MANUAL EXERCISE.
EXERCISE OF BROADSIDE-GUNS,
ON ONE SIDE ONLY.[6]
IX-INCH SHELL-GUN (_as an example_).
203. WORDS OF COMMAND.
I. "SILENCE! MAN THE STARBOARD (OR PORT) GUNS!"
II. "CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
III. "RUN IN!" (preparatory).
IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
V. "LOAD!"
VI. "RUN OUT!"
VII. "PRIME!"
VIII. "POINT!"
IX. "READY--FIRE!"
X. "SECURE!"
It is customary to keep the guns of the Battery loaded at sea; it has
been found that the fire of a ship could be commenced in three minutes
from the beat of drum, the guns being secured for sea, and no notice
of what was contemplated announced to men or officers save by the
signal for quarters.
This form of exercise therefore proceeds on the assumption that the
cannon are not loaded, but the order of the commands may be varied to
suit the circumstances of the case.
204. Guns should never remain loaded longer than necessary, as the
cartridge speedily deteriorates by the effects of moisture. If a shell
has been loaded twenty-four hours it should be drawn and refuzed.
[Illustration: MARSILLY CARRIAGE FOR IX. INCH SHELL GUN D. Van
Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
I. "SILENCE! MAN THE STARBOARD (OR PORT) GUNS!"
205. At this preparatory order the strictest silence is to be
observed. The Captain faces the port, the men, on the right and left,
stand facing the gun; all fix their eyes on the Captain and
attentively wait for orders.
II. "CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
206. The GUN CAPTAIN commands, sees his gun cleared and cast loose,
portlid unbarred ready for tricing up, or half ports taken out; side
and train tackles hooked, the side-tackle to the side training-bolt,
and the train-tackle to the eye-bolt in the deck in the rear of the
gun; casts loose and middles breeching and places selvagee straps and
toggles amidships; takes off lock-cover, and hands it to the
train-tackleman, who places it amidships; buckles on his waist-belt
(furnished as directed in Article 150); provides himself with a
priming-wire; puts on and secures his thumbstall; and sees that the
gear and implements for the service of the gun are all in place and
ready for use, and that the men are properly equipped.
When the gun is ready for action he sees that the men take their
proper positions, and reports to the Officer of the subdivision to
which he belongs.
It is important that the battery shall be completely provided at every
exercise, otherwise something is sure to be omitted in preparing for
action.
207. 2D CAPTAIN assists in casting loose and middling breeching; takes
off and places amidships sight-covers, selvagee straps, and toggles;
handles quoin; provides thumbstalls, priming-wires, and boring-bit,
and equips himself with the first two; clears lock-string and lays it
in a loose coil round the lock, convenient for use, and buckles on his
waist-belt furnished as 1st Captain's. If the gun is furnished with an
elevating screw, elevates the gun, that the lower half port may be let
down.
208. 1ST LOADER, aided by 1st Sponger, casts loose port-lanyards,
removes upper half port, and passes it to the men on the left side of
the gun, who lay it amidships; lets down the lower half port. On lower
deck casts off port-lanyards and muzzle-lashing; removes port-bar and
passes it to the men at the left side of the gun, who lay it
amidships; bears out port. On all decks places hand-swab and
chocking-quoin near the ship's side on the left side of the gun; aids
1st Sponger in taking out tompion.
209. 2D LOADER assists in casting loose; sees the wads in place, and
for rifle cannon a pot of grease at hand; hooks outer block of
side-tackle to side training-bolt, on the left side of the gun.
210. 1ST SPONGER casts loose port-lanyards and aids 1st Loader in
removing upper half ports and letting down lower ones, and on lower
decks in removing the port-bar, bearing out the port and taking off
the muzzle-lashings; takes out tompion, and passes it to 2d Sponger,
who hangs it amidships; places chocking-quoin on the right side of the
gun, near the ship's side.
211. 2D SPONGER assists in casting loose; hooks outer block of
side-tackle to the side training-bolt, on the right side of the gun.
The Spongers take down the sponges and rammers; take off the
sponge-cap and hang it up out of the way; place sponges and rammers
together, on the right side of the gun, heads toward the breech, in
the brackets overhead on covered decks, otherwise on deck.
The SIDE-TACKLEMEN assist in casting loose; on lower decks, aid
Port-tacklemen; moisten the sponge, being certain that the end of the
sponge which touches the bottom of the bore is thoroughly wet.
212. SHELLMEN assist in casting loose, provide shot and wads, and
proceed to hatchway, ready to pass loaded shell, if ordered.
213. TRAIN-TACKLEMEN lead out and hook train-tackle.
214. HANDSPIKEMEN take out the handspikes on their respective sides,
and with carriages using a quoin, each standing between his handspike
and the side of the ship, place the heels of their handspikes on the
steps of the carriage and under the breech of the gun, and raise it so
that the quoin may be eased and the lower half port let down, or, when
housed, the bed and quoin adjusted. Then each Handspikeman will lay
his handspike on deck, on his own side of the gun, parallel with its
axis, clear of the trucks and butt to the rear.
215. POWDER-BOY repairs to his proper scuttle for his passing-box,
which having received he returns and stands a little to the left and
in rear of the gun, keeping the passing-box under his left arm and the
cover closely pressed down with his right hand.
216. When there are fourteen or more men at a gun, the PORT-TACKLEMEN
and SIDE-TACKLEMEN, on lower decks, lead out port-tackle falls and
assist in tricing up the port, and, when high enough, belay the fall.
217. In the temporary absence of the first Captains, Loaders, or
Spongers, when at quarters on one side, their Seconds will take their
places and perform their respective duties.
When exercising by divisions, or single gun's crews, every station
should be filled; if necessary, taking men from the Master's or Powder
division to fill vacancies. The guns will be sufficiently exercised in
working with reduced crews at general quarters.
218. With a gun's crew of ten or more men, No. 7 will take the place
of No. 5, and No. 8 of No. 6, when Nos. 5 or 6 are absent
temporarily.
[Illustration: RUN-IN. {Diagram No. 2.} D. Van Nostrand Publisher.
Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: SPONGE-LOAD {Diagram No. 2.} D. Van Nostrand Publisher.
Julius Bien, pr.]
III. "RUN IN!" (_preparatory_).
(Diagram No. 1.)
219. Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (and, if necessary, 5,
6), man the Train-tackle.
2d Captain ships and works Roller Handspike. Nos. 3, 4, overhaul or
tend the Side-tackles.
The gun having been run in, No. 12 chokes luff of Train-tackle,
assisted, if there is much motion, by No. 11.
Nos. 3, 4 place Truck-quoins in front of Trucks.
