RS Nᵒ. ½ L G Marked in yellow,
Nᵒ. 3 F G is restoved.
The _red_ L G, F G, or S G, denotes powder entirely made of the
cylinder charcoal, and is that which is now always used on service.
The white L G being a mixed powder, is not so uniform as the other,
and is therefore generally used in filling shells, or for such other
purposes as do not require much accuracy. All powder for service is
mixed in proportions according to its strength, so as to bring it as
much as possible to a mean and uniform force.
_French Gunpower._—The French proof ball is of brass, and weighs 60
lbs. French: the diameter of the mortar 7 inches 9 points, or ¾ of a
line, and has one line of windage. The chamber holds exactly 3 ounces;
and their best powder must give a range of 90 toises, and their
restoved powder a range of 80 toises, to be received into the service.
But the powder they now make, when new, will give a range of 100 and
120 toises; and Mr. Lombard calculates all his tables from experiments
made with powder giving 125 toises with the eprovette.—The above
dimensions and weights are all of French standard.
_GUN METAL_—is composed of 8 or 10 lbs. of tin to 100 lbs of
copper.—The largest proportion of tin is used for mortars.
_HAIRCLOTH._—Weight 30 lbs.—length 15 feet—breadth 11 feet.
_HAND BARROW._—Weight 13 lbs.—length 5 feet 4 inches.
_HANDSPIKES._—Common, weight 11 lbs. length 6 feet.
_HARNESS._—For men, one set, 26 lbs. length, 12 feet.—Wheel harness for
a pair of horses, such as is used in the service of artillery, about 1
cwt.
_HORSES._—An allowance of 3 feet is generally made for the breadth of
each horse standing at picket; and about 9 feet for the length of a
horse.
A light dragoon horse, mounted and accoutered complete, carries about 2
cwt. 1 qr. and 14 lbs. without forage.
Horses in the service of artillery should not be made to draw above 3
cwt. each, besides the weight of the carriage.
Horses for this service should never be lower than 14¾ hands. The
contractor is obliged to furnish them of this height for government.—A
horse is generally supposed equal to five men.
Military horses _walk_ about 400 yards in 4½ minutes.
_Trot_ the same distance in 2 minutes 3 seconds, and _gallop_ it in
about 1 minute.
With great burthens, less weight must be allowed for each horse to
draw, than with medium burthens; as it cannot be supposed that, of a
team of 8 horses, the leaders can draw so much as the horses nearer the
carriage; and this disadvantage must increase as the team lengthens. A
team of
4 horses may draw 6 cwt. each—Total 24 cwt. } including
6 ” ” ” 5 ” ” ” 30 ” } the
8 ” ” ” 4½ ” ” ” 36 ” } carriages.
12 ” ” ” 4 ” ” ” 48 ” }
See also the word _Load_.
It is usual in heavy carriages to reckon all their weight exceeding 12
cwt. as part of the load.
_Horses allowed for drawing Field Artillery Carriages._
All the horse artillery carriages are drawn by 4 horses each, except
12 prs. which have 6 each. _Park Carriages_—12 pr. medium, and 6
pr. heavy, 6 horses each—6 pr. light, and 5½ howitzer, upon the new
construction, are allowed each 4 horses, but upon the old only 3 each.
Ammunition waggon, common pattern, 3 horses.
” ” Flanders pattern, 4 ”
Forge cart, 2 ”
Ammunition cart, 2 ”
_HOWITZERS._—_Dimensions and Weight of Brass Howitzers._
---------+-------+-----------+------+-------------------------------
| | | | Chamber.
| | |Length+------+-------------+---------
Nature. |Length.| Weight. | of | | Diameter. | Powder
| | | Bore.|Length+------+------+contained
| | | | |at top|bottom| in
---------+-------+-----------+------|------+------+------+---------
Inch. |Ft Inch|cwt qrs lbs|Inches|Inches|Inches|Inches|lbs oz
diam. | | | | | | |
10 |3 11½ | 25 3 14 | 29.9 | 12.6 | 5.776| 4.12 | 7 0
8 |3 1 | 12 3 12 | 24.7 | 8.61| 4.6 | 3.40 | 3 8
5½ Heavy| | 10 0 0 | | | | | 3 0
5½ Light|2 2¾ | 4 0 2 | 18.47| 6.02| 3.2 | 2.45 | 1 0
4⅖ |1 10 | 3 0 13 | 15.21| 4.52| 2.73 | 2.24 | 0 8
---------+-------+-----------+------+------+------+------+---------
_French Howitzers, in their own Weights and Measures._
Ft. In. lbs. lbs. oz.
