Single-sling and Double-sling
Bridges--Stringer Bridges--Fords--Flying and
Floating Bridges--Rafts and Casks 402-418
CHAPTER XIII.
Hasty Demolition--Gunpowder--Dynamite--How Used
in Blasting--Guncotton--Rack-a-Rock--Handling,
Transportation, and Storage of High Explosives--Charges
for Hasty Demolition--Where and How to
Place Charges 419-430
CHAPTER XIV.
Battery Books and Records--Rolls, Reports, and Returns--The
Ration--Salt and Vinegar for Public Animals--The
Travel-ration--Present Organization of U.
S. Light Field-battery--Cost of a Battery of Four 3.2″
Guns, in Detail--Price-list of Artillery-harness--Price-list
of Harness for 1.65″ Mountain-gun--Price-list of
Artillery Accoutrements, etc.--Price-list of Horse
Equipments--Price-list of Stencil and Marking Outfits--Supply
Table of Ordnance Stores for a Battery of
Light Artillery for Six Months--Allowance of Ammunition
for Target Practice--Standard Supply Table of
Veterinary Medicines--Tableware and Kitchen Utensils--Allowance
of Clothing, Equipage, Fuel, Lights,
etc.--Weights of Certain Articles of Clothing and
Equipage--Pay Table of Enlisted Men--Summary
Court, and List of Punishments--U. S. Signal and
Telegraph Code--Penetration of Projectiles--Cover
for Field-artillery--Treatment of Sick Men--Tables of
Weights, Measures, etc.--Tables for Converting Customary
and Metric Weights and Measures--Salutes--Camp
Furniture and Mess Outfits for Officers 431-496
A HANDBOOK FOR LIGHT ARTILLERY.
PART I.
MOUNTAIN-ARTILLERY.
CHAPTER I.
Guns. Carriages. Ammunition. Packing Outfit. Range Tables.
Organization of Mountain-batteries.
THE 1.65-INCH HOTCHKISS MOUNTAIN-GUN.
[Illustration: Fig. 1.]
DESCRIPTION.
Material steel
Total length 3.83 feet
Length of bore 3.43 "
Travel of projectile 3.10 "
Calibre 1.65 inches
Weight 121 pounds
Grooves 10
Twist of rifling, uniform 1 in 29.83 cals.
Muzzle-velocity 1298 ft.-sec.
Maximum range 3500 yards
The gun (Fig. 2) consists of the body and the breech mechanism.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.]
The body of the gun is made from a single forging of oil-tempered and
annealed steel. The trunnion-ring is screwed on the gun-body just
forward of the reinforce, and provides a support for the front sight.
The bore is rifled with a uniform right-hand twist. The lands are very
narrow in proportion to the grooves, and are ten in number.
The =Breech-block= is a solid prismatic block of steel with
rounded corners, having a horizontal movement in a mortise cut
completely through the breech of the gun. The front face of the
block is perpendicular to the axis of the bore, whilst the rear face
is slightly inclined. The left end of the block is bored to form a
prolongation of the chamber when the breech is open, and its front
upper corner is cut away to allow free movement of the extractor.
The horizontal movement of the breech-block is limited by the
stop-bolt, which, passing through the breech of the gun, engages in a
guide in the upper part of the block.
In the right end of the breech-block is mounted a shaft on which
is secured the locking-screw, and which terminates in a handle for
manœuvring. The thread of the locking-screw is cut away for about
100°, in such a manner that the breech-block may be locked or unlocked
by a half-turn of the handle.
The =Extractor= is a single piece of steel working in a longitudinal
groove in the top of the breech-mortise. Its forward end is formed
into a claw to grasp the head of the cartridge. On the same side
as the claw is a stud which, following a groove in the top of the
breech-block, imparts motion to the extractor.
The =Vent= is a cylindrical channel passing diagonally through the
breech and breech-block, and changing direction in the block so as to
follow the axis of the bore.
The friction-primer cannot be inserted until the two parts of the
vent are in prolongation from the complete closing and locking of the
breech-block. The ordinary friction-primer is used.
NOMENCLATURE.
=The Mechanism.=--(_b_) breech-block; loading-hole; (_s_)
stop-bolt; spring washer; (_r_) stop-bolt guide; (_e_) extractor;
(_h_) extractor-hook; (_a k_) extractor-guide; (_c_) locking-screw;
locking-screw shaft; locking-screw pin; (_l_) handle; stop; stop
keep-screw.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.]
ACTION OF THE MECHANISM.
The gun having been fired, the handle is turned to the rear, unlocking
the block and starting it in the mortise. Drawing the handle smartly
to the right, the breech is opened, the extractor, actuated by the
movement of the block, commences to move very slowly back with a
powerful leverage, starting the cartridge-case from its seat. When the
breech-block has moved sufficiently to unmask the bore, the change of
direction in the extractor-guide causes the extractor to make a quick
movement to the rear, throwing the cartridge clear of the gun.
A new charge being inserted, it is pushed home until the head of the
cartridge brings up against the extractor. The breech is now closed by
pushing it smartly to the left, and is locked by turning the handle to
the front. A primer may now be inserted in the vent, and the gun is
ready for firing.
DIRECTIONS FOR DISMOUNTING THE MECHANISM.
Unscrew the stop-bolt about four turns, or remove completely.
Withdraw breech-block.
Remove extractor, which is now free.
In general nothing further need be dismounted for cleaning and
inspection.
To dismount completely continue as follows:
Remove locking-screw pin with screw-driver.
Remove stop keep-screw.
Drive out stop with the drift, interposing a bit of wood or leather to
avoid bruising the stop.
Withdraw handle and locking-screw shaft.
Remove locking-screw.
To mount, proceed in reverse order.
CARE AND PRESERVATION.
The gun requires no special care beyond that of being kept clean, free
from rust and undefaced.
_Brick-dust or gritty substances must never be used on any part of the
gun._
_The parts of the mechanism must never be scraped with knives or metal,
or be defaced or roughened in any way._
_All parts of the gun must be kept lightly oiled as a protection from
rust._
After firing, the gun should invariably be thoroughly cleaned. To do
this, dismount the mechanism completely and wash every part thoroughly
with warm fresh-water soapsuds; mechanism, breech-block, mortise, and
barrel should all be treated alike.
After thoroughly scrubbing all parts, dry them carefully and let all
stand for a short time to air and dry off the moisture.
After drying, rub all parts over with a well-oiled rag.
Mount the mechanism.
On the march the breech and muzzle should always be protected by the
covers supplied for the purpose.
When parked, guns and carriages should be covered with paulins.
SIGHTS.
The =Front Sight= is a plain roughened steel point-sight, and is
permanently fixed to the right rim-base.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.]
The =Bar Tangent Sight= (Fig. 4) is a plain vertical bar-sight carrying
a sliding leaf conveniently graduated. Both the bar and the leaf have
clamp-screws to fix them in position. The tangent sight is only mounted
on the gun when in action, being at other times removed to avoid
injuring it.
The bar is graduated to 15°, each being subdivided into six parts. It
may be graduated in yards or metres. It is compensated for natural
drift. A vernier-mark on the head of the sight and graduations on the
sliding leaf correct ordinary deviations.
The =Gunner's Quadrant=, for mountain-guns, is a small pocket-quadrant
with a spirit-level limb pivoted. On the arc are inscribed both the
degrees of elevation and ranges corresponding to the gun for which it
is used. It is thoroughly reliable both for direct and curved fire, and
to a very great extent supplants the sight-bar.
The recoil is checked by rope-brakes, hooked to the trail-handles and
passed around the felloes of the wheels. No limber is used, but a pole
which is readily attached to the trail is provided for hauling the
carriage.
AMMUNITION.
The ammunition is fixed, and consists of common shell and canister.
Weight of round (common shell) 2.62 pounds
Weight of shell, filled 1.95 "
Weight of round (canister) complete 3.47 "
Weight of canister 2.8 "
Number of balls in canister 30
Powder-charge 5½ oz. mortar
Bursting-charge of shell 1.8 oz.
Weight of cartridge case empty 5.3 "
Weight of fuze 1.9 "
The drawn metallic cartridge-case (Fig. 5) is of brass, and is
drawn from the solid metal to shape. It is reinforced at the base
by inside (_c_) and outside (_b_) cups of the same metal. The head
(_d_) is fastened to the base by brass rivets which clamp the body,
cups, and head solidly together. A vent (_v_) is pierced through the
head of the cartridge, and five eccentric flash-holes (_a_) through
the reinforcing-cups. The jet of flame from the primer, entering
the vent, lifts the reinforcing-cups and forces its way through the
flash-holes to the charge. The charge being ignited, the pressure of
the gas immediately forces back the reinforcing-cups and seals the
vent. The charge, consisting of 5½ oz. of black powder, is well
shaken down and separated from the base of the projectile by a felt
wad. When smokeless powder is employed, an igniter containing about
40 grains (3 grammes) of musket-powder is placed in the bottom of the
cartridge-case. The vent is sealed with a thin coating of wax.
[Illustration: Fig. 5.]
[Illustration: Fig. 6.]
[Illustration: Fig. 7.]
The =Common Shell= (Fig. 6) is of the cylindro-ogival pattern with a
brass band, and is fitted with a base percussion-fuze. It contains a
bursting-charge of about 1¾ oz. (950 grammes) of musket-powder.
The =Canister= (Fig. 7) consists of a thin envelope of drawn brass,
containing thirty hardened 1-oz. lead balls packed in sulphur. On
the body is an annular stop to prevent inserting too far into the
cartridge-case. The cartridge-case can be recharged on an average about
eight times.
THE CARRIAGE.
Weight complete 241 pounds
Height of axis of trunnions above ground 27.55 inches
Diameter of the wheel 37.4 "
Track of wheel 2.46 feet
[Illustration: Fig. 8.]
NOMENCLATURE (see Fig. 8).--(_a_) trail; (_b_) axle; (_c_)
wheel; (_d_) cap-squares; (_e_) breast-transom; (_f_) elevating-screw;
(_g_) lunette; (_h_) hook.
DESCRIPTION.
The carriage-body consists of two steel brackets forming cheeks and
trail. They are reinforced by angle-steel and connected by transoms.
The axle is secured in beds riveted to the brackets, and is arranged to
be readily dismounted when required. The elevating-gear consists of a
simple screw working in a stout steel transom, and supports the breech
of the gun; the preponderance is sufficient to insure stability. The
sponge and rod are secured to the right side of the trail by suitable
attachments. A pole is provided for draught when easy country is
encountered, and provision is made for attaching it to the lunette.
The following articles are carried in the gunner's haversack: 1
tangent-sight; 1 lanyard; 1 spare-extractor; 1 spare stop-bolt; 1
dismounting-pin; 1 oil-can; 2 cleaning-brushes; 1 screw-driver; 1 pair
cutting-pliers; 1 vent-cleaner; friction-primers.
Leather covers are provided for the breech and muzzle of the gun.
Two bricoles are provided for use in moving by hand. The band of the
bricole is of stout canvas, having a short length of rope at its lower
end, provided with a stout hook for hooking into the swivels on the
ends of the axles.
HOTCHKISS POINT PERCUSSION-FUZE.
The =Hotchkiss Point Fuze= (Fig. 9) consists of four main parts: the
body _A_, the plunger _B_, the head _C_, and the safety-plug _D_.
The =Body= is cylindrical and of brass, with a screw-thread and stout
shoulder at the upper end for securing in the shell. The outside of the
shoulder is shaped to the ogive. A chamber is fashioned in the body,
whose base has a conical hole bored for the safety-plug.
The =Plunger= is a hollow brass cylinder with a lead lining to give it
weight, and containing a chamber in which is a small charge of powder
with a fulminate cap over it, the whole being covered with foil as a
preservative against moisture. A small brass wire is inserted in the
lower part of the plunger, bent up so that the ends project through the
safety-plug hole.
The =Safety-plug= is a lead stopper forced tightly into the hole in the
bottom, and by pinching the ends of the brass wire holds the plunger
steady.
The =Head= is of gun-metal, the outside following the ogival contour
and being provided with a screw-thread for securing it in the body.
In the centre of the lower surface is fixed a small point forming a
striker for the fulminate.
RANGE TABLE FOR 1.65-INCH HOTCHKISS MOUNTAIN-GUN.
Kind of powder, Dupont H. N.
Weight of charge, 5½ oz.
Weight of shell, 1 lb. 15 oz.
Initial velocity, 1,298 ft.-sec.
Angle of jump, + 22 minutes
Length of line of sight, 17.93 inches
------+----------+-------+-------+------+-------+-------+---------+---------
Range.|Elevation.| Angle|Sight- |Drift.| Drift-| Time |Remaining|Dangerous
| | of |marks. | | marks.| of |Velocity.| Space
| | Fall.| | | |Flight.| | for
| | | | | | | |Infantry.
------+----------+-------+-------+------+-------+-------+---------+---------
Yards.| ° ′ | ° ′ |Inches.|Yards.|Inches.| Sec. | Feet. | Yards
100 | -0 12 | 0 12 | 0.000 | 0.1 | 0.008 | 0.1 | 1,243 | 100
200 | 0 00 | 0 23 | 0.000 | 0.1 | 0.009 | 0.4 | 1,191 | 200
300 | +0 11 | 0 35 | 0.057 | 0.2 | 0.012 | 0.7 | 1,125 | 180
400 | 0 23 | 0 48 | 0.120 | 0.3 | 0.014 | 1.0 | 1,099 | 131
500 | 0 35 | 1 02 | 0.183 | 0.4 | 0.014 | 1.3 | 1,066 | 102
600 | 0 49 | 1 16 | 0.255 | 0.5 | 0.015 | 1.6 | 1,037 | 83
700 | 1 03 | 1 31 | 0.328 | 0.7 | 0.018 | 1.9 | 1,007 | 69
800 | 1 17 | 1 53 | 0.401 | 0.9 | 0.020 | 2.2 | 984 | 56
900 | 1 32 | 2 16 | 0.479 | 1.2 | 0.024 | 2.5 | 961 | 46
1,000 | 1 48 | 2 39 | 0.562 | 1.5 | 0.026 | 2.8 | 942 | 40
1,100 | 2 04 | 3 02 | 0.646 | 2.0 | 0.033 | 3.1 | 922 | 34
1,200 | 2 21 | 3 27 | 0.735 | 2.5 | 0.037 | 3.4 | 902 | 30
1,300 | 2 39 | 3 53 | 0.829 | 3.2 | 0.044 | 3.8 | 886 | 27
1,400 | 2 57 | 4 22 | 0.923 | 3.9 | 0.050 | 4.1 | 869 | 24
1,500 | 3 16 | 4 48 | 1.022 | 4.6 | 0.055 | 4.5 | 853 | 22
1,600 | 3 36 | 5 19 | 1.127 | 5.5 | 0.062 | 4.9 | 837 | 20
1,700 | 3 57 | 5 50 | 1.237 | 6.1 | 0.065 | 5.3 | 823 | 18
1,800 | 4 18 | 6 22 | 1.347 | 7.0 | 0.070 | 5.7 | 810 | 16
1,900 | 4 39 | 6 55 | 1.457 | 8.0 | 0.076 | 6.1 | 797 | 15
2,000 | 5 01 | 7 28 | 1.572 | 9.0 | 0.081 | 6.5 | 784 | 14
2,100 | 5 23 | 8 02 | 1.688 | 10.0 | 0.086 | 6.9 | 771 | 13
2,200 | 5 47 | 8 36 | 1.814 | 11.0 | 0.090 | 7.3 | 758 | 12
2,300 | 6 11 | 9 14 | 1.941 | 13.0 | 0.102 | 7.7 | 748 | 11
2,400 | 6 36 | 9 57 | 2.073 | 15.0 | 0.113 | 8.1 | 735 | 10
2,500 | 7 01 | 10 36 | 2.205 | 17.0 | 0.123 | 8.5 | 722 | 10
2,600 | 7 27 | 11 18 | 2.342 | 20.0 | 0.139 | 8.9 | 712 | 9
2,700 | 7 53 | 12 00 | 2.480 | 22.0 | 0.151 | 9 3 | 702 | 9
2,800 | 8 20 | 12 42 | 2.624 | 24.0 | 0.155 | 9.8 | 689 | 8
2,900 | 8 48 | 13 26 | 2.773 | 26.0 | 0.163 | 10.2 | 679 | 8
3,000 | 9 17 | 14 10 | 2.928 | 28.0 | 0.170 | 10.6 | 669 | 7
3,200 | 10 15 | 15 39 | 3.239 | 35.0 | 0.199 | 11.6 | 650 | 6
3,400 | 11 16 | 17 11 | 3.569 | 41.0 | 0.221 | 12.6 | 630 | 6
3,600 | 12 20 | 18 45 | 3.917 | 48.0 | 0.245 | 13.5 | 610 | 5
3,800 | 13 27 | 20 20 | 4.284 | 57.0 | 0.277 | 14.5 | 591 | 5
4,000 | 14 35 | 22 00 | 4.996 | 70.0 | 0.325 | 15.5 | 571 | 4
------+----------+-------+-------+------+-------+-------+---------+---------
If the axle of the carriage be not horizontal,
multiply the difference of level of the wheels in inches (or the
inclination of the trunnions in degrees) by the elevation in degrees
for the given range; the result will be the deflection in minutes to be
applied on the side of the higher wheel.
