^ m m THE WILLIAM R. PERKINS LIBRARY OF DUKE UNIVERSITY Rare Books THE HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. BY CAPT. JOSEPH ROBERTS, Fourth Regt. Artillery U. S. Army. ^o^ RICHMOND: PRINTED BY RITCHIE & DUNNAVANT. 1861. THE HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. BY CAPT. JOSEPH ROBERTS, Fourth Regt. Artilleiy U. S. Army. RICHMOND: FEINTED BY KITCHIE & DUNNAVANT. 1861. Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2010 witii funding from Duke University Libraries littp://www.arcliive.org/details/liandbookofartillOOrobe ^3V PROCEEDINaS The following Eeport was made by the Committee ap- pointed at a meeting of the staflf of the Artillery School at Fort Monroe, Va., to whom the commanding officer of the School had referred this work : Your Committee to which has been referred the considera- tion of the work of Captain Roberts, proposed as a text-book for the Artillery School, beg leave to submit the following Report, viz : The work submitted by Captain Roberts, and entitled "Hand-book of Artillery," embraces sections on the follow- ing subjects. [For subjects see Table of Contents, page 7.] Under each of these heads, except the last, the work con- tains a number of questions and answers. Your Committee have carefully examined each of these questions and their corresponding answers, and find that the answers have been principally drawn from the following sources, viz : Gibbon's Artillerist's Manual, Light and Hea\7 Artillery Tactics, and the Ordnance Manual, all of which works have been autho- rized by the War Department. Wherever the prescribed authorities furnish the means of answering the questions, they appear to have been followed as closely as possible. The idea of the arrangement, and a few of the questions and answers, appear to have been taken from "Burns' Ques- 4 PROCEEDINGS. tions and Answers on Artillery ;" but that work has been so far deviated from, as fairly to entitle the present work to be considered as an original compilation. In the opinion of your Committee, the arrangement of the f?ubjects and the selection of the several questions and an- swers have been judicious. The work is one which may be advantageously used for reference by the officers, and is ad- mirably adapted to the instruction of non-commissioned officers and privates of Artillery. Your Committee do therefore recommend that it be substi- tuted as a text-book in place of " Burns' Questions and An- swers on Artillery." (Signed) I. VOGDES, Capt. 1st Art'y. (Signed) E. 0. C ORD, Capt. 3d Art'y. (Signed) J. A. HASKIN, BvT. Maj. and Capt. 1st Art'y. The preceding Report was adopted, and the Staff recom- mended this work as a book of instruction at the Artilleiy School, in lieu of " Burns' Questions and Answers on Ar- tillery." PREFACE. The following compilation originated in an attempt to adapt Lieut. Col. Burns' " Questions and Answers on Artil- lery" to the United States service. The British Artillery being very different from ours, it was found necessary to omit many of Burns' questions, and to introduce others. The compiler is under great obligations to several of his brother officers at Fort Monroe (especially to Major Haskin, 1st Artillery), for their kindness in assisting him in the com- pilation of this little volume, and for important suggestions in the revision of many of the ''answers." Fort Monroe, Va., 1860. CONTENTS. 1^* The pages refer to the figures in the margin of the text. Page. Preface, 5 General Table of Contents, . . . . 7 Part I., Section 1. On Ai-tillery in General, - 9 i ' 2. On Guns, . - . . . 26 << ( ' 3. On Howitzers, - 28 " ' 4. On Columbiads, - 30 « < * 5. On Mortars, - 31 " 6. On Sea-coast Artillery, . 35 " ' 7. Siege Ai-tillery, - 36 tt ( 8. Field Guns and Field Batteries, ■ - 40 Part II. ' ' 1. Pointing Guns and Howitzers, - 51 (( < * 2. Pointing Mortars, - - 56 Part III. Charges, .... - 60 IV. Ranges, - 63 V. Eicocliet, .... - 73 YI. Eecoil, - 77 VII. Windage, .... - 80 VIII. Gunpowder, . 83 IX. Projectiles, - 90 X. Laboratory Stores, ... - 109 XI. Platfoi-ms, .... - 118 XII. Ai-tillery Carriages and Machines, - 123 XIII. Practical Gunnery, - - 147 XIV. Miscellaneous, - 151 Appendix— Rifle Cannon, - 163 Index, - 169 THE HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY, PAET I. SECTION I. ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 1. What is understood by the term Artillery ? Heavy fire-arms of every description. 2. How many kinds of Artillery are employed in the land service of the United States ? Four, viz. : Guns, Howitzers, Columhiads, and Mortars. 3. How are these pieces distinguished ? According to their use as Sea-coast, Garrison, Siege, and Field Artillery. 4. What metals are used in the construction of Artillery ? All heavy artillery, such as that for sea-coast, siege, and garrison equipment, is made of iron ; and that for field service, ,Q-| of bronze. . -^ 5. What is bronze for cannon ? Au ALLOY consisting of 90 parts of copper and 10 of tin, allowing a variation of one part of tin more or less. It is commonly called brass. 6. Why is bronze used in preference to iron, for field pieces ? Tliis metal, having greater tenacity and strength than iron, the pieces can be made lighter. 7. In what respect does iron merit a preference ? 1* 10 PIAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Iron is less expensive than bronze, and is more capable of sustaining long-continued firing with larger charges; such pieces are, therefore, better calculated for the constant heavy firing of sieges. Note. — In the sieges in Spain, bronze guns could never support a heavier fire than 120 rounds in twenty-four hours, and -were never used to batter at distauces exceeding 300 yards ; ■whereas, "with iron guns, three times that number of rounds were fired with efi'ect, from three times the distance, for several consecutive days, without any otlier injury than tlie enlargement of their vents. The com- parative power of conducting heat in iron and copper being respec- tively as 3.743 to 8.932, taking gold at 10.000, it is evident that in practicing with iron and bronze pieces of the same calibre, it Avould soon become necessary to reduce the charges in the bronze pieces, and, also to increase the time between the discharges, to prevent their softening and drooping; wdiile with iron, full charges and rajiid firing ma}' be kept up. 8. What additional objection has been urged to bronze for cannon ? The difficulty of forming a perfect alloy, in consequence of the difference of fusibility of tin and copper. 9. What iron pieces are used in the laud service ? 12,13, and 24-pdr. siege and garrison guns, 32 and r-... 42-pdr. sea-coast guns, 8-in. siege and 24-pdr. garrison '- howitzers, 8 and 10-in. sea-coast howitzers, 8 and 10-in. columbiads, 8 and 10-in. siege, and 10 and 13-in. sea-coast mortars. Note. — The 24-pdr. eprouvette is also of iron, and used for the proof of powder. 10. What are the kinds of bronze pieces in use at present? 6 and 12-pdr. field guns ; 12-pdr. mountain howitzer ; 12, 24 and 32-pdr. field howitzers ; stone and 24-pdr. Coehorn mortars. 11. What is a battery? This term is applied to one or more pieces, or to the place where they are served. 12. What regulate the dimensions of cannon ? The tenacity and elasticity of the metals emploj'ed in their fabrication. Their thickness must be proportioned to the effect developed by the powder; and the length is determined ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 11 by experiment, and should not exceed 24 calibres. The ex- terior surface of a cannon is composed of several surfaces, more or less inclined to the axis of the bore, the forms of which have been determined by experiment. 13. Why is a piece made stronger near the breech than towards the muzzle ? Because the elastic force of the inflamed gunpowder is there greatest, constantly diminishing in intensity as the space increases in which it acts. 14. What is the length of a piece ? The distance from the rear of the base-ring to the face of the piece. 15. What is the extreme length ? jQ-i From the rear of the cascable to the face. ^ 16. What is the bore of a piece ? It includes the part bored out, viz : the cylinder, the cham- ber (if there is one), and the conical or spherical surface con- necting them. 17. What is understood by the calibre of a piece ? The diameter of the bore. 18. How do you ascertain the number of calibres in a piece ? Divide the length of the cylinder, in inches, by the num- ber of inches in the calibre. 19. The number of calibres being known, how do you jBnd the lengtli of the cylinder ? Multiply the number of calibres by the calibre in inches. 20. What is meant by the sights of a piece ? Artificial marks on the piece for determining the line of fire. 21. How are the sights determined ? Usually by means of the gunner's level, when the trun- nions are perfectly horizontal. 22. What is the line of metal or the natural line of sight? It is a line drawn from the highest point of the base-ring to the highest point on the swell of the muzzle. 23. What is the axis of a piece ? An imaginary line passing through the centre of the bore. 24. What is 'the natural angle of sight? It is the angle which the natural line of sight makes with the axis of the piece. 12 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 25. What is the dispart of a piece ? It is the difference of the semi-tliaraeter of the hase- r^rj ring and the swell of the muzzle, or the muzzle-band. '- It is, therefore, the tangent of the natural angle of sight to a radius equal to the distance from the rear of the base-ring to the highest point of the sv,ell of the muzzle, or the front of the muzzle-band, as the case may be, measured parallel to the axis. 26. Give the nomenclature of a piece 1 The CASCABLE is the part of the gun in rear of the base- ring, and is composed generally of the knob, the ^lec/c, the jilleU and the hase of the breech. The BASE OF THE BREECH is a frustum of a cone, or a spherical segment in rear of the breech. The base-einCt is a projecting band of metal adjoining the base of the breech, and connected with the body of the gun by a concave moulding. The breech is the mass of solid metal behind the bottom of the bore, extending to the rear of the base-ring. The REINFORCE is the thickest part of the body of the gun, in front of the breech ; if there be more than one reinforce, that which is next the breech is called thefrst reinforce; the other the second reinforce. The REINFORCE BAND is at the junction of the first and second reinforces in the heavy howitzers and columbiads. The CHASE is the conical part of the gun in front of the reinforce. The ASTRAGAL AND FILLETS in field guus, and the chase ring in other pieces, are the mouldings at the front end of the chase. The NECK is the smallest part of the piece in front r-,, of the astragal or the chase ring. '- The sw^ELL OF THE MUZZLE is the largest part of gun in front of the neck. It is terminated by the muzzle mould- ings., which in field and siege guns, consist of the lij^ and fillet. In sea-coast guns and heavy howitzers and colum- biads, there is no fillet. In field and siege howitzers, and in mortars, a muzzle-band takes the place of the swell of the muzzle. The FACE of the piece is the terminating plane perpendi- cular to the axis of the bore. ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 13 The TRUNNIONS are cylinders, the axes of which are in a line perpendicular to the axis of the bore, and in the same plane with that axis. The EiMBASES are short cylinders uniting the trunnions with the body of the gun. The ends of the rimbases, or the shoulders of \\ie trunnions, are planes perpendicular to the axis of the trunnions. The BORE of the piece includes all the part bored out, viz. : the cj'linder, the chamber (if there is one), and the co- nical or spherical surface connecting them. Tlie CHAMBER in howitzers, columbiads, and mortars, is the smallest part of the bore, and contains the charge of powder. In the howitzers and columbiads,* the chamber is cylindrical ; and is united with the large cylinder of the bore by a conical surface ; the angles of intersection of this coni- cal surface with the cylinders of the bore and chamber, are rounded (in profile) by arcs of circles. In the 8-inch siege 1 r-i howitzer, the chamber is united with the cylinder of the -I bore by a spherical surface, in order that the shell may when necessary, be inserted without a sabot. The BOTTOM OF THE BORE (to facihtatc sponging) is a plane perpendicular to the axis, united with the sides (in profile) by an arc of a circle the radius of which is one-fourth of the diameter of the bore at the bottom. In the colum- biads, the heavy sea-coast mortars, stone mortar, and eprou- vette, the bottom of the bore is hemispherical. The MUZZLE, or mouth of the bore, is chamfered to a depth of 0.15 inch to 0.5 inch (varying with the size of the bore), in order to prevent abrasion, and to facilitate loading. The TRUE WINDAGE is the difference between the true diameters of the bore and of the ball. 27. What is the vent ? The aperture through which fire is communicated to the charge. 28". What is to be observed in reference to the diameter of the vent ? It should be as small as the use of the priming wire and tube will allow. 29. Why? * The new coliunbiad is mado witlimil a oliamb^-. 14 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. As the velocity of the gases arising from the combustion of the powder is extremelj' great, a large amount escapes through the vent, wliicli contributes nothing to the velocity of the projectile. It therefore follows, that the cftect pro- duced by a given charge will diminish as the diameter of the vent increases. Besides, on account of the increase of power in tlie current that escapes from them, large vents are more rapidl}' injured than small ones. 30. Wiiat is tlie diameter of the vent ? r-.g 0.2 of an inch in all pieces except the eprouvette, in ^ which it is 0.1. .31. What is the position of the axis of the vent? The axis of the vent, is in a plane passing through the axis of the bore, perpendicular to the axis of the trunnions. In guns, and in howitzers having cylindrical chambers, the vent is placed at an angle of 80^ with the axis of the bore, and it enters the bore at a distance from the ])ottom equal to one- fourth the diameter of the bore. As this inclination renders it easy to pull the friction tube out of the vent, that of the new i2-pdr. field gun, and the new columbiads has been placed perpendicular to the axis. 32. What are the quarter-sights of a piece ? Divisions marked on the upper quarters of the base ring, commencing where it would be intersected by a plane parallel to the axis of the piece, and tangent to the upper surface of the trunnions. Note. — Not used in our service. 33. To what use are the quarter-sights applied ? For giving elevations up to three degrees but especially for pointing a piece at a less elevation than the natural angle of sight. 34. What is a breech-sight ? An instrument having a graduated scale of tangents, by means of which any elevation may be given to a piece. 35. How are the divisions of the tangent scale found ? By taking the length of the piece, from the rear of the base-ring to the swell of the muzzle, measured on a line parallel to the axis, and nmltiplying it by the natural p^~ tangent of as many degrees as may be required ; and '- then deduct the dispart. Thus, for 5^ elevation, and the ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 15 gun supposed to be 5 feet, or 60 inches long, multiply .08748, which is the natural tangent of 5°, by 60 ; the product gives 5.2488 inches; supposing the dispart to be 1 inch, the gradu- ating of the tangent scale will be 4.2488 inches. 36. With what pieces are breech-sights used ? Guns and howitzers. 37. What is a 2^^ndulum hausse ? It is a tangent-scale, the graduations of which are the tan- gents of each quarter of a degree of elevation, to a radius equal to the distance between the muzzle-sight of the piece, and the axis of vibration of the hausse, which is one inch in rear of the base-ring. At the lower end of the scale is a brass bulb filled with lead. The slider which marks the di- visions on the scale is of thin brass, and is clamped at any desired division on the scale by means of a screw. The scale passes through a slit in a piece of steel, with which it is connected by a screw, forming a pivot on which the scale can vibrate laterally. This piece of steel terminates in pivots, by means of which the pendulum is supported on the seat attached to the gun, and is at liberty to vibrate in the direction of the axis of the piece. The scat is of metal, and is fastened to the base of the breech by screws, so that the centres of the steel pivots of vibration shall be at a distance from the axis of the piece equal to the radius of the base- ring. A MUZZLE-SIGHT of irou is screwed into the swell of the -|Q1 muzzle,of guns, or into the middle of the muzzle-ring of -' howitzers. The height of this sight is equal to the dis- part of the piece, so that a line joining the muzzle-sight and the pivot of the tangent-scale is parallel to the axis of the piece. 38. What is a guiuier'' s-leveU or gunner's perpendicular? An instrument made of sheet-brass ; the lower part is cut in the form of a crescent, the points of which are made of steel; a small spirit-level is fastened to one side of the plate, parallel to the line joining the points of the crescent, and a slider is fastened to the same side of the plate, perpendicular to the axis of the level. 39. What is it used for ? To mark the points of sight on pieces. 40. What is a plummet ? 16 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. A simple line and hoh for pointing mortars. 41. What is a gunners quadrant? It is a graduated quarter of a circle of sliect-brass, attached to a brass rule 18 inches long. It has a vernier turning on a pivot, to -svhich is attached a spirit-level. To get a reqiiired elevation, the vernier is fixed at the indicated degree, the brass rule is then inserted in the bore parallel to the axis of the piece ; the gun is then elevated or depressed until the level is horizontal. There is another gi-aduated (juadrant of wood, of 6 inches radius, attached to a rule 23.5 inches long. It has a phnnb- line and hoh, Tvliich are carried, when not in use, in a hole in the end of tlie rule, covered by a brass plate. 42. What is an elevating arc, and its use ? It is an arc attached to the rear part of the cheek of a gun-carriage, having its centre in the axis of the trun- r^^ nions ; the arc is graduated into degrees and parts of a ^' ' degree. Jjj placing the axis of tlie piece horizontal, and marking the breech at any one of the divisions on the arc, any elevation or depression required will be noted by the number of degrees below or above this mark. It turns on a pivot which admits of the arc, when not in use, being placed inside the cheek to which it is attached. 43. Wliat is the use of the knob of the cascable ? To facilitate the handling of the piece in mounting and dismounting it, and moving it when otf its carriage. 44. Of what use are the trunnions of a piece y By means of them the piece is attached to its carriage ; and by being placed near the centre of gravity, it is easily elevated or depressed. 45. What are the dolphins of a piece ? Two handles placed upon the piece with their centres over the centre of gravity, by which it is mounted or dismounted. 4G. Are all pieces provided with dolphins ? Only the 12-pdr. brass guns, and the 24 and 32-pdr. brass howitzers. 47. What is understood by the preponderance of a piece ? It is the excess of weight of the part in rear of the trun- nions over that in front ; it is measured by the weight which it is necessary to apply in tlie plane of the muzzle to balance the gun when suspended freely on the axis of the trunnions. 20] ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 17 48. Why is this preponderance given ? To prevent the sudden dipping of the muzzle, in firing, and violent concussion on the carriage at the breech. 49. What is bushing a piece of artillery ? Inserting a piece of metal about an inch in diameter (near the bottom of the bore), through the centre of which the vent has been previously drilled. It is screwed in. 50. What kind of metal is used for bushing bronze pieces ? Pure copper always, which is not so liable to run from heat as gun metal. 51. What is the object of bushing a piece ? To prevent deterioration of the vent, or provide a new one when this has already occurred. 52. Is all new artillery bushed ? No, only bronze pieces, and iron pieces, only when re- peated firing has rendered it absolutely necessary. 53. How is artillery rendered unserviceable ? I. Drive into the vent a jagged and hardened steel spike with a soft point, or a nail without a head ; break it off flush with the outer surface, and clinch the point inside by means of the rammer. II. Wedge a shot in the bottom of the bore by wrapping it with felt, or by means of iron wedges, using the rammer or a bar of iron to drive them in. III. Cause shells to burst in the bore of bronze guns. IV. Fire broken shot from them with large charges. V. Fill the piece with sand over the charge, to burst it. VI. Fire a piece against another, muzzle to muzzle, or the muzzle of one to the chase of the other. Q-jT VII. Light a fire under the chase of a bronze gun, -' and strike on it with a sledge, to bend it. VIII. Break off the trunnions of iron guns ; or burst them by firing them at a high elevation, with heavy charges and full of shot. 54. State how to unspike a piece. If the spike is not screwed in or clinched, and the bore is not impeded, put in a charge of powder J of the weight of the shot, and ram junk wads over it ; laying on the bottom of the bore a slip of wood, with a groove on the under side containing a strand of quick-match, by which fire is commu- nicated to the charge. In a brass gun, take out some of the 18 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. metal at the upper orifice of the vent, and pour sulphuric acid into the groove, and let it stand some hours before firing. If this method, several times repeated, is not successful, un- screw the vent piece if it be a brass gun ; and if an iron one, drill out the spike, or drill a new vent. 55. Explain how to drive out a shot wedged in the bore. Unscrew the vent piece, if there be one, and drive in wedges so as to start the shot forward; then ram it back again in order to seize the wedge with a hook ; or pour in powder, and fire it after replacing the vent piece. In the last resort, bore a hole in the l)ottom of the breech, drive out the shot, and stop the hole with a screw. 56. What is scaling a piece of artiller}^ ? Flashing off a small quantitv of powder to clean out the bore; about 1-12 of the shot's weight. The practice is dis- continued. 57. How are cannon in our service marked ? As follows, viz : The numher of the gun and the initials of the insiiector'' s name on the face oi" the muzzle, — the num- r^o bers in a separate series for each kind and calibre at each ^ foundry; the initial letters of the name of the founder, and of the foundry, on the end of the right trunnion; the year of the fabrication on the end of the left trunnion; the foundry num- ber on the end of the right rimbase, above the trunnion ; the iveight of the piece in pounds on the base of the breech ; the letters U. S. on the upper surface of the piece, near the end of the reinforce. 