8 Inches | | 1110 | 1 12 charge.
6 Inches diameter. | 2 3 length. | 670 weight.| 1 12 full.
_Table containing the Natures of Howitzers used by different Powers in
Europe._
+----------+------------+--------+
| Nations. | Natures. | Shells.|
+----------+------------+--------+
| | | Wt. |
| | | (lbs.) |
| | 25 Pr.[9] | 62 |
| Prussian | 10 — | 27 |
| | 7 — | 14 |
+----------+------------+--------+
| Danish | 18 — | 36 |
| | 10 — | 20 |
+----------+------------+--------+
| Saxon | 16 — | 32 |
| | 8 — | 16 |
+----------+------------+--------+
| Hanover | 30 — | 61 |
| | 16 — | 33 |
+----------+------------+--------+
| | 4⅖ Inch | 8 |
| | or 4 Pr. | |
| +------------+--------+
| English | 5½ Inch | 16 |
| | or 8 Pr. | |
| +------------+--------+
| | 8 Inch | 46 |
| | or 23 Pr. | |
+----------+------------+--------+
| | 6 Inch | 23 |
| | or 12 Pr. | |
| French +------------+--------+
| | 8 Inch | 43 |
| | or 22 Pr. | |
+----------+------------+--------+
[9] See the word _Shell_ for the principle on which the Germans class
them in pounders.
_Ranges with a light 5½ inch Howitzer. 1798._
+----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| | 4 Ounces. | 8 Ounces. |
| +--------+------+-------+--------+------+-------+
|Elevation.| Flight.|Range |Extreme| Flight.|Range |Extreme|
| | | to |Range. | | to |Range. |
| | |first | | |first | |
| | |graze.| | |graze.| |
+----------+--------+------+-------+--------+------+-------+
| Deg. | Sec. |Yards.| | Sec. |Yards.| |
| P. B. | | | | 1 | 96 | |
| 1 | 1 | 66 | | 1½ | 143 | |
| 2 | 1 | 85 | From | 1½ | 184 | From |
| 3 | 1½ | 100 | 400 | 2 | 258 | 700 |
| 4 | 1½ | 110 | to | 2½ | 307 | to |
| 5 | 2 | 115 | 600 | 2½ | 376 | 1000 |
| 6 | 2 | 168 | yards.| 3 | 408 | yards.|
| 7 | 2 | 194 | | 3½ | 529 | |
| 8 | 2½ | 226 | | 4½ | 630 | |
| 9 | 2½ | 282 | | 5 | 645 | |
| 10 | 2½ | 279 | | 5 | 642 | |
| 11 | 2½ | 260 | | 5½ | 697 | |
| 12 | 3 | 315 | | 5½ | 715 | |
+----------+--------+------+-------+--------+------+-------+
| | 12 Ounces. | 1 Pound. |
| +--------+------+-------+--------+------+-------+
|Elevation.| Flight.|Range |Extreme| Flight.|Range |Extreme|
| | | to |Range. | | to |Range. |
| | |first | | |first | |
| | |graze.| | |graze.| |
+----------+--------+------+-------+--------+------+-------+
| Deg. | Sec. |Yards.| | Sec. |Yards.| |
| P. B. | 1½ | 140 | | 1 | 159 | |
| 1 | 2 | 334 | | 1½ | 325 | |
| 2 | 2 | 351 | From | 2 | 490 | From |
| 3 | 2½ | 506 | 1000 | 3 | 668 | 1100 |
| 4 | 3 | 500 | to | 4 | 728 | to |
| 5 | 3 | 509 | 1350 | 5½ | 918 | 1400 |
| 6 | 3½ | 581 | yards.| 5 | 823 | yards.|
| 7 | 5 | 872 | | 6 | 975 | |
| 8 | 6½ | 975 | | 7 | 1044 | |
| 9 | 7 | 911 | | 8 | 1049 | |
| 10 | 7 | 1021 | | 8 | 1104 | |
| 11 | 7½ | 1177 | | 8 | 1173 | |
+----------+--------+------+-------+--------+------+-------+
_Ranges with a heavy 5½ inch Howitzer. 1793._
+----------+----------------------+----------------------+
| | 2 Pounds. | 3 Pounds. |
| +-------+------+-------+-------+------+-------+
|Elevation.|Flight.|First |Extreme|Flight.|First |Extreme|
| | |Graze.|Range. | |Graze.|Range. |
+----------+-------+------+-------+-------+------+-------+
| Deg. | Sec. |Yards.|Yards. | Sec. |Yards.|Yards. |
| | | | | | | |
| 1 | 2 | 453 | | 3 | 479 | |
| 2 | 4 | 595 | | 5 | 722 | |
| 3 | 4 | 666 | | 5 | 921 | |
| 4 | 5 | 847 | | 5 | 1000 | |
| 5 | 5 | 957 | From | 7 | 1325 | From |
| 6 | 7 | 1173 | 1400 | 8 | 1530 | 1400 |
| 7 | 9 | 1449 | to | 9 | 1577 | to |
| 8 | 8 | 1355 | 1900 | 9 | 1721 | 2000 |
| 9 | 8 | 1585 | | 9 | 1801 | |
| 10 | 10 | 1853 | | 9 | 1791 | |
| 11 | 9 | 1793 | | 12 | 1013 | |
| 12 | 10 | 1686 | | | | |