[Illustration: FIG. 9.]
When the shell is fired, the plunger is forced to the rear, driving
the safety-plug into the shell. The small wires being free to let
the plunger drive forward, hold it steadily with the rotation of the
shell, and keep it from dropping forward on the descending arc of a
high trajectory. On impact the plunger drives forward, and the little
magazine is exploded by contact with the point.
A Frankford Arsenal point percussion-fuze, small (model 1894), weight
2¼ oz., is now made for 1.65-inch ammunition. It is similar to the
fuze for the 3.2-inch field-gun.
DISMOUNTING.
To dismount the mechanism: See page 4.
To dismount the gun: Throw back the cap-squares and lift straight up at
breech and muzzle.
To dismount the wheels: Take out the linch-pins, lift the carriage at
the axles and slip the wheels off.
To dismount the axle: Slack back the clamp-screws about one turn; back
the small keep-screws about four turns. Dismount the wheels; pull out
the axle.
To mount the parts, proceed in inverse order.
LOADING-TOOLS AND INSTRUCTIONS.
NOMENCLATURE.--Loading-press; loading-sleeve; common
shell-plunger; canister-plunger; ejector; charge-measure;
burster-measure; cartridge-funnel; shell-funnel; cleaning-brush;
fuze-wrench.
The loading-tools are supplied in sets, enclosed in an oak chest.
They are not to be carried into the field, but should be set up in an
appropriate laboratory room.
For methods to be followed see instructions given for preparing
ammunition for 3-inch gun, page 31, _et seq._
THE PACKING OUTFIT FOR 1.65-INCH GUN.
This consists of:
One pack-saddle, for carrying the gun and wheels of the carriage.
One pack-saddle, for carrying the gun-carriage, the pole, the
splinter-bar, the harness-sack (containing the harness and the
pole-yoke), and the ammunition-pack.
One pack-saddle, for carrying the four ammunition-boxes.
One set of double harness.
One pole and neck-yoke (the pole is hinged so that it can be folded for
packing).
One splinter-bar.
Four ammunition-boxes holding 18 rounds each.
One ammunition-pack holding 6 rounds, for use in an emergency.
Blinds, for use when packing.
=The Pack-saddles= are identical, with the exception of the yokes for
carrying the different parts and a few minor changes in the pads.
=The Harness= is for two mules and consists of bridles, breast-collars,
martingales, breeching, traces and pole-straps, and harness-sack
(duck). The pole, neck-yoke, and splinter-bar are made of hickory.
=Ammunition-boxes= are made of pine and are 24″ × 8″ × 8″. They have
sliding covers, which are connected to the box by a lifting hinge. Each
box holds 18 rounds of ammunition, and friction-primers. Weight of box
empty 11 lbs. 8 oz.; weight of box filled 59 lbs., about.
PARTS OF OUTFIT PER GUN.
1 pack-saddle for gun.
1 crupper.
1 belly-cincha.
1 saddle-cincha.
2 wheel-straps.
2 hub-straps.
1 gun-pad.
1 lashing-rope.
2 bridles.
2 breast-collars.
2 martingales.
2 breechings.
2 pairs traces.
2 pole-straps.
1 blind.
1 pack-saddle for carriage.
1 crupper.
1 belly-cincha.
1 saddle-cincha.
1 cargo-cincha.
1 trail-strap.
1 lashing-rope.
1 harness-sack.
1 neck-yoke.
1 neck-yoke brace.
1 neck-yoke brace-billet, and chapes.
1 blind.
1 pack-saddle for ammunition.
1 crupper.
1 belly-cincha.
1 saddle-cincha.
1 cargo-cincha.
1 lashing-rope
1 pole.
1 splinter-bar.
Trail-hooks for attachment
of splinter-bar.
4 ammunition-boxes.
1 cartridge-pack.
1 blind.
METHOD OF PACKING.
1. On long marches with a wagon train the whole packing outfit will be
carried in the wagon train when practicable.
2. On packing the outfit to make expeditions, if it is known that there
will be no occasion for hauling the gun and carriage, the hauling
appliances, viz., harness, pole, yoke, and splinter-bar, can be left
behind in the wagon train, at a camp or post, as the case may be;
but as the hauling appliances add little to the pack, and unexpected
occasions for their use are probable, they should be carried as a rule.
3. The gun and carriage are to be hauled whenever practicable country
for hauling occurs, on a long march, to ease the animals, and
especially if their backs get sore, and also in action if the ground
will admit of it.
4. If the draught animals are led, the pack-saddles can be left on the
animals loosely cinched.
5. If a driver rides one draught animal, its pack-saddle can be placed
on the other animal, or both saddles can be placed on gun and carriage.
6. Pressure should fall on back, not on spine and not on sides.
Mules differ in shape; the same mule is not always symmetrical, and
the condition varies; therefore, when saddles fit do not change them
without good reason.
Fold saddle-blanket in four folds and place it carefully on the animal;
then place the saddle on the blanket and in the middle of the animal's
back, so as to interfere as little as possible with his free action,
and cinch tightly with saddle-cincha. They should be drawn tighter than
with riding-saddles, but only tight enough to keep the saddle securely
in its place. With a young mule tighten gradually and gently.
Ammunition-mules scarcely need such tight girthing as saddle-mules.
The dock of the crupper must be kept soft, smooth, and pliable.
7. See that everything fits properly before loading. Place the hand
under the blanket to make sure that pressure does not fall on the
withers. On the least sign of a rub on the ribs take measures to
relieve the pressure from that point, changing the load if possible. In
cases of this sort, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
A slightly galled mule can generally carry its saddle, and sometimes
be worked, if proper measures are taken. After cleansing and drying
the wound dust it with sulphur 3 parts, iodoform 1 part, and then put
a piece of old-fashioned court-plaster over it if the animal is to be
worked.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PACKING.
=Saddles.=--Fold saddle-blanket in four folds and place it on the
animal; place saddle on blanket and cinch tightly with saddle-cincha.
No. 3 saddles the carriage-mule and acts as driver.
No. 4 saddles the gun-mule and acts as driver.
No. 5 saddles the first ammunition-mule and acts as driver.
No. 6 saddles the second ammunition-mule and acts as driver.
FIRST ANIMAL.
(See Fig. 10.)
=Gun and Wheels.=--The gunner removes the tangent-sight, placing it in
the haversack, and puts on the breech-cover.
No. 1 throws back the right cap-square and puts on the muzzle-cover and
grasps gun by manœuvring-handle.
No. 2 throws back the left cap-square and grasps end of breech-block.
[Illustration: FIG. 10.]
No. 4 leads the gun-mule to the gun and places him three yards to the
rear of the trail, facing to the rear.
The gunner, grasping the muzzle, commands "_Lift_," and all lift the
gun from the carriage and place it in its bearings, breech in front,
sight down.
The gunner, assisted by Nos. 1 and 2, puts cargo-cincha over gun,
trunnions passing through slots, edge of cincha nearest to slots in
front; cinches to belly-cincha; and then puts gun-pad on breech of gun.
Nos. 1 and 2 on their respective sides then lift the axle while the
gunner removes the wheels and replaces linch-pins and washers;
Nos. 1 and 2 fasten them together with wheel-strap, dish of wheels
inside, and place them astride of gun, hubs between wheel-pads on
cargo-cincha, lower them to their proper position, and suspend them
with the hub-strap which passes around the hubs and over top of gun. On
most animals the best position for wheels is to have the distance from
bottom of hub, measured over top of saddle, 36 inches.
Nos. 1 and 2 then buckle around the rim of wheel, on their respective
sides, the two wheel-straps, which are attached to the belly-cincha
chape, two spokes apart on each side, and tighten these straps until
the wheels are in the best position and bear firmly on the cargo-cincha
wheel-pads, and on the gun-pad. The wheel-pack is then secure and can
be easily adjusted from time to time to aid the animal on the march. If
further security is required, lash the wheels with the lashing-rope;
fasten one end of rope to one hub, pass it around wheels, under corners
of saddle-pads and over and under the animal, and draw tight. (The
most expert packer of the detachment should be required to perform the
duties pertaining to that work when necessary, as it is very important
that the work should be done properly.)
SECOND ANIMAL.
(See Fig. 11.)
=Carriage and Harness.=--No. 3 leads the carriage-mule up and places
him three yards in front of muzzle, facing to the front.
No. 1 places harness (in its sack) on left side with pole-yoke under
flap of harness-sack, and secures them in position with the two straps
which are attached to the saddle.
No. 2 places pole (butt end in front) and splinter-bar on right side
and secures them in position with the two straps which are attached to
the saddle, passing the straps twice around the pole and bar. The front
strap passes once in front and once in rear of the pintle-pin.
The gunner at the trail and Nos. 1 and 2 at the axle lift the carriage
and place it in position on top of saddle, bottom down, trail to the
rear, so that special shapes of saddle arch-irons will engage in
the carriage. The front arch-iron enters the slot just in rear of
carriage-axle.
[Illustration: FIG. 11.]
The gunner passes the cargo-cincha over the carriage, the wooden block
down, and in between side flanges of trail, elevating-screw passing
through hole in cincha and wooden block; then receives from No. 1
the ammunition-pack and places it in position; cinches securely,
fastens the primer-pouch and haversack containing accessories around
gun-carriage cheek, and this pack is complete.
NOTE.--The harness, pole-yoke, and splinter-bar are not
necessary to this pack, and the carriage packs equally well without
them. If _on_ the saddle, they are to be left on it in coming into
action; that is, the carriage can be unpacked and repacked without
disturbing them.
THIRD OR FOURTH ANIMAL.
(See Fig. 12.)
=Ammunition.=--Each animal carries four ammunition boxes, each
containing 18 rounds of ammunition: total rounds 72. Nine cartridges
and ten primers are packed in each end of each box. The gunner and Nos.
1, 2, and 3 put the ammunition-boxes in position, the two top ones
first, simultaneously, and then the two bottom ones in the same way.
No. 3 then returns to his mule, which he had turned over to No. 4; and
Nos. 1 and 2 secure the boxes in position by the straps fastened to the
clips, and the gunner cinches them securely with the cargo-cincha. He
then passes a lashing-rope around the iron handles on the ends of the
boxes and over the pack, and the whole is securely fastened in place.
[Illustration: FIG. 12.]
TO HARNESS FOR DRAUGHT.
Nos. 3 and 4 place harness on their mules, and lead them into position
for hitching, and when the pole has been adjusted complete hitching in
front of mules.
Nos. 1 and 2 lift trail and the gunner attaches the pole.
Nos. 1 and 2 hitch traces.
WEIGHTS TO BE CARRIED BY EACH MULE.
--------------+------------------------------------+-------------------
First Animal. | Second Animal. | Third Animal.
--------------+------------------------------------+-------------------
lbs. | lbs. | lbs.
Gun 121 |Carriage 131 |72 rounds amm. 189
Wheels 104½ |Sponge and rod 1½ |4 boxes 46
Outfit 65½ |2 primer-pouches and contents 7½ |Outfit 57½
|Harness in sack 17½ |
|Pole-yoke 3 |
|Splinter-bar 5¾ |
|Amm.-pack and 6 rounds 18¼ |
|Outfit 62 |
-------| -------| ----
Total 291 |Total 259½ |Total 292½
--------------+------------------------------------+-------------------
ARTIFICER'S TOOLS AND SUPPLIES.
In the composition of a complete mountain-battery must be included
the necessary tools and supplies for making any repairs that may be
required, for shoeing the pack-animals, etc. These constitute the loads
for four pack-mules, as follows:
PIONEER PACK.
2 felling-axes, handled.
1 crowbar, steel.
2 sledge-hammers (8 pounds), handled.
4 bill-hooks.
4 pickaxes, handled.
4 shovels.
4 reaping-hooks.
4 hatchets.
50 feet of 1-inch hemp rope.
FORGE PACK.
1 mountain-forge, complete.
1 set of smith's tools.
ARTIFICER'S PACK.
1 set of wheelwright's tools.
1 set of saddler's tools.
SUPPLY PACK.
1 set of wheelwright's stores.
1 set of saddler's stores.
1 set of farrier's stores.
SUGGESTED ORGANIZATION AND EQUIPMENT.
The detailed exercise and tactics for mountain-batteries differ
slightly in different military services, but the following general
directions conform to the normal condition and will serve for the
organization of temporary mountain-batteries.
For packing, each piece complete requires four mules.
For the service of each gun seven men are required, of which three
fight the gun in action and four serve as mule-drivers and reserves.
A full battery consists of six pieces in time of war and four in time
of peace, and should comprise, in addition to the equipments of a
single piece, one field-forge, with transport-mule and driver; two
transport-boxes, containing farrier's, carpenter's, and saddler's
tools, with transport-mule and driver (one spare wheel packed on this
mule); one spare carriage complete, with transport-mule and driver;
ammunition-boxes, containing small-arm ammunition, with transport-mule
and driver; twelve ammunition-boxes containing reserve-gun ammunition,
with three transport-mules and drivers.