58. What marks are used to designate condemned pieces ? Pieces rejected on inspection are marked X C on the face of the muzzle ; if condemned for erroneous dimensions which cannot be remedied, add X D ; if by powder proof, X P ; if by water proof, X W. 59. What are the kinds of proof which artillery must un- dergo, before being received into the service ? 1st. They arc gauged as to their several dimensions, in- ternal and external; as to justness and position of the bore, the cliamber, vent, trunnions, &c. 2d. They are fired with a regulated charge of powder and shot, being afterwards searched to discover irregularities or holes produced by the firing. 3d. By means of engines, an endeavor is made to force water through them. ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 19 4th. They are examined internally, by means of light re- flected from a mirror. 60. Are brass cannon liable to external injury, caused by service ? oo-i They are little subject to such injury, except from the -• bending- of the trunnions sometimes, after long service or heavy charges. Note. — Recent experiments at Fort Monroe show that brass guns, when rifled, and fir(;d with large charges and heavy shot, ex- pand so much that the projectile does not take the grooves. 61. What are the causes of internal injury? Internal injuries are caused by the action of the elastic fluids developed in the combustion of the powder, or by the action of the shot in passing out of the bore. 62. Name the injuries of the first kind. Enlargement of the bore by the compression of the metal; corrosion of the metal at the inner orifice of the vent, or at the mouth of the cylindrical chamber; cracks, from the yield- ing of the cohesion of the metal; cavities, cracks enlarged by the action of the gas, and by the melting of the metal, ob- servable especially in the upper surface of the bore. 63. Name those of the second kind. The lodgment of the shot, — a compression of the metal on the lower side of the bore, at the seat of the shot, which is caused by the pressure of the gas in escaping over the top of the shot. There is a corresponding hurr in front of the lodg- ment ; and the motion thereby given to the shot causes it to strike alternately on the top and bottom of the bore, produc- ing other enlargements, generally three in number: the first, on the upper side a little in advance of the trunnions ; the se- cond, on the lower side about the astragal ; the third, in the upper part of the muzzle ; it is chiefly from this cause that brass guns become unserviceable. Scratches, caused by th^ 24-] fragments of a broken shot, or the roughness of an im- •' perfect one; enlargement of the muzzle by the striking of the shot in leaving the bore ; external craclcs, or longitudi- nal slits, caused by too great a compression of the metal on the inside. 64. When is a piece said to be honeycombed? When the surface of the bore is full of small holes or ca- vities. 20 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 65. To what is this due ? To the mcltinn^ and volatilization of a portion of the tin in the alloy ; tin being much more fusible than copper. 66. l3o lodgments cause an inaccuracy of fire ? They do. 67. How may this in a measure be remedied ? B}^ using- a wad over the cartridge, in order to change the place of the shot ; or by wrapping the shot in woollen cloth or paper, so as to diminish the windage. In field guns, the paper cap which is taken off the cartndge should always be put over the shot. 6S. To what injuries are iron cannon subject? To the above defects in a less degree than brass, except the corrosion of the metal, by which the vent is rendered un- serviceable from enlargement. The principal cause of in- jury to iron cannon is the rusting of the metal, producing a roughness and enlargement of the bore, and an increase of any cavities or honeycombs which may exist in the metal. 69. How may you judge of the service of an iron gun? Generally by the appearance of the vent. 70. What rules are laid down for the preservation of ar- tillery ? Cannon should be placed together, according to kind j-o- and calibre, on skids of stone, iron, or wood, laid on l '^ hard ground well rammed and covered with a layer of cin- ders or of some other material to prevent vegetation. In case of guns and long howitzers^ the pieces should rest on the skids in front of the base ring and in rear of the astragal, the axis inclined at an angle of 4" or 5° with the horizon, the muzzle lowest, the trunnions touching each other ; or the trunnion of one piece may rest on the adjoining piece, so that the axis of the trunnions may be inclined about 45*^ to the horizon ; the vent down, stopped with a greased wooden plug, or with putty or tallow. The pieces may be piled in two tiers, with skids placed between them exactly over those which rest on the ground ; the muzzles of both tiers in the same direction and their axes preserving the same inclina- tion. In case of short lioivitzers and mortars, the pieces should stand on their muzzles, resting on thick planks, the trunnions touching, the vents stopped. 71. What additional precautions should be observed in case of iron pieces ? GUNS. 21 They should be covered on the exterior with a lacker im- pervious to water ; the bore and the vent should be greased with a mixture of oil and talloic, or of tallow and beeswax melted together and boiled to expel the water. The lacker should be renewed as often as necessary, and the grease at least once a year. The lacker and grease should be applied in hot weather. The cannon should be frequently inspected, to see that moisture does not collect in the bore. 26] PART I. SECTION II, ON GUNS. 1. What are Guns? Long cannon without chambers. 2. How are guns denominated ? By the weight of their respective shot. 3. What are the principal parts of a gun ? The cascable, breech, reinforce, chase, and muzzle. 4. What proportion usually exists between the length and calibre of a gun ? It varies from 15 to 23 calibres. 5. What proportion does the dispart of a gun beargene- rallj' to its length ? About a sixtieth part in field guns, about a thirtieth part in sea-coast, and about a thirty-eighth part in siege and gar- rison guns. 6. What is the natural angle of sight in siege and garri- son guns ? One degree and thirty minutes. 7. What is it in field guns ? One degree. 8. Why have sea-coast guns no natural line of sight? Because the swell of the muzzle is not visible when the eye is on a level with the base ring. 22 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 9. Upon what are guns momited ? On field, siege, barbette or casemate carriages. 10. AVliat prq}ectiles are used with guns ? P^y Solid shot, spherical case, grape, and canister. '• 11. About what are the weights of the difl'erent guns? 6-pdr., 884 lbs. ; brass 12-pdr., 1,757 lbs. ; iron IS-pdr., 3,590 lbs. ; 18-pdr., 4,913 lbs. ; 24-pdr., 5,790 lbs. ; 32-pdi-., 7,200 lbs. ; 42-pdr., 8,465 lbs. 12. Give the entire length of the several guns ? 6-pdr. field-gun, 65.6 inches ; 12-pdr. field-gun, 85 inches ; 12-pdr. iron gun, 116 inches; 18-pdr., 123.25 inches; 24-pdr., 124 inches; 32-pdr., 125.2 inches; 42-pdr., 129 inches. [28 PART I. SECTION III. ON HOWITZERS. 1. What is a Howitzer? A chambered piece, of larger calibre than a gun of like weight, and mounted in a similar manner. 2. AVhat form of chamber is given to howitzers ? That of a cylinder. 3. How is it united with the large cylinder of the bore ? By a conical surface, except in the 8-inch siege howitzer, where it is united with the cylinder of the bore by a spherical surface, in order that the shell may — when necessary — be inserted without a sabot. 4. What advantages are gained by the employment of howitzers ? They project larger shells than the guns with which they are associated, are well adapted for ricochet fire, the destruc- tion of field works, breaking down palisades, and setting fire to buildings. 5. What projectiles are used with howitzers ? COLUMBIADS. 23 Shells usually, spherical case, canister, grape and car- casses. 6. Give the entire length of the several howitzers ? Iron 10-inch, 124.25 inches ; 8-inch sea-coast, 109 inches ; 8-inch siege and garrison, 61.5 inches; 24-pdr. garrison, 69 OQ1 inches; 32-pdr. field, 82 inches; 24-pdr. field, 71.2 -I inches; 12-pdr. field, 58.6 inches; mountain, 12-pdr., 37.21 inches. 7. What is the weight of a howitzer of each kind? 10-inch, 9,500 lbs.; 8-inch sea-coast, 5,740 lbs.; 8-inch siege and garrison, 2,614 lbs.; 24-pdr. garrison, 1,476 lbs.; 32-pdr. field, 1,920 lbs.; 24-pdr. field, 1,318 lbs.; 12-pdr. field, 788 lbs. ; 12 pdr. mountain, 220 lbs. 8. What is the natural angle of sight in siege and garri- son and field howitzers ? One degree. 9. What in mountain howitzers ? Thirty-seven minutes. 10. Why have sea-coast howitzers no natural line of sight ? Because the swell of the muzzle is not visible when the eye is on a level with the base ring. 30] PAKT I. SECTION IV. ON COLUMBIADS. 1. What is a Columhiad? A gun of much larger calibre than the ordinary gun, used for throwing solid shot or shells. 2. What are some of the peculiarities of this gun, when mounted in barbette ? Its carriage gives a vertical field of fire from 5° depression to 39° elevation ; and a horizontal field of fire of 360°. 3. Are these pieces chambered? 24 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Those of the old pattern have chambers; but they are now cast without any. 4. Give the weight of this piece? 10-iuch, 15,400 lbs. ; 8-iuch, 9,240 lbs. 5. What is the entire length of this gun? 10-inch, 126 inches; 8-inch, 124 inches. 6. What is the natural angle of sight in this piece? 8-inch, 1° 23'; 10-inch, 1^ 21'. [31 PART I. SECTION V. ON MORTARS. 1. What is nMoriar? The shortest piece in seiTice ; the trunnions are placed in rear of the vent at the breech ; the bore is very large in pro- portion to the length, and is provided with a chamber. 2. What are the principal advantages obtained by the em- ployment of mortars ? Reaching objects by their vertical fire — such as a town, battery, or other place — whose destruction or injury cannot be effected by direct or ricochet fire ; dismounting the ene- my's artillery ; setting fire to and overthrowing works ; blow- ing up magazines ; breaking through the roofs of barracks, casemates, &c. ; and producing havoc and disorder amongst troops. 3. What do you mean by vertical tire ? That produced by firing the mortar at a high elevation. 4. What are its advantages ? The shell having attained a great elevation, descends with great force on the object, in consequence of the constant ac- tion of the force of gravity on it. 5. Why are mortars constructed stronger and shorter than other pieces ? MORTARS. 25 Because greater resistance is reqnii'ed in consequence of or)-! tlie high elevation under which they are fired ; and were '^^ they longer, the diflaculty experienced in loading them would become too great. 6. Why is a mortar constructed with a chamber ? In consequence of employing various charges, some very small, it becomes necessary to use a chamber to concentrate the charge as much as possible, so that the shell may be acted on by the entire expansive force of the powder. 7. What form of chamber is given to mortars ? Usually that of a frustum of a cone. The bottom is hemi- spherical in the sea-coast, stone, and eprouvette mortars. In siege mortars it is a plane surface, the angles of intersection, being rounded in profile by arcs of circles. 8. What is this form of chamber called? Gomer Chamber. 9. What is the advantage of the conical over the cylindri- cal chamber ? Cylindrical chambers are objectionable, as the projectile is frequently broken in consequence of the small surface ex- posed to the action of the charge. This defect is obviated by large chambers, and particularly by those that are coni- cal, in which the charge is expended upon nearly a hemi- sphere. 10. What form of chamber has the eprouvette ? That of a cylinder, it being the only mortar whose cham- ber is of this shape. 11. How are mortars mounted? On beds of wood or iron. 12. What is the object of mounting mortars on beds in preference to wheel carriages ? On account of the high elevation at which they are usually 221 fired, when the recoil, instead of forcing the piece back- -• wards, tends to force it downwards, and this tendency becomes so great at the higher angles that no wheel-carriage could long sustain the shock. 13. What is the entire length of each mortar ? 13-inch, 53 inches ; 10-inch sea-coast, 46 inches ; 10-inch siege, 28 inches; 8-inch, 32.5 inches; stone mortar, 31.55 inches ; coehorn, 16.32 inches. 14. What are the weights of mortars ? 2 26 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 13-in., 11,500 lbs.; 10-in. sea-coast, 5,775 lbs.; 10-in. eieo-e, 1,852 lbs.; S-iu., 930 lbs.; stone mortar, 1,500 lbs.; coeliorn, 164 lbs.; eprouvette, 220 lbs. 15. AVhat are the weights of the different mortar beds ? 8-in. siege, 920 lbs. ; 10-in. siege, 1,830 lbs. ; coeliorn, 132 lbs. ; eprouvette, 280 lbs. 16. What are the diameters of the bores of the stone, coehorn, and eprouvette mortars ? Stone mortar, 16 inches ; coehorn, 5.82 inches ; eprouvette, 5.655 inches. 17. What is the length of the bore, exclusive of the cham- ber, of the different mortars ? 13-in., 26 inches; 10-in. sea-coast, 25 inches; 10-in. siege, 15 inches; 8-in., 12 inches; stone mortar, 19.8 inches; coe- horn, 8.82 inches; eprouvette, 11.5 inches. 18. What is the length of the chamber of the different mortars ? 13-in., 13 inches; 10-in. sea-coast, 10 inches; 10-in. siege, 5 inches; 8-in., 4 inches; stone mortar, 6.75 inches; coe- horn, 4.25 inches; eprouvette, 1.35 inches. 19. For what purpose is the eprouvette used ? rg^ For determining the relative strength of gunpowder? '- 20. To what purpose is a stone mortar applied ? To throw stones a short distance, from 150 to 250 yards ; and also 6-pr. shells from 50 to 150 3^ards. 21. In what manner are the stones disposed in this mortar ? They are put into a basket fitted to the bore, and placed on a wooden bottom which covers the mouth of the chamber. 22. What use is made of coehorn mortars ? They are fired either from behind intrenchments like other mortars, or they may accompany troops in effecting lodg- ments in towns and fortified places. 23. AVhat kind of projectiles are thrown from mortars ? Shells, fire-balls, carcasses, and stones. 24. How rapidly may siege mortars be fired ? At the rate of twelve rounds per hour continuously ; and in case of need with greater rapidity. SEA-COAST ARTILLERY* 27 35] PART I. SECTION VI. SEA-COAST ARTILLERY. 1. How are Sea- Coast pieces mounted? On barbette, casemate, llauk-casemate, and columbiad car- riages ; and the carriage upon which the mortar is mounted — called its led. These carriages do not subserve the purpose of transportation; the barbette carriage may, however, be used for moving its piece for short distances, as from one front of the work to another. 2. What number and kind of pieces are required for the armaments of forts on the seaboard ? In our service they are prescribed by the War Department, according to the character and extent of the work. 3. What disposition should be made of heavy and light pieces in a fortification ? Heavy pieces should be employed on the salients of the work, or for enfilading channels where a long range is re- quired ; light pieces, where the range is shorter. 36] PART I. SECTION VII. SIEGE ARTILLERY. 1. How are siege-guns mounted ? Usually on travelling-carriages, with limbers. 2. Of what number and kind of pieces is a siege-train composed ? This must altogether depend on circumstances; but the following general principles may be observed in assigning 28 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. tlie proportion of different kinds and calibres, and the rela- tive quantity of other supplies for a train of 100 pieces : p , ^ 24-pdr., about one-half the whole number, - 50 ^'-^'- n^-pdr. or 12-pdr., one-tenth, - - 10 Howitzers. 8-iu. sieg-e, one-fourth, - - 25 MoRT.«s.{10-m. siege, oao-eigbtb, - - )2 S™™ORxTor^i.S,l --Edition to tte 100 pieces, \ I « "SVall Pieces, - - - - 40 carriages. For 24-pdr. guns, and 8-in. howitzers, one-fifth spare, - 90 For 18-pdr. and 12-pdr. guns, - - - 12 0--1 For 10-in. mortars and stone mortars, one-sixth spare, - 21 ' J For 8-in. mortars, - - - - 4 Mortar-icagons, 1 for each 10-in. mortar and bed, for each stone mortar and bed, and for three 8-in. mortar and beds, 38 Wagons for transporting implements, intrenching and mi- ner's tools, laboratory tools and utensils and other stores, each loaded vrith about 2,700 lbs., say, . - 140 Carts (carrying balls, &c. on the march). - 50 Park battcry-icagons, fully equipped, - - 28 Park forges, " - 8 Sling carts, large. - 5 Do. hand. - 4 DRAUGHT HORSES. For each gun and howitzer, with its carriage, . 8 " Spare gun-carriage. - 6 " Mortar wagon. - 8 " Battery wagon. - 6 " Forge, - 6 " Cart, - 2 " Sling-cart, large, - 2 " Spare horses. - - 1-lOth Total, about 1,900 horses. PROJECTILES AND AMMUNITION. Kound-shot, 800 to each 24-pdr., 1,000 to each 18 and 12 pdr. For Guns. { Grape and canisters strapped, 20 rounds to each I piece. I, Spherical-case strapped, 20 rounds to each piece. SIEGE ARTILLEEY. ^9 38] ( Shells, 800 to each 8-in. howitzer. For Howitzers. < Canisters strapped, 5 to each. ( Spher. case strapped, 20 to each. ( 600 shells to each 10-inch. including charge of sheU. For MORT.YRS. / 860 " " 8-inch. ^200 " " Coehom. Gunpoicder, in barrels, 500,000 lbs. Computing for each 24-pdr. round shot, one-third the weight of shot. " '* 18 and 12 pdr. round shot, one-fourth the weight of shot. " " grape, canister and spherical-case, one-sixth the weight of shot. " " round of howitzer ammunition, 5 lbs. " " round 10-in. mortar aromunition, 7 lbs. " " round 8-in. mortar ammunition, 3 lbs. " •* round Coehom mortar ammunition, ^ lb. " " round stone mortar ammunition, 1 lb. 3. What is the best position for gtms in order to make a breach ? On the glacis, witliin 15 or 16 feet of its crest: but if the foot of the revetment cannot be seen from thence, the guns must be placed in the covered way, within 15 feet of the counterscarp. 4. In what manner should the fire of siege guns be con- ducted in order to form a breach ? 1st. Make a horizontal section the length of the desired «^Q-j breach along the scarp, at one-third its height from the -■ bottom of the ditch, and to a depth er[nal to the thick- ness of the wall. 2d. Make vertical cuts through the wall, not farther than ten yards apart, and not exceeding one to each piece of ord- nance, beginning at the horizontal section and ascending gradually to the top of the wall. 3d, Fire at the most prominent parts of the masonry left standing : beginning always at the bottom and gradually ap- proaching the top. 4th. Fire into the broken mass with howitzers until the breach is practicable. 5. How long would it take to make a breach of 20 yards in length ? 30 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Breaches of more than 20 yards in length liave been opened b}^ "vvaj' of experiment, and rendered practicable in less than ten hours, by about two hundred and thirty 24-pdr. balls and forty shells in one case, and by three hundred 18-pdr. balls and forty shells in another. 6. How many discharges can an iron gun sustain ? An iron gun should sustain twelve hundred discharges, at the rate of twelve an hour ; but whatever may be the rate of fire, it is deemed unsafe after that number of discharges. As many as twenty an hour have been made for sixteen con- secutive hours. [40 PART I. SECTION VIII. ON FIELD-GUNS AND BATTEKIES. 1. What proportion of artillery should be allotted to an army in the field ? The proportion of artillery to other troops varies generally between the limits of one and three pieces to 1,000 men, ac- cording to the strength of the army, the character of the troops composing it, the strength and character of the enemy, the nature of the country which is to be the theatre of the war, and the character and objects of the war. 2. What regulates the selection of the kinds of artillery and the proportion of the diff'erent kinds in the train ? Similar considerations to those specified in the foregoing answer. The following principles may be observed in ordi- nary cases : ( il are 12-pdrs. 3 nieces to^ ^ «^^''^' ^^ ^^'^'^^'^^ ^ ^ " ^"P^""^' J pieces to ^ ,^ ,, 24or.32-pdrs. i,uuu men. ^ ^ howitz., of which \ | " 12-pdrs. 3. What is a field-battery ? FIELD-GUNS AND BATTERIES. 31 A certain number of pieces of artillery so equipped as to be available for attack or defense, and capable of accom- panying cavalry or infantry in all their movements in the field. 4. How many pieces are allotted to a field-battery ? Four guns and two howitzers. ^j1 5. Are all field-batteries alike ? ^ No; field-batteries accompanying infantry are com- posed of the heavier, and those accompanying cavalry of the lighter pieces, the first manned by foot-artillery, and the latter by horse-artillery. 6. In what respect does a battery of horse-artillery differ from one of foot-artillery ? The main difference consists in the cannoneers in a battery of horse-artillery being mounted ; in rapid evolutions of foot- artillery they are conveyed on the carriages. 7. What is the composition of a field-battery on the war establishment ? KIND OF BATTERY. Guns. \ ^f^^''" "^^^f^ed, ^ 6-pdrs., " Howitzers. \ ^f^^''-' counted, ^ 12-pdrs., " Traveling Forges, Battery Wagon, Whole No. of carnages with a battery, ( Shot, - For 4 guns, < Spher. case, ( Canisters, ( Shells, g "^ For 2 howitzers, < Spher. case, ^ ( Canisters, ^ Total No. rounds with a battery. 12-PR . 6-PR. 4 4 2 2 6 6 8 4 4 2 12 6 1 1 1 1 2 2 20 14 560 560 224 80 112 160 896 800 168 120 112 160 42 32 322 312 1218 1112 32 ^HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. [42 KIND OF BATTERY. 12-PR. 6-rR. Draught Horses. G to each carriage, - - 120 84 Spare horses, 1-12, - - 10 7 Total, 130 91 Note. — For two 32-p(lr. ho-svitzer carriages and four caissons, the number of rounds of ammunition is : SheUs, 112 Spher. case, - ... 84 Canisters, - ... 14 Total, 210 8. What is the composition of a battery of mountain howitzers ? Howitzers, - - - - 6 Gun-carriages, - - - - 7 Ammunition-chests, - - - - 36 (48 rounds for each howitzer.) Forge and tools, in 2 chests, - - - 1 Set of carriage-makers' tools in 2 chests, - - 1 Pack saddles and harness, - - - 33 Horses or mules, - - - - 33 9. What composes the Field-Park ? The spare carriages, reserved supplies of ammunition, tools, and materials for extensive repairs, and for making up ammunition, for the service of an army in the fiekl from the Field-Parh, to which should be attached also the batteries of reserve. 10. What determines the quantity of such supplies ? The quantities of such supplies must depend in a great measure on the particular circumstances of the campaign. 11. How is the ammunition which cannot be transported by the batteries carried ? With the park ; in caissons, or in store-wagons. 