No. 6, with back square to gun, and facing over left shoulder to
Sponger, takes up the Sponge, head in-board, and stands ready to hand
it to 4.
No. 8, facing to the gun, and outside of 6, does the same with the
Rammer.
The rest of the men go to their stations.
IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"[7]
(Diagram No. 2.)
220. Gun Captain serves and then stops the Vent. No. 4 receives the
moist Sponge from 3, right hand over, left under, sends it home, and,
assisted by 3, presses it to bottom of bore; then, turning it round
two or three times, from left to right, in the direction which is
needed to have the worm take, withdraws it, and, when out, strikes the
staff several smart taps under the muzzle, then hands it back to 6,
who lays it on the deck or lodges it overhead on the hooks, if they
are provided. No. 10 examines and clears sponge-head and worm.
After the Sponge is withdrawn, Gun Captain serves the vent with his
priming-wire and again closes it.
No. 8 hands Rammer to 4 as soon as the Sponge is taken from him by 6.
Should 4 observe that the Gun Captain neglected to serve the vent, he
is to call his attention to it.
No. 3 stands ready with Charge he has taken from Powderman.
No. 5, assisted by Shellman, opens Shell-box, disengages the Shell,
and has it in readiness to pass to No. 3.
V. "LOAD!"
(Diagram No. 2.)
221. No. 3 places Charge in muzzle, seam from the Vent, small end in,
and pushes it well into the Bore.
No. 4 stands ready with the Rammer, enters it into the muzzle, and
pushes the Charge steadily to the bottom of the Bore, which will be
shown by the mark on the rammer handle; 3 assists with one hand, and
the charge is on no account to be struck.
While 4 withdraws the Rammer, 3 is to receive the Shell from 5, lift
and enter it, sabot first, into muzzle, fuze out, as soon as the
rammer is clear thereof.
As the shell lies just fair with muzzle, 3 removes cap from Fuze,
which is to be passed along to the Gun Captain, and pushes the Shell
into the Bore.
No. 4 enters Rammer, and, assisted by 3, pushes in the Shell until the
mark on handle shows it to be in place. It is most strictly forbidden
to strike the Shell with the Rammer.
No. 6 takes Rammer from 4 and lays it down.
Whilst this has been doing, the preparation for the next order has
been proceeding, thus:
2d Captain ships Roller Handspike. Nos. 7, 9, 11, 13, 15,--8, 10, 12,
14, 16 take hold of Side-tackles; Gun Captain feels if Vent is clear,
and Charge home.
_Action._
(This is equivalent to the order "Together.")
Nos. 5, 6 assist at Side-tackles.
Nos. 3, 4 attend Truck-quoins and keep the Breeching clear of
Front-trucks.
No. 12, assisted in heavy rolling of lee guns by 11, prepares to tend
Train-tackle. If necessary with a round turn round all parts of the
fall.
VI. "RUN OUT!"
(Diagram No. 3.)
222. The execution of this order is to be controlled by the gun being
to windward or to leeward, and also by the nature of the Roll.
To _leeward_, and with much motion, the cannon will rush out violently
unless prevented; therefore 11 assists 12 at the Train-tackle; 7, 9,
11, 13, 15, and 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 start the gun cautiously.
2d Captain heaves up on Roller Handspike, but is careful to let down
the Carriage if it begins to start out rapidly; it may even be
advisable not to use the Roller Handspike at all.
Nos. 3, 4 remove Truck-quoins and tend breeching.
_Action._
If to _windward_, 2d Captain heaves up Carriage fully on Roller
Handspike.
Nos. 5 and 6 assist at Side-tackles.
No. 12 only tends Train-tackle if the Roll should need it; otherwise
he overhauls it and assists at Side-tackles.
Nos. 3, 4 remove Truck-quoins, and keep Breeching from fouling the
Front-trucks; 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 set taut the
Side-tackles.
[Illustration: RUN OUT (TO LEEWARD) [Diagram. No. 3.] D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: PRIME-POINT. [Diagram No. 4.] D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
When the gun is out the 2d Captain swivels the Roller Handspike for
training, or removes it altogether if the Handspike alone be preferred
for this operation.
Nos. 5, 6 choke and retain hold of luffs of Side-tackles, while 3, 4
place Truck-quoins in rear of trucks, if the movement of the ship
requires it. Crew close up; rear man coils end of fall, clear for
running.
If the training is to be sharp, the proper Side-tackle will be hooked
to the further eye-bolt inside; 12 unhooks the Train-tackle, and hooks
it also to the proper eye-bolt in deck.
VII. "PRIME!"
(Diagram No. 4.)
223. Gun Captain again makes sure that the Vent is clear, and, in so
doing, lets down his wire quickly into the charge.
He inserts a Primer, and turns down the Hammer upon it.
Meanwhile 9, 10 take up handspikes, and place themselves at rear of
bracket conveniently to heave forward or aft.
In sharp training Nos. 13, 14 assist them.
Nos. 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16 man Side-tackles.
VIII. "POINT!"
(Diagram No. 4.)
224. Gun Captain adjusts or verifies Sliding-Bar of Rear Sight to
proper distance given by the Officer of Division, and falls back so as
to be clear of the recoil, lanyard in hand, face to the Port, standing
_directly in the rear of the gun_, with his eye ranging over the
sights, and keeping in view the water-line of the opposing ship,
trains the gun by voice or sign.
No. 6 throws back the Hammer, and takes hold of lever of Elevating
Screw. (If Roller Handspike is not used in training, 2d Captain
performs this.)
At word "Right" or "Left," 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, or 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16
haul on the proper Side-tackle, and 9, 10 heave correspondingly on
handspikes. Nos. 3 and 4 keep their eyes on handspikemen opposite to
them, to give the time to the other Nos. for hauling on the fall.
No. 6 (or 2d Captain) Elevates or Depresses as directed.
_Action._
2d Captain unships the Roller Handspike if it has been used in
training. Nos. 9, 10 withdraw handspikes, and step back clear of
recoil.
Nos. 3, 4 overhaul Side-tackles to mark, unless the motion does not
admit of it.
No. 12 overhauls or holds up Train-tackle.
Nos. 7, 8 remove quoins from Trucks.
Men to their stations.
IX. "READY--FIRE!"
(Diagram No. 5.)
225. The Gun Captain, standing as already placed, waits patiently, but
sharply, for the coincidence of the sights upon the object, which, if
a ship, is always the water-line. When a correction of elevation or of
direction is required, he repeats such of the previous orders as may
be necessary; and these are to be re-executed accordingly.
If the gun is to leeward, the men stand ready to take hold of the
Train-tackle and jerk the cannon into a taut breeching.