The battery should be organized into platoons under lieutenants, each
platoon consisting of a section under a sergeant.
Each section (the personnel and material of one gun) should consist of
the chief of section, gun detachment (one corporal and six privates),
and extra drivers and spare men. If there be but one ammunition-mule to
a section, the number of men would be reduced to six.
The first sergeant should command the ordnance-mules not with the first
line, viz.: ammunition, spare carriage, blacksmith's and wheelwright's
tools, relief. He is assisted by the stable-sergeant.
The second lieutenant commands the pack-train, and is assisted by the
quartermaster-sergeant.
The commissioned officers, first sergeant, quartermaster-sergeant,
stable-sergeant, and trumpeters should be mounted on horses; the
blacksmith, wheelwright, and cooks, on mules. Officers, sergeants, and
trumpeters should be armed with pistols; all enlisted men other than
sergeants and trumpeters, with carbines.
In line there should be an interval of twelve yards between sections.
The positions of the captain and lieutenant, and first sergeant
and chiefs of section, are the same as in a field-battery, both in
line and column. The mules of a section are in the following order:
carriage-mule, gun-mule, and ammunition-mules with the distance of a
yard between them, and in column with a distance of two yards between
sections. The gunner is near the right flank of leading mule; Nos. 1
and 2 are similarly placed with respect to the second and third mules.
The drivers are on the left and opposite the heads of their mules.
TABLE OF ANIMALS REQUIRED FOR FOUR-GUN BATTERY.
------------------------+-------+------+------------------------------
|Horses.|Mules.| Extra Mules.
------------------------+-------+------+------------------------------
Captain | 1 | -- |If a long march is anticipated
Lieutenants | 3 | -- | the pack-train must
Sergeants | 3 | -- | be increased accordingly,
Trumpeters | 2 | -- | and an increase in the
Cooks | -- | 2 | number of ordnance-mules
Blacksmith | -- | 1 | as herein indicated.
Wheelwright | -- | 1 |
Gun | -- | 4 | 4
Carriage | -- | 4 | 4
First ammunition | -- | 4 | 4
Second ammunition | -- | 4 | 4
Spare carriage | -- | 1 | 1
Blacksmith's tools, etc.| -- | 1 | --
Wheelwrights, etc. | -- | 1 | --
Spare | -- | 5 | 3
Pack-train | -- | 10 | ?
+-------+------+-----
| 9 | 38 | 20 + increase of pack-train.
------------------------+-------+------+------------------------------
SERVICE OF THE 1.65-INCH HOTCHKISS GUN.
=Men Required.=--A gunner and five privates. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 serve as
cannoneers; Nos. 4 and 5 attend animals.
=Equipments.=--Gunner and No. 1, primer-pouches; Nos. 2 and 3,
cartridge-pouches.
=Duties.=--The gunner commands, attaches and detaches the pole, sets
the sight, points, and superintends the service of the ammunition.
No. 1 mans right wheel, controls brake-rope, opens and closes breech,
and fires piece.
No. 2 mans the left wheel, controls brake-rope, introduces the
ammunition into the bore, and assists in pointing.
No. 3 keeps No. 2 supplied with ammunition and assists the gunner in
attaching and detaching the pole.
Nos. 4 and 5 attend animals.
HOTCHKISS 3-INCH MOUNTAIN-GUN.
[Illustration: Fig. 13.]
DESCRIPTION.
Material steel
Total length 3.76 feet
Length of bore 3.25 "
Travel of projectile 3.02 "
Calibre 3 inches
Weight 216 pounds
Grooves 24
Twist of rifling, uniform 1 in 25.59 cals.
Muzzle-velocity 870 f. s.
Maximum range 4000 yards
The breech-mechanism of this gun differs from the 1.65-inch in that its
stop-bolt engages in a guide in the lower part of the block.
The _front sight_ is of the open type, allowing of a large field
of view. The _tangent-sight_ is provided with a sliding head by
means of which it may be set before placing it on the gun, and
a deflection-slide for correcting for drift, wind, etc. On the
deflection-slide is an open notch for rough, and a peep-sight for fine,
sighting. The sight-bar is graduated on one side in ranges, on the
other in millimetres. The sights are on the left side.
THE CARRIAGE.
[Illustration: Fig. 14.]
NOMENCLATURE.--(1) trail; (2) axle; (3) wheel; (4)
cap-squares; (5) hooks; (6) elevating-screw; (7) elevating-lever; (8)
elevating-transom; (9) lunette; (10) lunette-plate; (11) trail-handles;
(12) brakes; (13) sponge and rod.
DESCRIPTION.
Length of carriage-body 52.75 inches
Weight of carriage-body 205 pounds
Weight of sponge and rod 4.5 "
Weight of two wheels 123 "
Total weight of carriage 332 "
Height of trunnion-centres above ground 23.7 inches
Diameter of wheels 37.4 "
Track of carriage 28.35 "
Vertical field of fire +20°, -10°
Total weight of gun and carriage 570 pounds
The carriage-body consists of two steel brackets forming stock and
trail. They are reinforced by angle-steel and connected by transoms.
The axle is stiffened by a reinforcing-plate to which is riveted
the carriage-body. The elevating-gear consists of a forked lever,
pivoted at its nearmost end, and traversed near the middle by the
elevating-screw. The latter is supported by an inclined plane on the
elevating-transom. The breech of the gun rests freely on the end of
the elevating-lever, the preponderance being sufficient to insure
stability. Recoil is checked by two rope-brakes, which are hooked to
the trail-handles and passed around the felloes of the wheels. For
the march one end of each brake is hooked to a trail-handle, the rope
passed diagonally over the trail end and the free end secured to one of
the hooks under the axle. The sponge and rod are secured by suitable
attachments on the right side of the trail.
THE PRAIRIE LIMBER.
[Illustration: Fig. 15.]
NOMENCLATURE.--(1) axle; (2) axle-beds; (3) frame; (4) body;
(5) pintle; (6) pintle-key; (7) shafts; (8) prop; (9) prolonge-hooks;
(10) ammunition-chests.
DESCRIPTION.
Weight of limber-body 262 pounds
Weight of two wheels 123 "
Weight of four chests 123 "
Weight of limber complete 554 "
Number of rounds carried 32
Weight of limber fully equipped 1005 pounds
Weight of a pair of ammunition-chests fully loaded 225 "
Total weight of gun limbered 1575 "
This limber is designed to relieve the pack-animals where possible. It
carries four of the mountain ammunition-chests, which may at once be
removed and carried on the pack when necessary, the limber-body being
temporarily abandoned. Two of the pack-animals will be found sufficient
for draught, leaving three as a relief or for the transport of forage.
The =Limber= consists of a frame of angle-steel, which is provided
with beds to receive the axle. The body is formed of steel plate, with
compartments for the reception of four ammunition-chests. The outer
chests are raised slightly above those in the middle, and may be opened
without removing them from the limber. On the limber are carried a
paulin, a combined prolonge and picket-rope, a felling-axe, a shovel
and a pickaxe.
The =Ammunition-chests= are made of wood, covered with waterproof
canvas, and are strongly ironed. They provide for carrying eight
rounds of ammunition, and have a compartment wherein may be placed a
package of friction-primers and the fuze-case. The latter is a metallic
box having compartments for five combination fuzes in their sealed
packages.
THE AMMUNITION.
Weight of cartridge-case 1.25 pounds
Weight of charge 14 ounces
Weight of projectile 12 pounds
Total weight of complete cartridge 14 "
Total length of complete cartridge 14.1 inches
Bursting-charge, common shell 6.3 ounces
Bursting-charge, shrapnel 1¾ "
Number of balls in shrapnel 160
Effective fragments, shrapnel 180
Number of balls in canister 125
[Illustration: FIG. 16.]
The =Ammunition= consists of a cartridge-case containing the
powder-charge, and the projectile. The drawn metal cartridge-case
(Fig. 16) is of brass, and is drawn from the solid metal to shape.
It is reinforced at the base by inside and outside cups of the same
metal. The head is fastened to the base by brass rivets, which clamp
the case, cups, and head solidly together. A vent is pierced through
the head of the cartridge, and five eccentric-fire holes through
the reinforcing-cups. Between the reinforcing-cups is held an iron
obturator. The jet of flame from the primer, entering the vent, lifts
the obturator and forces its way through the fire-holes to the charge.
The charge being ignited, the pressure of the gas immediately forces
back the obturator and seals the vent.
The =Charge= consists of 14 oz. I. K. granular powder. In order to
vary the charge the ammunition is made in two parts, viz., projectile
and cartridge-case. The cartridge is put into the metallic case in two
half-charges, in bags, so that one may be removed if desired.
The vent of the cartridge is sealed with a thin coating of wax.
The =Common Shell= (Fig. 17) is of the cylindro-ogival pattern, with a
copper band, and is fitted with a point percussion-fuze. It contains a
bursting-charge of about 6.3 ounces (180 grammes) of fine-grain powder.
[Illustration: FIG. 17.]
[Illustration: FIG. 18.]
[Illustration: FIG. 19.]
The =Shrapnel= (Fig. 18) is made of cast iron. It consists of a body to
which the head is attached by three copper rivets. The bursting-charge
of about 1¾ ounces of fine-grain powder is contained in a chamber
in the base, which is brought into communication with the fuze by
a central igniting-tube. The shrapnel is loaded with 160 hardened
balls packed in sulphur. These projectiles are transported plugged,
the combined time and percussion fuze being inserted at the moment of
action.
The =Canister= (Fig. 19) consists of a thin brass envelope, which is
lined with six wrought-iron segments. The head is of wood, and is
fitted with a false point to bring it to the same length as the common
shell. On the body is an annular stop to prevent inserting too far into
the cartridge-case. The canister contains 125 hardened lead balls.
The common shell are painted black, the shrapnel red, and the canister
are unpainted.
ACCESSORIES AND SPARE PARTS.
The following accessories and spare parts are supplied with each gun,
carriage, and limber:
GUN.
1 breech-cover, russet leather.
1 muzzle-cover, russet leather.
1 gunner's haversack, containing:
1 breech-sight.
1 gunner's quadrant in case.
1 lanyard.
1 Universal fuze-wrench.
1 cannoneer's haversack, containing:
1 spare extractor.
1 spare stop-bolt.
1 spare spring-washer.
1 dismounting-pin.
1 drift.
1 oil-can.
2 cleaning-brushes.
1 screw-driver.
1 fuze-wrench.
1 pair of cutting-pliers.
1 vent-cleaner.
GUN-CARRIAGE.
1 pair of shafts.
1 sponge and rod.
1 sponge-cover.
2 brake-ropes.
PRAIRIE LIMBER.
4 ammunition-chests.
4 fuze-cases.
1 pair of shafts.
1 felling-axe.
1 pick-axe.
1 shovel.
1 waterproof paulin 13′ x 6½′.
1 picket-rope and prolonge 20′ long.
ARTIFICER'S TOOLS AND SUPPLIES.
In the composition of a complete mountain-battery must be included
the necessary tools and supplies for making any repairs that may be
required, for shoeing the pack-animals, etc. These constitute the loads
for four mules, as follows:
PIONEER-PACK.
2 felling-axes, with handles.
1 crowbar, steel.
2 sledge-hammers (8 pounds), handled.
4 bill-hooks.
4 pick-axes, handled.
4 shovels.
6 reaping-hooks.
4 hatchets.
50 feet of 1-inch hemp rope.
FORGE-PACK.
1 mountain-forge, complete.
1 set of smith's tools.
ARTIFICERS' PACK.
1 set of wheelwright's tools.
1 set of saddler's tools.
SUPPLY-PACK.
1 set of wheelwright's stores.
1 set of saddler's stores.
1 set of farrier's stores.
LOADING-TOOLS AND INSTRUCTIONS.
Tools for loading the ammunition are supplied in sets, enclosed in an
oak chest. They are not to be carried into the field. The set consists
of:
Common-shell plunger.
Shrapnel plunger.
Case-shot plunger.
Loading-sleeve.
Ejector.
Loading-press.
Fuze-key.
Cleaning-brush.
Shell-funnel.
Cartridge-funnel.
Cartridge-gauge.
TO FILL COMMON SHELL.
Insert the funnel in fuze-hole and pour in bursting-charge, at the same
time tapping side of shell with a wooden mallet. Clean the fuze-hole
carefully with brush, and make sure that no powder remains in the
thread. Screw the fuze tightly home. If the fuze requires more force
than can be given with the key to screw it home, lay it aside. _Never
strike a fuze or attempt to force it._
TO FILL THE CARTRIDGE-CASE.
Weigh the charge (never measure it) and pour it in the case through a
funnel. Shake the charge well down by tapping side of case with flat of
the hand. Insert the wad.
TO ASSEMBLE CARTRIDGE (1′.65).
The common shell are inserted filled and fuzed, the shrapnel _empty_.
Oil the base of the projectile lightly, and centre in the mouth of
the cartridge case, the latter standing on the bench. Slip the sleeve
vertically over projectile and cartridge-case. Turn the sleeve to a
horizontal position, holding the head of the cartridge with the left
hand, and lay the sleeve in the press. Insert the proper plunger, so
that it bears on the head of the projectile. Screw the press home
until the band of the projectile touches the mouth of the cartridge,
or until the shoulder of the plunger bears against the front of the
sleeve. Unscrew the press, remove the plunger, _push_ out cartridge
with the ejector. _Never strike the ejector_ under any pretence. Pass
the cartridge into the gauge and close slide.
TO FILL SHRAPNEL.
The shrapnel is assembled with the cartridge-case before filling.
Pour in the bursting-charge very slowly, at the same time tapping the
projectile lightly with a mallet. Clean the fuze-hole carefully, and
screw the plug firmly home. Shrapnel should not be fuzed except in the
field, at the moment of their employment.
The above rules find general application, the methods being modified to
suit the case, viz., whether fixed ammunition, or charge and projectile
separate.
3-INCH MOUNTAIN-GUN RANGE TABLE.
Charge, 14.1 oz. C₂.
Projectile, 12 lbs.
Initial velocity, 853 ft.-sec
Angle of jump, 0° 39′.
Length of line of sight, 17″.56.