12. Do any other carriages and stores form part of r .o the Field-Park? '■ Yes ; spare gun-carriages, one to each field-battery, Traveling Forges, ) ^^^^ ^^. ^^^^.^ ^^ ^^^^^ Battery- Wagons, ^ FIELD-GUNS AND BATTERIES. 33 Spare spokes, 50 to each battery, ^ Spare fellies, 20 to each battery, ! . .^^^^ „,„^^„^ c.^ •< -V . , -^ > m store wagons . bpare harness, / in j ° Horseshoes and nails, ^ boxes. J Gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, charcoal, laboratory paper, cannon-primers (percussion and friction), fuzes and plugs for field-service, stuff for cartridge bags, woollen yarn, cotton yarn, glue. 13. Are any other pieces ever used for field service ? Yes : sometimes the 12 and 18-pdr. siege guns, and the 8-in. siege howitzer. 14. For what particular service are these different pieces most suitable ? The siege pieces for batteries of position ; the 12-pdr. bat- tery, for following the movements of infantry, and the 6-pdr. battery for those of cavalry. Note. — These siege pieces should be placed on the weakest points of a line, and on heights which either form a key to the po- sition, or from whence the greatest and longest continued effect may be produced. 15. What are the peculiar advantages of Horse Artillery? Possessing, from their lighter construction and mounted detachments, much greater locomotive powers than other field batteries, they are especially adapted for following the rapid evolutions of cavalry, for sudden attacks upon particu- lar points, and for supporting the advance or covering the retreat of an army, .^-j 16. How is a field gun mounted ? -' Upon a four-wheel carriage, which answers for its transportation as well as for its service, similar to a siege carriage, but lighter, and the limber carrying an ammuni- tion chest. 17. Where should a battery be placed before the com- mencement of an action ? As much as possible under cover, by taking advantage of banks, Iiollow-ways, buildings, woods, &c. 18. Is it advisable to move a battery at once into position in the field ? No ; but if unavoidable, it should be masked as much as possible until ordered to open its fire. 2* 34 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 19. How sbould a battery be masked? If practicable, hy coveriug it with cavalry, in prefereuce to infantry, as the former does it more effectually, and is sooner moved out of the way. 20. In commencing an action, how should the fire of a battery be directed ? When the enemy is in line, the fire should be directed over the whole line, and not upon the real points of attack ; but when in column, ready to advance, it should be concentrated upon the real points of attack. 21. How should batteries be placed in relation to the troops with which they arc acting ? Upon the flanks of a line, but at such a distance as not to impede its movements, and at the same time to be unfet- tered in their own ; the artillery may thus represent the faces of a bastion, and the line of troops the curtain. 22. Is the front of a line of troops an advantageous posi- tion for a field batter}^ ? On the contrary, it is the worst possible, as offering a dou- ble object to the enemy's fire, and greatly obstructing r .c- the movements of the troops ; while a position in rear is '- nearly as bad, as the fire might seriously injure, or at least, greatly disquiet them. 23. In supporting an attack, what precautions are neces- sary? The battery should be carefully kept clear of the intended line of march of our own troops, and such points occupied as may afford the greatest annoyance to the enemy. 24. How should batteries be disposed with regard to the enemy's troops ? Generally so as to secure a cross fire on his position, and on all the ground over which he moves to the attack, endea- voring to take him at all times in the direction of his greatest dimensions ; that is, obliquely or in flank when in line, and in front when formed in columns. Moderate heights, com- manding as much as possible the surrounding country, should always l)e taken advantage of, but not such as may prevent operations in advance if required. 25. Is it imperatively necessary to confine positions for field batteries to the flanks of a line ? When, from particular circumstances, the front of the FIELD-GUNS AND BATTERIES. 35 army is too extended, and unavoidably divided into two lines, it may become necessary to place one or more batte- ries in the centre, if those on the flanks are unable to sweep the whole front ; but great care must be taken not to impede the advance or retreat of the troops when required. 26. Should the fire of field batteries be carried on at the same uniform rate ? .pi Certainly not; the destruction of the enemy being the ^ object, it follows that at distant ranges, a greater degree of care is required in pointing the guns ; the fire is slow and steady, and increasing in rapidity as the enemy advances, without however, impairing its precision. 27. Should the fire of field batteries be carried on in sal- voes or otherwise ? Never in salvoes ; but in a regular manner, well sustained, and with distinct intervals between every round, commencing slowly, and increasing in rapidity as the range diminishes. 28. Is the fire of batteries more eflicacious when dispersed than when concentrated ? The eflfects of the fire will be in proportion to the number of guns brought together, and therefore, in order to strike a decisive blow, this should at once be done. 29. What projectiles are used with field guns? Solid shot, spherical case, and canister. 30. At what distance from the enemy should the several kinds of projectiles be employed with field battery pieces ? Solid shot from .350 yards and upwards ; spherical case from 600 up to 1000 yards, although it may be used within the first range ; and canister within 350 yards, or up to 400 against extended formations. 31. What number of rounds can be fired from a field gun in one minute ? Two solid shot or spherical case, or three of canister. 32. Why are more rounds of canister fired in a minute than of solid shot or spherical case ? .yi Because the latter are fired at greater distances than -■ canister, and require the piece to be carefully aimed, thus requiring more time. 33. What is the smallest number of guns that may with safety be employed in the face of an enemy ? Never less than two, in order to secure a continuous fire and mutual support. 36 HAND-BOOK OP ARTILLERY. 34. Is the practice of emplo^-iug field batteries against those of the enemy recommended ? Only under peculiar circumstances ; as for instance, when his troops are well covered and his guns exposed, or their fire very destructive. Their fire should he directed principally against columns of attack, and masses, or upon positions which arc intended to he carried. .'35. In what time could a battery come into action in the field? It could come into action and fire one round in 25 seconds, timing from the order "action front," to the discharge of one piece. 36. Suppose cavalry to be advancing to attack infantry, and first observed at the distance of a mile, passing over the first half mile at a trot ; the next quarter of a inile at the manoiuvring gallop ; and the remaining distance at an in- creased gallop, terminating with the charge ; occupying al- together about six minutes : during the last 1500 yards of their advance how many rounds per piece might a battery fire in that time 1 Eleven rounds with effect, thus : From 1500 to 650 yards, - - 3' 32"— spliorical case, - - - 7 650 to 350 " - - 0' 48"— solid shot, .... 2 " 350 to close quarters, - 0' 34" — canister, 2 37. What number of rounds could a battery fire against r.g infantry, supposing them to pass over 1500 yards in about '- 16| minutes ? Tliirty-six rounds with efi'ect, viz : Fi'om 1500 to 650, quick step, 9' 45"— sphcr. case, - - - - 19 650 to 350, " 3' 50"— solid shot, - - - - 7 350 to 100, " 2' 30"— canister, .... 8 " 100 to close ( double quick Iq/ ^q// ^r^^ ... 2 quarters. \ and the charge. 5 38. Should the enemy attempt to force the passage of a river, what is the best position for artillery to oppose it ? Wherever the best cross fire can be obtained in order to obstruct and harass him as much as possible, and if he has succeeded in passing over any portion of his troops, it should be directed against their formation. FIELD-GUNS AND BATTERIES. 37 39. Wlien the enemy is luaking- the passage of a river in retreat, -^here should your gims be posted ? In such a position as to bear upon the batteries that cover the retreat, and also upon his bridges. 40. In forcing the passage of a river, what is the most ad- vantageous position for artillery ? The bridge being generally laid in a re-entering angle, batteries should be posted on each side of the bridge, and far enough from it to secure a cross-fire on the opposite bank. 41. Should the indiscriminate expenditure of ammunition be permitted in the field during action ? Upon no account ; ammunition should at all times be care- fully husbanded, particularly at the commencement of an action, as the want of it at the close may decide the fate of the day ; it should also be sparingly used in skirmishes and .Q-| minor affairs, especially when at a distance from supplies, -I or in anticipation of a general action. 42. When should the reserve be employed ? AVheu a particular point of the line requires additional support, a favorable position is to be seized, an impression has been made on the line by the enemy, a forward or retro- grade movement is in contemplation, or when a determined attack is to be made on him, then the reserve should come up and take part in the action ; and it is of the utmost im- portance that this should be done as expeditiously as circum- stances will permit. 43. AVhere should the reserve be placed previous to an engagement ? In rear with the second line, out of the range of shot, and as little exposed as circumstances will admit, but always in such a position as to have ready access to the front or rear. 44. Should guns be lightly abandoned before an enemy ? Never until the very last extremity. An artillery- man must never forget that his gun is his proper arm ; that here lies his strength ; that here is his post of honor and of duty ; also, that the last discharges are always the most DESTRUCTIVE, aud MAY POSSIBLY INSURE THE SAFETY OF THE WHOLE ARMY, Or TURN THE TIDE OF VICTORY IX THEIR FAVOR. * 45. What is the position for cavalry when placed in sup- port of a battery ? 38 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. On its flank, about the distance of 100 yards, and as much coucealed as possible. 46. What is the ^^roper position of field batteries when infimtry squares are attacked by cavalry ? When infantry are formed in squares to resist the r^^v charge of cavalry, the guns should be placed outside at ^^ the angles of the squares, the limbers, horses, &:c., inside. Should the detachments be driven from their guns, they will retire into the square, after discharging their pieces, and taking with them the sponges and other equipments ; the moment the enemy has retired, they recommence their fire. Supposing the infantry formed in echelon of regimental squares, and that the time, or small extent of the squares would not admit of the limbers, &c., being placed inside, then the wagons and limbers should be brought up Avith their broadsides to the front, so as to occupy, if possible, the space ])etween the guns, leaving no intervals for the cavalry to cut through : the prolonge or drag ropes might also offer an effec- tual momentary impediment to them, if properly stretched and secured. [51 PART II. SECTION I. POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 1. What is meant by the term pointing- a piece ? To point a piece, is to give it such a direction and eleva- tion, or depression, that the shot may strike the object ; and the rule (except in case of mortars) is : First give the direc- tion and then the elevation, or depression. 2. When a shot is fired from a piece, by how many forces is it acted on ? By three. — 1st. The impulsive force of the powder, which urges it forward. POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 39 2d. The resistance of the air, which tends to stop it. 3d. The force of gravity which causes it to descend. 3. Why is it necessary to give a certain degree of eleva- tion to a piece ? Because a shot describes under the action of the above forces a curve called a trajectory, which is situated below the prolongation of the axis of the piece, the extent of its de- parture from this line increasing with the time of flight. Therefore, the more distant the object, the greater must be the elevation to enable the shot to reach it. 4. How is the direction given to a gun or howitzer ? By directing the line of metal upon the object. -21 5. How is the elevation or depression given ? ■I The elevation or depression, which depends upon the charge, the distance, and the position of the object above or below the l)attery, must be ascertained from tables or by ex- periment, and the proper degree given by means of instru- ments. 6. When will the object be struck by merely directing the line of metal upon it ? But in one case, — when it is at point-blank distance. 7. How must the line of metal be directed for all ranges less than the point-ldank range, in order to strike it ? So as to pass below the object. 8. Give a simple rule for firing at objects within point- blank. Add to the point-blank range the difference between it and the required range, set the scale to the elevation corres- ponding to this sum, as shown by tables of firing. Then aim the gun directly at the object ; now apply the scale, and observe where the visual ray of the scale strikes the ground, and having noted this point, aim the gun directly at it. 9. How must the line of metal be directed for ranges greater than the point-blank range, in order to strike it ? Above it. 10. When the line of metal passes over the object, what in- struments must be employed for giving the proper elevation ? The gunner's quadrant, or the breech-sight. 11. How is the quadrant used ? After the direction has been given, the quadrant is applied, gg-i either by its longer branch to the face of the piece, or ^ this branch is run into the bore parallel with the axis. 40 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. or it amy be applied to the upper surface of the lock-piece, making the allowance clue to its inclination with the axis of the piece, which oug'ht to be previously determined, and the elevating- screw turned, or the quoin adjusted, until the re- quired degree is indicated. 12. How is the breech-sight used? It is first set to the elevation corresponding to the dis- tance; it is then applied to the highest point of metal on the base-ring, and by the elevating screw, or quoin, the notch of the breech-sight, the highest point on the swell of the muzzle, and the object, are brought in the same line. 13. What is a line thus determined called? An artificial line of sight. 14. In the absence of instruments, how may the elevation be given? By placing one or more fingers of the left hand upon the base-ring, perpendicular to the axis, and using them as a breech-sight. Note. — In practice, It is Avell to fire two or three shot to deter- mine the range experimentally, us it is affected by divers causes. 15. Should the line of metal be always directed in the vertical plane passing through the object? Ko; as in practice there are circumstances (as, for in- stance, a strong wind blowing across the field of fire) which will cause a ball to deviate from this plane, it follows that to strike the object, in such a case, the line of metal must be directed to its right or left; the gunner judging of the dis- tance by observing the striking of the shot. 16. Is the line of metal a permanent line under all .^. circumstances ? ^ No ; in batteries for garrison and sea-coast defense, where the platforms are fixed, the line of metal may be considered as nearly permanent; but with siege guns, which are mounted on traveling carriages, the wheels of which are lia- ble to vary in position from unevenness of ground, or une- qual settling in newly constructed platforms, this line is constantly changing. It approximates the higher wheel in proportion to the difference of level between the wheels ; and hence, to secure the greatest accuracy of fire, it must be fre- quently verified; the old marks, if not found correct, should be erased and new ones substituted. POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 41 17. When the notches or sights, which are sometimes made npon the base-ring and swell of the muzzle in field guns, for aiming the piece are used, hovf is the error of di- rection remedied when the wheels are not on the same level ? The piece must be aimed more or less to that side which corresponds to the higher wheel, according to the inclination. 18. When the elevation or depression has once been as- certained for any given distance, how may the firing at that distance be facilitated ? By noting some point on the elevating screw or quoin; adjusting some fixed measurement from a point on the stock to another point on the under side of the breech; or by a chalk mark drawn across the face of a trunnion and its cor- responding cheek. 19. When firing either within or beyond point-blank t^t--] range, m.ay remarkable points on the ground be taken -' advantage of, in order to furnish an object to aim at ? Yes ; some fixed object may often present itself which will serve as a point upon which to direct the line of metal. No means should be neglected that may tend to secure accuracy of aim ; for the shot that is thrown away by carelessness in pointing, had better not be thrown at all. , 20. How may precision of fire be secured at night ? When a fixed object is to be fired at by night, the piece should be directed during the day, and two narrow and well- dressed strips of wood laid on the inside of the wheels, and two others outside of the trail of a siege carriage, and nailed or screwed to the platform. In case of a barbette carriage, the traverse wheels should be chocked in the proper position. To preserve the elevation, measure the height of the ele- vating screw above its box, or take the measure between a point on the gun, and another on the stock ; cut a stick to this length and adjust the gun on it at each fire. 21. Should night-firing with ^w?25 be limited? Yes ; it should be limited to a small number of rounds, as it consumes ammunition to little advantage. 42 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. PART II. SECTION II. [56 POINTING MORTAKS. 1. What is the rule for pointing mortars ? First give the elevation, and then the direction. 2. How is the elevation given ? By applying the quadrant to the face of the piece, and adjusting the quoin until the required number of degrees is indicated. 3. Are the same means employed for giving mortars their direction as those which are used with guns and howitzers ? No ; because mortars are usually masked from the object to be struck, by an epaulment or parapet. 4. To what are all the methods employed for giving the direction to mortars reduced ? To determining practically two fixed points, which shall be in line with the piece and the object, and sufficiently near to be readily distinguished by the eye. These points 'being covered by the plummet, determine a vertical plane, which, when including the line of metal, becomes the plane of fire. 5. What is the simplest manner of directing the mortar ? By means of jwititing-ivires. 6. Describe this method. The two fixed points required are determined by planting two wires upon the epaulment, one upon its crest, and the r;^^ other about a yard in advance of it, both as nearly as pos- ^' sible in the vertical plane passing through the centre of the platform and the object. The points being thus established, the direction is given to the mortar, by causing a plummet held in rear of it, to cover the wires and the line of metal. 7. In what respects is this method defective 1 Both in accuracy of aim, and tlie liability of the wires being deranged by the shots of the enemy or by other causes. 8. Give a better method. By means of j^ointing-stakes, by which one of the fixed points is established upon the crest of the parapet, or at the foot of the interior slope, and another in rear of the piece. POINTING MORTARS. 43 Then by a cord called the pointing-cord^ stretched between these two points, with the plummet suspended from it, a ver- tical plane is determined with which the line of metal is made to coincide. 9. How are the stakes planted ? A stake, a foot or more in length, is driven into the crest of the epaulment, as nearly as practicable in the vertical plane of fire passing- through the centre of the platform ; sighting by this stake, another long one is planted, three or four feet in front of it, in line with the object. To this stake the cord is temporarily attached, and stretched by the first stake, just grazing it, to a point on the ground, one yard in rear of the platform. At this point a third stake is driven. The cord is removed from the second stake, which may now be taken away, and permanently attached to the first. -Q-i 10. How is the mortar directed ? -' The cord is stretched to the rear stake, and as near the muzzle band as possible, with the left hand, while the plummet is suspended against it with the right ; or the plum- met may be attached to the cord, just in rear of the mortar. 11. How does it appear that the mortar is thus ijroperly directed ? Because the cord, the plummet, and the line of metal, are evidently in the vertical plane of fire. 12. What is done in case the shell should strike constantly to the right or left of the o])ject ? The pointing cord is shifted to some notch on the pointing- hoard^ to the right or left, until the shell falls at the desired point. 13. Describe the pointing-board. This is a piece of wood one foot long, two or three inches wide, and one inch thick, having a notch cut in the middle of one side, to fit on the stake and which is graduated into equal divisions from its middle. When not in use, the pointing- cord may be wound on it. 14. Describe another mode of planting the pointing- stakes. The mortar being placed upon the middle of the platform, the gunner mounts upon it, and suspends the plummet in front of the muzzle, covering the object. Where the plum- met thus suspended cuts the crest of the epaulment, the first 44 HAND-BOOK OF AETILLERY. stake is driven. A second stake is then driven in tlie same line between the mortar and the epanlment. The pointing- cord being attached to the first stake and stretched to the rear, over the point -where the plummet touches the top of the mortar, determines the point on the ground at which r^^^ the rear stake is driven. The first stake is then re- '■ moved, and the cord attached permanently to the second stake. When the object cannot be seen from the mortar, owing to the interposition of some obstacle, as a parapet or a hill, two persons in sight of each other, one of whom can see the mortar, and the other the object, mnst bv successive changes of position, place themselves in the vertical plane of fire, and at the points thus determined, stakes must be driven, one of which will serve as the object. 