When sure of his aim the Gun Captain, who has held the lock-lanyard
just taut, draws it promptly and firmly, bearing in mind that in no
case is he to attempt moving from his post.
The 2d Captain stands ready with a primer, and, in the case of
failure, throws back the hammer and inserts another. If necessary,
serves the Vent. If a second failure occurs, it is a certain
indication that the charge is not home.
_Action._
Instantly with the explosion, 11, 12 jerk away the parts of the
train-tackle, or hook it if it has been unhooked.
Nos. 3, 4 place quoins in front of trucks. 9, 10 lay down handspikes.
When the gun is not in to a taut breeching, the 2d Captain ships the
Roller Handspike.
Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, take hold quickly of
Train-tackle, and run in to a taut breeching.
When in, 3, 4 move up the Truck-quoins, 12 chokes luff of
Train-tackle.
Gun Captain puts back the hammer and coils up lanyard.
No. 6 takes up Sponge, and the exercise proceeds as already directed.
If necessary, No. 2 levels the gun for loading, and lays it fair for
running out.
226. If the exercise is to be continued, it is resumed at the fourth
command:
"SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
"CEASE FIRING!"
227. Whenever this order is given, either by the roll of the drum, or
by passing the word, if the gun is primed, the Gun Captain immediately
removes the primer, and with the crew stands at "Attention."
[Illustration: READY-FIRE. [Diagram No. 5.] D. Van Nostrand Publisher.
Julius Bien, pr.]
228. NOTE.--The breechings of IX-in. guns are to be so fitted that the
face of muzzle when in shall be 18 inches from inner face of side, for
two reasons:
To prevent the gun from returning to the port, and to give room for
the handling of such large shells.
Seventeen men are a proper number for working a IX-in. gun under any
circumstances.
Rammer handles are to be marked for place of charge and of shell.
Side and train tackles are also to be marked to the proper overhaul,
so as to avoid slack rope.
Breast-sweeps are useful at lower sill of port, for training more than
a point.
X. "SECURE!"
229. The Powder-boy returns the spare powder and the passing-boxes to
the magazine. The Shellmen return the shells and empty shell-boxes, if
any remain on deck, to the shell-room.
The Gun Captain directs the gun to be laid square in the middle of the
port.
When the guns are to be secured without being housed the Loader and
Sponger place the chocking-quoins square up against the rear part of
the front trucks and put in the tompion. The Handspikemen, if there is
a quoin, free the quoin and lower the breech, the 2d Captain handling
the quoin. When the gun is fitted with an elevating screw this
operation is performed by the 2d Captain alone, who handles the screw.
The Gun Captain, assisted by the 2d Captain, hauls the breeching
through the jaws of the cascabel to the left side of the gun, forming
with the bight a turn over the breech and cylinder, taking care to
keep the breeching well clear of the elevating screw to prevent chafe,
and securing the parts on each side with selvagees and heavers; or, if
this should interfere with the breech-sight, by crossing the breeching
at the side and securing it with selvagee straps and toggles. In this
case the breeching should be secured after alternate exercises right
and left.
The Loader and Sponger haul up and secure the lower half-ports, put in
tompion, and secure muzzle-bag. The Gun Captain puts in the vent-plug,
lays the hammer of the lock in its place, and the lock-string in a
coil around it. The 2d Captain takes the lock-cover from the
Train-tackleman and secures it over the lock, and in like manner
covers the breech and reinforce sights.
The men at the side-tackles unhook the outer blocks from the
training-bolts and hand them to the Loader and Sponger, who hook them
to the securing-bolts at the sides of the port. The men on both sides
haul them taut and stop the parts of the tackles together, with
knittles provided by the Quarter Gunner, and then expend the
remainder of the falls by passing them around the breech of the gun,
through the jaws of the cascabel, and stopping the bights alternately
to the eye-bolts on each side of the port until expended; or, at
four-truck carriages, take two half hitches over the tail of the
brackets, and expend the ends of the falls.
The Train-tackle men hook the train-tackle to the side-tackle bolts on
each side of the port, the double block on the left side, haul the
tackle taut, expend the end round the breech, and stop the parts in
with the side-tackles.[8]
The Gun Captain then directs the Handspikemen, or if the screw is
used, the 2d Captain, to raise the breech so as to level the gun and
bring all parts of the tackles and breeching taut.
The Loader and Sponger put in and secure the upper half-ports, if
directed, and the Loader swabs the deck to collect any loose powder
which may have been scattered on it.
The several persons who provided the arms and implements used in the
exercise, return them to their proper places, or to the persons
appointed to take charge of them, care being taken that the small arms
are unloaded and reported so before they are sent below, unless
otherwise directed by the Captain.
HOUSING LOWER-DECK GUNS.
230. If the lower-deck guns are to be housed, the Gun Captain directs
the gun to be laid square in the middle of the port and run in to a
taut breeching, and if loaded, the load to be drawn. The Loader and
Sponger place the housing-chocks before the front trucks.
The gun is then run close up against the housing-chocks, and the
chocking-quoins are placed square up behind the rear trucks.
The Handspikemen raise the breech to free the quoin; the 2d Captain
withdraws it and the bed; the Handspikemen lower the breech upon the
axletree, so that in case the gun should break adrift, the muzzle will
take the upper port-sill; and the Port-tacklemen lower the port-lid.
The 2d Loader and 1st Shellman bring the port-bar to the Loader and
Sponger, who put it in place across the port, hook the port-hooks in
the ring-bolts in the port-lids, and drive in the keys until the port
is perfectly closed.
The men on both sides shift the side-tackles from the training-bolts
to the securing-bolts, haul them taut, and expend the ends between the
blocks. The Loader and Sponger pass the frapping lashing round both
parts of the breeching, in front of the brackets, and with the
assistance of the men nearest them bowse it well taut; and secure the
muzzle by placing the grommet over it and the housing hook-bolt, and
by frapping the two parts together with the lashing. When the
housing-bolt is an eye-bolt, a toggle will be necessary to keep the
grommet in its place.
In moderate weather the train-tackle is unhooked from the deck, and
made up and stopped along the side-tackle, on the forward side of the
gun. In bad weather it is kept hooked, bowsed taut, and the end
expended through the ring-bolt and round the arms of the rear axle.
The manner of housing guns, mounted on truck-carriages, on other
decks, in bad weather, does not vary materially from that just
described, excepting that the upper half-ports and the port-bucklers
are put in and secured.
When there are no housing-chocks the ordinary chocking-quoins may be
used as such. It will be an additional security to take off the rear
trucks, and to tighten the muzzle-lashing by raising the breech.
GENERAL REMARKS ON THE MANUAL EXERCISE.