------+----------+----------+-------+------+-----------+--------+
Range.| Angle |Elevation.|Sight- |Drift.|Deflection.| Time |
| of | |marks. | | | of |
|Departure.| | | | | Flight.|
------+----------+----------+-------+------+-----------+--------+
Yards.| ° ′ | ° ′ |Inches.| Feet.| _m/m_ |Sec'nds.|
0 | 0 0 | 0 0 | 0.000 |Right | Left | 0.0 |
100 | 0 23 | | | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
200 | 0 46 | 0 7 | 0.036 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.7 |
300 | 1 10 | 0 31 | 0.158 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 1.1 |
400 | 1 34 | 0 55 | 0.281 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.4 |
500 | 1 59 | 1 20 | 0.409 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 1.8 |
600 | 2 24 | 1 45 | 0.536 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
700 | 2 50 | 2 11 | 0.670 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 2 6 |
800 | 3 16 | 2 37 | 0.803 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 3.0 |
900 | 3 42 | 3 3 | 0.936 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 3.4 |
1000 | 4 9 | 3 30 | 1.074 | 4.9 | 0.7 | 3.8 |
1100 | 4 37 | 3 58 | 1.218 | 6.0 | 0.8 | 4.2 |
1200 | 5 5 | 4 26 | 1.361 | 7.2 | 0.9 | 4.6 |
1300 | 5 33 | 4 54 | 1.504 | 8.5 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
1400 | 6 2 | 5 23 | 1.655 | 9.9 | 1.1 | 5.4 |
1500 | 6 32 | 5 53 | 1.810 | 11.5 | 1.2 | 5.8 |
1600 | 7 2 | 6 23 | 1.965 | 13.3 | 1.3 | 6.3 |
1700 | 7 33 | 6 54 | 2.125 | 15.3 | 1.4 | 6.7 |
1800 | 8 5 | 7 26 | 2.291 | 17.5 | 1.5 | 7.2 |
1900 | 8 37 | 7 58 | 2.458 | 19.8 | 1.6 | 7.6 |
2000 | 9 10 | 8 31 | 2.630 | 22.3 | 1.7 | 8.1 |
2100 | 9 44 | 9 5 | 2.807 | 25.1 | 1.8 | 8.5 |
2200 | 10 19 | 9 40 | 2.991 | 28.1 | 1.9 | 9.0 |
2300 | 10 54 | 10 15 | 3.175 | 31.3 | 2.1 | 9.5 |
2400 | 11 30 | 10 51 | 3.366 | 34.8 | 2.2 | 10.0 |
2500 | 12 7 | 11 28 | 3.562 | 38.5 | 2.3 | 10.5 |
2600 | 12 45 | 12 6 | 3.765 | 42.5 | 2.5 | 11.0 |
2700 | 13 25 | 12 46 | 3.979 | 46.8 | 2.7 | 11.6 |
2800 | 14 6 | 13 27 | 4.200 | 51.5 | 2.8 | 12.1 |
2900 | 14 48 | 14 9 | 4.427 | 56.6 | 3.0 | 12.7 |
3000 | 15 31 | 14 52 | 4.661 | 62.1 | 3.2 | 13.2 |
3100 | 16 16 | 15 37 | 4.908 | 68.1 | 3.4 | 13.8 |
3200 | 17 2 | 16 23 | 5.163 | 74.5 | 3.6 | 14.4 |
3300 | 17 49 | 17 10 | 5.425 | 81.4 | 3.9 | 15.0 |
3400 | 18 38 | 17 59 | 5.700 | 88.9 | 4.1 | 15.6 |
3500 | 19 29 | 18 50 | 5.989 | 97.0 | 4.4 | 16.3 |
------+----------+----------+-------+------+-----------+--------+
[Part 2 of Table.]
------+-------+-----+------
Range.| Fuze- |Angle|Rem.
| scale.|of |Veloc.
| |Fall.|
------+-------+-----+------
Yards.|Inches.| ° ′|Feet.
0 | 0.00 | 0 0| 853
100 | 0.14 | | 842
200 | 0.34 | | 831
300 | 0.55 | | 821
400 | 0.76 | | 811
500 | 0.99 | 2 10| 801
600 | 1.22 | | 791
700 | 1.46 | | 782
800 | 1.69 | | 773
900 | 1.91 | | 764
1000 | 2.12 | 4 32| 755
1100 | 2.33 | | 746
1200 | 2.54 | | 737
1300 | 2.75 | | 728
1400 | 2.95 | | 719
1500 | 3.16 | 7 19| 710
1600 | 3.36 | | 702
1700 | 3.57 | | 694
1800 | 3.78 | | 686
1900 | 3.99 | | 678
2000 | 4.20 |10 44| 670
2100 | | | 662
2200 | | | 654
2300 | | | 646
2400 | | | 638
2500 | |14 39| 630
2600 | | | 623
2700 | | | 616
2800 | | | 609
2900 | | | 601
3000 | |19 27| 594
3100 | | | 587
3200 | | | 580
3300 | | | 573
3400 | | | 567
3500 | |25 3| 560
------+-------+-----+------
(From Hotchkiss Pamphlet.)
SUGGESTED ORGANIZATION OF A 3-INCH HOTCHKISS MOUNTAIN-BATTERY.
The organization is made on the same principles as those of the
1.65-inch mountain-battery.
The section, consisting of one piece, requires for its service and
transport ten men and nine pack-animals. Of the men, gunner and Nos.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as cannoneers; 7, 8, 9, attend animals. The
pack-animals are distributed as follows:
1 gun-mule.
1 carriage-mule.
1 wheel, shafts, and accessory mule.
6 ammunition-mules.
The proportion of each kind of ammunition carried will depend upon the
nature of the campaign, but in general each ammunition-chest should
contain five shrapnel, two common shell, and one canister, making a
total allowance per gun:
60 shrapnel with combination fuzes.
24 common shell with percussion-fuzes.
12 canister.
A full battery should consist of six pieces, and should comprise, in
addition to the equipment of six sections:
1 pioneer outfit, with mule and driver.
1 mountain-forge, with mule and driver.
2 artificer's chests, containing farrier's, wheelwright's, and
saddler's tools, with mule and driver.
2 chests with farrier's, wheelwright's, and saddler's supplies, one
spare wheel, with mule and driver.
1 spare carriage complete, with two mules and one driver.
3 ammunition-chests, with small-arms ammunition and small stores, with
mule.
=Equipments.=--Gunner's pouch; No. 1, primer-pouch; Nos. 2, 3 and 4
cartridge-pouches. =Duties.=--Gunner commands; limbers and unlimbers;
sets the sight; points, and superintends service of ammunition.
=Duties.=--Gunner commands; limbers and unlimbers; sets the sight;
points, and superintends service of ammunition.
No. 1 mans the right wheel; controls brake-rope; opens and closes
breech; fires piece.
No. 2 mans the left wheel; controls brake-rope; introduces the
ammunition into the bore; assists in pointing.
No. 3 keeps No. 2 supplied with ammunition (first setting time-fuze
and removing safety-pin) and assists the gunner in limbering and
unlimbering.
No. 4 keeps No. 2 supplied with ammunition (first setting time-fuze and
removing safety-pin).
No. 5 receives ammunition from No. 6; removes plugs from shrapnel;
fuzes same; loosens cap of time-fuze, and issues prepared ammunition to
Nos. 3 and 4.
No. 6 passes ammunition to No. 5; opens time-fuze cylinders, and brings
up ammunition-mules as required.
At the command "_Cease firing_," Nos. 5 and 6 equalize ammunition in
boxes.
Nos. 7, 8, and 9 attend animals.
TO PACK.
The mules are brought up at a trot, and stationed:
Gun-mule three yards in rear of trail and facing to rear.
Carriage-mule three yards in front of muzzle, facing to front.
Wheel-mule three yards to left of gun, facing to front.
=To Pack the Gun= (Fig. 20).--No. 4 takes the lifting-bars from
wheel-pack and passes them to the gunner and No. 2; No. 3 procures
breech and muzzle covers from gun-pack, hands muzzle-cover to No. 1
and straps on breech-cover; No. 1 throws open cap-squares and adjusts
muzzle-cover; the gunner and No. 2 pass ends of lifting-bars to Nos. 3
and 1. All numbers facing to the rear, the gunner commands, "_Lift_."
The gun is placed on the pack and secured by Nos. 1 and 2.
[Illustration: FIG. 20.]
[Illustration: FIG. 21.]
=To Pack the Carriage= (Fig. 21).--The gunner and No. 3 remove the
linchpins; Nos. 1 and 2 lift the axle; the gunner and No. 3 remove the
wheels and replace the linchpins; Nos. 1 and 2 grasping the axle-arms,
the gunner and No. 3 pass a lifting-bar through the trail-handles. All
numbers facing to the front, the gunner commands, "_Lift_," and the
carriage is placed on the pack and secured by Nos. 1 and 2.
[Illustration: FIG. 22.]
AMMUNITION MULE.
[Illustration: FIG. 23.]
=To Pack the Wheels= (Fig. 22).--The gunner and No. 3 lift the wheels
and place them separately on the pack, where they are secured by No.
4; No. 4 places and secures the lifting-bars; Nos. 3 and 5 take off
their haversacks and secure them on the wheel-pack.
_Unpacking is performed in the reverse order to packing._
WEIGHT CARRIED BY EACH MULE.
-----------------------+----------------------------------
Gun-mule. | Carriage-mule.
-----------------------+----------------------------------
Saddle 69 lbs.|Saddle 69 lbs.
Gun 218 " |Carriage 205 "
--------| --------
287 " | 274 "
-----------------------+----------------------------------
Wheel-mule. | Ammunition-mule.
-----------------------+----------------------------------
Saddle 60 lbs.|Saddle 58 lbs.
Wheels 123 " |Two chests with 8 rounds
Shafts, etc. 22 " | each 280 "
--------| -------
205 " | 338 "
-----------------------+----------------------------------
CHAPTER II.
The Pack-train. How Packed.
PACK-TRAINS.
Gen. Holabird says: A pack-mule carries on an average 200 pounds. Allow
one pack-mule to six or seven men for detachments out scouting from
five to eight days; twelve mules to two officers and sixty or seventy
men for six days; eight mules to one officer and fifty men of cavalry
for six days.
The above allowance does not contemplate the carrying of forage.
Cavalry drill-regulations state: With fifty packs there should be
twelve packers. Each troop should have four mess-boxes, seven-eighths
inch lumber, dovetailed, 11 inches by 18 inches by 26 inches, and, when
packed in pack-cover, without lids.
In camp or garrison, logs of wood, 26 inches long, and sacks of corn,
double-sacked and lashed to avoid breaking sacks, having the weight it
is intended the mule should carry, are kept on hand for drill purposes.
Each pack should be provided with two coils of three-eighths inch rope,
18 to 28 feet long, for lashing packs.
The pack-saddle consists of the _saddle proper_; two _pads_; _crupper_;
_corona_; _manta_ or _pack-cover_; two pieces of canvas, each 84
inches by 22 inches, stitched together on the long edges; _halter_ and
_strap_; _canvas cincha_, 10 inches wide; sling-rope, half-inch best
hand-laid manilla whale-line, 20 to 32 feet long; and _leather cincha_,
with _lash-rope_, five-eighths inch whale-line 42 feet long. There
should be one _blind_ for every five packs.
The size of rope is given by the measurement of its diameter.
A "full-rigged" saddle has _sling-straps_ and _cargo-cincha_; the sling
and lash ropes are then dispensed with.
While saddling, loading, or readjusting the packs, the animals should
be blinded. The mules should be trained to stand perfectly quiet while
the blind is on; they should never be led or forced to move without
first removing the blind.
TO FIT THE SADDLE.
The pack-saddle is fitted to the animal in a manner similar to that of
the riding-saddle; it is so constructed that it can be placed one and
one-half inches farther forward than the riding-saddle.
If the pads are not square, draw the screws, unlace the pads from the
skirts, then square and fit them to the animal by placing the canvas
cincha immediately around the animal's girth, the front edge touching
the breast-bone (cartilages of true ribs), the middle of the cincha
being exactly in the middle of the lower edges of the pads; then screw
the pads to the saddle-bars, keeping the cincha in place till the
adjustment is made; then remove the cincha and replace the pads.
Adjust the canvas cincha so as to be long enough to go nearly around
the girth of the mule, over the saddle.
Adjust the crupper by lengthening or shortening the lace-strings that
attach it to the saddle, taking care not to make it too tight.
TO SADDLE.
Place the corona on the mule's back, about two to two and one half
inches in front of where the pommel end of the saddle is to rest;
place the folded saddle-blanket over the corona; take the saddle by
both yokes and place it squarely in position, a little in rear of its
proper place; place the crupper under the dock and gently move the
saddle forward to position; pass the ring end of the canvas cincha over
the saddle from left to right and under the belly; pass the latigo
through the ring and tighten the cincha; when cinched, the ring end of
the cincha should be above the lower edge of the near pad.
CARGOES.
The rations should be carefully put up in one-hundred-pound packs
lashed solidly, and carried on the best pack-mules; each pack is
plainly marked with its contents and weight.
Salt, sugar, coffee, and beans are double-sacked, and lashed in
one-hundred-pound packages. Bacon, in one-hundred-pound packages,
is packed in from five to eight pounds of clean straw or hay,
double-sacked and lashed firmly.
The yeast-powder cases should be opened and hay or straw stuffed
closely around the boxes to prevent shaking, and, with other articles,
lashed into one-hundred-pound packages.
Each cargo is in two side-packs of about one hundred to one hundred and
twenty-five pounds each, and should match in size, shape, and weight
as nearly as practicable, each side-pack having, as nearly as may be,
the following proportions: width one half more than thickness, length
nearly one half more than the width; e. g., 12 inches by 18 inches by
25 inches.
All the salt, sugar, coffee, and beans should not be placed in one
cargo. Ammunition should be in cargoes.
Pads or cushions of hay 26 inches by 44 inches may be placed under
the cincha to keep long and rough packs from the animal's hips and
shoulders.
TO LOAD CARGO.
The packers should work by threes, designated Nos. 1, 2, and 3. No.
1 is on the near side, No. 2 on the off side of the mule; when No.
3 works with No. 1 he is nearest the croup; when with No. 2 he is
opposite the mule's shoulders.
The mule is placed near to and with its left side next to the cargo by
No. 2, who then puts on the blind.
No. 1, on the near side, passes the centre of the sling-rope over the
saddle to the off side far enough to allow the rope to pass over the
off-side pack and come back within his reach, the parts of the rope
separated by six to twelve inches. Nos. 2 and 3 take the off-side pack,
place it well up on the saddle; No. 2 grasps the loop of the sling-rope
with his right hand, brings the rope up against the pack and lets the
loop drop over his right shoulder in readiness to pass it over the
pack; No. 2 holds the pack in place.
No. 3 passes to the near side and with No. 1 takes the near-side pack
and places it, flat side next the mule, well up on the saddle, lapping
the upper edge well over the upper edge of the off-side pack. No. 1,
with his back to the mule's shoulder, takes the end of the front part
of the sling-rope, passes it from the outside through the loop, and
pulls it down with the right hand; he now grasps the rear end of the
sling-rope with the left hand, and ties the ends together in a square
bow-knot, the packs high up.
No. 1 calls out, "_Settle_"; No. 1 and No. 2 each grasps his side of
the cargo by the lower corners, lifts upward and outward, settling the
upper edges well together and balancing the load. If the packs are tied
too high they are easily lowered, but if tied too low they must be
lifted and placed as in the first trial.
[Illustration: FIG. 24.]
[Illustration: FIG. 25.]
[Illustration: FIG. 26.]
[Illustration: FIG. 27.]
[Illustration: FIG. 28.]
[Illustration: FIG. 29.]