15. How may precision of fiire be secured at night with mortars ? The direction is preserved by nailing or screwing two boards to the platform outside of the cheeks ; the elevation is marked on the quoin, or the quoin may be nailed in the pro- per position. [60 PART III. CHAEGES. 1. What is the charge of a piece of artillery ? The powder with which it is loaded. 2. What is the ordinary service charge of powder for heavy guns ? One-fourth the weight of the shot. 3. AVhat is it for firing double shot ? One-sixth the weight of one shot. 4. What is the breaching charge ? One-third the weight of the shot. CHARGES. 45 5. What kind of charges are used in hot shot firing ? Small charges from one-fourth to one-sixth the weight of the ball. 6. For what reason ? Because balls fired with small velocities si^lit the wood in a manner which is favorable to its burning; with a great velocity the hole closes, the ball sinks deep, and, deprived of air, chars without setting fire to the surrounding wood. 7. To what depth should hot shot penetrate ? Not deeper than ten or twelve inches. 8. In ricochet firing, what kind of charges are used ? Light charges gencrall}^; varying from tivo-thirds to one- eighth of the ordinary charge. 9. In what manner are the charges of mortars regulated ? p-j 1 The charges vary with the elevation ; or if the eleva- -' tion be fixed at any particular angle, they must be de- termined by the range. 10. What are the charges for field guns and field how- itzers ? See Table, page 62. 11. What are the charges for heavy guns, columbiads, and howitzers ? See Table, page 62. 12. What are the greatest charges of the sea-coast, siege, and coohorn mortars ? See Table, page 62. 13. What charge is used for projecting fire balls from mortars ? One twenty -fifth the weight of the ball. 46 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Charges for Field-cuns and Field-howitzers. [62 KIND. FOR GUNS. FOR H0\V1TZER.S. For shot, For spher. case or canister, -,„„ „i,„ii<, f Small charge, ^^^^^^^^^NLargecharJe, 2.5 1.5 11.8. 1.25 1. lbs. 2.5 2.5 3.25 lbs. 1.75 2. 2! 50 lbs. 0.75 1.00 1.00 lbs. 0.5 0.5 0.5 Charges for Heavy Guns, Columbiads and Howitzers. GU.NS. COLUMBIADS. HOWITZKKS. u & ^ 1 00 .9 4 a 00 tc ^1 Sea-Coast. ^ lO-in. S-in. lbs. 10.5 lbs. 8. lbs. 8. lbs. 6. lbs. 4. lbs. 14. lbs. 8. lbs. 4. lbs. 2. lbs. 12. lbs. 8. Greatest Charges of Sea-coast, Siege and Coehorn Mortars. SEA-COAST. SIEGE. COEHOUN. STONE MORTAR. 00 ,13 .S .9 1 CO B ^ lbs. 20. lbs. 10. lbs. 4. lbs. 2. Ib.'^. 0.5 lbs. 1.5 lbs. 1. RANGES. 47 63] PART IV. RANGES. 1. What is meant by tlie range of a piece of artillery? The distance from the muzzle to the first graze. 2. How may the range of a projectile be extended? Either by raising the piece to a higher level, or by giving its axis greater elevation within certain limits. 3. Define 2^oint-hlank range. The distance from the muzzle of the piece to that point in a shot's trajectory where it cuts the prolongation of the natu- ral line of sight, a second time. 4. In what does the French definition for point-blank range differ from ours ? It requires that the natural line of sight should be hori- zontal. 5. What is the British definition for point-blank range ? The distance from the muzzle to the first graze when the axis of the piece is parallel to the plane upon which the car- riage stands. 6. Explain by a figure, the position of, and relations exist- ing between the line of sight, the line of fire or axis of the piece, and the trajectory, and also what the point-blank range is. 64] y ABcF, tlie line passing through the highest points of the base ring and swell of the muzzle, or the muzzle band, is called, the natural line of sight. EPcG, is the axis of the 48 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. piece or line of fire; the curved line, PgD, described by the projectile, is called the trajectory, and is entirely below the line of fire, in consequence of the action of the force of gra- vity giving the projectile a downward tendency. The point D is called the jjoint-hlanJc, and its distance from the mouth of the piece, the j^oint-blank range. 7. Mention some of the causes which vary the point-blank range. The form of the cannon ; the weight or force of the charge ; the diameter and weight of the projectile; and the inclina- tion of the line of sight to the horizon. 8. Why has the form of the cannon an influence on the point-blank range? Because as the difference between the diameter of the breech and muzzle become greater, the angle of sight, BcP^=GcF (sec fig.) increases, and the point-blank D is removed farther off; on the contrary, as the diameters ap- proach to an equality, the point-blank approaches the piece. Within a certain angle, or when there is no angle of sight, as is the case with some old howitzers in which the line of sight is parallel to the axis of the bore, there will be no r/^^ point-blank, as the trajectory will be constantly below the ^ line of sight. 9. What influence has the charge on the point-blank range ? An increase of the charge determines a more distant point- blank ; its diminution produces a contrary effect : but beyond a charge equal to one-third the weight of the ball, the in- crease of range is inconsiderable, and the force of the recoil becomes very great. 10. How do the diameter and weight of the projectile affect the range ? As the ball increases in size and density, it will overcome with more ease the resistance of the air. 11. Does the inclination of the line of sight to the hori- zon have much effect on the point-blank range ? Only when this inclination is very considerable. For the ordinary inclination, from 0° to 15°, above or below the hori- zon, the difference may be wholly neglected. 12. What is the effect on the point-blank range of firing upwards under a large angle ? RANGES. 49 The action of the weight being nearly directly opposed to the impulsive force, the trajectory becomes compressed and the point-blank distance diminishes. The contrary effect obtains in firing downwards under a similar angle, as the weight and the force then act in nearly the same direction. 13. Why may the point-blank be considered constant for the same calibre ? The dimensions, charges, and weights of projectiles, being constant, and the inclination of the natural line of sight, ex- PP-, cept in a very few cases, being comprised between 0° •^ and 15°, it follows that for the same calibre, the point- blank may be considered constant, and may serve as a point of reference in firing at different distances. 14. What is the extreme range of a piece of artillery? The distance from the piece to where the projectile finally rests. 15. For a given velocity what effect has an increase of the angle of fire on the range? It increases with the angle of fire up to a certain limit, beyond which it diminishes. 16. What angle gives the greatest range in vacuo ? Forty-five degrees. 17. When will this angle give the maximum range in practice ? Only for feeble charges, and very heavy projectiles. 18. How is the angle of greatest range in practice affected by a change in the velocity and size of the projectile? It seems to diminish as the velocity is increased, and as the ball is reduced. For the musket the angle of maximum range varies from 28° to 30° ; and is nearly 42° for mortars. 19. Under wliat angle is a mortar usually fired? Under the constant angle of 45°, and the charge is varied according to the range required. 20. AVhat are the advantages of this practice ? Economy of ammunition; the recoil being inconsiderable, the mortar and its bed receive but little strain ; the ranges are more uniform, and the eflect of a slight error in the an- gle of fire is less than with any other. P^-, 21. Is the mortar ever fired at any other angle than "'J 45c 7 Yes ; sometimes at 60°. 60 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 22. When is the mortar fired under an angle of 60° ? When the battery is situated very near the object assailed, and it is desired that the shells may fall upon the magazines of the besieged. It is evident that projectiles the higher they are thrown up acquire more velocity in falling, besides Btrildng the object more directly and with increased violence. 23. Under what angle are stone-mortars usually fired ? Under an angle of 60*^, and sometimes of 75°, that in fall- ing from a great height, the stones may have the maximum force of percussion. 24. Under what angle should grenades be thrown from stone mortars ? About 33° ; otherwise they will be buried in the earth, and their fragments will not be sufljciently destructive. 25. When a gun or howitzer is aimed with the line of metal horizontal, what is the elevation equal to? The natural angle of sight or dispart. 26. How is the time of flight for siege mortars at an ele- vation of 45° determined ? It is nearly equal to the square root of the range in feet divided by four. RANOES* 51 68] Ranges of Field Guns and Howitzers. KIND OF PIECE. Pow- der. Ball. Eleva- tion. Range Remarks. 6-Pounder Field Gun. lbs. 1.25 Shot. deg. min 1 2 \ 5 yds. 318 647 867 1138 1256 1523 P. B. Range 1. Sph. case. 2 2 30 3 650 840 1050 Time of flight 2" do. 3" do. 4" 12-Pounder Field Gun. 2.5 Shot. 1 1 30 2 3 I 347 662 785 909 1269 1455 1663 P. B. Range. 1.5 Sph. case. 1 1 45 2 30 670 950 1250 Time 2 seconds. :: i ;; 12-Pounder Field Howitzer. 1. Shell. 1 2 3 4 5 195 539 640 847 975 1072 0.75 Sph. case. 2 15 3 15 3 45 485 715 1050 Time 2 seconds. " 3 " 4 " 24-Poiinder Field Howitzer. 2. Shell. 1 2 3 4 5 295 .516 793 976 1272 1322 1.75 2. Sph. case. 2 3 5 30 3 30 600 800 1050 880 Time 2 seconds. " 3 /" " 4 " 3 32-Pounder Field Howitzer. 2.5 Shell. 1 2 3 4 5 290 531 779 1029 1203 1504 2.5 Sph. case. 3 800 Time 2^ sec'ds. 52 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Ranges of Field Guns and Howitzers — Contd. l^^ KI.VD OF PIECE. Pow- der. Ball. Eleva- tion. Range- Remarks. Mountain Howitzer. O.o Shell. cleg, min ] 2 2 30 3 4 5 yds. "170 300- 392 r.00 (;37 785 1005 Time 2 seconda. Time 3 sccondH. 0.5 Sph. case. 2 30 3 4 4 30 150 450 500 700 800 Time 2 seconds. Time 2i scc'da. Time 3 seconds 0.5 Canister. 4 to 50 250 Ranges of Heavy Artillery. KIND OF PIECE. Pow- der. Ball. Eleva- tion. Range Retnarks. lbs. deg. miu yds. 16-Pdr. Siege and Garri- 4.5 Shot, 1 641 son Gun on Barbette " 1 30 800 Point Blank. Carriage. ,, 3 4 950 1256 1450 " 5 1592 24-Pdr. Siege and Garri- 6. Shot. 412 son Gun on Siege Car- " 1 842 riage. 1 30 2 3 4 953 1147 1417 1666 1901 Point Blank. 8. " 1 3 4 5 883 1170 1454 1639 1834 32-Pdr. Sea- Coast Gun on (i. Shot. 1 45 900 Barbette Carriage. 8. ;; 1 1 30 1 35 3 4 5 713 800 900 1100 1433 1684 1922 10.G7 ;; 1 2 3 780 1155 1517 RANGES. 53 70] Eanges of Heavy Artillery — Continued. KIND OF PIECE. Pow- der. Ball. Eleva- tion. Range Remarks. lbs. deg. min yds. 42-Pdr. Sea-Coast Gun on 10.5 Shot. 1 775 Barbette Carriage. ,< 1 2 30 860 1010 14. 3 4 5 1 o 3 4 5 1300 1600 1955 770 1128 1380 16S7 1915 S-in. Siege Howitzer on 4. 45-lb. Shell 251 Time § sec'ds. Siege Carnage. 1 2 3 4 5 12 30 435 618 720 992 1241 2280 ;: « :: " 3 " 4 " 5 " 24-Pdr. Iron Howitzer on 2. 17-lb. Shell 295 a Flank Casemate Car- " 1 516 riage. " 5 1322 H Sph. case. 2 600 Time 2 aeconda. 5 30 1050 " 4 2. 3 30 880 " a " 8-in. Sea-Coast Howitzer 4. 45-lb. Shell 1 405 on a Barbette Carriage. 6. 8. ;; 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 o 3 4 5 652 875 1110 1300 572 826 947 1168 1463 646 909 1190 1532 1800 10-in. Sea-Coast Howitzer 12. 90-lb. Shell 1 580 on Barbette Carriage. " 2 891 Time 3 sec'ds. K 3 3 4 5 30 1185 1300 1426 1650 " 4 " 6 54 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Ranges of Heavy ARTiLhv.RY— Continued. [71 KIND OF PIECE. Pow- der. Ball. Eleva- tion. Range Remarks. lbs. deg. mill Yds. 8-in Colurubiad on Bar- 10. 65-lb. Shot 1 '932 Axis of gun 16 bette Carriage, " 2 IIH) feet above the " 3 1402 water. " 4 l(i08 " 5 1847 6 2010 '« 8 2397 Shot ceased to " 10 2834 ricochet on the " 15 3583 water. «» 20 4322 " 25 4875 " 27 4481 15. " 27 30 4812 10. 50-lb. shell 1 3 4 5 6 8 10 15 20 25 27 919 1209 1409 1697 1813 1985 2203 2657 3556 3716 4387 4171 15. " 27 30 4468 10-in. Columbiad on Bar- 18. 128-lb. sht. 394 Axis of gun 16 bette Carriage. 1 752 feet above the « 2 1002 water. '< 3 1230 '< 4 1570 " 5 1814 " 6 2037 Shot ceased to BOOK OF AR^riLLERY. For 67/0^ tiiere are two straps crossing at right aiigiee* one passing through a slit iu tlie middle of the other. For shells, there are four straps soldered to a ring of tin, or fas- tened to it by cutting four slits in the ring, into which the upper ends of the strap are hooked, and turned down on the inside of the ring. The sahots for 32 and 24-pdr. lield how- itzers having no groove, each strap is fastened by one nail ou the side, and two under the bottom of the sabot. 22. What is a canister for Jield- service ? It consists of a tin cylinder attached to a sabot and filled with cast-iron shot. 23. How is it made ? The cylinder is fastened to the sabot by six or eight nails, and a plate of rolled iron is placed at the bottom ou the sa- bot. It is closed with a sheet-iron cover after being filled, the top of the cylinder being cut into strips h an inch long, and turned down over the cover. 24. Ill case of heavy guns are the shot attached to the sabot ? They are generally without a sabot. 25. How is it with shells ? They are strapped to sabots made of thick plank, with strips of tin, as in case of strapping shot for field-service. 26. How is it with canister for siege and sea-coast guns ? They have no sabot ; the tin is turned over the iron bot- tom. 27. How" is it with canisters for the 8-in. siege and sea- coast howitzers ? They are attached to sabots in the same way as the r^^^ field-howitzer canisters. The sabot for the siege how- '- itzer has a hemispherical bottom and the sea-coast a conical one, to suit the connecting surface between the cylinder of the bore and the chamber in these pieces. 28. Are sabots used with grape shot ? Yes, in the 8-inch sea-coast howitzer. 29. What is its form, and how fastened ? It is conical ; and may be fastened to the lower plate with screws, or the pin may be made long enough to pass through it; or else the sabot maybe inserted into the piece separately from the stand of grape. 30. Wliat is the object i)fJixixig shot or shells to wooden bottoms .' IPROJECTILES. 73 *ro pyevent injury to brass caunon ; and to insure the fuze of a shell being retained in the axis of the piece. 31. What proportioQ does the weight of one shot bear to that of another ? The proportion is, as the cubes of their diameters. 32. How is the weight of a cast-iron shot or shell deter- mined ? Multiply the cube of the diameter of the shot in inches, or the difference of the cubes of the exterior and interior diameters of the shell by 0.134 for the weight in pounds. In case of lead balls, the multiplier is 0.214. 33. How is the diameter of a cast-iron shot of a given weight found ? Divide the weight in i>ounds by 0.134, and extract the cube root of the quotient, which will be the diameter in inches. Qp-i 34. How is the quantity of powder which a shell will -• contain found ? Multiply the cube of the interior diameter of the shell in inches, by 0.01744 for the weight of powder in pounds. Note. — The above multipliers are found as follows: Suppose JV to represent the weight of a body, D its density, Fits volume, and g the ■weight of the unit of mass, then W=DVg. Now, if a cubic inch be taken as the unit of volume, then g will be numerically -f- y-2~f pounds. Hence, ^r=i)r-ff^|=0.036201 ; i) r=0.03620Z)— d» 6 (supposing d to be the diameter, and the body to be spherical) =O.U:3620Jx0.5236Z)d3=o.018955Z>e latter fohled under. 39. Explain tbe process of b»ading with liot shot. The piet'e should he sponged with great caie, and the worm frequently pasi^ed into the b«»re. As a precautinn, it is wei! to insert a wet sponge just before putting in the ball. The muzzle is sulheiently elevated to allow the hall to roll dowsi the blue, the carti-Rlge is inserted, the mouth of the outer bag foremost, the fokl down, and ca-refully pushed liome witliout breaking it; a *Ji} hay- wad is placed upon it, and rammed once; tlien a chiy or wet hay v\ad, and ramnicd twice-, a)id linally, if hying at angles oi deprtssion, a wad oi clay a half-calihr*e in lengtii, or u'wtt hay-wad is put on the ball. 40. May the ball cool in the gun without igniting the charge I Ye8, with proper precaution in loading. The piece, how- ever, should be tired with as little delay as possible, as the vapor, which arises from the action of the ht)t ball on the water contained in the wad, diminishes the strength of the powder. 41. What means arc afforded at the sea- board forts for heating shot ? Furnaces for this purpose are erected, which hold GO or more shot. 42. What length of time is required to heat them to a red heat ? The shot being placed and tlie furnace cold, >t requires one hour and iilteen minutes; but atier the furnace is rgg, once heated, a •24-pdr. shot is brought to a red heat in ^ twenty-live minutes; the 32-pdr. and 42-pdr. shot require a few minutes longer. PROJECTILES* 7d 43. Describe grates for heating- shot. In siege and other batteries, where there are no furnaces, a grate is used. It consists of four ))ars 1.75 inches square, three feet h>ug, placed four inches apart on three iron stands, one foot in heiglit. It is phiced in an excavation one foot in depth, of the width of the grate, perpendicular at the back and side, open in front, the legs resting on bricks or stonea rising about four or five inches from the bottom. A roof i3 made over it with hoops of flat iron, covered with sods and eighteen inches of earth, having in the back part a chimney six inches square. The shot are placed on the back part of the grate, leaving one-fourth of the front part free; and under and on tlie front part the wood is put, cut in pieces about fourteen inches long and two inches thick. A thick 8od is used as a register, to regulate the draught of the chim- ney, so that no flame can issue from the front. This grate, Wliich will contain about fifteen 24-pdr. balls, heats them to a red heat in an hour, and will supply three guns. 44. How are wads for firing hot shot made ? Of hay ; by twisting from the hay a rope of an inch or an inch and a lialf in diameter, and then commencing at one end, and doubling it up about one calibre in length, twisting" it all the time until it becomes nearly large enough, when the rope is wound around the wad perpendicular to its axis, and fastened with a hitch. Or the hay may be rammed in a noi form of proper calibre, and then bound with spun yarn, ^ and afterwards rammed a second time. 45. Have hot shot been almost entirely superseded ? Yes, since the adoption of the method of throwing large hollow shot from long pieces. These require but little pre- paration, can be used at once, and are more terrible in their effects. 46. What are ring or grommet wads, and their use ? They consist of a ring of rope yarn, about 0.7 in. thick, vrith two pieces of strong tjvine tied across at right angles to each other. The size of the ring is the full diameter of the bore, in order that it may fit tight, and stop the windage. They increase the accuracy of tire, and are to be preferred when the object of the wad is to retain the ball in its place, as in firing at a depression. They stop the windage best when placed behind the ball. They may be attached to the t6 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. straps, or to the ball by twine, or may be inserted like other wads after the ball. 47. How arc junk-wads made ; and for what are they used ? Wad-moulds for each calibre, — consisting- of two cast iron cylinders of diflerent diameters set in oak, or of two strong pieces of oak, strapped with iron, and joined by a hing-e, — are employed in their manufacture. The junk, after having been picked, is compressed by being beaten in the smaller mould with a. maul and cylindrical drift — the latter nearly of the size of the mould — until it assumes the requisite di- mensions ; it is then taken out by raising the upper part of the mould, and closely wrapped with rope yarn, ])assed over it in the direction of the axis of the cylinder, and fas- r-inn tened by a few turns around the middle of the wad. ^ It is then placed in the large mouhl, and again beaten with the maul and drift, until its diameter is increased to that of the mould, when it is taken out and its diameter verified by a wooden gauge corresponding to the large shot-gauge of the calibre. These wads are used for proving cannon. 48. Describe the process of loading field-shells. They are set up on their sabots, the charges measured out in the proper powder measure, and poured in through a cop- per funnel. The fuze-plugs are then driven in with a mallet, allowing the tops to project about 0.1 in., care being taken not to split them. The holes in the plugs are then carefully reamed out, and stopped with tow-wads, which are pressed in firml}' with a round stick. 49. Describe the process of loading spherical case shot. The shot having been cleaned, the balls are put in. A stick with a less diameter than the fuze-hole, and having a groove on each side of it, is inserted and pushed to the bot- tom of the chamber by Avorking the balls aside. The shot is then placed in a sand-bath or oven, and brought to a proper temperature to receive the sulphur, which in a melted state is poured in to fill up the interstices between the balls ; the shot is allowed to cool, and the suli)hur to harden, when the stick is withdrawn, and the sulphur adhering to the sides of the eye and the surface of the shot is removed. If a fuze- plug and paper-fuze are to be used, the charge is poured in and the plug inserted exactly as in case of a shell ; but, if the Bormann fuze is to be used the charge is inserted qq, and the stopper and fuzo scrmvxMi into thoir places, caro ^ PROJECTILES. 77 being taken before placing the fuze in position to puncture the covering of the magazine, so that the fire can communi- cate with the charge. Spherical case are now usually loaded by putting in the bul- lets, and pouring melted sulphur in until the case is full. After the sulphur has cooled, the space for the powder is bored out by a cutter, which removes both the sulphur and portions of the bullets from the space. This is a quicker method, and gives a more compact i)rojectile. 50. What advantages does this mode of loading possess over the old one ? In the old mode there was a liability to accidents, and, if the powder remained in for any length of time before being used, it was ground up and became impaired. By the new mode the powder can be placed in the small chamber, and allowed to remain without fear of damage or danger, and be ready for use when required. Being, besides, in a compact mass, instead of scattered among the bullets, its power is much greater and it acts more effectively in throwing the bullets outward from the centre. 