231. The exercise of the great guns has a double object: 1st, To teach
the crew all the details necessary to Load, Point, and Fire the gun;
2d, To develop their activity, intelligence, and muscular force.
The principal object, the base of all this instruction, is loading and
pointing; too much care and attention cannot be devoted to obtain
exactitude in all the movements. There is a tendency to devote too
much time to such exercises as shifting carriages from side to side.
There is always sufficient time for these manoeuvres. The most
important are the management of the rammer and sponge in loading and
the handspikes in pointing.
232. At the time of reception on board, the crew may be considered as
made up of three classes: 1st, The Captains, Loaders, and Spongers of
guns, who may be considered as competently instructed in the manual;
2d, another part, who have had some instruction and are competent to
fill the secondary duties; 3d, The remainder, who are entirely
ignorant.
The directions in the manual are more particularly devoted to the
instruction of a crew completely formed, omitting all the minor
details of position and exactness in the performance of the motions
under the different commands, which are to be supplied by the
Instructor. These details would break the connection of the several
commands, and increase the bulk of the work. The precepts of the
manual are not for self-instruction of the ignorant, but to produce a
uniform system of commands in the Instructors. The important point, is
to instruct the last two classes by gun's crews, and then by
divisions. This is accomplished by drilling the guns' crews
separately, until each man has acquired some facility in his
particular duties, and then selecting the most deficient for special
instruction, combining them as a gun's crew, in order not to uselessly
fatigue those who are already expert or readily acquire the drill.
Whenever a new order is to be executed, it should be first thoroughly
and minutely explained; and as soon as all have heard and appear to
understand, execute it. If not correctly performed, repeat the
explanation.
233. When the individuals of each gun's crew have become well
acquainted with, and expert in the performance of their several
special duties, they are to be successively transferred, temporarily,
to the performance of the duties of some other station, until each man
shall have become acquainted with the special duties of every station
at the gun.
In exercising each man of a gun's crew in the duties of all the other
men of that crew besides his own, it is to be done thus:
The system supposes that, beginning with the 2d Captain to take the
place of the 1st Captain, the men are to be called to perform the
duties of the latter in a regular succession agreeably to the way they
are placed at the gun; i.e., after the 2d Captain, the 2d
Train-tackleman is to do the duties of Gun Captain; and so on all
round the gun. Each man is to fleet his position one remove or place,
in a direction "with the sun," so that instead of the interchange of
duties being confined to two individuals only, it is to extend to the
whole gun's crew. Thus, for instance, when the 2d Captain is called
upon to do the duties of 1st Captain, the latter, by moving one place
"with the sun," becomes the 1st Train-tackleman, the 1st
Train-tackleman the 1st Port-tackleman, and so on all around the gun
throughout the whole crew, the person at the muzzle of the gun on its
left side crossing over and taking the place of the one at the muzzle
on the right side. Next in order, the 2d Train-tackle. is required to
take the place of the 1st Captain, then the 2d Captain becomes 1st
Train-tackle., the 1st Captain the 1st Port-tackleman, the 2d
Port-tackleman the 2d Captain, and so on throughout.
If it should be desired to take, at first, a man from the middle of
the crew of the gun, or even still further towards the muzzle, to do
the duties of 1st Captain, then it must be done under the supposition
that all the men preceding him in the order above mentioned have
already been exercised in those duties, and the men are then to take
their stands accordingly.
After the guns' crews have been well trained by giving the words of
command, it will be expedient to exercise them without giving the
several detailed commands, by directing them to "load and fire!" At
this command the different individuals should, each in proper order of
time, silently perform his prescribed duties of sponging, loading,
running out, training, and pointing, the Captain of the gun regulating
the elevation and depression, by raising or lowering his hand, and by
holding it horizontally and steady when the gun is "well;" and in
pointing, by moving his hand to "right" or "left" as the gun requires
to be trained, and by bringing it down to his side when it is "well."
Before firing, he is to throw his hand well up as a signal for the men
to "drop tackles," and is to give the word "fire" when he pulls the
lock-string.
When casualties occur at the guns, the Captain of the gun will order
"close up," and then equalize the crew on each side. If the Powderman
is disabled the highest number takes his place.
234. Whenever the crew of a gun becomes so greatly reduced in action
that men enough are not left to work the piece, it may be fired while
partially run in. In such case, however, the breeching should be
frapped forward of the carriage, the ends crossed under the muzzle or
otherwise arranged so as to keep the muzzle outside of the port; the
side-tackles left loose; the chocking-quoins placed square up against
the outer part of the front trucks; the train-tackle hauled taut, the
end of the fall passed through the train-bolt and well secured, and
wet swabs placed up against the forward part of the rear trucks and
sprinkled with sand or ashes. After three or four rounds the
train-tackle should be re-secured; the chocking-quoins will require
re-placing after each fire. The greatest possible care should be taken
to guard against accident from fire, and minimum charges of powder
used.
Experiment proves that a gun may be fired in this manner without
injury to the ship's side or the breeching, and by three or four men.
It must be apparent to every officer that both the rapidity and the
accuracy of fire to be obtained from guns in vessels at sea, must
depend, in a great degree, upon the care which may be taken to explain
to the men the best mode of performing their respective parts of the
exercise, and the particular object for which each part is intended,
and especially on such frequency of exercise and target-firing as will
make the men perfectly familiar with their prescribed duties. The
importance of this instruction, which may decide whether an action
shall result in victory or defeat, will, it is hoped, insure due
attention to it from all officers, and especially from the officers of
divisions at quarters.
THE GUNS ON ONE SIDE BEING MANNED,
TO CHANGE SIDES,
OR BOTH SIDES BEING MANNED,
TO MAN ONE SIDE ONLY;
COMMAND.
"MAN THE STARBOARD (OR PORT) GUNS!"
235. Whenever this or any other order is given which requires all the
men suddenly to leave the gun which they are working, they are not to
do so until it is properly loaded, and well secured by hauling taut
the side and train tackles, and hitching their falls around the straps
of the inner blocks; nor on lower decks of ships-of-the-line till the
ports are down and secured by their lanyards. A strict compliance with
this injunction is indispensable to guard against excessive or
imperfect loading and other accidents.
When these precautions have been duly taken, the men will shift over
in obedience to the command.
EXERCISE OF BROADSIDE-GUNS, ON BOTH SIDES AT ONCE,
BY MANNING ALTERNATE GUNS WITH FULL CREWS.
236. In the event of being required to fight both sides, it is
generally conceded that a more effective fire is maintained by
handling alternate guns with full crews.
In this case the preparatory order will be given:
"SILENCE! MAN BOTH SIDES, EVERY OTHER GUN WITH FULL CREWS."