While Nos. 1 and 2 are tying and placing the cargo, No. 3 takes the
lash-rope, throws the free end to the rear of the mule, convenient to
No. 2, and places the cincha end in front of No. 1. No. 1 grasps the
rope with the right hand, three feet from the cincha, and passes the
hook end of the cincha under the mule to No. 2, who takes the hook
(_H_, Fig. 24) in the left hand; No. 1 with the left hand grasps the
rope three feet above the right, raises the rope and lays it between
the side-packs from rear to front (_P P′_), pulling it to the front
until a long enough loop (_A_) is formed to pass over the cargo and
fasten in the cincha-hook (_H_). The right hand, back down, holds the
cincha end of the rope, the loop (_A_) falling outward over the right
forearm; the left hand, back up, holding the other part of the rope
between the loop and the middle of the packs; No. 1 now throws the loop
(_A_) over the pack, then lets the part in the left hand drop on the
mule's neck, thus forming another loop (_A′_, Fig. 25); No. 2 passes
the rope through the hook, pulls the cincha end of the rope till the
hook is drawn up so that, when tightened, the hook shall be near the
lower edge of the off pad. No. 1 now grasps the rope at _G_, Fig. 26,
and tucks a loop from rear to front, under the part _AA_, Fig. 26, over
the centre of the near-side pack (_G_, Fig. 27); No. 2 passes the free
end of the rope under the part _EE_, Fig. 27, and throws it over on the
near side of the mule's neck; No. 1 draws the tucked loop forward and
forces the rope under the corners and lower edge of the near pad and
hauls it taut from above the rear corner; No. 2 grasps the rope at _I_,
Fig. 27, with the left hand, and at _K_ with the right hand, and passes
the rope under the corners and lower edge of off pad (_KL_, Fig. 28)
and hauls taut at the front corner, No. 1 taking in the slack at the
free end of the rope.
The lash is now ready for the final tightening. No. 2 removes the
blind, leads the mule forward a few steps, No. 1 in rear at the same
time looking to see if the packs are properly adjusted. The mule is
again blinded. The object of the final tightening is to lash the load
firmly to the saddle; pulling all the parts of the lash-rope taut,
and taking up the slack, commencing at the cincha; and continuing the
process from part to part, until the slack is taken up at the free end
of the lash-rope. While No. 2 is pulling the parts taut, No. 1 takes up
the slack or steadies the cargo, or _vice versa_; the pulling is done
in such manner as not to shake the cargo out of position.
No. 2 grasps the lash-rope above where it leaves the hook and below
the edge of the pad, right hand below left, places left knee against
rear corner of pad; No. 1 grasps with the right hand the same part of
the rope where it comes over the pack on the near side, and with the
left hand at _G_, Fig. 28, places his right shoulder against the pack
to steady it; he then says, "_Pull_." No. 2 tightens by steady pulls
and, without letting the rope slip back through the hook, gives the
slack to No. 1, who takes it up by steady pulls. When No. 2 thinks the
cincha is sufficiently drawn, he says, "_Enough_." No. 1 holds solid
with the right hand, slips the left down to where the rope passes over
the front edge of the pad, and holds solid; the right hand then grasps
the continuation of the rope at rear corner of pad and pulls taut; then
with both hands, placing his right knee against rear corner of pad,
pulls the rope well home, No. 2 taking up the slack by grasping the
rope (_I_, Fig. 28) where it comes over the rear end of off-side pack,
with both hands. No. 1 steps to the front and steadies the pack; No. 2
then pulls taut the parts on his side, taking up the slack; this draws
the part of the lash-rope _AA_, Fig. 28, well back at the middle of
the pack; he then with the left hand at the rear corner of pad (_K_)
pulls taut, and holds solid, while with right hand at front corner of
pad (_L_) he takes up slack; he then, with both hands at, and placing
his knee against, the front corner of the pad, pulls well taut, No. 1
taking up the slack on his side, and then pulls solid, drawing the part
_EE_, Fig. 28, of the rope coming out from the hook well forward at the
middle of the pack, then carries the free end under the corners and end
of pad, draws taut and ties the end fast by a half-hitch near cincha
end of lash-rope. If the rope should be long enough to reach over the
load, after passing under the corners, it is passed over and made fast
on the off side by tying around both parts of the lash-rope above the
hook and drawing them well together.
To tighten the lash rope on the load it is necessary to take up and
pass the slack as in the final tightening.
To slacken the rope on the load it is necessary to begin to slacken
from the free end, and carry the slack by reversing the process of
tightening.
When the pack-cover is used, it is placed over the cargo before putting
on the lash-rope.
When the side-packs are of unequal bulk or weight, the larger or
heavier should be placed on the near side; it should then lap over the
off-side pack until the packs balance.
=Top Packs=, i. e., small packages placed in the middle between the
side packs, should be avoided.
When the sling-rope is half-hitched into the saddle-yokes the load is
made more secure, but there is great danger of injury to the mule's
back.
On the _full-rigged_ saddle the canvas cincha is attached to the saddle
by the "spider"; the side packs are laid on the saddle as before, held
by the sling-straps and secured by the _cargo-cincha_. The lash-and
sling-ropes are then dispensed with, but the use of the lash-and
sling-ropes gives greater security to the cargo and greater comfort to
the mule.
TO UNLOAD CARGO.
Only two men, Nos. 1 and 2, are necessary; they work as when loading.
The mule is placed with head toward the centre of where the cargoes
are piled. No. 1 puts on the blind; No. 2 unfastens the free end of
the lash-rope; then Nos. 1 and 2 slacken the rope; No. 2 with the left
hand removes the part under the end and corners of the pad on the off
side and unhooks the cincha with the right hand; No. 1 removes the part
under the ends and corners of the pad on the near side, gathers the
parts of the rope together on his side with both hands, coiling it, and
lays the rope on the ground where he intends to place the cargo, the
cincha and free end exposed on the side opposite where the rigging is
to be placed; No. 1 unties the sling-rope, casts it loose, takes his
side pack and places it on the lash-rope across the line of cargo; No.
2 at the same time takes his pack and lays it on top of near side pack,
and then, holding the sling-rope at centre loop, doubles it and places
it on top of load, loop exposed, for convenience when required.
The second load is placed end to end with the first and on the side
next to where the rigging is to be placed; the end of the lash-rope is
coiled and placed on top of the last sling-rope, and is used for tying
the mule when reloading.
The saddle-cinchas should be slackened and the mules allowed to cool
before removing the saddles.
TO UNSADDLE.
Unfasten the latigo and throw the end across the top of saddle; fold
the cincha with latigo inside and place across top of saddle; push the
saddle back, remove crupper from under dock, double it forward, with
crupper above cincha on top of saddle, and remove saddle; the saddles
are placed in line, resting on the ends of pads.
CHAPTER III.
The Mule. Description. Diseases. Treatment.
The mule has the advantage of the horse in better withstanding neglect,
bad treatment, poor feed, and hard usage.
The pack-mule should be active, short-coupled, short-legged,
small-boned, square-built, with manifest powers of endurance, and
should weigh from 800 to 1000 pounds. Army Regulations state that
"mules purchased for the army by the Quartermaster's Department should
conform to the following conditions: They should be strong, stout,
compact, sound, and kind; free from defects in every particular; from
four to nine years old; from 850 to 1200 pounds in weight; from 14 to
16 hands high, and suitable in all respects for the transportation
service of the army. If for draught purposes, they are to be well
broken to harness; if for pack purposes, they need not be broken, and
the standard of height may be reduced to 13½ hands, if the animal be
in other respects suitable.
"Every animal will be branded with the letters U. S. on the left fore
shoulder on the day he is received. A complete descriptive list will be
made of each animal at the time of purchase, which will accompany him
wherever he may be transferred."
Under ordinary circumstances none but gentle, well-broken mules from
four to eight years old should be purchased.
New mules should be handled with the greatest patience, care, and
kindness until they become thoroughly accustomed to the new service
required of them. All violence must be avoided, for mules are naturally
timid and easily startled, and for this reason men of good temper
should be employed in breaking them; any rough treatment is sure to
lead to delay in the training and may cause irretrievable harm.
=Age.=--Ordinary limit 15 to 16 years; many live to 20, some to 30,
years. From 8 to 12 he is in his prime.
Age is told by teeth, as with horses.
=Sex.=--Females are generally to be preferred to males for
mountain-batteries, being, as a rule, more docile and better shaped.
=Pace.=--A battery-mule can walk four miles an hour. The average
transport-mule walks a little over three miles an hour. A mule's pace
is slow down but quick up hill. Mules show fatigue in their gait by
drooping the head; the neck becomes horizontal and the ears droop back;
the ordinary carriage of the latter is erect and forward; when the mule
begins to fan them, he is probably tired.
=Condition.=--They should be kept in hard condition--not fat.
=Watering.=--They will ordinarily refuse hard or bad water; and
sometimes decline to drink merely from fancy, and will water from a
bucket when not from the stream. By throwing a handful of grass into
the bucket of water, they may generally be induced to drink. They may
be watered on the march, even when hot, if kept in motion afterward.
Where there are leeches in a stream, be careful not to water too close
to the bank.
=Feeding.=--The government allowance for a mule is 14 pounds of hay and
9 pounds of oats, corn, or barley per day. In special cases of hard
service or exposure the Quartermaster-General may authorize the grain
ration to be increased not to exceed 3 pounds when recommended by the
Chief Quartermaster of the Department or of an army in the field. One
hundred pounds of straw per month is allowed for bedding.
It is a mistake to suppose that all mules require the same amount of
food. The officer should notice each animal, and determine the increase
or decrease in the regular ration to keep him in proper condition. A
mule will eat as much as a horse of the same size; he will eat almost
anything to keep from starving.
=Salt=, in a lump, or ground with feed, should be given whenever it can
be had. It is obtained on requisition (Form 41) from the Subsistence
Department, each animal being allowed 2 ounces per week; or 12 ounces
per month if deemed necessary by the commanding officer.
=Vinegar= is similarly obtained for sanitary purposes, at the rate of 2
gallons per week per 100 animals.
=Soft Food=, bran-mashes, should be given at least once a week if
possible.
Animals should be grazed whenever the opportunity occurs.
=Care.=--Grooming should be carried out as with horses, but need not
be so elaborate. Manes are usually hogged; tails are cut, but not in
hot weather during the fly season. The hair on the mule's heels should
never be cut; nor should the mud, in the winter season, be washed off,
but allowed to dry on the animal's legs, and then rubbed off with hay
or straw.
=Feet.=--Keep in the natural state as nearly as possible. Mules suffer
from standing on wet ground; but in dry climates, or in stables with
modern floors, care should be taken that their feet get sufficient
moisture, by wetting them or standing the animal a short time where
this result will be obtained.
=Shoeing.=--The hot shoe must never be applied to the foot under any
circumstances. Give the ground-surface a level bearing. Let the frog
come to the ground; if it projects beyond the shoe, so much the
better; never under any circumstances cut it away. Never put a knife to
the sole of the foot. Let the shoes be as light as possible, without
calks if avoidable, exactly the shape of the animal's foot; secure with
two nails on each side, an inch apart, and one in the toe.
The Putnam hot-forged nail is excellent.
=Harnessing.=--Meddle as little as possible with a mule's ears, as they
are exceedingly sensitive. With care the mule can be easily bridled;
but once struck on the head or pulled by the ear, there will be trouble
ever after.
Pit the bridle carefully; see that the crown-piece is not too tight;
that the bit fits easily in the mouth; that the corners of the mouth
are not drawn up: otherwise the animal's mouth will become sore. The
throat-latch must be loose.
See that the other parts of the harness fit properly and do not rub or
gall the animal.
To harness a vicious mule, put the noose of a lariat over his head,
taking care that it does not choke him; place him on the near side of
a wagon; carry the end of the lariat between the spokes and around the
felloe of the front wheel; walk back with it to the hind wheel, keeping
it taut; pass the end between the spokes and around the felloe of that
wheel, and pull the mule close to the wagon.
Take care to have the lariat as high as the mule's breast in front and
the flank in rear.
=Breaking.=--Gentleness and patience are essential.
First let the animal smell the saddle, etc. (an old one if possible).
Then saddle carefully, girthing up gradually; when the mule will walk
quietly about saddled, the rest of the harness may be added by degrees,
particular care being taken in first putting on the crupper. When quite
used to harness, accustom the mule to the sight of the load--at first
bags of sand, about 80 pounds each. Load with these, the weight being
increased if necessary.
Battery-mules should follow the battery, barebacked, from their first
arrival, and get used to the sights and sounds; and when broken to
saddle and load, should go laden. They should be trained first on
easy and then on difficult ground; also to cross shallow ditches and
obstacles without hesitation, at first saddled, afterwards loaded. In
leading a mule the rein should always be loose. A trained mule should
lead. Avoid using the whip.
VETERINARY TREATMENT.
This treatment is about the same as for horses; common ailments are
strangles, cold, sore mouth, poll-evil, fistulous withers, galls and
sitfasts, thrush, colic, cramp, mange, grease. Where backs show the
least sign of softness it is well to rub in salt and water. The same
precaution should be taken with young mules about the part where the
crupper is liable to chafe the dock, daily for a week before working.
=Strangles.=--This is a specific fever of young animals, usually
attended with swellings and inflammations; an abscess generally forms
between the bones of the lower jaw or elsewhere in groups of lymphatic
glands; there are cough, difficulty of swallowing, discharge at the
nostrils, and general prostration.
_Treatment._--Give light bran-mashes, plenty of common salt, and keep
the animal in a warm dry stable, with plenty of pure air. Encourage
the ulcer; apply Gombault's balsam, if at hand, three times a day to
induce suppuration, or, when it has come sufficiently to a head and
appears soft enough to lance, do so, being careful to avoid the glands
and veins. Tonics, three times a day, such as 20 grains of quinine, or
1 ounce ground gentian, or a teaspoonful powdered sulphate of iron.
=Cold.=--This disease seldom attacks mature mules in camp. Young stock
on first being stabled, or stock out of hot, badly ventilated stables,
on exposure may contract colds. The animal appears out of condition,
with slight fever, eyes dull, cough and nasal discharge.
_Treatment._--Remove to airy box-stall; clothe and bandage; apply
ammonia liniment to the throat if there be a cough; steam the nostrils.
Open the bowels by injection of tepid soap-suds, or give one third of a
dose of oil; feed soft food; give quinine 10-grain doses.
=Sore Mouth.=--There are few diseases to which the mule's teeth are
subject after the permanent teeth are developed. If the gums are
swollen from the cutting of teeth, a light stroke of the lancet over
the gums at a point where the teeth are forcing their way through, and
a little regard to the animal's diet, will be all that is necessary.
Mules suffer from injury to the tongue and sore mouth, caused by bad
treatment. With a sponge apply to the sore parts a light decoction of
white-oak bark; give nourishing gruels or bran-mashes; keep the bit out
of the mouth until healed.
=The Eye.=--Occasionally mules' eyes become inflamed and sore. Apply
warm or, if not obtainable, cold water and remove the cause. (See
Ophthalmia, Vet. Notes.)
=Poll-evil.=--Mules are quite subject to this disease. It begins with
an ulcer or sore at the junction of the head and neck, and from its
position, more than from any other cause, it is difficult to heal.