51. Describe the process of filling Mortar-shells. Having been inspected to see that they are clean, dry, and in good order, place them on a block made for the purpose, or on rings of rope, or in indentations in the floor of the magazine, or on the ground, with the eyes up. The charge measured out in a powder-measure is poured in through a funnel, and any incendiary composition, such as pieces of port- fire, rock-fire, &c. is inserted. In the mean time the 1021 ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ proper length according to the range, ^ by resting it in a groove made in the block, or inserting it in a hole made in a block, or in a post, and sawing it across with the fuze-saw ; or the fuze may be bored through with a gimlet perpendicularly to the axis, at the proper point. The fuze is then tried in the eye, and should enter | of its length. If it does not, it may be reduced by rasping. The head of it is covered with tow to prevent the breaking of the composition, the fuze-setter placed on, and the fuze driven with the mallet until the head projects not more than 0.2 in. to 0.4 in. above the surface of the shell. These shells are generally filled and the fuzes driven in the battery magazines, as they are required. 78 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 52. How are shells for columbiads and heavy guns loaded ? In the same Avay as Mortar-shells; but as paj)er-fuzes in- serted in wooden or bronze fuze-i)liihoiiid be taken down, and nnide up again ewi-ry ^ix njonths at nnjst, tlie bags examined aiid repniivd, and the damaged cartridges broken up. A tieket on eat a pile tiliould show the number and kind of cartridges, the additions to the pile, and the issues. 53. H(nv should eanist«r« be piled ? Like fixed ainmunition, in 4 tiers for 24's and 18's; and 5 for 12'8 and G s. Empty canisters in 10 or 12 tiers ; the bottoms and covers separatel3^ 59. How should caHndge-baprs filled be piled ? Like fixed ammuniiion, or packed in boxes or barrels. 60. How sliould loaded shells be piled ? On the ground floor <)f a secure building on planks, if the floor is not boarded ; in 6 tiers at most ; the fuzes of the lower tier in the vacant spaces between the shells ; those of the other tiers turn downwards, like the fuze-holes of empty- shells ; the piles should be covered with a tarpaulin. Loaded shells should never be put into magazines, except from abso- lute necessity. 61. How should fire-balls be preserved ? In a cool place, separated from each other by shavings or straw, if they are piled up. 62. How is the number of shots or shells in a pile com- puted, of whatever form the pile may be ? By raultii)lying the sum of the three parallel edges, -^-i by one-third of the number of balls in a triangular ^"^J face. 63. What is meant by the three parallel edges of the pile ? Of the rectangular or long pile, they consist of the two largest bortoni rows and top-row ; of the square pile, of two bottom-rows and top shot; and of the triangular pile, of one b;>ttom-row, the shot at the opposite angle, and that at Xha top. 80 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 64. How is the number of phot in a triangular face com- puted ? Multiply the number in the bottom row, plus one, by half the number in the bottom row, for the number required. 65. How is the shot contained in the top row of a rectan- gular pile calculated ? One added to the dijflference between the long and short bottom rows will be the number required. 66. How is the shot in an incomplete pile calculated ? By first computing the number in the pile considered as complete, then the number of what the upper part ought to consist; and the difference of these piles will be the number contained in the frustmn or incomplete portion. Diameters of Shot,. Shells and Spherical Case, 13-iu. lO-in. 8-in. 42 32 24 18 12 6 in. 12.87 in. 9.87 in. 7.88 in. 6.84 in. 6.25 in. 5.68 in. 5.17 in. 4.52 in. 3.58 [106 Weights of Shot, Shells and Spherical Case. lumbiads m\ Sea- Coast owitzers. Mortars, Guns and Howitzers. 5« w .2 d a ,9 a 42 32 24 18 12 6 6 c^. "7 IhR. lbs. lb.s. lbs. lbs. IbH. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Shot, 128 65 42 7 32.6 24.4 185 12.3 6.1 BhellH, 101 50.5 197 87,. 5- 44.5 31 22.5 17 13.4 8.4 Spher. case, 30 20.3 16 11.86 8.7 6.1 3.06 The 8-inch Mortar Shell is used for the Siege Hovitaer. S^ROJECTILESj 81 "Weight op Canister Shot. 42 32 .? a '^ Hi 18 111 6 12-pr. Howitzer. Field. Mountain. lbs. 1.5 lbs. 1.14 lbs. 0.86 lbs. 0.64 lbs. 0.43 Ib.s. 0.32 lbs. 0.21 lbs. • 0.16 Musket ball. Weights of finished Canisters and Number of Shot. Siege and Garrison Guns. 8-in. Howitzer. 42 32 24 IS 12 Siege. Sea-Coast. Weights, No. of shot, - lbs. 48 27 lbs 37 27 lbs. 29 27 lbs. 23 27 lbs. 15 27 lbs. 53.5 48 lbs. 48 107] Weight of Grape Shot and Grape-shot Stands. 8-in. 42 32 24 18 12 Gr?.pe shot, Stands, lbs. 6.1 74.5 lbs. lbs. 4.2 3.15 51.2 39.7 lbs. 2.4 30.6 lbs. 1.8 22.1 lbs. 1.14 14.8 4* 82 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. Weights of fixed Ammunition, For Guns. For Howit zer."?. Weights. 12 6 32 24 12 Ihs. lbs. lbs. lbs. lbs. Cartridgo, including Cart- ^ large charge, ridge Block. ( small '• 2 5G 1.30 3 88 2 70 2 06 1.05 3.10 2.34 1.05 Shot strapped, 12.7.5 6.28 Shell strapped and charged, _ _ 24.60 18 80 9 35 Spherical case, strapped and charged, 11.43 5 75 31.00 23.00 1130 Canister, with Sabot, 14 80 7 3-2 28.50 21.25 10 80 rShot, Round of Ammunition , ^'l.l^i..^.^^^ '°'^" complete. SpSi case, -' 15.40 7 60 27.70 21.15 10 50 13.50 6 82 34 10 25 34 12 50 (.Canister, 16.91 8.40 31.60 23.60 11.85 Charges for Mortar Shells. Charges for Field Shells rto fill the .shell, • Po\Tder 1 to burst do. required } to blow out the fuse plug, [ for service charge, i ?l Cl Ci lbs. oz. lbs oz. lbs. oz. 1 5 ] 8 11 8 5 2 2 1 1 12 7 Rifle or mus- ket powdtr is used in pre- f'nce to can- non. LABORATORY STORES. 83 Cfiarges for Spherical-case Shot. Charge. No of musket balls, Bursting charge ()f powder, oz. Weight of shot loarlefl, Ihs. 8-in. ]5 nP5 42 30H 9 39. 32 225 8 no in 24 175 6 22 75 i 18 1 12 120 5 78 45 n 38 25 5 5 Charges for S'iells for Columbiads and Heavy Guns. Coluir biads. FOR GU-VS. Charge of Powder. 10-in. 8-in. 42 32 24 18 12 lbs oz lbs. .,z. lbs. oz. lbs oz lb-, oz. lbs . z. lbs. oz. To fill the shell, 3 4 1 12 1 8 1 5 I U 8 To burst 1 6 1 12 11 8 7 5 To blow out the fllZ'^ plug. 10 8 6 2 2V n 01 Forordiaary ser- viee, 3 1 8 1 4 1 n 12 10 7 109] PART X. LABORATORY STORES. 1. What if? a fuze? The contrivance h}- whicli fire is comniunicatod to the charge in a shell. It consists, essentially, of a highly in- fla;nniable composition inclosed in a wood, metal, or paper- case. 2. What fuzes are used in the U. S. service ? Wooden, paper, the Bormann and the United States sea-. coast fuzes ? 84 HA^'D-BOOK OF ARTILLERY* 3. Describe the wooden fuze. It consists of a conical plug- of wood, of the proper size for the fuze-hole of the shell with which it is to be fired. The axis of this plii^ is bored out cylindrically, from the large down to within a short distance of the small end, which is left solid. At the large end a cup is hollowed out, and the outside of the plug is divided into inches and parts, generally tenths, commencing at the bottom of the cup. The cylin- drical space is filled with composition, pounded hard, and as regularly as possible, and the cup filled with mealed powder moistened with whisky or alcohol. The rate of burning is determined by experiment, and marked on a water-proof cap, which is tied over the cup. Knowing the time a:3y sheli is to occupy in its flight, the fuze is cut off with a saw at the proper division, and firmly set in the fuze-hole with a fuze- set and mallet. Say the fuze burns 5" to the inch. If a shell be 10" in reaching the mark two inches of fuze will burst it as it strikes. If it takes 8" to reach the mark, 1 6-10 .^^^ in. will be cut off, &c. '■ 4. What is the disadvantage of this fuze ? Its irregularity, it being veiy diflicult to ponnd the compo- sition so that equal lengths will burn in equal times. The shell may either burst too soon, and a great part of its effect be lost ; or it may burst after burying itself in the ground ; or it may burst after passing the proper point. This irregu- larity of burning is common to all fuzes where the composi- tion 'is driven in successive layers in a column which burns in the same direction. 5. What is the composition for Mortar-fuzes ? No. Nitre. Sulpliur. Mealed Powder. Time of binning 1 in. Remarks. 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 3 1 3.8 yec. 2^2 " For Siege Mortars. " Sea-Coast "• " 8-iu. Howitzers. 6. Is the wooden-fuze used ? Yes, for Mortars. 7. Are these fuzes always cut before being inserted in the shell? Generally they are ; but they are sometimes hored through at the proper positions instead of being sawed. LABORATORY STORES. $5 8. Are they ever cut obliquelj* ? Yes, when the fuze is so long as to render it likely that it will reach the bottom of the shell ; for by cutting it perpen- , , , -] dicular to the axis, the whole base of the wood might be -• driven in contact with the bottom of the shell, and pre- vent the lighted composition from setting fire to the bursthig charge. 9. Describe the paper -fuze. It consists of a conical paper-case, containing the compa- sition, whose rate of burning is sho\^n by the color of the case, as follows : Black, Red, Green, Yellow, burns 2" to the inch 3" 5" Each fuze is made two inches long, and the yellow conse- quently burns 10". For any shorter time, the fuze is cut with a sharp knife. With this fuze is used a fuze-plug having a conical opening, which is reamed out to fit the paper-case when the shell is loaded, and the fuze is then pressed in with the thumb. 10. What is the great advantage of this fuze ? Its simplicity, and the little trouble required to place it in the shell, which renders unnecessary the numerous and com- plicated instruments such as saws, fuze-setter, and eltractor, files, &c., which were formerly used in field artillery. 11. What is the composition of paper-fuzes made of? Black, Red, Green, Yellow, Mealed Powder. Sulphur. 1 8 8 8 3 35 4.0 86 hand-book: of artillery. 12. Describe the Belgian or Bormann-fuze? The fuzo-cape is made of metal (a composition (-,,q of lead and tin), and ^ '* consists Fig. 2, first, of a short cylinder, having- at one end a horse-shoe shaped in- dentation ; one end onl}- of Nvhich communicates uith the nnigazine of the fuze placed in the centre. This horse-shoe indenta- tion extends nearly to the other end of the cylinder, a thin layer of the nsetal only intervening-. This is gradu- ated on the outside into equal parts representing seconds and quarter seconds (see Fig. 4). In the bottom of this channel a smooth layer of the composition is jdaced, ^vith a jiiece of wick or yarn underneath it. On this is placed a piece of metal, the cross section of which is ■^edge shaped (see Fig. 3) ; and this, by machinery, is pressed down ujxui the com- position, sealing it hermeti- cally. The cylindrical open- ing represented at a r,,Q Fig. 2, is filled with L^^^ fine powder and covered with a sheet of tin, which is sol- dered, closing the magazine from the external air. Before using the fuze, se- veral holes are punched TOP VIEW •SECTION Fig. 3. LABORATORY STORES. S7 Fig. 4. through this sheet of tin, to a]h)w the flame to enter the shell. On the side of the fuze the thrend of a serew is cnt which fits into one cut on the inside of the fuze- hole, and the fuze is screwed into the shell with a wrench. The thin layer of metal over the composition is cut through with a gouge or chisel, or even a pen-knife, at the interval marked with the number of seconds which "we wish the fuze to burn. To prevent the metal of this fuze, which is soft, from be- ing driven into the shell by the explosive force of the charge, a circular piece of iron, with a hole through its centre, and the thread of a screw on the outside Fig. 5 is screwed into the fuze-hole before the fuze is inserted. 13. To what kind of artillery has this fuze been confined ? Principally to light artillery, in firing shells and particu- larly spherical case, where regularity and certainty are es- eential requisites. 14. Mention one important advantage of this fuze. J J 4-] The shells can be loaded, all ready for use, and re- J main so any length of time, perfectly safe from explo- sion, as the fuze can be screwed into its place, and the com- position never exposed to external fire until the metal is cut through. 15. What is the only operation under fire required ? To gouge through the metal at the proper point, with any kind of chisel, knife, or other instrument. 16. Describe the United States sea-coast fuze. In the United States, a bronze fuze-plug has been adopted for heavy shells instead of the wooden one. It fits the eye ia the same way, and is retained by friction. Fig. 5. S8 HAND*BOOK OF ARTILLERY. It having been found that ricochets, especially over Tratef) were apt to extinguish these fuzes, a safety cap and primer combined have been adopted in the navy. A recess in the top is filled with priming composition and covered, until the fuze is required for use, with a leaden disk which fits accu- rately the opening. A crooked passage filled with priming, conveys the fire to the fuze composition beneath, and pre- vents water from being forced in in sufl[icient quantity to extinguish the fuze. 17. When are paper fuzes for field-shells and spherical case inserted ? At the moment of loading the gun, and into wooden /wzc- 'plugs previously driven into the shell. 18. What is a porl-flre ? It consists of a small paper case filled with a highly in- flammable but slow-burning composition, the flame of which is very intense and penetrating, and cannot be extinguished by water. .,,^ 19. What is it used for? 1-A-^-> Principally as an incendiary material in loading shells, and for communicating fire to the priming of guns when proving them. 20. What does port-fire composition consist of? Of nitre, sulphur, and mealed powder, in difierent propor- tions. One kind is composed of Nitre, - - - * - 65 parts. Sulphur, ----- 22.5 " Mealed powder, - - - . 12.5 " A port-fire case, eighteen inches in length filled with this Cjynposition, burns ten minutes. 21. What HYQ priming-tubes, and their use? Small pipes having a cap at one end, and filled with a composition for firing cannon. 22. What tube is in general use in our service ? The friction primer. 23. Describe it. It consists of a short tube of metal inserted into a hole near the top of a longer tube, and soldered in that position. The short tube, is lined with a composition made by mixing together two parts of chlorate of potassa and one of sulphu- rate of antimony, moistened with gum water. A serrated LABORATORY STORES. 89 wire passes through the short tube and a hole opposite to it in the side of the long- one, the open end of the short tube being compressed Avith nippers, and the wire at the end of the serrated part doubled under to prevent any displace- ment. The other end of the wire is doubled and twisted by machinery. The long tube is filled with musket powder, its upper end being closed with shellac-varnish, and its lower with shoemakers-wax. 24. What advantage does the friction tube possess ? -J, PI It gives an enemy at night no clue to the position of -I your piece, as does the lighted port-fire, or slow-match. 25. What is slow-match 1 A slow burning match prepared from hemp or flax slightly twisted, soaked in a strong lye, or in water holding in solu- tion sugar of lead. Cotton rope well twisted, forms a good match without any preparation. 26. How long does slow-match prepared from hemp or flax burn ? Four to five inches to the hour. 27. What is the use of slow-match ? It is used principally for the purpose of retaining fire in the shape of a hard-pointed coal, to be used in firing cannon, fire- works, &:c. It was formerly used in field- batteries for lighting the port-fires with which the pieces w^ere discharged; but both are now entirely superseded by the friction tube. 28. W^hat is quick-match ? It is a match made of threads of cotton, or cotton wick, steeped in gummed brandy or w^hisky, then soaked in a paste of mealed powder and gummed spirits, and afterwards strewed over with mealed powder. 29. How long does it burn ? One yard burns in the open air thirteen seconds. 30. What is the use of quick-match ? To fire stone and heavy mortars, and sometimes in proving pieces. It is extensively used in priming all kinds of fire- works, such as fire and light balls, carcasises, rockets, prim- ing tubes, &c., and in conveying fire very rapidly from one portion of a piece of fire-work to another. ,j~1 31. When used for discharging cannon, how is the ■' quick-match set fire to ? By a slow match, port-fire, or any other conTenient ma- terial. 90 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 32. When used to prime carcases, &c., how is it set on fire? By the flame from the piece. 3'i. What is Va'enciennes composition? A compound of 50 parts of nitre, 28 of sulphur, 18 of an- timony, and 6 of ro.4ii. 34.' What is its use? As an incendiary omposition, in ehargini^ sliells for the p',irpo.heel guard plate, axle tree, trail-plate, trail- handles, [trolong- hooks, pointing-rings, washer-hooks, lock- chain, sponge-chain, sponge and rammer stop, bolts, rings, bauds, hooks, keys, straps, nuts, and nails. 96 ttAJJD-BOOK OIF AllTlLLERt. 19. What is the limber? It consists of a similar axle-hody, axle, and two wheeks and on these rests a frame-work to receive the tongue. On top of the whole is an ammunition box, the top of which forms a seat for three cannoneers. In rear of the axle-tree is a pinlle-hook to receive the lunette of the trail. Con- ne^ited with the frame work in front, is a fixed splinter-hat with four hooks, to which are attached the traces of the wheel-horses. At the extremity of the tongue are placed two pole-chains, by which the tongue or pole is held up, and a pole-yoke with two movable branches, to prevent, as much as possible, the pole from oscillating and striking the horses. 20. What is the use of the limber? To facilitate the movements of the carriage. By means of it a considerable portion of ammunition and stores may be conveyed for the immediate use of the piece, some of the cannoneers may be seated on the boxes, and by the simple manner in which it is attached to the carriage, the greatest facility is afforded for coming into action, or in retiring. 21.* Are there any other advantages from the man- j-jryj- ner in which the gun-carriage and limber are con- •- nected ? These two parts thus possess all the advantages of a four- wheel carriage, and the freedom, of motion peculiar to each admits of their passing over ground uninjured, or without being overturned or strained, where any other four-wheel carriage would invariably faik 22. Describe the tnounlain artillery gun-carriage. It is formed like the field-gun carriage, but much smaller, the cheeks not being formed of pieces distinct from the stock, but all three mad(^ of two pieces bolted together. The axle- tree is of wood, which lessens the recoil, and gives an elas- ticity to the whole carriage, better adapted to resist the shocks of firing. The wheels are but thirty-eight inches high. Ordinarily, over rough ground, the carriage is trans- ported on the backs of mules ; but where it is possible, a pair of shafts is attached to the trail to keep it from the ground, and the piece is drawn on its carriage by harnessing one of the pack mules to it. The aminunitiou is carried in ammunition ])oxes on the backs of mules, 23. Describe the prairvt-carrmge. ARTILLERY CAREIAGES AND MACHINES. 97 The necessity for a small carriage for the mountain-how- itzer when used on our western prairies, has led to the adop- tion of a special carriage for that service, with a limber attached as in a field carriage. This renders the carriage less liable to overturn, and preferable in every respect to the two-wheeled one. The limber is furnished with two ammu- -.oQ-i nition boxes, placed over the axle-tree, and parallel to '' -■ it, and just wide enough Jor one row of shells and their •cartridges. 24. How many kinds of siege-gun carriages are used in our service ? Three ; one for the 12-pound gun ; another for the 18-pdr. ; •and the third for the 24-pound gun and 8-in. howitzer. 25. In what respect are they similar ? They are all constructed in the same manner, differing only in their dimensions. All the limbers and wheels are the same, so that they can be used in common. 26. Describe this gun-carriage. It is similar in its construction to the field-carriage, but is joined to the limber in a different way. Projecting upwards from the limber and in rear of the axle-tree, is placed a pintle, which enters a hole made in the trail from the under- side, and a lashing-chain and hook keep the two parts to- gether when once in position. The weight of the trail rest- ing on the rear end of the tongue keeps this nearly horizontal, and relieves the horses of the weight of it, which, as it must be both long and heavy, is too much for the horses to carry. The splinter-bar is, as in field-carriages, stationary, but the traces of the next team are attached to a movable bar which is connected with the end of the tongue. The tongue is furnished with pole-chains, but no yoke, and the rest of the teams are harnessed as in field-artillery. The axle-trees are of iron, with axle-bodies of wood; which last, by its elasticity, renders the shock from the piece less direct and violent. 1991 On the upper surface of the cheeks, near the rear '* -' ends, are placed two projecting bolts which, with the curve of the cheeks, form resting places for the trunnions, when the piece is in position for transportation. They are called traveling trunnion-heds. When the piece is in this position, its breech rests upon the bolster, which is a curved o 98 HAND-BOOK OF AilTlLLEIiY* block of wood, bolted to the upper side of the stock. On each side of the trail, and perpendicular to it, a strong ma- noeuvring bolt is placed to serve as places to apply the hand- spikes in maua?uvering the carriage. 27. What is the object of the traveling trunnion-beds ? For the purpose of distributing the load more equally over the carriage. 28. Mention the parts composing the limber. The fork, the splinter-bar, the hounds, the sweep-bar, the tongue, the pintle, the lashing-chain, the axle-tree (iron). The sweep-bar is of iron, and on it rests the trail, which by its weight keeps up the tongue. 29. Why is it unnecessary for siege-carriages to have the same degree of mobility and flexibility as field-carriages ? Because siege-carriages are, properly speaking, transpor- tation wagons for use on roads, and never intended for ma- noeuvring with troops. 30. How many horses does the transportation of siege- guns require ? A 24-pdr. requires ten horses (five drivers) ; a 12 or 18-pdr., eight horses (four drivers). 31. What are stationary gun-carriages used for? To fire the piece from, and not to transport it except for short distances. 32. For what service are these carriages used ? r, gn For garrison and sea-coast pieces ; although the siege- ^ gun-carriages just described may also be used in a fortifica- tion or garrison. Mortar-beds, to be described hereafter, are used either for siege or garrison service. 33. What are the chief requisites for garrison and sea- coast carriages ? Strength, durability, and facility in serving the guns, as they are intended only for the works of a place, coast-batte- ries, and situations where they are permanentl}^ fixed. 