+----------+-------+------+-------+-------+------+-------+
_LEVELLING.—Table shewing the Difference between the True and Apparent
Level._
+---------+----------+---------+-----------+
|Distance.|Difference|Distance.| Difference|
| | of level.| | of level.|
+---------+----------+---------+-----------+
| Yds. | Inches. | Mls. | Ft. In. |
| | | | |
| 100 | 0.026 | ¼ | 0 0½ |
| 200 | 0.103 | ½ | 0 2 |
| 300 | 0.231 | ¾ | 0 4½ |
| 400 | 0.411 | 1 | 0 8 |
| 500 | 0.643 | 2 | 2 8 |
| 600 | 0.925 | 3 | 6 0 |
| 700 | 1.260 | 4 | 10 7 |
| 800 | 1.645 | 5 | 16 7 |
| 900 | 2.081 | 6 | 23 11 |
| 1000 | 2.570 | 7 | 32 6 |
| 1100 | 3.110 | 8 | 42 6 |
| 1200 | 3.701 | 9 | 53 9 |
| 1300 | 4.344 | 10 | 66 4 |
| 1400 | 5.038 | 11 | 80 3 |
| 1500 | 5.784 | 12 | 95 2 |
| 1600 | 6.580 | 13 | 112 2 |
| 1700 | 7.425 | 14 | 130 1 |
| | | 15 | 150 |
| | | 16 | 175 |
+---------+----------+---------+-----------+
This table will answer several useful purposes.
FIRST.—_To find the height of the apparent level above the true, at
any distance._—If the given distance be contained in the table, the
correction of level is found in the same line with it; but if the
exact distance be not found in the table, then multiply the square of
the distance in yards, by 2.57, and divide by 1,000,000, or cut off 6
places on the right, for decimals; the rest are inches: or multiply the
square of the distance in miles, by 66 feet 4 inches, and divide by 100.
SECOND.—_To find the extent of the visible horizon, or how far can be
seen from any given height, on a horizontal plane, as at sea_, &c.—The
height of the observer’s eye above the horizon being known, the extent
of his visible horizon is found in the column opposite, under the word
_Distances_.
THIRD.—_To find the distance of any object when it first comes in
sight, its height being, known._—For the distance of any object will be
the extent of the visible horizon of the observer, added to the visible
horizon of the point he observes. It is necessary in this case for the
observer to know only the height of that part of the object which is
kept from his view, by the curvilinear figure of the globe.—Knowing the
distance of an object, its height may be found in the same manner.
If the height or distance exceed the limits in the table; then, first,
if the distance be given, divide it by 2, 3 or 4, till the quotient
comes within the distances in the table; then take out the height
answering to the quotient, and multiply it by the square of the divisor
for the height required. But when the height is given, divide it by
one of these square numbers, 4, 9, 16, 25, &c. till the quotient come
within the limits of the table, and multiply the quotient by the
square root of the divisor.
_LOAD._—Artillery carriages, or waggons, are frequently loaded with
14 cwt. for 3 horses, and 20 cwt. for 4 horses. This, however it
may answer on an English road, is a great deal too much for general
service. No doubt a carriage of one construction will travel easier
than of another, with the same weight; and where the mechanical
advantage thus gained is greatest, the heaviest weight may be put,
with the same number of horses; but in the carriages usually made for
the service of artillery, 4 cwt. _per_ horse, beside the weight of the
carriage, is the utmost they ought to be allowed to draw.
The French ammunition waggons, which are drawn by 4 horses, are always
charged with 1200 pounds only.
The regulations for home service in 1798 state the load for a bread
waggon at 2400 lbs. and for a cart of entrenching tools at 400 lbs. Men
used to bear loads, such as porters, will carry from 150 to 250 pounds.