_Treatment._--When the swelling first appears, use hot fomentations. If
these are not at hand, use cold water frequently, and keep the bridle
and halter from the parts. If ulceration nevertheless takes place, the
seton must be skilfully applied.
=Fistula.=--Fistula of withers is due to bruises, bad-fitting saddle or
harness, or rolling on hard substances. It generally first appears as a
swelling, then inflammation sets in and a tumor begins to form.
_Treatment._--The fistula in its first stages may be driven away by
frequent applications of cold water. Should the swelling continue,
use warm fomentations, poultices, and stimulating embrocations. When
in proper condition it should be opened, and kept so until all of the
matter has escaped and the wound shows signs of healing.
The bowels should be opened by means of a cathartic of aloes.
=Galls and Sitfasts.=--One of the best remedies for saddle-gall is to
remove the saddle pressure as much as possible, and bathe the back
frequently with salt and cold water.
If this does not succeed the trouble will continue, and a root will
form at the centre of the gall, the edges of which will be clear, the
sitfast holding only by the root. In this case take a pair of pincers
and pull it out. This done, bathe frequently with cold water. A little
soothing oil, or grease free from salt, may be rubbed lightly on the
parts as they begin to heal. One of the best remedies for galls is to
cleanse the wound and blow into it a mixture of one part of iodoform to
three parts of sulphur: if it be necessary to use the animal, cover the
part with old-fashioned sticking-plaster.
=Thrush.=--_Treatment._--Cut away the parts of the frog that seem to be
destroyed; cleanse daily with castile soap, and apply muriatic acid, or
a little tar mixed with salt on oakum or tow.
=Colic.=--The mule is quite subject to this complaint. Too much cold
water or changes of grain will produce it.
The animal swells up, pants, looks around at his sides, paws, sweats
above the eyes and on the flanks, becomes very restless, lying down and
suddenly springing to his feet, lies down again, etc.
_Treatment._--Drench with one ounce of chloral-hydrate in a half pint
of water or two ounces of sulphuric ether and two ounces of tincture
of opium in half pint of linseed oil, repeating the dose an hour
afterwards if not relieved; or 2 oz. oil of turpentine, 1 oz. tinct.
opium given in 12 oz. linseed oil or a pint of thick gruel. The belly
should be well hand-rubbed and the animal walked about. Inject warm
soap-suds.
=Cramp.=--_Treatment._--A good hand-rubbing.
=Mange.=--_Treatment._--Rub the animal with a mixture of hog's lard and
sulphur, two pints of the latter to one pint of the former; cover with
blanket; two days later wash clean with soft soap and water; blanket
for a few days to avoid cold. Feed bran-mashes, plenty of salt and
water.
=Grease.=--This is a diseased state of the skin of the legs, and
more especially the hind ones. In the early stages it consists of
an inflammation of the sweat-glands, followed by an offensive oily
discharge. The principal cause is uncleanliness, or by washing the legs
with cold water and not properly drying them afterwards.
_Treatment._--Without cleanliness medical remedies are worthless. Apply
poultices; leave them on half a day. Boiled turnips, carrots, bread and
milk, or bran and hot water are all good. Apply Gombault's balsam, one
part to four parts of glycerine, once every two days in chronic cases.
Or clean the parts well with castile soap and warm water, and use an
ointment made of powdered charcoal two ounces, lard or tallow four
ounces, sulphur two ounces, mix thoroughly and rub in well by hand.
Or gunpowder and lard or tallow, equal parts, is good; or dress with
carbolized oil or oxide of zinc ointment.
=Glanders.=--A highly infectious and contagious disease of the lungs;
incurable, and communicable to man.
The three characteristic signs are: 1. A peculiar transparent,
glutinous, and continuous discharge, usually from one nostril, which
discharge, moreover, accumulates and entangles all kinds of filth, so
that it is unlikely to escape observation. 2. Ulceration of the mucous
membranes of the nostril: the process of ulceration much resembles
the erosion of metals, there being first an oxidation and afterwards
a breach of the surface, the patch having irregular margins and
showing no disposition to heal, but, on the contrary, to spread. 3. An
enlargement of the submaxillary gland in the channel formed between the
lower jaw-bones, such enlargement being firmly attached to the bone and
immovable. It further manifests no disposition to suppurate and form an
abscess, but, on the contrary, remains unaltered so long as the animal
is allowed to live.
_Treatment._--On any one of the above-enumerated symptoms being
reported, at once isolate the animal; have bedding destroyed, and
carefully remove all clothing, stable utensils, etc., from the vicinity
of other animals pending decision of a veterinary surgeon. Place a
steady man in charge, and warn him of personal risk.
When assured an animal has glanders, have it shot at once, and burn all
bedding, clothing, etc.
CHAPTER IV.
Mountain-artillery. General Instructions. Supply of Ammunition. Care
and Preservation of Harness. Instructions for Drivers, etc. Marches.
Camps. Weights and Dimensions of Foreign Mountain-artillery.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.
A mountain-battery should be self-reliant, and, as far as possible,
independent of assistance beyond that of the usual escort furnished
for its protection, and in the highest state of efficiency to take the
field at a moment's notice.
It should be taken at least once a week for a march of ten or fifteen
miles over the most difficult ground in its vicinity. Platoons
completely equipped should be sent out separately once a week.
Every opportunity must be taken for instruction of officers and men in
the many devices and methods of obtaining cover, protection from the
weather, construction of huts, kitchens, ovens, latrines, etc., and the
tactical use and care of the battery.
Mountain-batteries are organized by platoons; each being complete in
itself and capable of being detached from the battery at a moment's
notice. Therefore the whole of the equipment, stores, camp-equipage,
and baggage belonging to each platoon should remain at all times under
immediate charge of the chief of platoon.
In like manner chiefs of section should have charge of their respective
sections, receiving their orders from their chiefs of platoon.
The baggage-mules form part of the section, and should be picketed
with the ordnance-mules of the section and be under the same
supervision.
A set of heliographs and signal apparatus should be carried and used.
A mountain-battery must be able to climb and keep with infantry.
As the number of guns engaged is always small, concentration of fire
is especially desirable, even when the ground does not admit of
concentration of guns.
Mountain warfare involves frequent exposure to sudden attacks. Guns
should therefore always have a strong infantry escort; but the fact of
having an escort should not prevent the commander from having a lookout
posted on his exposed flank.
Choice of positions and taking advantage of ground are exceptionally
difficult, and need special training, quickness, and constant practice.
It is not always easy to secure a ready supply of ammunition. Firing
should therefore be confined, as a rule, to the most effective ranges.
It is a waste of ammunition to fire at long ranges.
Only as many ammunition-mules as are immediately required should be
brought up to the battery; the remainder, with relief-mules, etc.,
should be kept under cover in rear.
Care must be taken to equalize the loads of ammunition-mules.
The position of the battery in the column, when there is a probability
of being attacked, should never be too far to the front, but
sufficiently so to come into action as soon as the advanced guard is
engaged.
It should march after the second company of the main body if the
advanced guard consists of only one company, or after the first company
if only two companies are in the advanced guard.
The battery ought never to be broken up unless under exceptional
circumstances, such as there being insufficient space for the guns in
line. In such cases the chiefs of platoon should keep up communication
with the battery commander, who directs the fire generally.
This breaking up of the battery does not refer to small isolated
columns to which platoons only may be attached.
Placed in position sufficiently far to the front to support the troops
with which it is co-operating, without endangering the guns, any
further change of position, excepting at the critical moment of pursuit
or retreat, should not be made without some very strong reason. If a
second position becomes necessary, the battery commander should first
assure himself that he can reach it in time to carry out his idea, and
without the liability of experiencing heavy loss.
Before coming into action the battery is divided into two lines,
viz., the first line, consisting of the six guns and the twelve
ammunition-mules, and the second line, consisting of the remaining
ammunition-mules and spare material-mules of the battery.
=The Supply of Ammunition is kept up as follows=: In action the boxes
of the first ammunition-mules are unloaded and placed in rear of the
guns, or, if the ground permits, in rear of the flanks of the battery.
The unloaded mules are placed under cover near the remaining
ammunition-mules of the first line, fifty or sixty yards in rear of the
line.
The second line, under the first sergeant, is three or four hundred
yards in rear of the first line and under cover.
The first ammunition-boxes unloaded have their contents distributed,
by the non-commissioned officer in charge, to the proper cannoneers of
each gun detachment; and as soon as the contents of half the boxes have
been fired three of the second ammunition-mules are sent to the front
and their boxes removed; then, reloaded with empty boxes, they are sent
to their position under cover.
=To Supply the First Line from the Second Line.=--The first sergeant
tells off six ammunition-mules to be in readiness to move to the front,
under a non-commissioned officer, when required.
As soon as the battery opens fire these mules are sent forward to the
first line and remain there under cover. As soon as the first six
ammunition-mules laden with empty boxes are assembled under cover they
are sent back, under a non-commissioned officer, to the second line.
CARE AND PRESERVATION OF HARNESS.
All harness should be periodically taken to pieces and thoroughly
examined. It should be oiled with neat's-foot oil two or three times a
year, and kept soft and pliable. Good castile soap and water should be
used for washing harness, and the dressing furnished by the Ordnance
Department. This dressing is applied with a woollen cloth, left on
until the next day, and then thoroughly wiped off with a woollen cloth.
It is made as follows (ingredients for two gallons): 1 gal. neat's-foot
oil, 2 lbs. bayberry tallow, 2 lbs. beeswax, 2 lbs. beef tallow. Place
in a pan over a moderate fire and let the above ingredients remain one
hour, until thoroughly dissolved; then add 2 quarts of castor oil and
stir well until the mass comes to a boil, so that the ingredients may
become thoroughly mixed; after which add 1 oz. lamp-black and stir well
for ten minutes; then strain the liquid while hot through a cotton
cloth to remove sediment of beeswax, tallow, and lamp-black, and put
aside to cool.
Colgate's black harness-soap and Frank Miller's harness-soap, No.
2½, are excellent for cleaning harness and keeping it soft.
=Blacking for Harness and Bridle Leather.=--A decoction of iron-rust
and vinegar, applied to the grain side of the leather after it has been
stained. In staining, apply with a hair brush, a solution of logwood,
sal-soda, and soft water.
Iron parts when rusted should be cleaned with kerosene, wiped dry, and
then have applied a light coating of asphaltum paint; allow it to dry
and then apply a second coat.
In the field there will not usually be much time or many materials for
cleaning harness. Rust should be cleaned off ironwork with sand and
then it should be oiled. Leather work should be kept soft and pliable.
First remove the mud and dried sweat with as little water as possible
and then work in a little oil or soft soap.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRIVERS, ETC.
The carriage-mule is always the leader when packing, or on the near
side in draught. This mule should therefore be the most tractable and
intelligent.
The mule-driver is at the left of and near the head of his mule.
If the leader is well trained and intelligent it is better to let him
have his head, the driver taking place abreast the saddle.
In saddling, the driver should make sure that the hair lies fair on the
mule's back under the blanket; that the blanket is properly folded;
that the saddle is securely girthed, and the load evenly balanced and
firmly lashed.
When on a march, as soon as it is time to feed in the morning, rub
off the animal's back until the hair lies smooth; place the blanket
well forward on the withers and draw it back until in proper position.
Saddle, drawing the cincha half tight, and feed. After feeding, and
when ready to pack, draw up the cincha.
During packing and unpacking the driver should never leave the mule's
head.
The pads should cover the mule from donkey-mark on wither nearly to
hip-joint. Large pads cause less rocking of the load than small and
give larger bearing surfaces; by distributing the load over a large
surface of the back, the animal is enabled to carry it easier and with
less chance of galls.
Pads properly stuffed show no creases in the lining, feel smooth, firm,
elastic, and not too hard, and have no hard knots.
Stuffing should be of wool, well cleaned, and unravelled before use.
Avoid giving hard work on new stuffed pads, if possible; otherwise do
not stuff pads too tight, but add daily as stuffing settles down. Pads
must be quilted for about one and a half inches along the upper edge
to keep the spine clear of pressure; also where girths cause friction.
They should be beaten and brushed, but the stuffing should be seldom
interfered with when once settled down. When hard it must be pricked up
with an awl.
Injuries to mules from bad saddlery arise from uneven pressure in
stuffing; stuffing working to front or rear, or getting hard or
knotted; pads not properly quilted; badly made repairs; or extraneous
substances getting between the pad and the mule's skin.
Surcingles should lie flat over and should not be tighter than
the cincha. Breast-pieces and breeching should hang from their
bearing-straps at such a height as not to impede the free action of the
limbs or the breathing. The breast-piece should not hang on the point
of the shoulder, but its top edge should reach to where the neck joins
the body.
In going up or down hill the saddle and load should be kept in place by
adjusting the breast-and breech-straps without halting.
The breast-strap should be tightened in ascents, slackened on the level
and in descents.
Breeching should always be tightened in going down hill, when it and
not the crupper should take the strain. Hip-straps should bring it
about in line with its point of attachment to the saddle. If too high
it may slip up under the tail when the strain comes on it.
The crupper should not be tighter than is necessary to keep the saddle
from shifting forward. The dock of the crupper must at all times be
kept soft, smooth, and pliable.
Breast-straps and crupper should be removed when the animal is fed and
watered.
The leading-bit is to touch the corners of the mouth, but should be low
enough not to wrinkle them; leading rein buckled to near side of the
bit.
MARCHES.
In warm climates march early to avoid the heat. Mules travel well at
night. Men and animals should have food before marching.
Officers and non-commissioned officers superintend loading; at which
all should be expert.
When the battery is loaded and formed, always inspect carefully to see
that the work has been properly done. A habit of prompt loading is most
important. One hour should be ample time between reveille and starting
on the road.
In moving off, drivers must move promptly, and use the leading-rein
with a very light hand. Mules move best with loose reins.
If avoidable, do not carry sick men on bareback or blanketed mules, as
the animals get galled.
The distance between mules on good roads is one yard. In passing
obstacles or difficult ground, distances must be increased as needed.
Every mule should have his head. Cannoneers should help to steady the
loads. Occasionally it may be advisable to unload in passing obstacles.
Cannoneers should keep near their respective mules and not straggle;
and must assist the drivers in watching and adjusting loads.
The driver must constantly watch his mule and load, and at once call
attention to signs of uneasiness or anything requiring adjustment, if
he cannot adjust it himself.
When a load becomes disarranged the mule must be fallen out and
the load put to rights; the driver regains his place at the first
opportunity.
Distances must be regained gradually, not by rushing: at an amble if
absolutely necessary.
The pace should be regular and constant, smart, not hurried, about
four miles an hour unless with other troops; in no case so fast as to
cause trotting in rear. Forcing the pace or dragging it, many halts and
checks without unloading or giving time for feeding and watering, are
ruinous.
When a laden mule falls, keep his head down; cast off the straps and
remove the load; unsaddle if necessary.
Always form battery advanced and rear guards of properly armed men.
It is sometimes convenient to have pioneer-tools with the advanced
guard.
The sick transport marches with the rear-guard, whose special duty it
is to keep every fraction of the battery ahead of it.
March on as broad a front as possible; but frequent changes are
harassing.