34. Why should these carriages be required to possess great strength and durability ? Unless made strong they would soon be shaken by the continued and rapid tire which the defense of a work may demand; and from their constant exposure to the weather they would soon decay if made of a very perishable material. 35. Is the weight of garrison carriages a matter of great importance ? ARTILLERY CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 99 It is of less importance in this class of carriages than in any other, as they are seldom removed from their situations : their weij^ht adds but little to the labor of running them up. 36. Mention the different stationary carriages. The carringe from which a mortar is fired, called its hed ; the barbette-carriage ; the columbiad-carriagc ; the casemate- carriage ; and that for the 24-pdr. iron howitzer, called the flank casemate-carriage. 37. How many kinds of siege-mortar beds have we ? Four; the 8-in., 10-in., the stone, the coehorn. ,0-.-] 38. Which of these are alike? ■' The first three, differing only in dimensions. They are made of cast-iron, which has very little elasticity. 39. Describe these beds. They consist of two cheeks, joined by two transoms, all cast together in the same piece. The manoeuvring bolts, placed on each side, one near each end of the cheeks, are made of wrought iron, and set in the mould when the bed is cast. On the front transom is fastened a wooden bolster, grooved to receive the elevating quoin. Notches, on the underside of the front and rear of the cheeks, give hold to the hand- spikes in throwing the carriage to the right or left. 40. Describe the coehorn mortar-bed. It is made of a block of oak-wood, in one piece, or two pieces joined together with bolts. A recess, for the trunnions and part of the breech is made in the top of the bed ; and the trunnions are kept in their places by plates of iron bolted down over them. Two iron handles are bolted to the bed on each side, by which four men can carry the bed with the mortar in its place. 41. Describe the eprouvette mortar-bed. It consists of a block of wood, on the top of which is countersunk and bolted the bed-plate, which is a heavy cir- cular plate of cast-iron having a rectangular recess with sloping sides, so as to make it longest at the bottom. Into this recess the sole of the mortar slides. The wooden block is bolted to a stone block of the same size, which is firmly placed in the ground on a masonry foundation. 42. Describe the heavy sea-coast mortar bed. J, Q2-| The bed for the heavy ten-inch mortar is the only ■' one which has yet been adopted. The cheeks are of cast- 100 HAND-BOOK OP ARTILLERY. iron, and somewhat similar in form to those in the beds of siege-mortars ; but in the front, the cheelcs turn up to receive between them the front transom, which has, countersunk in and bolted to it, an elevating screw-bed, tln-ough which works an inclined elevating screw, which rises or falls by turning the nut, fitted on it by means of a lever inserted into mor- tises cut in the direction of the radii of the circular nut. Both the transoms are made of wood, connected with the cheeks by mortises and tenons, and secured by bolts running through, and nuts on the outside. One of these bolts at each end, is longer than the others, and the projecting ends are made use of as manojuvring bolts. Directly behind and underneath the position for the trunnions, a bronze bed-piece is placed to receive the shock of the piece. It consists of a large beam of bronze, with each end well let in to the face of the cheek. The use of the elevating screw instead of the quoin, is rendered necessary by the great mass of metal to be raised or lowered in sighting the piece. 43. What is a harhette carriage ? It is a carriage belonging to the class denominated im- movable, on which a gun is mounted to fire over a parapet ; and a barbette gun is any gun mounted on a barbette-car- riage. 44. How many forms of the barbette-carriage are in use in the service ? Two : one for iron guns and sea-coast howitzers (12, 18, 24, 32, 42-pdrs., and 8 and 10-in.) ; -and one fOr the colum- biads. 45. Of how many parts are barbette-carriages com- r^o., posed? lA^^^ Of a gun-carriage and a chassis. 46. Describe the gun-carriage. It is formed of two upright pieces of timber, nearly verti- cal, behind whicli are placed two inclined braces, mortised into the uprights, and designed to receive the force of the recoil, the whole forming the cheeks, whicli are firmly con- nected and braced by transoms and assembling bolts, thus forming a triangular i'ramewoYk, which is less liable than any other form to become deformed from the shocks of the gun. A horizontal piece (the transom and axle-tie) runs from front to rear between the cheeks, connecting the axle-body and ARTILLEKY CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. J 01 rear transom. The trunnion -bed is at the top of the upright, where it is joined to the brace ; and the breech of the gun is supported on an elevating screw, working into a screw-box placed in the rear end of the transom and axle-tie. The front transom is just under the gun ; the middle transom is between the braces; and the rear transom is at the lower end of the braces, and under the transom and axle-tie, into which it is notched ; the lower part of this transom is notched to receive the tongue of the chassis on which it slides. Be- tween this transom and the transom and axle-tie, the end of a lunette is placed projecting to the rear, and fastened by a bolt for the purpose of attaching a limber to the carriage. The feet of the uprights and front end of the transom and axle-tie are joined to an axle-bod3% in which an iron axle is placed. On the ends of the .axle are fitted cast-iron rollers, -JO 1-1 which rest on the rails of the chassis, and support the -' front of the carriage. On the outside of the roller is placed an octagonal projection, on which the cast-iron nave of the wheel fits, secured by a washer and linch-pin. The spokes of the wheels are wood, inclosed within heavy iron tires. Manoeuvering bolts are inserted in front of the feet of the uprights, and in the carriages, for pieces heavier than a 24-pdr., in rear of these feet also. These bolts and the spokes of the wheels form the points of application for the handspikes, in manoeuvering the piece. Manoeuvering sta- ples are placed in front of the feet of the braces, for the pur- pose of using handspikes to raise the rear of the carriage from the tongue of the chassis in running to and from bat- tery. 47. What pieces go on the same carriage ? The 32-pound gun, and 8-inch howitzer. All other pieces have separate carriages. 48. How many sizes of rollers are used ? Two : one for the carriages of the 12, 18, and 24-pounders; the other for the remaining carriages. 49. Are cap-squares used with these carriages ? No. 50. What other purposes do the wheels subserve besides assisting in manoeuvering the gun-carriage ? In transporting the piece on its carriage for short dis- tances, as from one front of a fort to another. 102 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. 51. Doscrilie the chassis. It consists of two rails and a tongue, joined by three tran- soms. The tongue is iu the middle, and projects considerably beyond the rails, to the rear. At each end of the rails on top, a hard piece of wood is notched in, and bolted. They are called hurters and counter-hurters, and their use is r-^gg to prevent the gun carriage from running otf the chas- ^ sis. Kail-plates of iron to protect the wooden rails are let iu to the outside of the rails. At the rear end of the tongue, a swinging prop is placed to support the end of the tongue when the piece is run back. The lower side of the end of the tongue is notched out, and a manojuvering loop fixed there, with a bolt and screws, to assist in handling the chas- sis. On the under side of each rail, opposite the rear tran- som, a mortise is formed, for the reception of a socket of iron which receives the handle of the traverse-wheel fork. Each of these forks receives a traverse- wheel, joined to it by an axle-bolt, and these support the rear end of the chassis. The front end is supported on a pintle-plate of iron ; through •which, and up into the middle of the front transom, passes a pintle or bolt, which serves as a pivot around which the whole system moves. 52. In permanent batteries, how are the pintle and tra- verse circle fixed ? The pintle is fixed in a block of stone, and the traverse circle is an iron plate set also in stone. 53. In temporary batteries, how is the pintle attached ? To a wooden bolster which is covered by a circular cast- iron plate, and attached by bolts to a wooden cross picketed firmly into the ground. 54. How may a temporary traverse circle be made ? Of plank, pinned to sleepers, and fastened to pickets, or secured to string-pieces, which connect the traverse circle with the pintle-cross. 55. What retains the traverse- wheels and their forks r^^Q in their places ? The weight of the carriage and gun, and the form of the socket and handle of the fork. 56. Where are the handspikes applied in traversing the carriage ? To the pivot-bolts of the traverse- wheels, which project to the rear ; or under the traverse wheels. ARTILLERY CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 103 57. Why does the chassis slope towards the front ? In order to diminish the recoil, and aid in running the piece into battery. 58. Describe the columbiad gun-carriage. It is a triangular frame-work, consisting on each side of an upright, a horizontal rail or tie, and a brace, firmly mor- tised and bolted together, forming the cheeks, which are joined by a transom at each end. These project below the lower surfaces of the ties, and fit in between the rails of the chassis, serving, like the flanges on the rollers in the other barbette-carriages, to prevent the gun-carriage from slipping sideways off the chassis. Through the front transom, and near the front ends of the ties, an iron axle-tree is passed, working in iron boxes fitting in the ties. On the projecting ends of this axle-tree the rollers or manaiuvring wheels are fixed (the axes of which, are eccentric with the axis of the axle-tree) the extreme ends of the axle, being octagonal in shape, to fit the wrench of the iron handspike. These eccentrics are so arranged that when the centres of the wheels are at their lowest points, the surfaces of the wheels bear on the rails of the chassis and raise the gun- carriage tie from it ; and when the centres are at the highest points, the surfaces of the wheels do not touch the rails, and jg^i the ties are in contact with them.* A similar arrange- ^ ment is made for the rear part of the carriage, except that the axle does not extend all the way through, but the wheel on each side has a projecting piece of axle which works into a box placed near the end of the tie. The wheel is thrown into or out of gear, that is, made to bear on the rail of the chassis or relieved from it, by turning the axle with a wrench placed on the octagonal end. In the direction of the radii of the wheels, but inclined outwards, mortises are placed for the reception of the end of the iron handspikes, by acting on which while inserted the wheels are turned, and the carriage moved back and forth on the chassis. Ordinarily, when the wheels are thrown into gear, the car- riage being back, it will run into battery of itself. * A couple of notches or indentations are made on the ends of the eccentric axles. When these notches are in a vertical line, the wheels rest on the rails; but wheu they are in a horlzoutal or inclined line, the ties rest on tlum. 104 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. The elevating arrangement consist of an elevating-screw, working into a screw-bed, which slides in a vertical box, and carries on the top of it a movable paid to fit into the notches cut in the breech of the gnn, in order to give considerable elevations. For the purpose of transferring the pawl from one notch to the next, it has a slit in it, through which the elevating bar is passed, and the gun supported by making use of the edge of the elevating-box as a fulcrum. This ar- rangement is over the rear transom. 59. Describe the chassis of the columbiad carriage. It consists, like those used with other barbette car- r^rto riages, of two rails connected by three transoms ; but '- the tops of the rails are shod with iron plates, and the rear hurters are the large heads of heavy bolts which pass entirely through the rails. The front hurters are fixed to the front transom by a hea\y plate and bolt. Traverse-wheels are placed under both front and rear transoms, and the chassis moves on a pintle passing through the middle transom. Two of these wheels are placed under each end of the chassis, their axes being kept in place by straps bolted to the transoms. Recesses are cut in the under- side of the transom, for the wheels to turn in. This chassis has no tongue. 60. Of iiow many parts are casemate carriages composed? Like barbette-carriages, of a gun-carriage and chassis. 61. Describe the gun-carriage. It consists of two cheeks, joined together by as many tran- soms, and supported in front by an axle-tree on truck wheels, and in rear on the rear transom, which is notched to fit the tongue of the chassis. Each cheek is formed of two pieces, one on top of the other, and connected by dowels and bolts. On the underside, near the front, a notch is cut for the re- ception of the axle-tree, which is of oak ; and nearly over the axle, on the upper side of the cheek, the trunnion-bed is placed. The rear of the upper piece of the cheek is cut into steps, which give a better hold for the assembling-bolts, than a uniform slope, and give purchases for the hand-spikes, in elevating the piece. On the inside of each cheek, just r^gj^ in rear of the axle, a vertical guide is fixed to keep the ^ carriage on the chassis. It is of wood, and bolted to the front transom and axle-tree. The top of the front transom AliTlLLERY CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. J 05 is hollowed out, to admit the depression of the piece. Be- hind the rear transom and at the notch cut in it, there is an eccentric roller, so arranged as to bear the Avcight of the rear part of the carriage, or not, according as it is thro^Yn in or out of gear. Near the rear end of each cheek, and outside, a heavy trail-handle of iron is placed, and used in manoeuvring the piece. On the ends of the axle truck-wheels are placed, with mortises sloping outwards in the direction of the radii, for the insertion of the handspikes in running from battery. The elevating apparatus consists of a cast-iron bed -plate, secured to the rear transom ; an elevating- screw and brass nut; the nut being acted on by an oblique-toothed wheel, turned by a handle placed outside the right cheek. 62. Describe the chassis. It consists of two rails and a tongue, joined by two tran- soms, and supported on traverse-wheels in front and rear. The track on each rail is curved up at each end, and pro- vided with hurters to prevent the carriage from running ojff the chassis. A prop fastened under the rear end of the tongue prevents the chassis from upsetting backwards in firing heavy charges, and may be used as a point of support in raising the chassis. An iron fork is bolted to the under side of the front end of the tongue, to which is bolted an iron tongue. An opening in the masonry below the em- brasure, is left for this tongue, and it is secured in its place 1401 ^^^ dropping the pintle from the embrasure down ■' through the eye of the tongue. C3. Where is the Jlank co.scinate carriage employed? It is especially adapted to the mounting of the 24-pdr. iron howitzer in the flanks of casemate batteries, for defending the ditch; and both the gun-carriage and chassis arc nar- rower and lighter than the other casemate carriages. 64. Describe the gun-carriage. The cheeks are made of white oak, and connected by two iron transoms, the front one projecting below the cheeks, and resting on the chassis with a projection on the bottom of it, fitting in between the rails. The bottom of the trail has the same slope as the upper surface of the chassis on which it rests ; so that when its eccentric-roller is out of gear, the rear parts of the cheeks fit the rails. The remaining por- 5* 106 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. tion of the bottom of the cheek makes an angle with the rail, and has in front a fork, and a roller ^yhich runs on the rail of the chassis when the eccentric is in gear. Each cheek has on the side a trail-handle and a manoeuvring-ring. In rear of the rear transom is placed an eccentric-roller, having a pit»jection in the middle of it, just large enough to fit in between the rails of the chassis, and guide the trail of the carriage. When this roller is in gear, the weight of the trail rests upon ?7, while that of the front part of the car- riage is thrown upon the front rollers, and the piece is then easily run in and out of battery; but the roller being out of gear, as when the piece is about to be fired, the weight rests npon the rear part of the cheeks and the front transom, and friction is brought into play to diminish the recoil. Cap- r-. ^ ^ squares are used with this carriage. ^ 65. Describe the chassis. It consists simply of two rails 3 in. apart, and joined by four transoms and assembling-bolts. Hurters on the rear ends of the rails only are used, as the bottom projection of the front transom prevents the carriage running too far into battery. The front end of the chassis rests on the sole of the embrasure. The end is provided with a pintle-plate and a strap of half-in. iron through which the pintle passes to the masonry beneath. The rear of the chassis is supported by an iron prop, the lower end of which is attached to two tra- verse-wheels. (^Q. What kind of carriages have been recommended for use in garrisons, instead of wooden ones ? Wrought-iron carriages, for all except the flank casemate ; all made in a similar manner, differing only in weight and dimensions. Q7. What is the objection to cast iron ? Its weight, and its great liability to splinter when struck by shot. 68. Of how many parts is this wrought-iron carriage com- posed ? Like the wooden ones, of a gun-carriage and chassis. 69. Describe the gun-carriage. It consists of two cheeks of thick sheet-iron, each one of which is strengthened by three Hanged iron-plates bolted to the cheeks. Along the bottom of each cheek, an iron shoe is fixed with the end bent upwards. ARTILLERY CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 107 I ,o-| I^ front, this bent end is bolted to the flange of the '^^ front strengthening plate. In rear the bent portion is longer, and terminated at top by another bend, which serves as a point of application for a lever on a ^vheel, when run- ning to and from battery. The trimnion-plates fit over the top ends of the strengthening plates, which meet around the bed, and are fastened to the flanges of the latter by movable bolts and nuts. The checks are joined together by transoms made of bar- iron. They are parallel to each other, and in order that the hase ring on the gun may not interfere with giving it the full elevation by striking against them, it is proposed to dis- pense with the base ring in sea-coast and garrison pieces, and to retain the preponderance by reducing the swell of the muzzle. The front of the carriage is mounted on an axle-tree, with tnick wheels siniiiar to the wooden casemate carriages. 70. Describe the chassis. It consists of two rails of wrought iron, the cross section of each being in form of a T, the flat surface on top being for the reception of the shoe-rail of the gun-carriage. The rails are parallel to each other, and connected by iron tran- soms and braces. The chassis is supported on traverse wheels. A prop is placed under the middle transom of the chassis, to provide against sagging. 71 . What carriage is used for conveying ammunition for a field battery? The CAISSON. 72. Describe it. A four-wheel carriage, consisting of two parts, one of -. . o-i which is a limber similar to that of the gun carriage, -■ and connected in a similar way by a wooden stock and lunette. On tlie axle-body of the rear part, and parallel to the stock, are placed three rails upon which are fastened two ammunition boxes, one behind the other, and similar to the one on the limber ; so that the caisson has three ammunition boxes which will seat nine cannoneers. The interior com- partments of the ammunition boxes vary according to the nature of the ammunition with which they are loaded. In rear of the last box is placed a spare wheel, axle of iron. 108 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLEflt. with a chain anil toggle at the end of it. On the rear end of the niidtlle rail is placed a carriage hook, similar to a pintle hook, to which the lunette of a gun carriage wliosje limber has become disabled, may be attached, and the gun carried off the field. The caisson has the same turning capacity and mobility as the gun carriage, so that it can follow the piece in all its manceuvres, if necessary. It also carries a spare wheel, spare pole, &c. 73. What provision is made for repairing the carriages of a field battery w4icu required ? Every field battery is provided with a forge. 74. Describe this wagon. It consists, besides the limber, of a frame work on which is fixed the bellows, fire-place, &c. Behind the bellows is placed a coal-box, which has to be removed before the bel- lows can be put in position. In the limber box are placed the smith's tools, horse-shoes, nails, and spare parts (iron) of carriages, harness, &c. 75. Describe the hattcry wagon.. It consists, besides the limber, of a long-bodied cart with a round top, which is connected with the limber in the same way as all other field carriages. The lid opens on r, .^ hinges placed at the side ; and in rear is fixed a mova- ^ ble forage rack for carrying long forage. One of these wa- gons accompanies each field-battery, for the purpose of trans- porting carriage-maker's and saddler's tools, spare parts of carriages, harness and equipments, and rough materials for replacing different parts. Both this and the forge are made of equal mobility with the other field carriages, in order to accompany them wher- ever they may be required to go. 7Q. How many kinds of wheels are employed for field carriages ? Two : No. 1 for the 6-pdr. gun carriage, the caisson, the forge, the battery-wagon, and for the limbers of all field car- riages. No. 2 for the 24-pdr. howitzer and the 12-pdr. gun carriages. 77. In what respects are these wheels similar ? They are of the same form and height, and they fit on the same axle-tree arm. The height is 57 inches, iind each wheel is composed of 14 spokes and 7 feilie&c AiltiLLERY CARRIAGES AND MACHI^^ES. l09 78. How do they differ ? In the diineDsions of their parts, and in strength and weight. 79. What is the weight of these wheels ? No. 1, 180 lbs., No. 2, 196 lbs. 80. What are the weight and height of a wheel of siege-^ gun carriages and limbers ? Weight 404 lbs., and height 60 inches. 81. What is the jwrtahlc forge designed for ? Service in a mountainous country, where wheeled vehicles cannot travel, for the purpose of making repairs, not only for the artillery but for all other arms of service taken on Buch expeditions. ^ .