A horse will carry about 300 lbs. and a mule about 250 lbs.—See also
the word _Horses_.
_MAGAZINES._—The present practice is not to make large powder magazines
for batteries, but to disperse the barrels of powder, or cartridges
_here_ and _there_ in small magazines, about 6 or 7 fathoms, in the
rear of the battery; as it appears better to loose a small quantity
from time to time, than to run the risk of the whole being destroyed,
by a single shell falling into the magazine. These small magazines or
entrenchments, will hold about one or two tons of powder; and are about
8 or 9 feet square. They ought to be well covered from the fire of the
place, and always in the rear of one of the merlons. When they cannot
be sunk in the ground, they should be secured by sand bags or gabions.
They should be made with attention, as should the communication from
them to the battery. Two magazines of this kind will be required for a
battery of six pieces.
_Permanent Powder Magazines._—According to Vauban’s plan, powder
magazines are commonly made 10 fathoms long, and 25 feet wide, in the
clear. The foundation of the longest sides, is 9 or 10 feet thick, and
6 feet or more deep, according to the nature of the ground. The side
walls raised upon these are 8 or nine feet thick; and if there is
not to be an upper story, 8 feet will be sufficient height above the
foundation. By this means the flooring maybe raised above the ground,
free from damp, and there will remain 6 feet from the floor to the
spring of the arch. The arch is formed of layers of bricks, arched one
over the other, and ought to be 3 feet thick at the top. The exterior
surface of the arch terminates with, an angle at top, like a roof;
which angle must be of such magnitude as to make a thickness of 8 feet
over the key stone of the arch. The foundation at the gable ends is 5
feet thick, and the same depth as the sides; these ends are built up 4
feet thick, from the foundation to the top of the roof. The long sides
are supported by counterforts, 6 feet thick and 4 feet long; and placed
12 feet asunder. The ventilators are placed, one in the centre of each
space between the counterforts, and are made with a die across them of
1½ feet. These ventilators are also closed with plates of iron. The
magazine is lighted by a window in each end, high up, which are opened
and shut by means of a ladder. These windows are secured, each by two
shutters, made of plank 2 or 3 inches thick; and the outer one covered
with sheet iron, and both fastened with strong bolts. The entrance to
the is closed by two doors, one of which opens inwards, and the other
outwards; the outward one is covered with sheet iron. The entrance of
the magazine should, if possible, be placed towards the south. A wall
of 1½ feet thick, and 10 feet high, is built round the magazine, at 12
feet distance. A magazine of the above dimensions will contain about
94,800 lbs. of powder, in piles of 3 barrels each; for a greater number
piled above each other destroys the barrels, damages the powder, and
occasions accidents.
_MATCH._—The slow match used by the English is made by contract: one
yard of it will burn about 8 hours. The French slow match is usually
made by soaking light twisted white rope for three days in a strong
lye. It burns about 3 feet in 6 hours.
Slow match was made at Gibraltar, during the last siege, in the
following manner: eight ounces of saltpetre were put into a gallon of
water, and just made to boil over a slow fire; strong blue paper was
then wetted with the liquor, and hung to dry. When dry, each sheet
was rolled up tight, and the outward edge pasted down, to prevent its
opening; half a sheet, thus prepared, will burn 3 hours.
_Quick Match._
_Compositions._
_Worsted Match._
Worsted 10 oz.
Mealed powder 10 lbs.
Spirits of wine 3 pints.
Water 3 ”
Isinglass ½ pint.
_Cotton Match._
Cotton 1 lb 12 oz.
Saltpetre 1 8
Mealed powder 10 —
Spirits of wine 2 quarts.
Water 3 pints.
The worsted or cotton must be laid evenly in an earthen or other
pan, and the different ingredients poured over it, and about half
the powder: being left a short time to soak, it is afterwards wound
smoothly on a reel, and laid to dry, remaining half of the powder is
then sifted over it; and it is ready for use when dry.
=Note.= The French have lately made their slow match by soaking the
rope in a solution of sugar of lead and rain water: in the proportion
of ¾ of an ounce of sugar of lead to one pint of water; and this, they
esteem as preferable to the old sort.
_MARCHING._—_The Quick step_, 108 paces _per_ minute, each of 30
inches; making 270 feet _per_ minute.
_Wheeling Step_, 120 _per_ minute, of 30 inches each; making 300 feet
_per_ minute.
_Side Step._—12 inches—75 _per_ minute.
_Ordinary Step._—75 _per_ minute, 30 inches each.