When feasible, considerable distance between platoons makes marching
easier.
Officers should constantly move along their commands, checking
irregularities, regulating the pace, and supervising every detail as
regards men, mules, and loads, while avoiding harassing interference.
This is especially important with pack-animals.
An officer should be in charge of the baggage if possible. In crossing
fords some men should see to the loads, as the high action of the
mules in passing through water is liable to unsteady them. Occasions
may occur when the mule may be obliged to swim, and in such cases the
saddle must be removed, and any attempt to guide the mule should be
made by the slightest touch possible; pulling at the head is to be
avoided. A mule swimming can be most easily turned by splashing the
water against the side of the face opposite the direction required.
Keep to the spurs of hills in going up and generally in going down
hill. Sometimes a short cut may be found down a ravine.
At the beginning of a march check the pace a little; make an early
halt, so that men can fall out and adjust anything requiring it.
Occasional halts should be made afterwards. Short halts are best for
pack-animals. At every halt non-commissioned officers and drivers
inspect their animals and attend to any signs of galling or uneasiness.
The rear closes up to its proper distance before halting.
On hill roads mules should be stood level across the road, heads
outward from the hillside. If the path be too narrow for this, drivers
must stand at their mules' heads to prevent the risk of a tumble down
the hillside in attempts to graze. Mules are apt to roll when halted.
In marches with other troops, on halting always find out how long the
halt is to be, and if time permits remove loads if practicable.
Advantage may be taken of long halts to water, and feed if advisable
and means are at hand. A feed of grain should always be carried in the
nose-bags if possible.
On long marches opportunities to feed and water should be sought for.
When halted allow the men to stray from their mules as little as
possible. Disarrangement of loads and possible accidents are thereby
avoided.
As pack-mules require very tight girthing, they should remain girthed
as short a time as possible. Gun-and carriage-mules are the tightest
girthed.
Their loads may be shifted to the relief-mules at the half-way halt,
these mules not being tightly girthed until on the point of loading.
Girths of the relieved mules should be slackened gradually, as sudden
loosing of the girths causes swellings.
CAMPS.
On reaching camp halt the battery, in line, in rear of the ground to
be occupied, facing to the front. Indicate the positions for material,
etc. The battery is then marched to the site of the gun-park and the
guns formed action front, the stores and boxes being piled in rear of
each gun. If possible make a foundation of stones, etc., for the piles
of boxes to rest on, dig a trench around it, and cover the pile with a
paulin firmly secured.
The men's tents are on either flank, the mules being picketed between
the lines of tents. The officers' tents are on a line perpendicular to
the men's tents, and about twenty-five yards from the end ones, and
face inward. The guard-tents are near the flank guns.
After unloading, girths are loosened a little, and are allowed to
remain so for fifteen minutes.
If the animals are warm they should be walked around until cool, and
may then be watered. As a rule all watering should be superintended by
an officer, and no man should be allowed to take more than two mules to
water at the same time.
When the mules are put on the picket-line, remove bridles and wipe
bits, loosen cincha a little, and place breeching over saddle, and
take off breast-strap if one be used. Sponge nostrils and eyes, rub
heads with dry wisp, and feed hay or grass. Saddles are only removed by
order; and when removed the men must examine shoulders, withers, sides,
and docks, and report the result. Backs should be rubbed off until the
hair lies smooth.
The saddles are placed on end behind the line, pads facing sun or wind
to dry. When dry they should be carefully brushed, beaten if necessary,
and all hair removed.
At afternoon stables mules are groomed, watered if necessary, and fed,
and the grain for the next morning served out and the outfit arranged
for use. In grooming never use a currycomb on the animal's back.
Saddles, back up, are on one paulin spread out between every two mules,
with bridles, etc. The other paulin is then placed over the saddles and
over the ends of the first paulin, which are turned up, and a strap is
passed around it and buckled about two feet above the ground. In wet
weather the ground on which the saddles are placed should be raised.
Grooming is the same as with horses; but mules hardly need the
elaborate grooming usually bestowed on horses.
The mule's blanket is used for his covering at night, and in hot
weather is folded up square on his back and secured there as a
protection against the sun.
Gunners will require their detachments of cannoneers to clean up guns,
etc., after a march.
All men for mountain-batteries should be picked men.
Troop "B," Fourth Cavalry, while in Arizona kept on hand ready to start
on a scouting expedition with its pack-train: flour 500 lbs., hard
bread 50 lbs., bacon 350 lbs., sugar 75 lbs., coffee 60 lbs., beans 50
lbs., salt 25 lbs., baking-powder 20 lbs.; 6 camp-kettles, 40 lbs.; 2
mess-boxes, 150 lbs.; 20 mess-pans, 10 lbs.; 1 axe, 1 spade, small
coffee-mill, 2 butcher-knives, 2 long forks, 2 long spoons, 3 or 4
tin plates, 3 frying-pans, soap, pepper, matches, and a few farrier's
remedies. The baking-pans were circular, 12 inches in diameter at top
and 9 at bottom.
=The Rule for Making Bread= was as follows: Dig a trench a little over
a foot wide, a foot deep, and 12 feet long. Build a fire near it. Then
mix 40 quart-cups of flour with salt, baking-powder and water in a
mess-box; divide dough in ten equal parts and place each in a small
mess-pan. Cover bottom of trench with a layer of coals 3 inches; then
place on layer the pans of dough and cover same with larger pans so as
to protect from dirt, etc. Fill trench and cover tops and sides of pans
with coals. Leave for 1¼ hours. Each loaf will make four rations.
TABLE OF MOUNTAIN-ARTILLERY.
-----------------------+----------+--------+---------+-------------+
| Austria. | England. | France. |
+----------+--------+---------+-------------+
| 7 cm. | 7 pdr. | | |
| Model |Jointed |7 pdr. of| 80 mm. |
| 1875. | Model | 200 lbs.| Model |
| | 1879. | | 1878. |
-----------------------+----------+--------+---------+-------------+
_Gun._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Material |{steel | steel | steel | steel |
|{bronze | | | |
Weight, lbs. | 197 | 400 | 200 | 231.5 |
Calibre, ins. | 2.6 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.15 |
Total length, ft. | 3.28 | 5.87 | 3.41 | 3.94 |
System of obturation |{ Wedge. |{Muzzle-|{Muzzle- |{Interrupted-|
|{Broadwell|{loading|{loading |{screw de |
|{ ring. | | |{Bange. |
| | | | |
_Carriage._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Weight, without | | | | |
wheels, lbs. | 150 | 324 | 206 | 322 |
Weight, complete | | | | |
with gun | 440 | 936 | 550 | 661 |
Width of track, ins. | 27.5 | 36 | 27 | 26.8 |
Diam. of wheels, ins. | 37.4 | 36 | 36 | 37 |
Service charge, lbs. | 0.77 | 1.5 | 0.75| 0.88 |
| | | | |
_Shell, Common._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Weight (full), lbs. | 6.4 | 7 | 7.31| 12.3 |
Bursting-charge, oz. | 3.37 | 4 | 6.5 | 5.27 |
| | | | |
_Shrapnel._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Weight (full), lbs. | 6.9 | 7 | 7 | 13.90 |
Bursting-charge, oz. | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 2.82 |
Number of bullets | 65 | 100 | 42 | 120 |
Initial velocity, f. s.| 979 |1440 | 950 | 843 |
| | | | |
_No. of Rounds._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Per gun[1] | 32 | 96 | 90 | 70 |
Per battery[2] | 448 | 864 | 810 | 840 |
| | | | |
_No. of Animals._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Per battery | 67 | 220 | 184 |{ 94 |
| | | |{Algeria 150 |
_No. of Personnel._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Per battery | 111 | 287 | 245 |{ 160 |
| | | |{Algeria 242 |
_No. of Guns._ | | | | |
| | | | |
Per battery | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
-----------------------+----------+--------+---------+-------------+
[Part 2 of Table.]
-----------------------+-----------+-------------+-------------+------------
| Italy. | Russia. | Spain. |Switzerland.
+-----------+-------------+-------------+------------
| | | |
| 7 cm. | 2.5 in. | 8 cm. | 75 mm.
| | Model 1892. | Model 1874. |Model 1877.
| | | |
-----------------------+-----------+-------------+-------------+------------
_Gun._ | | | |
| | | |
Material |{compress'd| steel | steel | steel
|{bronze | | |
Weight, lbs. | 215 | 194 | 225 | 231.5
Calibre, ins. | 2.95 | 2.5 | 3.09 | 2.95
Total length, ft. | 3.28 | 3.31 | 3.31 | 3.20
System of obturation | Wedge. |{Interrupted-|{Interrupted-|{ Wedge.
| |{ screw de |{ screw |{Broadwell
| |{ Bange. |{ steel cup. |{ ring.
| | | |
_Carriage._ | | | |
| | | |
Weight, without | | | |
wheels, lbs. | 198 | 325 | 240 | 205
Weight, complete | | | |
with gun | 551 | 683 | 684 | 673
Width of track, ins. | 27.9 | 32.8 | 34.4 | 29.9
Diam. of wheels, ins. | 37.6 | 40.8 | 35.4 | --
Service charge, lbs. | 0.66 | 0.81 | 0.88 | 0.88
| | | |
_Shell, Common._ | | | |
| | | |
Weight (full), lbs. | 9.43 | 8.8 | 8.54 | 9.26
Bursting-charge, oz. | 4.96 | 4.22 | 7.04 | 3.52
| | | |
_Shrapnel._ | | | |
| | | |
Weight (full), lbs. | 9.26 | 8.9 | 10.3 | 9.48
Bursting-charge, oz. | 1.76 | 1.05 | 0.35 | 1.94
Number of bullets | 109 | 100 | 90 | 112
Initial velocity, f. s.| 840 | 932 | 95 | 899
| | | |
_No. of Rounds._ | | | |
| | | |
Per gun[1] | 74 | 96 | 100 | 20
Per battery[2] | 1704 | 1536 | 600 | 600
| | | |
_No. of Animals._ | | | |
| | | |
Per battery | 148 | 206 | 81 | 83
| | | |
_No. of Personnel._ | | | |
| | | |
Per battery | 286 | 306 | 197 | 170
| | | |
_No. of Guns._ | | | |
| | | |
Per battery | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6
-----------------------+-----------+-------------+-------------+-----------
PART II.
_FIELD-ARTILLERY._
CHAPTER I.
Construction of Field-guns.
DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION OF FIELD-ARTILLERY GUNS (LATEST MODEL).
The guns described in this and the next chapter are built-up guns made
of low steel, and all the parts are tempered in oil.
The tube enters the jacket from the front[3] and has shoulders upon it,
which come in contact with corresponding shoulders in the jacket. These
shoulders prevent any forward movement of the tube or rear movement of
the jacket.
The tube tapers from in front of the jacket to the muzzle, which ends
in a swell.
The exterior of the jacket is made up of a series of tapering surfaces.
On the interior surface, starting from the rear end, there are first,
the seat for the carrier-ring in the jacket, which also contains the
slotted and threaded sectors for holding the breech-block; in front of
this is the tapering gas-check seat in the tube; and forward of this is
the cylindrical powder-chamber, which is connected to the shot-chamber
by a slope. The shot-chamber also is cylindrical and connected with the
bore by a slope.
The vent being axial in the model of '90, enters the powder-chamber
through and along the axis of the spindle of the obturator. In front
of the gas-check seat in the model of '85 there is a cylindrical
surface leading to the ellipsoidal powder-chamber, which is connected
with the shot-chamber by a slope, and the radial vent enters 12½
inches from the rear face of the jacket and at the maximum diameter of
the powder-chamber. The vent-piece, made of copper, is screwed into
position, the part projecting above the surface of the piece being
rectangular.
THE BREECH MECHANISM.
The principal parts are the breech-block, the carrier-ring, the
obturator, the lever-handle, the bronze handle, and the vent-cover.
[Illustration: THE BREECH-BLOCK.
FIG. 30.]
=The Block=, Fig. 30, is threaded for a distance of four inches from
its forward end, and the circumference of the thread is divided into
six equal parts. The threads of the block are removed along three
alternate sectors, as is usual in the interrupted-screw fermature, to
allow the block to slide in the corresponding slotted sectors in the
jacket (or base-ring in earlier model).
The threaded sectors engage in the corresponding slotted sectors in
the breech-block, but one sixth of a turn of the block will engage the
screw-threads of both.
The interior of the block is bored out to form the obturator-spindle
recess.
At the end of the block are two lugs for the lever-handle. On the right
one is a shoulder which limits the motion of the lever-handle.
=The Nose= is the front end of the block, slightly reduced in diameter
in order to partly enter the gas-check seat.
=The Stop-groove=, into which the stop on the carrier-ring enters, is
in the planed sector on the left-hand side.
[Illustration: FIG. 31.]
=The Latch-groove= (Fig. 31) is in two parts, one longitudinal (_d_),
at the front end of the block, and the other transverse (_a_), at the
rear end. The stem of the latch drops into the front groove (_e_)
when the block is withdrawn, and into the rear groove (_b_) when the
block is revolved into its firing position, in each case unlocking the
carrier-ring from the jacket--in the first case, so that it maybe swung
back; in the second, to prevent the breaking of the latch when the gun
is discharged.
=The Locking-recess= (_e_) is at the front end of the longitudinal
latch-groove. The stem of the latch drops into it when the block is
withdrawn, and thus locks the block positively to the carrier-ring.
=The Guide-groove= is the cylindrical recess at the rear of the block
in which the guide-sectors move when the block is rotated.
[Illustration: THE CARRIER-RING.
FIG. 32.]
=The Guide-sectors= (_b_, Fig. 32) are three projections from the
interior of the carrier-ring (_h_), which fit in the slotted sectors
of the breech-block and guide it during its motion through the
carrier-ring.
=The Latch-cover= (_i_) is a separate piece which covers the latch and
its spring, and is secured to the carrier-ring by two screws (_j_). On
removing this plate the latch and spring can be taken out.
=The Latch= (_f_ in Fig. 32) fits in a recess in the carrier-ring
on the right side. It is acted on by a spring (_b_, Fig. 33), which
pushes it constantly toward the axis of the carrier-ring. Its inner
end or stem (_a_) rests on the surface of one of the slotted sectors,
except at the end of its travel, when it drops into the corresponding
recess in the block. As long as its stem rests on the surface of the
sector its outer end or nose projects beyond the exterior surface of
the carrier-ring, and, entering a recess in the jacket, locks the
carrier-ring to the jacket. When the stem drops into its recesses, the
nose of the latch is withdrawn by the action of the spring and the
carrier-ring is unlocked. The front face of the latch has a recess
(_h_), into which fits a hardened stud (_s_) that is screwed into the
rear face of the jacket. This stud acting against the recess lifts the
latch out of its locking-recess in the breech-block, and holds it in a
position such that the stem can pass up the inclined groove. In order
that the stud may act on the latch, a hole (_g_) is drilled through the
front face of the carrier-ring for the stud to pass through.
[Illustration: FIG. 33.]
The functions of the _latch-spring_ have already been explained.