--, 82. What is the mortar ivagon designed for? ■I The transportation of siege" mortars and their beds, or of guns or large shot and shells. 83. Describe this wagon. The limber and wheels are the same as those of the siege- gun carriage. The body consists of a platform of rails and transoms, resting on an axle-tree, the two middle rails being prolonged to form the stock ; six stakes or standards are in- serted in sockets on the side of this platform and used to secure the load. The side-rails are prolonged to the rear, and furnish pi- vots for a roller placed immediately in rear of the platform. This roller has holes for the insertion of hand-spikes, and is used in loading the wagon ; the guns, mortars, &c., being drawn up on the stock. A muzzle bolster on the stock near the limber, and a breech-hurter near the hind part of the wagon, are provided and used when long ordnance is transported on it. Mortars are usually carried mounted on their beds. 84. What is the use of the /z«n(i-ca?-^.? ^ ' For the transportation of light stores in siege and garrison service. 85. Describe it. It consists of a light body with shafts, mounted on two wheels. The shafts are joined together at the ends, and supjiorted immediately in front of the body by iron legs. 86. What is the use of the hand sling-cart 1 , .pi It is used in siege and garrison service for trans- ■' porting artillery short distances. no HAND-BOOK OP ARTILLERY. 87. Describe it. It is a two-wheeled carriage made entirely of iron, except the pole, which is of oak. The axle-tree is arched to make it stronger, and connected with the pole by strong wrought iron straps and braces. In the rear of the axle a projection is welded to receive the end of a strong hook. The end of the pole terminates in a ferule and an eye. The eye is for the purpose of attaching to the cart when necessary, a lim- ber or a horse. 88. How great weights can be transported by this cart ? It should not be used with heavier weights than about 4000 lbs., but in case of necessity a 24 or 32-pd. gun may be transported on it. For heavier guns or material, the large sling-cart drawn by horses or oxen should be used. 89. What is the field and siege gin and its use ? It consists, like all gins, of two legs and a pry-pole, a •windlass, sheaves, pulleys, and a fall or rope, and is used for mounting or handling guns, or other heavy bodies, in the field or in the trenches of a siege. The legs are about 14^ feet long and the height of the gin about 12 feet. 90. How does the garrison gin differ from the field and siege gin ? It is heavier and stronger, as it is used for mounting hea- vier guns, and has not to be transported like the other with an array in the field. The legs are longer and the gin higher than the other. 91. Describe the casemate gin. It does not differ from the garrison gin except in its height (which is about that of the field and siege gin) and the thick- ness and strength of the parts. PRACTICAL GUNNERY. Ill 147] PART XIII. PRACTICAL GUKNEEY. 1 . How may the velocity of a shot or shell be ascertained ? Approximately by the empirical formula, Vac r=i600 Where F=initial velocity. a^a coefficient, whose value depends on the windage. c=charge \ . ^•, MJ=weight of ball S The values of a are: Windage. Values of a. 0.175 .... 3.6 0.125 .... 4.4 0.090 .... 5.0 2. Does a shot or shell continue at the same uniform ve- locity during its flight ? The velocity decreases as the distance increases, in a pro- portion a little higher than the squares of the velocities throughout. 3. What causes a decrease in the velocity of a shot ? The resistance of the air, which varies as the square of the velocity of the shot. 1481 '^' With balls of different diameters, and equal velo- -l cities, to what is the resistance of the air proportional ? Their surfaces, or the squares of their diameters. 5. Would the velocity of the shot be increased by length- ening the gun ? Only up to a certain point ; in a proportion which is nearly the mean ratio between the square and cube roots of the length of the bore. It is found that the velocity given by long guns is reduced to an equality with that of short guns within a short distance from the muzzle when fired with similar charges. 112 - HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLliEt. 6. Would the velocity of a shot be increased by entirely preventing the recoil, or by adding greatly to the weight of the gun ? In neither case would any sensible effect be produced on the velocit3^ 7. Would the velocity of the shot be increased by using a larger charge of powder ? Only to a certain point, peculiar to each gun ; by further increasing the charge the velocit}' would be graduall}' dimi- nished ; yet the recoil is always increased by an increase of charge. 8. What is the ratio of the velocities of shot, when of different weights, but fired with similar charges ? The velocities are inversely as the square roots of their weights. 9. What is the ratio of the velocities of shot of equal weights when fired w ith different charges of powder ? Tlie velocities are directly as the square roots of the charges. 10. How may the velocity be increased without augment- ing the charge of pov/der ? By decreasing the v.indage ; the loss of velocity by a r^.g given windage being directly as the windage. From ^ 1-8 to 1-12 is lost by a windage of 1-40 diameter. 11. What is meant by the time of flight of a shot or shell ? The time during which it is passing through the air from the piece to the first graze. 12. When firing with common shells at 45° elevation, how is the time of flight found ? Extract the square root of the range in feet and divide by 4, or divide the range in feet by 16 and extract the square root of this quotient. Note-. — Range iu feet=.^«-<2 x cotangent elevation. =l(jr*x cotangent elevation. =:]6<- where the elevation is 45°. Or t=^ V range iu feet for elevation 45°. 13. Having the time of flight, hovr is the range ascer- tained ? Multiply the square of the time of flight by 16 for the range in feet (the elevation being 45°). 14. What is meant by the penetration of projectiles ? Feet. Inches. 8 6 15 4 6 1 10 3 PRACTICAL GUNNERY. 113 The depth to which they are forced when fired into any resisting medium. 15. What deptli do shot penetrate ? The penetration of l)alls of the same size, with different velocities or charges, is nearly as the* squares of the velo- cities ; where the balls are of different sizes the penetration will be proportionate to their diameters multiplied by the density, and inversely as the tenacity of the medium. 16. Mention the depth of penetration in case of the 24- pdr. siege gun. -. -Q-i At 100 yards a 24-pdr. ball with a charge of one-third -' of its weight will penetrate as follows : In earth of old parapets, " " recently thrown up, *' Oak wood, sound and hard, - " Rubble stone masonry, " Brick, . - . . 17. What is the depth of penetration of field pieces ? Fired at the distance of 500 or 600 yards, the penetration will be from 4^ to 6 feet in parapets recently constructed, and will traverse walls of ordinary construction ; but a 12-pounder is necessary to make a breach in walls of good masonry and of 4 feet in thickness, and in this case the position of the bat- tery must be favorable, and the operation a slow one. 18. In attacking a post, or fortified position, in what man- ner should the fire from artillery be carried on ? Previous to an assault, the artillery ought to support the other troops by a combined fire of guns, howitzers, and small mortars, so that, if possible, the fire may be simultaneous, as such a diversity of projectiles would tend to distract the de- fenders and prevent them from extinguishing any fire among buildings, besides throwing them into confusion at the mo- ment of assault. In cases of surprise, when immediate action is required, the above method cannot, of course, be practi- cable. 19. When firing guns of different calibres at long ranges, what are the probabilities of hitting the object ? As the squares of the diameters of their respective shot, when of equal density, and fired with proportional charges. 114: HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. [151 PART XIV. MISCELLANEOUS. 1. What is the velocity of sound in the air ? At the temperature of 33^^ the mean velocity of sound is 1100 feet in a second. It is increased or diminished half a foot for each degree of temperature above or below 33°. 2. How can the distance of an object be ascertained by the report of fire-arms ? By observing the number of seconds that elapse between the flash and the report of a gun, and multiplying the number by the velocity of sound in the air. 3. What is momentum ? The force possessed by a body in motion; and is mea- sured by the product of the mass of the body into its velocity. 4. When equal masses are in motion, what proportion do their momenta bear to their velocities ? They are proportional to their velocities. 5. When velocities are equal, what proportion do their momenta bear to their masses ? They are proportional to their masses. 6. What proportion do the momenta bear to each other when neither the masses nor velocities are equal ? They are to each other as the products of their masses into their velocities respectively. 7. What is the average weight of a horse ? About 1000 pounds. r i ^o 8. What space does a horse occupy in the ranks; in L a stall ; and at a picket ? In the ranks a front of 40 in., a depth of 10 feet; in a stall, from 3^ to 4-^ feet front; at picket 3 feet by 9. 9. What are the comparative etfects of the labor of a man, and that of a horse or mule ? Taking the useful etfect of a man's daily labor as unity, a horse can carry a load on a horizontal plane, 4.8 to 6.1 times; and a mule, 7.Q times greater than a man. Taking a man with a wheel-barrow as unity, a horse in a four-wheel MISCELLANEOUS. 115 wagon can draw 17.5, and in a cart 24.3; and a mule in a cart, 23.3 times greater bmxlen. 10. What weight is an artillery horse required to draw ? Not more than 700 lbs., the weight of the carriage iu eluded. 11. What weight can a team of four horses or more, draw with useful effect ? Including tlie weight of carriage, 4 horses can draw 24 cwt., or 6 each; 6 horses, 30 cwt., 5 each; 8 horses, 36 cwt., 4^ each; and 12 horses, 48 cwt., or 4 each. It is usual to esti- mate the weight of a carriage exceeding 12 cwt. as part of the load. 12. What weights are carried by the riding, pack, and draught horses respectively? A horse carrying a soldier and his equipments, (say 225 lbs.) travels 25 miles in a day (8 hours); a pack-horse can carry 250 to 300 lbs., 20 miles a day; and a draught- horse, 1600 lbs. 23 miles a day, weight of carriage included. 13. What are the usual paces for horses in the artillery? 1531 Walk, trot and gallop ; the last is seldom necessary. -' 14. What is considered an ordinary day's march for field artillery, and rate of motion ? An ordinary march is about 15 miles at 2h miles per hour for 6 hours; this must depend upon the condition of the horses, state of the roads, and various other circumstances. Horses starting fresh, and resting after their work, may, on tolerable roads, perform 2 miles in half an hour ; 4 miles in 1^ hours ; 8 in 4, and 16 in 10 hours. 15. What is the rate of march of horse artillery and ca- valry ? Walk, 3| miles per hour, or 1 mile in 16 minutes ; trot, 7h per hour, or 1 mile in 8 minutes ; manoeuvring gallop, at the rate of 11 miles per hour, or 1 mile in 3 minutes ; cavalry charge, 24 miles an hour, or at the rate of 1 mile in 2k mi- nutes. 16. At what rate does infantry march ? In common time, 90 steps=70 yards in 1 minute, or 2 miles 680 yards in an hour; in quick time, 110 steps=86 yards in 1 minute, or 2 miles 1613 yards in an hour ; in double quick, 140 steps=109 yards in 1 minute, or 3 miles 1253 yards in an hour. 17. What space does a foot soldier occupy in the ranks, and what is his average weight ? 116 HAND-BOOK OF AimLLERY. A front of 20 in., and a depth of 13 in., without the knap- sack ; the interval between the ranks is 13 in. ; 5 men can stand in a space of 1 square yard. Average weight of men, 150 lbs. each. 18. AYhat is the daily allowance of water for a man ? r-. - < One gallon, for all purposes. ^ 19. AVhat is it for a horse ? Four gallons. 20. What is the weight of a bushel of oats ; or of wheat ; and the weight of hay / 40 lbs., or 32.14 lbs. to the cubic foot, in case of oats; 60 lbs. to the bushel, or 48.21 lbs. to the cubic foot, in case of wheat; hay pressed in bundles, weighs 11 lbs. per cubic foot. 21. What weight does an infantry soldier carry when in marching order ? About 45 lbs. in all. His knapsack when packed weighs 24 lbs. ; canteen when filled, and one day's provisions in haversack, 5 lbs. ; rifle, musket, sling, and bayonet, lOi lbs. ; belts, complete, including 20 rounds of ammunition, 6 lbs. 22. How is the area of a circle found ; Square the diameter, and multiply by .7854 for the area ; or square the circumference, and multiply by .07958 for the same result. 23. How is the content of a conical frustum found ? Add into one sura, the areas of the two ends and the mean proportional between them ; take one-third of that sum for the mean area, and multiply it by the perpendicular height of the frustum, for its content. 24. How is the mean proportional found for the above ? By multiplying the areas of the two ends together and ex- tracting the square-root of their product. A more sim- r-. re: pie rule is the following : As the diameter of the large ^ end is to that of the small end, so is area of base to mean proportional required. 25. How is the content of a spherical segment found ? From three times the diameter of the sphere, take double the height of the segment, then multiply the remainder by the square of the height, and this product by .5236 ; or, to three times the square of the radius of the segment's base, add the square of its height, then multiply the sum by the height, and this product by .5236, for the content. MISCELLANEOUS. 117 26. How is the capacity or content of a Gomer chamber computed ? This chamber being the frustum of a cone with a hemi- spherical bottom, its capacity will be found by applying the foregoing rules, viz : first find the content of the frustum, then that of the spherical segment or bottom, and add their contents into one sum for the capacity. 27. How is the content of a rectangular box ascertained? Multiply the length by the breadth, and this product by the depth. 28. How is the capacity of a c.ylindcr calculated? Multiply the area of the base by the height. 29. How is the content of a barrel found ? Multiply half the sum of the areas of the two interior cir- cles, taken at the head and bung, by the interior length ; or, to the area of the head, add twice the area at the bung, nml- tiply that sum by the length, and take one-third of the pro- duct for the content. ^ _p-| 30. What is meant by the term, enfilade ? -' Sweeping the whole extent of a work, line of troops, deck of a ship, &c., with shot or shells. 31. AVhat does defilade mean ? The art of disposing guns, troops, or works in such a man- ner, that they shall be protected from a plunging-fire from adjoining heights. 32. What are the dimensions required for an earthen pa- rapet to resist the fire of field or siege guns ? 6 feet for 6-pdrs. ; 14 feet for 12-pdrs. ; 18 feet for 24 or 18-pdrs. ; four feet of oak or brick will resist cannon shot. 33. What thickness of ice will admit the passage of in- fantry, cavalry, and artillery ? Ice 3 inches thick, will bear infantry marching in file; from 4i to 6h inches, cavalry and light artillery ; and beyond that the heaviest gun carriages may pass in safety. " Ice 8 inches thick will bear nearly 10 cwt. upon a square foot without danger. 34. How is the size of a rope designated ? By its circumference : thus, a two- inch rope is a rope two inches in circumference. 35. How is the strength of a hemp rope, or the weight it will support, ascertained ? 118 HAND-BOOK OP ARTILLERY. Square the circumference in inches, and divide by 5, for the weight in tons, that it will bear suspended from it. 36. How can the breadth of a river be ascertained without instruments ? As follows : [157 1st. The line AB (the distance to be determined) is ex- tended upon the bank to X>, from which point, after having marked it, lay off equal distances DC and Cd ; produce BC to 6, making- Ch=CB ; then extend the line dh until it intersects the prolongation of the line CA at a. The dis- tance ab is equal to AB or the width of the river. 2d. Lay off any convenient distance, BC, perpendicular to AB, erect a perpendicular DC to AC, note the point D where it intersects AB produced; measure BD ; then AB= .* BD 37. How can the breadth of a river be ascertained by the means of the peak of a cap, or cocked hat ? *The 2d method was suggested to ine by Captain Vogdes, 1st Artillery, U. S. Army. MISCELLANEOUS* 119 j^gl Place yourself at the edge of one bank, and lower ■" the peak of the cap, or point of the hat till the edge cut the other bank, then steady your head, by placing your hand under your chin, and turn gently around to some level spot of ground on your own side of the river, and observe where your peak or point of your hat again meets the' ground; measure this distance, which will be nearly the breadth of the river. 88. How do you ascertain the distance of an object by means of the tangent scale of a gun, the height of the object at the required distance being known ? Direct the line of metal of the gun on the top of the object; then raise the tangent slide till the top of it and notch on the muzzle are in line with the foot of the object, and note what length of scale is required ; then, by similar triangles, as the length of the raised part of the tangent scale is to the length of the gun, so is the height of the dis- tant object to the distance required. 39. What composition may be used for greasing the axle- trees of artillery carriages ? Hog's lard softened by working it. If this cannot be pro- cured, tallow or other grease may be used ; if hard, it should be melted with jfish-oil. 40. What is the simplest method of bursting open strong gates ? Suspend a bag of gunpowder containing 50 or 60 lbs., near the middle of the gate, upon a nail or gimlet, having a small piece of port-fire inserted at the bottom, and well se- cured with twine. 41. What is the length of a pendulum to vibrate seconds, half and quarter seconds respectively ? Seconds, 39.1 inches; half-seconds, 9.8 inches; and quar- ter-seconds, 2.45 inches. -J f-Q-i 42. Give a formula for determining the length of the ^ -' seconds pendulum in any latitude. ^-9mmU^^-^^'^^. f-^^t-O-OSai COB. 2 lat.] 43. How are the times of a single oscillation of two pen- dulums to each other? As the square roots of their lengths. 120 HAND-BOOK OF AllTILLERY. 44. Repeat the table of measures. 10 tenths, - - - - - 1 iucb. 4 inches, - - - - - 1 hand. 32 inches, - - - - - 1 foot. 28 inches, - - - - - 1 puce. . 3 feet, - - - ... 1 yard. 2 yards, - - - - -1 fathom. 220 yards, » * . - - - 1 furlong. 1760 yards, - - - - - 1 mile. 45. Repeat the table of avoirdupois weight. 47.34735 grains, - - - - - 1 dram. 16 drams, - - - - - 1 ounce. 16 ounces, - - - • - 1 pound. 28 pounds, - - - - - 1 quarter. 4 qrs. or 112 lbs. - - - - - 1 cwt. 20 cwt. - - - - - 1 ton. In some of our States the ton is estimated at 2000 lbs. 46. What is the force of gravity ? It is that force of attraction exerted by the earth upon all particles of matter which tends to urge them towards its centre. 47. What is the specific gravity of a body ? The ratio of the weight of a body to that of an equal vol- ume of some other body assumed as a standard, usually pure distilled water at a certain temperature. 48. AVhat is the law of descent of falling bodies ? The spaces fallen through from the commencement of the descent are proportional to the squares of the times elapsed. 49. What compositions are made use of for preserv- rj^Q ing iron cannon ? '■ 1. Black lead, pulverized, - - - - 12 Red lead, 12 Litharge, - - - - - - 5 Lampblack, - - - - - - 5 Linseed Oil, - - - - - - 66 Boil it gently about twenty minutes, during which time it must be constantly stirred. 2. Umber, ground, ----- 3.75 Gum Shellac, pulverized, .... 3.75 Ivory black, ------ 3.75 Litharge, -.--.. 3.75 Linseed Oil, - - - " - - - 78 Spiiits cf turpentine. - - " - - 7.25 mi8Cellanp:ous. 1:21. The oil must be first boiled half an hour; the mixture is then boiled 24 hours, poured off from the sediment, and put in jugs, corked. 3. Coal tar (of good quality), - - - 2 gals. Spirits of tiirpeutine, - - - - 1 pint. In applying lacker, the surface of the iron must be first cleaned with a scraper and a wire brush, if necessary, and the lacker applied hot, in two thin coats, with a paint brush. It is better to do it in summer. Old lacker should be re- moved with a scraper, or by scouring, and not by heating the guns or balls, by which the metal is injured. About 5 gallons of lacker are required for 100 field-guns and 1000 shot ; about 1 quart for a sea-coast gun. Before the lacker is applied, every particle of -rust is removed from the gun, and the vent cleared out. .50. How many gallons does a cubic foot contain ? 7.48 gallons. 51. What is the weight of a gallon of distilled water? •jPII At the maximum density" (39^.83 Fahr.), the baro- -" meter being at 30 inches, it weighs 8.33888 avoirdupois pounds, or 58373 Troy grains. 52. ^Vhat are the different lengths of plummets for regu- lating the march of infantry ? Common time, - - 99 steps in a minute, - - 17.37 inches. Quick time, - - - 110 ^' " - - 11.6 Double quick, - - 140 " " - - 7.18 " 53. How is a plummet made ? By means of a musket ball, suspended by a silk string, upon which the required lengths are marked ; the length is measured from the point of suspension to the centre of the ball. 54. Explain how to embark and disembark artillery and its stores. 1. Divide the total quantity to be transported among the vessels, and place in each vessel every thing necessary for the service required at the moment of disembarkation, so that there will be no inconvenience should other vessels be delayed. 2. If a siege is to be undertaken, place in each vessel with each piece of artillery its implements, ammunition, and the carriages necessary to transport the whole or a part ; the G 122 IIAXD-BOOK OF ARTILLERY. platforms, tools, instruments, and materials for constructing batteries ; skids, rollers, scantling, and plank. 3. If a particular calibre of gun is necessary for any operation, do not place all of one kind in one vessel, to avoid being entirely deprived of them by any accident. 4. Dismount the carriages, Ava«ons, and limbers, by taking' off the wheels and boxes, and, if absolutely necessary, the axle-trees. Place in the boxes the linch-pins, washers, &c., with the tools required for putting the carriage together r^Q2 again. Number each carriage, and mark each detached ^ article with the nmnber of the carriage to which it belongs. 