Upon which the guns' crews of the guns of the starboard watch will man
the odd-numbered guns on the starboard side, and the guns' crews of
the port watch will man the even-numbered guns on the port side, and
the exercise will be the same as prescribed for "broadside guns on one
side only."
MANNING ALL THE GUNS.
GENERAL REMARKS.
237. Arrangements have been made to enable each gun's crew to work
together and fire alternately a pair of guns on the same side of the
deck. Experience, however, shows that this can only be continued with
effect for three or four rounds, and is in general results inferior to
those obtained by manning alternate guns with full crews.
QUICK FIRING.
238. The service of the guns consists, essentially, of two distinct
parts, pointing and loading. The first of these, pointing, cannot be
performed too carefully and methodically, and requires extreme
coolness and attention on the part of the Captain of the gun; loading,
on the contrary, cannot be executed with too much rapidity, provided
neither the safety of the gun nor of its crew be compromised.
It is clear that if two hostile vessels meet equally matched in all
the ordinary points of equipment and preparation, and manned by crews
equally skilled in gunnery, the advantage will be in favor of the ship
that loads quickest; and should it happen that nicety of aim becomes a
matter of secondary importance, in consequence of the closeness of the
action, then, evidently, rapidity of fire will determine the affair.
These considerations appear decisive, and every care should be taken
in the instruction of guns' crews, that pointing be executed with
deliberation, care, and method, and loading with all possible
dispatch. In order, therefore, to insure the great advantage of rapid
firing, officers are enjoined frequently to exercise the crews in
setting the cartridge, shot, and wad home together, in one motion, of
such guns as may be loaded in this manner, without inconvenience. This
is the case with all the guns, chambered as well as unchambered,
excepting the 8-inch shell-gun of 63 cwt. of patterns earlier than
1851; it is not recommended, however, to practise simultaneous loading
with guns of higher calibre, such as IX-inch and upwards, as nothing
will be gained by it in point of time.
To prevent the shot from rolling on the tie of the cartridge and
jamming it, the end of the cartridge-bag, outside of the tie, should
be shortened as much as security will permit, unless it has been
specially prepared for this use, by stitching back the end in the form
of a cockade.
With the view of affording the Loader a certain and independent means
of knowing when the whole load is really home, the handle of the
rammer should have a mark upon it, easily distinguishable either by
day or night, and this should be suited to the "ordinary firing"
charge of powder, due allowance being made for the others.
COMMAND.
"LOAD IN ONE MOTION!"
239. The Loader receives the cartridge and puts it in the gun, as
already described; he also receives the shell or shot and wad and
introduces them accordingly.
As soon as the whole charge has been introduced, the Sponger and
Loader together thrust it down smartly with the rammer, as in ordinary
loading. When home, the men run the gun out as quickly as possible;
the Captain of the gun clears the vent, primes in running out, points
and fires in the usual manner, but as rapidly as is consistent with a
good aim, taking care that the muzzle is clear of the port-sill, and
on lower decks that the port is triced up clear of the explosion.
SHIFTING BREECHINGS IN ACTION.
COMMAND.
"SPONGE, LOAD, AND SHIFT BREECHING!"
240. Supposing the gun's crew to be reduced to six men and the
Powder-boy, that being the least number required to perform the
evolution, and the gun to be discharged and run in. The Captain hauls
taut the train-tackle and chokes the luff, and the Loader and Sponger
place the chocking-quoins forward of the front trucks, and proceed to
sponge and load the gun in the usual manner. The 2d Sponger and 2d
Loader haul taut side-tackles and choke luffs, or, if rolling deep,
hitch the falls round the straps of the blocks, and then unshackle the
old breeching and shackle the new, which is to be brought to the gun
by the 2d Captain.
The Captain removes the old breeching from, and places and secures the
bight of the new one in the jaws of the cascabel, after the gun is
sponged. The 2d Captain passes the old breeching amidships, and the
men resume their usual duties at the gun.
When there are more than six men at the gun, the 2d Sponger and 2d
Loader, after securing the side-tackle falls, will assist to load the
gun, and the additional men will assist in unshackling the old and
shackling the new breeching, but one of these will do all the duties
just assigned to the 1st Captain, so as not to interfere with his
ordinary duties in loading.
SHIFTING TRUCKS.
241. The operation of shifting a truck can only be required when the
gun is "run in" after firing. At the order to shift any one of the
trucks that may be designated:
With the MARSILLY CARRIAGE.--Heave up with the roller handspike under
the end of the bracket on the side on which the truck is to be
removed; handspikemen pass inside the breeching and place their
handspikes under the axletree as near the truck as possible, and,
assisted by 5 and 6, lift the gun while the shellman removes the old
truck and side-tackleman puts on new one.
With the ORDINARY CARRIAGE.--To shift a rear truck, handspikemen lift
under the rear axletree. To shift a front truck the rear truck on the
opposite side should first be taken off, then handspikemen lift under
the fore axletree.
[Illustration: SIDE ELEVATION OF XI-INCH GUN CARRIAGE AND SLIDE D. Van
Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: SECTIONAL VIEW OF XI INCH GUN CARRIAGE AND SLIDE D. Van
Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: PLAN OF XI INCH GUN CARRIAGE AND SLIDE D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: PLAN OF SLIDE FOR XI-INCH GUN CARRIAGE D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
EXERCISE OF PIVOT-GUNS.
XI-INCH SHELL-GUN
(_As an example._)
242. Arranged to traverse on circles fitted with Bossed Sockets for
pivoting, and with clevis-bolts and sockets for housing.
EQUIPMENTS AND IMPLEMENTS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTICLES FOR EACH GUN. | WHERE THEY ARE TO BE PUT
| WHEN THE GUN IS SECURED.
-----------------------------------+----------------------------------
Carriage and slide complete, with | In place.
elevating screw and pivot-bolts |
Two front roller levers |}
Two rear do. |} Becketed to brackets.
Two levers for training and |}
shifting trucks |}
Two in-tackles | Hooked in place.
Two out-tackles | Do. do.
Two shifting-tackles | Made up on slide.
Two training-tackles | Do. do.
Breeching | In place.
Preventer | Do.
Lashings for securing gun | Do.
Tompion, with wad and lanyard | Do.
Sponge and cap |} Becketed to beams between decks,
Rammer |} or inside the brackets.
A pot of oil or prepared grease | Breast of carriage.
for rifle cannon |
Lock, with string |} In place.
Vent-plug |}
Lock-cover and strap | In place on gun.
Breech-sight and cover | Do. do.
Reinforce-sight and cover | Do. do.
Trunnion-sight | In box between decks.
Priming-wires | Inside brackets
Boring-bits | Inside brackets
Water-buckets and large swab | Hold, until wanted.