The =Stop= (_c_, Fig. 32) enters the carrier-ring on the left
side between the lugs (_e_), and projects beyond the bore of the
carrier-ring, entering a groove in the breech-block which is cut for
it. This stop limits the travel of the block to the rear in withdrawing
it, and also limits its rotation.
The =Hinge-pin= enters the lugs (_e_) of the carrier-ring and a
corresponding lug on the jacket from below, and the carrier-ring swings
around it in opening. The bore is the diameter of the ring across
guide-sectors.
The exterior taper forms the surface of contact of carrier-ring with
jacket.
The lugs (_e_) are the bearings for the hinge-pin. The carrier-ring,
as its name indicates, carries the breech-block when the latter is
withdrawn, and by means of it the block may be swung round out of the
way for loading.
[Illustration: THE DE BANGE OBTURATOR.
FIG. 34.]
The principal parts are: the spindle (_a_); the front cup (_f_); the
rear cup (_f′_); the pad (_g_); the spring (_j_); the nut (_h_); the
spline-screw (_k_).
The spindle has a mushroom-shaped head (_b_), and a stem, which
extends through the breech-block and terminates in a screw-thread. The
breech-block is recessed correspondingly. In guns with axial vents,
the vent (_c_), 0.2 inch in diameter, passes through the axis of the
spindle, and the copper bushing (_d_) is inserted by pressure at the
front end.
The front and rear gas-check cups are of steel, and hold between them
a plastic pad made of certain proportions of asbestos and tallow and
covered with canvas (with disks of copper (_m_) on either side in the
revised model,) and a diagonally-split ring (_n_) of steel is used to
cut off the escape of gas.
A spiral spring (_j_) surrounds the stem of the obturator at the rear
of the block, and bears against a shoulder on the block and a nut (_h_)
on the screw-thread of the spindle. This spring, which acts to press
the spindle back, keeps the cups and pad in place, takes up any set of
the pad due to firing, and prevents the fracture of the screwed end of
the stem.
The spline-screw (_k_) holds the nut on the spindle in position and
prevents its unscrewing when the pad sticks in its seat after firing.
[Illustration:THE FREYRE OBTURATOR.
FIG. 35.]
The principal parts are (Fig. 35): the spindle (_a_); the gas-check
ring (_f_); the spring (_e_); the obturator-nut (_d_); the locking-nut
(_d′_), or the spline-screw.
The =Spindle= has a head (_g_) at the forward end, its surface being
plane and its sides conical, with the larger diameter of the cone in
front. The vent (_c_), 0.2 inch in diameter, passes through the axis of
the spindle, and the copper bushing (c) is inserted by pressure at the
front end.
The =Gas-check Ring= (_f_) is nearly triangular in section, coming
to a point at the front. It fits accurately on the conical surface of
the head of the spindle, and is slightly longer in the direction of the
axis of the bore than this head. Its rear surface rests against the
front surface of the block, while the rear surface of the head is not
in contact with this front surface, and can only be brought in contact
with it by a heavy pressure, which will expand the gas-check ring.
The =Spring= (_e_) acts against a shoulder in the block and a
corresponding shoulder on the obturator-spindle, and tends to press the
spindle forward.
=The Obturator-nut= (_d_) prevents the action of the spring from
forcing the spindle too far forward, and also regulates the tension of
the spring.
The spline-screw acts as in the de Bange system. This screw is used in
place of the locking-nut (_d′_) shown in figure.
THE LEVER-HANDLE.
(See Fig. 37.)
This handle (_h_) acts as a lever to rotate the block, its head acting
as a cam to withdraw the block and obturator when the latter sticks
after firing, and to lock the block in the carrier-ring and prevent
rotation during firing. It is supported in the lugs (_l_) of the
breech-block by a pin (_e_) and rotates with the pin; to which it is
secured by a screw entering vertically. The head of this pin has a
projection (_a_) which strikes against the corresponding stop on the
right lug and limits the motion of the lever-handle.
THE BRONZE-HANDLE.
(See Fig. 37.)
This handle (_g_) is attached to the breech-block by two screws. Its
purpose is to assist in withdrawing and pushing in the breech-block.
[Illustration: THE VENT-COVER.
FIG. 36.]
=For Axial Vent.=--A radial slot (_a_, Fig. 36) is made in the rear
part of the breech-block, in which slides a piece of metal (_b_) having
a pin (_c_) projecting from its forward face next the gun. This pin
fits into a groove (_d_) cut in the rear face of the carrier-ring,
which is eccentric at its lower end, so that when the block is placed
in firing position the slide is raised and the vent uncovered.
=For Radial Vent.=--This consists of a long arm, secured in position on
top of the gun so that it can slide. The under side at its rear end has
a slight projection, which engages over a shoulder on the lever-handle.
When the lever-handle is raised a shoulder on it bears against the end
of the arm, pushes it forward and covers the vent; when the block is
in firing position and the lever-handle is lowered the shoulder bears
against the projection and draws back the arm, thereby uncovering the
vent.
[Illustration: ACTION OF THE BREECH MECHANISM.
FIG. 37.]
Suppose the breech closed and the gun ready for firing. In this
position the threads of the breech-block are engaged in the threads of
the jacket (revised model) or base-ring (model '85); the gas-check is
in its seat; the lower end of the latch is at the end of the transverse
groove in the block; the nose of the latch is withdrawn from its recess
in the jacket, and the carrier-ring is unlocked; the lever-handle is
vertical, its cam in the recess in the carrier-ring, and its lower end
in the recess in the jacket.
=To Open the Breech.=--Grasp the lever-handle (_h_, Fig. 37)
with the left hand, thumb down, and raise it until it strikes the
stop, then rotate the block as far as possible to the left; lower the
lever-handle: its cam (_d_), acting against the surface (_r_) of the
carrier-ring, will withdraw the gas-check if it sticks in its seat.
This rotation of the block pushes the latch into its recess and locks
the carrier-ring to the jacket. Grasp the bronze-handle (_g_) with the
right hand, thumb to the right, and withdraw the block until it comes
up against the stop. In this position the stem of the latch drops into
the locking-recess, locking the block to the carrier-ring, and at the
same time unlocking the carrier-ring from the jacket; swing the block
and carrier-ring around to the left and insert the projectile and
charge.
=To Close the Breech.=--Seize the bronze-handle with the right hand,
thumb to the right, and swing the carrier-ring and block around until
the carrier-ring is in its seat, grasping the lever-handle with the
left hand, thumb down, at the same time, and raising the handle until
it strikes the stop. The carrier-ring should be brought up to its
seat sharply, but without slamming, and should be held firmly for an
instant, otherwise the ring may start back slightly from the jar and
the retracting-stud fail to hold the latch-pin high enough to allow the
block to move forward.
When the carrier-ring strikes its seat the retracting-stud enters the
hole in the front face of the ring, and, acting on the recess in the
latch, lifts the latch to its travelling position, that is, lifts it
out of the locking-recess and holds it in such a position that when the
block is pushed forward, the lower end of the latch will strike the
inclined surface at the front of the longitudinal groove.
Raise the lever-handle until it rests against the stop, and push the
block forward until it stops. During this travel the lower end of the
latch has moved up the inclined surface of the longitudinal groove and
has locked the carrier-ring to the jacket.
Revolve the block one sixth of a turn until it strikes the stop; lower
the lever-handle to its proper position, when everything will be in
the condition first described, the vent will be uncovered, and the gun
will be ready for firing.
When the block is revolved one sixth of a turn the lower end of the
latch gradually drops into its groove, unlocking the carrier-ring,
which remains so during firing.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISMOUNTING.
1. Raise the lever-handle and turn the breech-block to the left.
2. Take out hinge-pin screws and remove the hinge-pin.
3. Withdraw the breech-block with carrier-ring.
4. Take out the latch-cover screws and remove the latch-cover,
latch-spring, and latch.
5. Take out the stop-screw and remove the stop.
6. Take off the carrier-ring.
=De Bange Obturator.=
7. Remove the spline-screw and take off the nut.
8. Take out the spindle.
9. Take out the spring.
10. Take off the obturator cups and pad.
=Freyre Obturator.=
7. Remove the spline-screw and take off the nut.
8. Take out the spindle.
9. Take out the spring.
10. Take off the gas-check ring and face-plate.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING.
=De Bange Obturator.=
1. Put the obturator cups and pad in place on spindle.
2. Put in the spring.
3. Put in the spindle.
4. Screw on the nut, and put in the spline-screw.
=Freyre Obturator.=
1. Put the gas-check ring and face-plate in place.
2. Put in the spring.
3. Put in the spindle.
4. Screw on the nut, and put in the spline-screw.
5. Put the carrier-ring on the breech-block.
6. Put in the stop and screw.
7. Put in the latch, the latch-spring; put on the latch-cover and
screws.
8. Insert the breech-block with carrier-ring into the gun.
9. Put in the hinge-pin and screws.
10. Lock the block.
Experiments are now being made with the view of introducing metallic
ammunition, and it is possible that a breech mechanism similar to the
Driggs-Schroeder or the Gerdom will be adopted. A general description
of each is therefore given, and also the proposed method of supplying
ammunition.
THE DRIGGS-SCHROEDER BREECH MECHANISM.
[Illustration: FIG. 37_a_.
The cuts show the positions of the block when locked, when unlocked,
and when revolved to the rear. ]
The breech-block (_b_), weighing 31 lbs., has bands (_c_) on top and
sides that fit in corresponding grooves in the jacket; these bands
have an inclination of 2½ degrees to the front and upward to secure
complete obturation and facilitate locking and unlocking.
There is a transverse hole (_i_) through the block for the main bolt
(_d_); it is lengthened in a nearly vertical direction so that the
first motion of the operating-handle causes, by the action of the
main cam (_e_), the block to descend and disengage the bands from the
grooves in the breech, after which the block rotates to the rear and
rests on the tray. Guide-bolts (_k_), screwed through each side of the
curtain, project into guide-grooves (_l_) cut in each side of the block
and confine its movement.
The main cam, firing-pin and spring, and sear and sear-spring are
contained in the block, the front face of which bears a heavy removable
plate (_a_).
The firing-pin has under its rear part full-cock and half-cock studs;
and the sear, actuated by its spring, presses up against it and engages
the studs in succession as the firing-pin is forced to the rear by
the action of the main cam against the lug on the under side of the
firing-pin. The point of this lug always rests in the circular groove
in the upper rear face of the main cam.
The extractors (_j_), one on either side, lie flat against the rear
face of the tube of the gun and in recesses in the front face of the
block. They revolve on pivots which work in recesses in the curtain.
The rear sides of the tails of the extractors and the lower front
corners of the breech-block form cam surfaces so arranged that when
the block _rotates_ to the rear the extractors extract and eject the
cartridge-case.
The spring lock on the handle prevents the main bolt and block from
moving, when the breech is closed, under stress other than that applied
directly to the handle.
TO DISMOUNT.
1. Back out the guide-bolts far enough to clear the guide-grooves. 2.
Half-cock. 3. Take off handle. 4. Tap the main bolt gently to start
it and withdraw it completely, supporting the block with the hand. 5.
Lower the block out of place, tilting it slightly to the rear so as to
clear the extractors.
THE BREECH-BLOCK BEING OUT, TO TAKE THE MECHANISM APART.
1. Full-cock the firing-pin before removing the face-plate. 2. Remove
face-plate. 3. Ease firing-pin forward and remove finger-catch. 4. Take
out main cam, firing-pin, and spring. 5. Push sear-plug in a little,
turn it until the stud is fair for coming out, and remove it and the
sear and spring.
TO ASSEMBLE THE MECHANISM.
Proceed in the reverse order. Put in successively the firing-pin
spring, the firing-pin, and the main cam. The front side of this cam is
marked "out." The firing-pin must be full-cocked before putting on the
face-plate and then let down to half-cock. An arrow on the head of the
main bolt being brought in line with the arrow on the curtain indicates
the proper "square" for the hexagonal bearing in the cam.
GERDOM RAPID-FIRING BREECH MECHANISM.
The breech-block has two threaded and two plain sectors (each 90
degrees) with corresponding sectors in the breech of the gun, so that
the block is locked or unlocked by a quarter of a turn. The block
contains a firing-pin which, with its spring, is inserted from the
front end of the block, which is then closed by a threaded cap. The
centre hole in this cap permits the striking end of the pin to come
through to the front in certain positions of the block and to hit
the primer. The rear end of the block is countersunk to receive the
operating-lever, the locking-latch and its spring, the cocking-lever
and its hinge-pin, the trunnioned collar, the notched cap, and the sear
and its spring.
The extracting-device engages in front of the cartridge-head and grips
it for more than one eighth of its circumference. Its motion is guided
parallel to the axis of the piece by two cylindrical arms working in
slots cut in the breech. Swinging the carrier-ring around its pivot
causes the extracting-device first to act as a wedge to loosen the
cartridge-case, and then by a rapid motion the case is thrown out of
the gun, or far enough to the rear in the breech to be easily removed
by hand.
The operation of the mechanism of the gun is as follows:
The operating-lever is seized with the left hand, and a handle on the
right rear face of the carrier-ring with the right hand. The lever is
pulled slightly more than 90° to the left.
The first motion of the lever unlocks the cocking-latch; the remainder
of the motion rotates the block in the carrier-ring, disengaging the
screw-threads. During this motion of rotation the cocking-lever has
pulled back the firing-pin, which is held in position by an edge of
the sear engaging under a notch on the screw-cap.
The carrier-ring is then swung to the left by the handle in the right
hand.
The block moves to the left with the ring and passes partly through the
slot out of the breech and uncovers the bore.
The first motion of the ring loosens the cartridge-case, as before
described, and then ejects it. The new charge is then thrown in, no
care being taken to seat it; the ring swung to, and the block rotated
and locked.
As soon as the block is locked, pulling the sear fires the gun.
FIXED AMMUNITION.
Smokeless powder will be used, about 1¾ lbs. forming the charge.
The shell, cast iron, weighs 16 lbs. and also contains a
bursting-charge of 8 oz. of powder.
The shrapnel will be similar to the Frankford Arsenal shrapnel now
manufactured, but longer and heavier (16 lbs. 10 oz.), and will break
into about 240 pieces (balls and fragments).
The metallic case, brass or aluminum, has the projectile inserted in
it to the distance of 1.75 inches, the base of the projectile being
separated from the powder-charge by a felt wad. The total length of a
round is 18.33 inches.
Experiments with charges of Troisdorf powder from 1 lb. 8 oz. to 2 lbs.
1 oz. have given with the 3.2-inch gun velocities from 1765 to 2032
ft.-sec.
=Supplying Ammunition.=--It is proposed to have boxes that can be
readily opened and closed containing a certain number of rounds, about
ten for 3.2-inch gun, carried by the supply-train. When a battery
requires ammunition, the boxes will be taken from the ammunition-wagon,
opened and the chests filled. The empty metallic cases with the battery
are then placed in the boxes, which are securely closed, loaded on the
ammunition-wagon and returned to the depot by the officer in charge;
and are from there returned by the ordnance officer to the Frankford
Arsenal to be again filled and prepared for service. The cost of
supplying ammunition by this method will be less than it is now.