Hand-swabs | Breast of carriage.
Selvagee-wads | Do. do.
Battle-axes, as allowed (Art. 101) | On breast-transom.
Two transporting axles and trucks | In storeroom, at hand.
One shell in box | On slide.
Shell-bearer | Do.
Rail transom-chocks[9] | Under rails.
-----------------------------------+----------------------------------
STATIONS AND GUN-NUMBERS.
243. The following are to be the gun-numbers and stations for a gun's
crew of twenty-five, including the Powderman, the XI-inch shell-gun
being taken as an example:
+------------------------+-------------+---------------------------+
| | | |
| LEFT SIDE. | GUN-NOS. | RIGHT SIDE. |
+------------------------+-------------+---------------------------+
| | | | |
| First Loader | 3 | 4 | First Sponger. |
| Second Loader | 5 | 6 | Second Sponger. |
| First Shellman | 7 | 8 | Second Shellman. |
| First Front-Leverman | 9 | 10 | Second Front-Leverman. |
| First Compressman | 13 | 14 | Second Compressman. |
| First Rear-Leverman | 11 | 12 | Second Rear-Leverman. |
| | | | |
| | {17 | 18} | |
| Tacklemen | {19 | 20} | Tacklemen. |
| | {21 | 22} | |
| | {23 | 24} | |
| | | | |
| First Train-Leverman | 15 | 16 | Second Train-Leverman. |
| First Captain | 1 | 2 | Second Captain. |
| Powderman | 25 | | |
+------------------------+------+------+---------------------------+
To reduce from 24 men and Powderman to 20, omit four highest numbers.
To reduce from 20 men and Powderman to 16 men and Powderman, omit four
next highest numbers.
To reduce from 16 men and Powderman to 12 men and Powder-boy, omit
four highest numbers; 7, 9, and 10 become Pikemen, 11 and 12
Compressmen and Train-Levermen, in addition to other duties.
To reduce from 12 men and boy to 10 men and boy, omit two highest
numbers; 5 becomes Pikeman, 7 becomes Fireman, 9 and 10 Compressor and
Train-Levermen, in addition to other duties.
EXERCISE FOR HEAVY GUNS
MOUNTED ON PIVOT-CARRIAGES.
XI-INCH SHELL-GUN. (_As an example._)
244. The gun is supposed to be secured amidships, fore and aft, over
the housing pivot, and not loaded.
The exercise will proceed in conformity to the following words of
command, viz.:
I. "SILENCE! CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
II. "RUN IN!"
III. "SHIFT PIVOT!" (TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT!)
IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
V. "LOAD!"
VI. "RUN OUT!"
VII. "PRIME!"
VIII. "POINT!"
IX. "READY--FIRE!"
X. "SHIFT TO HOUSING-PIVOT, AND SECURE!"
_N.B.--It is always to be understood that when any of their respective
duties under one command are executed, the men will at once proceed to
prepare for those which follow next in order. The exercise must be
considered as a whole, though the details are necessarily divided
under the several words of command._
EXERCISE OF PIVOT XI-IN. CANNON.
GUN SECURED FOR SEA AMIDSHIPS.
I. "SILENCE! CAST LOOSE AND PROVIDE!"
245. No. 1, Commands; sees his gun cleared and cast loose; circles
cleared and swept; tackles hooked; levers shipped; lock and sights in
place; elevating apparatus, pivot-bolts, and compressors in working
order; takes off lock-cover and hands it to 23, who lays it clear of
circle: provides himself with waist-belt and primers, priming-wire,
boring-bit, and thumbstall; and sees that all the gear and implements
are ready for use, and the men at their respective stations.
No. 2, Takes off sight-covers and hands them to 22, who lays them
clear of circle; removes rail-chocks and assists in casting loose. He
provides waist-belt and primers, and sees that the men on his side of
the gun execute promptly their several duties.
CAST LOOSE.
(Diagram No. 1.)
Clear away the Bulwarks 15.16.17.18.23.24.
Lashings of Gun--Adrift 3.4.11.12.
In-Tackles--Cast loose 15.16.
Out-Tackles--Cast loose 13.14.
Training-Tackles--Cast loose 19.20.21.22.23.24.
IMPLEMENTS QR. GUNNER.
Powder 25.
Shells, Shell-Ladle, &c. 7.8.
Sponge }
Rammer } Take down 5.6.
Front Carriage-Levers, Ship[10] 9.10.
Rear Carriage-Levers--Ship 11.12.
Slide-Levers--Ship forward 15.16.
Sight-Covers--Take off. 2d Capt. and hands to 22.
Buckets of Water[11]--Fill; }
Wet Swabs--Bring. } 5.6.
Outer Tackles hook as } to Deck 21.22.
Shifting-Tackles } to Slide 23.24.
Inner Tackle[12] hook { to Deck 17.18.
{ to Slide 19.20.
Attend Compressors 13.14.
Man In-Tackle { 11.15.17.19.21.23.
{ 12.16.18.20.22.24.
Man Carriage-Levers { Front. 9.10.
{ Rear. 11.12.
[Illustration: STATIONS BEFORE CASTING LOOSE [Diagram No. 1.] D. Van
Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: STAND BY TO RUN IN [Diagram No. 2.] D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
246. STAND BY TO RUN IN.
(Diagram No. 2.)
Ease Compressors[13] and go to In-Tackles 13.14.
Up Carriage-Levers[14] { Front. 3.9. and 4.10.
{ Rear. 11.12.
Tend Out-Tackles 5.6.
II. "RUN IN!"[15]
Haul on In-Tackles { 11.13.15.17.19.21.23.
{ 12.14.16.18.20.22.24.
Out-Tackle block--Unhook from Slide,
to leave room for hooking Inner Shifting-Tackle 5.6
Down Carriage-Levers { Front. 3.9. and 4.10.
{ Rear. 11.12.
Tauten Compressors 13.14.
247. STAND BY TO PIVOT.
(Diagram No. 3.)
Draw Fore Pivot-Bolt 3.4.
Up Shifting Slide-Levers 15.16.
{ 3.11.5.9.13.15.17.19.21.23.
{ | | | |
Man Outer Shifting-Tackle { or or or or
{ | | | |
{ 4.12.6.10.14.16.18.20.22.24.
Attend opposite Outer Shifting-Tackle 19.3. or 20.4.
Stand by to hook Inner Tackle,
when the Outer Shifting-Tackle is a-block 17 or 18.
III. "PIVOT TO RIGHT OR LEFT!"
(Diagram No. 3.)
{ 3.11.5.9.13.15.17.19.21.23.[A]
{ | | | |
Haul on--Outer Shifting-Tackle[16] { or or or or
{ | | | |
{ 4.12.6.10.14.16.18.20.22.24.
Ease away opposite Shifting-Tackle 19.3 or 20.4.
Hook to Slide, Inner Tackle and Haul Taut 17. or 18.
Unhook Outer Shifting-Tackles 21.22.23.24.
In Fore Pivot-Bolt 3. or 4.
Shift Inner Tackles as { To rear of Slide 19.20.
Train-Tackles { To Deck 17.18.
Down Shifting Slide-Levers, unship them and
ship them on Rear Slide Training-Trucks[17] 15.16.
Hook Out-Tackle Block to Slide 5.6.
Take stations for next order--which, if the gun is loaded, will be
"Run Out;" if not loaded, will be "Sponge."[18]
When the Gun is Run Out--
Shackle Breeching[19] 3.13.--4.14.
Draw the Rear Pivot-Bolt 2.
Note A: Other numbers may be called to assist, if needed.
[Illustration: STAND BY TO PIVOT STARBOARD [Diagram No. 3.] D. Van
Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
[Illustration: SPONGE-LOAD [Diagram No. 4.] D. Van Nostrand Publisher.
Julius Bien, pr.]
IV. "SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
(Diagram No. 4.)
248. No. 4 is to receive the moist sponge from No. 6, right hand over,
left under, to send it home, and, assisted by No. 3, to press it to
the bottom of the Bore, then to turn it around two or three times from
left to right, in the direction that the worm may take,[20] withdraw
it, strike the staff several smart taps under the muzzle, then return
it to No. 6, who will receive it and lay it down;[21] the Gun Captain
serves, then stops the Vent,[22] and as soon as the sponge has been
withdrawn, serves the Vent with his priming-wire and again stops it.
This being done--
No. 20 hands the Rammer to No. 4 as soon as the latter has been
relieved of the Sponge by No. 6. Should No. 4 observe that the Gun
Captain has neglected to serve the Vent, he is to call his attention
to it.
No. 3 stands ready with the Powder which he has taken from No. 5, to
whom it was passed by No. 25.
Nos. 7, 8, open the Shell-Box, disengage[23] the Shell, and place it
in the Ladle, in readiness to pass to Nos. 3 and 5. (Special drill.)
V. "LOAD!"
(Diagram No. 4.)
249. No. 3 places the charge in the muzzle, seam from the Vent,[24]
small end in, and pushes it well into the Bore.
No. 4, who stands ready with the Rammer, enters it into the muzzle,
and pushes the charge home steadily, until the mark on the Rammer
handle shows the charge to be in place.[25] No. 3 assists with one
hand, and the charge is on no account to be struck.[26]
Whilst No. 4 withdraws the Rammer, Nos. 7, 8 each take a handle of the
Ladle, lift up the Shell,[27] and, assisted by No. 5, pass it on to
Nos. 3 and 4, who enter the shell into the muzzle, sabot first and
Fuze out, as soon as the Rammer is clear of the muzzle.
As the Shell lies just fair with the muzzle, No. 3 removes the cap
from Fuze,[28] which is passed along to the Gun Captain, and pushes
the Shell into the Bore.
No. 4 enters the Rammer, and, assisted by No. 3, pushes in the shell
until the mark on the handle shows it to be in place. It is most
strictly forbidden to strike the shell with the Rammer.[29]
No. 6 takes the Rammer from No. 4 and lays it down, or lodges it
overhead on the hooks. Whilst this has been doing, the preparation for
the next order is to go on.[30] Nos. 13, 14 ease compressors, if no
motion. If there is, they stand ready to ease at next order. The
Out-Tackles are manned by Nos. 19, 21, 23, 17, 15, 11, 13, and 20, 22,
24, 18, 16, 12, 14. The Inner Tackles tended by No. 2 and Qr. Gunner.
The Front Carriage-Levers grasped by 3, 9, and 4, 10. The Rear by 11,
12
[Illustration: RUN-OUT TO LEEWARD [Diagram No. 5.] D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
VI. "RUN OUT!"
(Diagram No. 5.)
250. The mode of executing this order will vary with circumstances--by
the gun being to windward or to leeward, and by the nature of the
rolling motion.
To leeward, and with much motion, the tendency is to go out with
dangerous violence.[31]
Therefore, Nos. 5, 19, 21, 23, 17, 15, 13, and 6, 20, 22, 24, 18, 16,
14, haul cautiously on the Out-Tackles, the Qr. Gunner and No. 2,
assisted by 15, 16, holding well back on the In-Tackles with a turn
caught; 13, 14 ease the compressors; Nos. 3, 9, and 4, 10 heave up the
Front Carriage-Levers; Nos. 11, 12 keep down the Rear Carriage-Levers,
unless it is seen that they are necessary.
In running out to windward[32] the compressors may be eased at once,
the In-Tackles slacked, the Carriage hove up on its trucks, and the
gun run out by the Out-Tacklemen, assisted by any of the numbers not
employed in other duties. When out, the Carriage-Levers are let down
promptly and unshipped. The compressors are set[33] and Rear
Slide-Lever shipped.
VII. "PRIME!"
(Diagram No. 6.)
251. The Gun Captain again makes sure that the Vent is clear,[34] and
in so doing lets his wire down quickly into the charge.[35] If all is
right, he inserts a primer.
If the Slide-Levers have not been shipped, or have been unshipped,
they must now be put on the axles of the Rear Slide-Trucks--15, 16.
The Rear Train-Tackles will be manned by
Nos. { 13.15.17.19.21.23.5.
{ 14.16.18.20.22.24.6.
VIII. "POINT!"
252. The Gun Captain adjusts or verifies the Sliding-Bar of the Rear
sight to the desired range,[36] and steps off the slide directly to
the rear, lock-lanyard in hand. The 2d Captain takes hold of the
Elevating screw,[37] 15, 16 heave up the levers of Rear Slide-Trucks,
and the Training-Tackles are manned by
Nos. { 13.15.17.19.21.23.5.
{ 14.16.18.20.22.24.6.
(Right or Left.)
[Illustration: PRIME-POINT-FIRE [Diagram No. 6.] D. Van Nostrand
Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]
IX. "READY--FIRE!"
253. The Gun Captain, with lock-lanyard just taut and his eye ranging
over the sights, but kept well down to the bottom of the notch in head
of sliding-bar, and over the point of middle sight, awaits these being
brought into coincidence by the roll with the object, which is always
the WATER-LINE--the Slide being trained constantly as desired by voice
or sign.[38]
When sure of his aim, the Gun Captain draws the lock-lanyard promptly
and firmly.
If the primer miss, the 2d Captain removes it, clears the vent, and
puts in a fresh primer.
If the gun, when fired, does not come into its place for loading, ship
Carriage-Levers, heave up, and run in by the In-Tackles to a taut
breeching.
Down all levers and set Compressors.
If the firing or exercise is to continue, the next order is "Sponge."
If not, unshackle the breeching, then--Run in, back to rear hurter for
pivoting--"Stand by to Pivot"--"Pivot to right or left;" when
amidships--In Pivot-Bolt--"Run out," and secure for sea.
X. "SHIFT TO HOUSING-PIVOT, AND SECURE!"
254. The gun is brought into the housing position amidships and
pivoted to the socket farthest from the extremity of the vessel, and
run out.
No. 1 puts in the vent-plug, wipes and lays the hammer in place and
the lock-string around it, then puts on the lock-cover; sees his gun
properly secured, and the implements and spare articles returned to
their places.
No. 2 levels the gun and wipes off and re-lacquers rear pivot-bolt and
elevating screw; puts on sight-aprons; puts in rail-chocks and assists
in securing lashings and breeching.
Loaders put in the tompion and on muzzle-bag, and wipe off and
re-lacquer the front pivot-bolt.
Spongers return rammer and sponge to place, and assist in securing
lashings and breeching.
Levermen wipe off and re-lacquer their respective levers and
eccentrics, secure levers in place, and assist in securing the gun.
Compressormen wipe off, re-lacquer, and tighten the compressors, and
assist Carpenter in replacing and securing bulwarks.
Shellmen return shells, empty boxes, and shell-bearer to their places,
and assist in securing bulwarks.
Powderman returns spare powder and passing-box to the magazine.
Tacklemen tighten and secure "in" and "out tackles," and make up and
stow "shifting" and "training tackles" on the slide; ship the
clevis-bolts, pass and tighten the gun-lashings, and assist in
replacing bulwarks.
The men who provide implements and spare articles return them to their
places.
TRANSPORTING PIVOT-GUNS FROM ONE END OF A VESSEL TO THE OTHER.
255. The gun must be pivoted and trained so as to bring its muzzle
towards the direction in which it is to be transported, the
transporting-trucks shipped and secured to their axles, the
chocking-quoins placed, the training-trucks thrown out of action, the
compressors brought to bear to confine the gun near the middle of the
slide, some of the tackles hooked for dragging, and others, with
capstan-bars, for guiding and steadying it. The pivot-bolts are to be
removed, and the gun's crew, aided by others if required, transport it
to the desired position at the other end of the vessel. The slide is
then brought over and pivoted upon a fighting or outer centre, the
transporting-trucks removed, and the training-trucks brought into
action. When the implements for working and loading the gun are
brought to it, it will then be ready for action.
When the forward and after slides are of different lengths, and the
traversing circles of different diameters, the longest slide will be
fitted with an additional rear pivot-hole and plate, to correspond
with the smaller circle, in order that the gun may be worked from the
midship pivot-bolt and shifted to the different fighting centres or
pivot-bolts of the smaller circle.
Thus, when only one pivot-gun is mounted forward and one aft, and when
they can both be brought to bear from only one end of the vessel, the
force may be doubled at that extremity by pivoting one gun on each bow
or quarter, as the case may be.
For heavy guns this is practicable in smooth water only.
Arrangements are made for shifting the broadside-guns both to the bow
and stern, in aid of the pivot-guns, when the distance of the enemy is
not too great. When the stern gun is pivoted over the rudder, one of
the broadside-guns may be worked on each side of it, in firing right
aft. Guns mounted on pivot-carriages may be fought upon the rear
pivot, on the common or shifting centre, and fired from any point of
the traversing or shifting circle, if the elevation be such as will
not endanger the decks. In this case the training must be done with
the gun run in over the rear pivot, as after it is run out the
training will be difficult, and the helm must be relied on to bring
the gun on with the object.
Guns should never be transported about the deck of a ship when
loaded.
NOTES UPON THE MANUAL EXERCISE.
FOURTH COMMAND.
"SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"
_"The Gun Captain-serves, then stops the vent!"_
256. A difference of opinion being entertained among artillerists with
regard to the utility of stopping the vent, the continuance of the
practice, as directed in the text, is recommended.
The thumbstall has been made of various materials, but its use is
somewhat inconvenient for the Gun Captain, and he cannot feel that the
vent is stopped. At the Experimental Battery of the Ordnance Yard the
naked thumb is used, and experience shows that the gun is never so hot
as to occasion the least inconvenience, except with howitzers.
257. It has been the uniform practice at the Experimental Battery at
the Ordnance Yard, Washington, and also on board the Gunnery Ship
_Plymouth_, in 1857-'58, to use a moist sponge; and as no accident
from premature explosion has taken place in either case, the inference
is that the method is a safe one, and might obviate other precautions,
especially where reloading is necessary, as in firing salutes, when,
there being no shot over the cartridge, it is imperfectly consumed.
258. "Strikes the staff several smart taps under the muzzle!" to shake
off any adhering fragments of the cartridge. Should any burning
fragments be drawn out, the Loader extinguishes them with the wet
swab; the Gun Captain again commands "Sponge."
259. Gun Captain "serves the vent with his priming-wire!" If at any
time he should find the vent obstructed, and be unable to clear it
with the priming-wire or boring-bit, he will at once report to the
officer of division, who will order the vent-punch used; or, if this
should fail, have recourse to the vent-drill and brace in charge of
the Quarter Gunner. The boring-bit, vent-punch, and drills should be
used with caution, as, being of steel, they are liable to be broken
off in the vent and thus effectually spike the gun. After clearing the
vent the bore should be sponged.
260. Spongers and Loaders are to be careful to keep their bodies as
much within the port as practicable, otherwise at close quarters they
will be picked off by musketry.
FIFTH COMMAND.
"LOAD!"
"_No. 3 removes cap from fuze!_"[39]
261. The cap is never to be removed until the shell has been entered
in the gun. With high elevations, or when rolling, care should be
taken that the shell does not slip down the bore before this is done.
The cap or patch is removed by taking hold of the lug with the
forefinger and thumb, first raising it a little, and without twisting;
a pull readily removes it. The patch is passed to the Gun Captain, as
an evidence that the priming has been exposed; the patches to be
preserved and accounted for at the end of the firing.
262. The Loader must be careful not to touch the fuze composition with
his fingers, for fear of injuring it by moisture. Where the firing is
not hurried it is advisable to raise the priming of the fuze, to
insure its ignition. All of these details should be carefully
explained to the crew.
263. No wad is required over a shell, but a selvagee wad may be used
in heavy rolling.
264. When loading with shot a selvagee wad is placed over it. A
part--half or a third--of a selvagee wad, is equally efficient in
holding the shot in place.