5. The contents of each box, barrel, or bundle, should be marked distinctly upon it. The boxes should be made small for the convenience of handling, and have rope handles to lift them by. 6. Place the heaviest articles below, beginning with the shot and shells (empty), then the guns, platforms, carriages, wagons, limbers, ammunition boxes, &c. ; boxes of small arms and ammunition in the dryest and least exposed part of the vessel. Articles required to be disembarked first should be put in last, or so placed that they can be readily got at. If the disembarkation is to be performed in front of the enemy, some of the field-pieces should be so placed that they can be disembarked immediately, with their carriages, im- plements and ammunition; also" the tools and materials for throwing up temporary intrenchments on landing. 7. Some vessels should be laden solely with such powder and ammunition as may not be required for the immediate service of the pieces. 8. On a smooth, sr^ndy beach, heavy pieces, &c., may be landed by rolling them overboard as soon as the boats gr Jiintl, ;\nd hauling them up with sling-carts. 163] APPENDIX. RIFLE CANNON. A rifle is a firearm wliicli has spiral grooves cut into the surface of its l3ore, for the purpose of comiuunicatiug a rotary motion to a projectile around au axis coinciding with the direction of its flight. The object of this rotation is to increase the range of a projectile, by causing it to move through the air in the direction of its least resistance, and to correct the cause of deviation by distributing it uniformly around the line of flight. Yarious plans have been tried to secure the safest and surest means of causing the projectile to folloAv the spiral grooves as it passes along the bore of a rifled piece. Those projectiles, which promise to be the most successful for heavy guns, may be ranged under two heads, viz : 1st. Tho.se Avhich have flanges or projections on them to fit into the gi'ooves of the gun in loading. The flanges are made of softer metal than the body of the pro- jectile. Sd. Those which are constmcted on an expanding principle. The body is generally made of cast iron ; and the expanding jiortion is a bancl or cup of some softer metal, as peicter, copper, or ,p.-, wrougfit iron, which enters the bore of the piece freely Avhen -• it is loaded, but which is forced into the grooves by the dis- charge. The grooves are of different forms, determined by the angle made by the tangent line at any point with the corresponding eltiment of the bore. If the angles be equal at all points, the groove is said to be uniform. If they increase from the breech to the muzzle, tiie grooves are called increasing ; if the reverse, decreasing grooves. The practical method of cutting grooves consists in moving a rod armed with a cutter, back and fortli in the bore, and at the same time revolving it around its axis. If tlie velocities of translation and rotation be both uniform, the grooA-es will have a uniform twist; if one of the velocities be variable, the grooves avIII be either increasing or decreasing, depending on the relative velocities in the tvvo directions. 124 APPENDIX. Twist is tlic term employed by gmimakcrs to express the iucliiia- tiou of a o-roove at any point, and is measured Ijy the tantjcnt of tLe ang-le vrliicli the groove makes with the axis of the bore; and this is alicays equal to the circumference of the bore divided by the length of a single revolution of the spiral measured in the direction of the axis. The most suitable inclination of grooves for a rifle cannon has not yet been determined experimentally ; and consequently a wide diversity of twists is employed by different experimenters. The following' table* presents a synopsis of the results in case of some rilie cannon tested at Fort Monroe, Ya., in 1859, by a Board composed of ordnance and artillery oflficers. The following is extracted from the report of the Board : " The method of obtaining rifle motion in these difi'erent [165 guns is of two kinds : " 1. Flanged projectiles entering into the grooves of the gun. " 2. Expanding projectiles, which are forced into the grooves by the action of the charge. Although the flanged projectile, when made with great precision, has given good results, as shown by the tables of firing, the extreme nicety in its fabrication, and the care and trouble to load the gun, particularly when it becomes foul by firing, seems to render it not as suitable for service as the expanding' projectile. "From the results obtained, the conclusion is inevitable that the. era of smooth-bore field artillery has passed away, and that tlie period of the adoption of rifle cannon tor siege and garrison service cannot be remote. The superiority of elongated projectiles, whether solid or hoUoAV, -with the rifle rotation, as regards economy of am- munition, extent of range, and uniformity and accuracy of effect, over th(^ present system, is decided and unquestionable." The Armstrong gun, of which so much has been said, belongs to the class of breech-loading rifle-cannon. Its projectile is made of cast iron, surrounded by t^vo leaden rings, placed at the extremi- ties of the cylindrical part, for the purpose of engaging the grooves, wh(m it is forced through the bore. The grejit range and accuracy claimed for tliis projectile, are probably derived from its great lengtli compared with its diameter; but a gun of great strength would be required to project it. See Table, pagew IGG, 1(J7. 126 APPENDIX. 166] Target 40' by 20'. Calibre. Bore. ClROOVES. N.VJIE. u T\%T[ST. s ,a Width. Deptli. 1 to d ft ^ ^ in. in. in. in. Sawyer, - 24-pdr. 5.862 130 (i 1.5 0.25 Uniform, one turn in 34^ feet. Dimick, 32-pdr. 6.4 101 6 2.0 0.2 rectan. Increasing from to one turn in 62A feet at muzzle ; twist to the right Dr. Read, - 12-pdr. Siege 4.854 109 l-14th circum. .03 to .08 Increasing from at commencera't to one turn in 50 feet at muzzle. Do. 12-pr. Field 4.636 74 " do. do. Do. do. Do. 32-pr. 6.425 110 3 l-6th circum. .085 to .12 circular. Uniform, one turn in 40 feet. Do. 6-pr. 3.69 103.4 3 do. .077 to. Ill circular. Uniform, to the right, one turn in 25 feet. Capt. Dyer, 3-pr. 2.9 44.5 8 0.4 .05 Uniform, one turn in 16 feet. Do. 6-pr. bronze 3.67 57.5 16 0.5 .025 Uniform, one tura in 19 feet. The following is a description of the several projectiles, viz : Sawyer's. — Flanged projectile ; elongated; entire shell coated with an alloy chiefly of lead, and has a percussion cap on small end. DmiCK'S. —-Expanding shell ; elongated ; cup of soft metal cast on rear end of projectile. APPENDIX. 12: Target 40' by 20^.— Continued. [167 '0' oi bo i 1000 Yards. 2000 Yards. CS 1 < 11 ace it 6 S en 0.2 <5W 11 1 ^3 K x 1" _^. lbs. 8822 lbs. 45 lbs. 5t 15 13 2 1 2 " 119 32 17 4 30 6 4359 / 13.i 9300 51 6 7 5 1 2 15 58 21 6 5 6i- 5000 22 3 2G 14 9 2 15 30 5 8 4 30 1900 15 2 48 16 3 3 8500 50 6 10 8 2 2 15 3 84 19 8 5 6i 3665 11 30 1200 12 H 28 18 4 2 10 52 9 5 4 45 250 9 1 28 16 5 2 25 18 4 2 5^ 7 3270 13 30 880 14 U 22 11 4 .15 15 Reed's. — The body is of cast iron and the expanding portion is a cup of wrought iron, which is fastened to the body by inserting it in the mould and pouring the melted metal around it. DYER's.—Description nearly the same as that of Dimick's. IZSTDEX 5-^^ The pages refer to the figures iu the margin of the text. AIR : Resistance of, 148. AMMUNITION : For field battery, 41 ; for seige train, 37-8 ; sto- rage 103-4: preparation, 93-4, 100-1-2 ; weights of fixed, 107. ANGLE : Of greatest range, 66 ; of fall, 74 , of least elevation for mortars, 67; of elevation for stone-mortars, 67 — Natural angle of sight, 12; of guns, 26; of howitzers, 29; of columbiads, 30. ANIMAL POWER, 152. ARC, elevating, 18. AREA of a circle, 154. ARMSTRONG GUN, 165. ARTIFICIAL LINE OF SIGHT, 53. ARTILLERY: Definition, 9 — Method of embarking and disem- barking, 161-2 — Carriages (see carriages) — Kinds of, 9; how- distinguished, 9 — Proportion of, to Infantry, 40 — Proportion of different kinds in a field train, 40 ; in seige train, 36 ; for moun- tain service, 42; for armament of forts, 35 — How rendered un- serviceable, 20-1. ASTRAGAL AND FILLETS; Definition, 13. ATTACK of a post, 150. AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT, 159. AXIS OF A PIECE : Definition, 12. BALLS : Diameters and weights, 105-6 ; computation of weight and diameter, 95; piling, 103; number in a pile, 104-5; fire, 92; light, 92 ; smoke, 93 ; penetration, 149-50. BARBETTE CARRIAGE: Kinds, 132— Parts composing 133— Description, 133-4. BARRELS: For gunpowder, marking, 88; piling, 88; transpor- tation, 89. BATTERY: Definition of, 11— Of field artillery, composition, 41 ; tactics, 44-5-6-7-8-9, 50 — Mountain Artillery, 42 — Ammunition for field battery, 41. BATTERY-WAGON, 143-4. BEDS, mortar: Weights, 33 — Trunnion beds, 129 — Siege mortar, 130-1— Coehcrn, 131— Eprouyette, 131— Heavy sea-coast, 131-2, 130 INDEX. BASE-RING: Defiuitiou, 13. BASE OF THE BREECH : Defiuition of, 13. BOARD, Pointing, 58. BORE : Definition, 14 ; Lottom of, 15. BORMANN FUZE, 112-13. BRASS CANNON : External injury, 23. BREADTH of a river ascertained, 157-8. BREACHING: Battery, best jDOsition for, 38; manner of, 38-9; time required, 39. BREECH: Definition, 13— Sights, 16; how used, 53; construc- tion, 17 ; pieces supplied with, 17. BRONZE: Objections to, for cannon, 10; Avhy used for field pieces, 10; kinds of bronze pieces used, 11. BURNING gunpowder : Quickness of, 87. BURSTING OPEN gates, 158. BUSHING a piece, 20 ; metal used for, in bronze pieces, 20 ; ob- ject of, 20 ; all noAv artillery not bushed, 20. CAISSON : Description of, 142-3 ; number with a field battery, 41. CAKING of powder prevented, 89. CALIBRE : Definition, 12 ; number in a piece ascertained, 12. CANISTERS, 91 : For field service, how made, 94 ; for seige and sea-coast service, how made, 95 — How piled, 104. CANNON: Bore, 12 — Brass, external and internal injuries, 23— Dimensions, how regulated, 11 — For siege train, 36 — Iron, inju- ries, 24 — preseiwation of, 25 ; service of, how judged, 24 — How marked, 21-2 — Condemned cannon, how marked, 22 — Proof of, 22— Kinds, 9— Length of, 27-8, 30, 33— Rifle cannon, 163-7. CARCASSES, 92. CARRIAGES: Classification, 123— Movable, 123; field gun, 125-6; mountain artillery, 127; prairie, 127; limbers, 126-9; siege gun, 128— Stationary, 129-30; barbette, 132-3-4; case- mate, 138-9; columbiad, 136-7; flank-casemate, 140— Mortar beds, 131 — Wrought iron, 141-2— Number in a field battery, 41. CARTRIDGE-BAGS: Where filled, 89. CARTRIDGES : For hot shot, 97. CASCABLE, 13. CASEMATE : Carriage, 138-9— Gin, 146. CHAMBER : Definition, 14 ; object of, 32 ; form for mortars, 32 ; for howitzers, 28 ; for eprouvette, 32 ; gomer, 32. CHARGES : Definition, 60— For breeching, 60— For double shot, 60— For field guns and howitzers, 62— For fire-balls, 61— For heavy guns, columbiads and hoAvitzers, 62 — Service charge for heavy guns, 60 — For hot shot, 60 — Greatest charges for mortars, 62— For mortars, how regulated, 61— For ricochet fii'ing, 60— For shells fired from columbiads and heavy guns, 108— For field shells, 108— For mortar shells, 107— For Bphericahcase shot, 108, INDEX. 131 CHASE, Definition, 13. CHASSIS : For barbette carriage, 134-5— For casemate, carriage, 139-40 — For columbiad, 138 — For flank-casemate, 141 — For wrought iron carriage, 142. CHEEKS, 124. COEHORN MORTAR: Diameter, 33— Weight of bed, 33— Length of, 33 — Length of bore, 33 — Length of chamber, 33 — Use, 34 — Greatest charge for, 62 — Bed, description of, 131. COLUMBIADS: Definition, 30— Windage, 82— Charges, 62— Chamber, 30— Peculiarities, 30— Weights, 30— Length, 30— Na- tural angle of sight, 30 — Gun carriage, 136-7; chassis, 137-8 — Shells, charges for, 108 ; method of loading, 102. COMPOSITION, for preserving iron pieces, 160; application, 160; for axle-trees of carriages, 158. CONDEMNED cannon, hoAv marked, 22; shot, how marked, 102. CONTENT : Of a barrel, 155 ; box, 155 ; conic frustum, 154 ; go- mer chamber, 155 ; spherical segment, 155 ; cyUnder, 155. DAY'S MARCH : Of field artiUerj, 153. DEFILADE : Definition, 156. DEPTH OF PENETRATION of balls, 149-50. DESCENT of falling bodies : Law of, 159. DIAMETER : Of coehorn mortar, 33 ; of eprouvette, 33 ; of stone- mortar, 33 ; of cast-iron shot, how found, 95 ; of shot, shells, and spherical case, 105 ; of vent, 16. DIMENSIONS: Of cannon, how regulated, 11; of a parapet to resist field artillery, 156. DIPPING OF THE MUZZLE, 77-8. DISCHARGES : Number an iron gun can sustain, 39. DISH, of a wheel, 124. DIRECTION, how given: To guns and howitzers, 51-2; to mor- tars, 56-8 — At night, 55, 59 — When wheels are not on same level, 54. DISTANCE : For firing field pieces, 46 — Ascertained by sound, 151 — Determined by a tangent scale, 158 — Of recoil, 77 — Of ricochet battery from object, 74. DISPART: Definition, 13. DOLPHINS : Definition, 19 ; pieces furnished with, 19. DRIVING OUT shot wedged in the bore, 21. ELEVATION : Necessity for, 51 — How given to guns and howit- zers, 52 ; to mortars, 56 ; instruments for, 52 — Angle of, for mor- tars, 67 ; greatest angle in vacuo, 66 : angle of for ricochet fire, 74. ELEVATING ARC, 18. EMBARKING Artilleiy and its stores, 161-2. ENFILADE : Definition, 156. ENFILADING a work, 73-4-5— Object to be fired at, 73. 132 INDEX. EPEOUVETTE, 11 ; form of cliamber, 32— Calibre, 33— T ''se of, 34— Bed, 33, 131- Leuo-th of bore, 33. EXPANSION of hot shot, 9G. EXTERNAL injuiy to cannon, 23-4. PACE of the piece: Definition of, 14. FALL: Point of, 73— Angle of, 74. FALLING BODIES, law of descent, 159. FIELD ARTILLERY : Charges for, 62— Kinds, 40— Tactics, 44-9, 50. FIELD BATTERY: Number of pieces, 40— Battery of horse ar- tillery, 41 — Composition of, on a Avar establishment, 41 — Compo- sition of mountain howitzer battery, 42 — Ammunition, 41 — Draught hor.ses, 42. FIELD GL^N, how mounted, 44— Charges for, 62. FIELD CARRIAGES: Kinds of, 125- Description, 125-6. FIELD AND SIEGE GIN, 146. FIELD SHELLS: Loading, 100- Charges, 108. FIELD-PARK, 42; quantity of supplies for, 42; carriages, 43. FILLING: Mortar shells, 101 ; columbiad shells, &c., 102. FIRE BALLS: Definition, 92— Charges, 61— How preserved, 104. FIRING : Field pieces, 46-7-8 — Rapidity of, for mortars, 34 ; for field pieces, 46 — Within point blank range, rale for, 52 — At night with guns and howitzers, 55; with mortars, 59 — Mode of facili- tating firing for any given distance, 54 ; use of remarkable points on the ground, 55 — Ricochet firing, 73 — Effect of firing upwards under a large angle, 65. FIXED AMMUNITION: Storing, 103-4— Weights of, 107. FLIGHT OF PROJECTILES: Time of, 149. FLANK-CASEMATE carriage, 140-41. FOOT, number of gallons in a cubic, 160. FOOT SOLDIER, space occupied bv, in ranks, 153. FORGE, 143— Portable, 144— Number with a field battery, 41 ; with field-park, 43. FORCES acting on a projectile, 51. FORCE of gravity, 159. FRICTION PRIMER: Description, 115; advantages of, 116. FURNACES for hot shot, 97. FUZES : Definition, 109— Wooden, 109-10— Paper, 111— Borraann, 112-13 — U. S. sea-coast, 114 — Composition for mortar fuzes, 110; for paper fuzes. 111. GINS: Field and siege, 146; garrison, 146; casemate, 146. GO^MER CHAMBER, 32. GRAPE SHOT, 91 ; weight of, 107. GRATES for heating shot, 98. INDEX. 133 GKAVITY: Specific, 159— Force of, 159. GREASE for wheels, 158. GROOVES for rifle cannon, 163-4. GRENADES, 91 — Angle of elevation for, wlien thrown from stone- mortars, 67. GROMMETS, 99. GUNS: Definition, 26— Leng-tbs, 27— Weights, 27— Proof, 22— Ranges, 68-9, 70-1-2 — Nomenclature, 13, 14, 15— rPrincipal parts of, 26 — Projectiles nsecl v.'ith, 27 — Hoav mounted, 26 — Natural angle of sight of, 26. GUN METAL: Bronze, 9, 10— Cast iron, 9, 10. GUNNERS' IMPLEMENTS: Level, 18- Quadi'ant, 18— How used, 52-3. GUN-CARRIAGES: Field, 125-6; siege, 128; barbette, 132-4; casemate, 138-9; flank-casemate, 140; moimtain howitzer, 127 ; wrought iron, 141 ; prairie, 127-8 — Columbiad, 136-7. GUNPOWDER : Materials, 83— Proportions. 83— Manufacture, 84 — Qualities of, 87 — Packing, 87-8 — Proving, 86 — Expansive velocity and pressure, 87 — Hvgrometric proof, 87 — Relative quickness, 87 — Preservation and storage, 88-9 — Transportation, 89. HAND-CART, 145. HAND SLING-CART, 145-6. HAUSSE : Pendulum, 17. HAY: Weight of, 154. HORSES : Number required for a field battery, 42 ; for siege train, 37 — Power of, 152 — Space occupied bj, 152 — Number required for siege gun, 129 — "Weight, 152. HORSE ARTILLERY: Peculiar advantages of, 43. HOT SHOT, 97-8— Loading with, 97— Expansion of, 96. H0WITZP:RS : Definition, 28— Kinds of, and weights, 29— Lengths, 28-9 — Number in field battery, 41 ; in siege train, 36 — Chamber, form of, 28 — Advantages of, 28 — Projectiles used witli, 28 — Natu- ral angle of sight of, 29 — Charges for, 62 — Pointing, 5i. ICE : Strength of, 156. IMPLEMENTS: Quadrant, 18; breech sight, 16; pendulum hausse, 17; gunner's p^^rpendicular, 18; pointing stakes, 57-8; pointing wires, 56; plummet, 18, 58; pointing cord, 57. INCENDIARY COMPOSITION, 117. INJURIES to cannon, 23. IRON pn'fvrrcd to bronze. 10. IRON CANNON used in land service, 10, 11. JUNK- WADS, 99. 134 INDEX. KNOB of cascable, K5; use of, 39. LACQUER, for iron guns, 160. LENGTH of cannon: Definition of, 11— Extreme length, 12. LINE, Of lire, 64 — Of metal, 12; how directed, 52-3; not perma- nent, 54 — Artificial line of sight, 53. LIGHT BALLS, 92. LIMBERS: For field carriages, 126; for siege caniages, 129. LOADING : With hot shot, 97— Field shells, lUO— Spherical case, 101-2 — Mortar shells, 101-2 — Shells for colnmhiads and other heavy guns, 102. MAGAZINES: Moisture of, how absorbed, 89 ; powder stored in, 88 ; precautious to be observed when open, 89. MARKING : Cannon, 21-2 ; condemned shot and shell, 102 ; pow- der barrels, 88. MARCHES: Horse-artillery, field-artillery, cavahy, and infantry, 153. MATCH: Quick, 116; slow, 116. METALS ibr artillery, 9. MOMENTUM, 151. MORTAR-WAGON, 145. MORTARS, 31— Advantages of, 31— Lengths and weights, 33— Kinds, 11 — Beds, weights of, 33 — Platform, 121 — Form of cham- ber, 32 — Length of chamber and of bore, 33 — Kinds of projectiles used Avith, 34 — Rapidity of fire of siege mortnrs, 34 — Poinling, 56, 58 ; Greatest charges for, 62 — Angles of elevation for, 66-7 — Siege mortar beds, 13(J-1 — Coehorn mortar bed, 131 — Eprouvette bed, 13J — Sea-coast mortar bed, 132. MOUNTAIN artillery: Dimension and Aveights of, 29 — Composi- tion of a batterv, 42 — Ranges, 69. MULES: Strcngtli of, ir,'2. MUZZLE: Dellnition, 1.5— Sight, 17. NATI^RAL ANGLE of sight, 12. NECK: Dcfiniti.m, 14. NOMENCLATURE of a pioce, 13, 14, 15. NIGHT firing: Witli guns and hoAvitzers, 55; with mortars, .59. OATS: A^'eigbt of, 151. PACK horses, 152. PENDULITM-HAUSSE, 17. PP:NDUL1'MS: Length of, 1.58. PENETRATION of balls: In masonrv, 150; in e.arth, 150. PERPENDICULAR, tnnni.'r's. IS. INDEX* 1-35 PILING: Balls, 103— Canisters, 104— Loaded shells, 104— Pow- der-barrels, 88 — Number of shot in a pile, 104-5. PLATFORMS, 118— Siege, 119-20— Mortar, 121— Rail, 121— Ri- cochet, 122. PLUMMET : For mortar service, 18, 58 — For regulating march of infantry, 161. POINT-BLANK RANGE, 63-4— Causes which vary it, 64— Effect on it of firing upwards under a large angle, 65. POINTING : Guns and howitzers, 51— Mortars, 56— hStakes, 57-8 — Wires, 56 — Cord, 57 — Board, 58. PORT FIRES, 114— Composition for, 115. POINT of fall, 73-4. PRAIRIE CARRIAGE, 127-8. PREPONDERANCE: Definition, 19— Whv given, 19. PRIMERS: Friction, 115. PRIMING-TUBES, 115. PRESERVATION: Of cannon, 25— Fixed ammunition, 103-4— Balls, 102— Grape and canister, 10.3— Fire balls, 104. PROJECTILES: Solid shot, 90— Shell, 90— Spherical case, 90— Canister, 91 — Grape, 91 — Grenades, 91 — Carcasses, 92 — Fire- balls, 92— Light-balls, 92— Smoke-balls, 93— Hot shot, 97-8— Forces acting on, when fired from a piece, 51 — Kind used with field pieces, and distance at which they should be employed, 46, QUADRANT, gunners : How used, 52-3. QUARTER SIGHTS, 18. QUICK MATCH, 116— How set fire to, 117. RANGES: Definition, 6.3— Point-blank, 63— British point-blank, 63 — Causes which vary point-blank, 64 — ExtreuK? range, 66 — ' Angle of greatest range in vacuo, Gii — Tables of, 68-0, 70-1-2 — ' How ascertained, 149. RATE OF MARCH of horse-artillery, cavalry, and infcntry, 153. RECOIL : Definilion, 77 — Cause of, 77 — Amount, 77 — Has no apprccial)le effect on flight of projectile, 78 — Influence of position of axis of trunnions on. 78-9. RE-INFORCE, 13— Band, 13. RESISTANCE OF AIR to projectiles, 147-8. RICOCHET: Definition, 7;'»— Object of, 73— How conducted, 74-5 — Advantages of, 73 — Nature of, 75 — Charges for ^fattened ricochet, 76 ; k)xcurvnte(J,'7Q — Tables of ricochet tiring, 76 — Pieces best adapted for, 7.5 — Distance from object of ricochet battery, 74 — Greatest angle of elevation for ricochet firing, 74. RIFLE-CANNON: Experiments at Fort Monroe, 166-7 — Arm- strong gim, 165. RTMBASES, ]4. 136 INDEX. RING WADS, 94. EIVERS: Breadth, 156-7. EOPES : size and strength of, 156. SABOTS : Dificrence in, for field service, 93 — Arrangement for field-guns and 12-pdr. field-howitzer, 93; in 24 and 3*2-pdr. field- hoAvitzers, 93 — Mode of fastening sabots to projectiles for field- service, 93-4 ; for heavy shells, 94; for canisters, 94-5 ; for grape- shot, 95. SEA-COAST PIECES, how mounted, 35— Number and kind re- quired for sea-board forts, 35 — Heavy sea-coast mortar-bed, 131-2. SCALING a piece, 21. SHOT : Solid, 90— Hollow, 90— Rule for finding weights and dia- meters of cast-iron shot, 95 — Condemned shot, how marked, 102 — Piling, 103-4 — Preservation, 102-3 — Forces acting on a shot, 51 — Penetration, 149-50 — Time required to heat, 97-8 — Expan- sion of by heat, 96 — Ranges of, 68-72 — Method of driving oiit shot Avedged in the bore, 21 — Velocity of, 147. SHELLS, 90 ; Dimensions and weights, 106-7 — Mode of computing weigiit of, 95 — Quantity of i30Avder to fill, 96 — Strapping, 93 — Loading, 100-1-2 — Ranges, 68-72 — Condemned, how marked, 102— Velocity, 147. SIGHTS of a. piece: Definition, 12— How determined, 12— Quar- ter, 16. SIEGE ARTILLERY : Kinds, 36— Proportions in a siege train, 36; of carriages, 36-7; draught horses, 37; projectiles and am- munition, 37-8 — Siege mortar-beds, 130-1. SLING-CART : Hand, 140. SLOW MATCH, 116. SMOKE BALLS, 93. SOUND: Velocitv, 151 — Distance determined by, 151. SPECIFIC GRAVITY, 159. SPHERICAL CASE, 90— Loading, 100-1. SPIKING cannon, 20. STAKES, pointing: How planted, 57-8. STONE MORTAR: Lengtb,33— Weight, 33— Calibre, 33— Length of bore, 33 — Length of chamber, 33 — Use of, 34 — Stones, how disposed, 34. STORING of fixed ammunition, 103-4. STRAPPING SHOT and shells, 93-4. STRENGTH : Of ice, 156— Of rope, 156. SWELL of the muzzle, 14. TABLES: Of charges, 02- Of ranges, 68-9, 70-1-2— Of wind- age, 8J-2 — Of weights of projectiles, 106-7 — Of measures, 159 — Of avoirdupois weight, 159. rsTDEX. 137 TACTICS of field artillery, 44-5-6-7-8-0-50.. TANGENT SCALE, 16. TIME OF FLIGHT for siege-mortars, 67— How found, 149. TRAJECTORY, 64. TRANSPORTATION: Of artillery ])y sea, 161-2— Of siege-guns, 129. TRAVERSE circles, 135. TRIINNIOXS: Definition, 14— Use, 19— Position in mortars, Si- Beds, 129. TRUE WINDAGE : Definition, 15. UNSPIKING cannon, 21. VALENCIENNES composition, 117. VELOCITY: Of balls, 147— Loss of, by resistance of air, 147— Of sound, 151 — Loss of, by windage, 81. VENT : Dcfmition, 15— Position and diameter of, 16. VERTICAL FIRE, 31. WADS: Grommet, 99— Junk, 99— Hay, for firing hot-shot, 98. WATER: Weight of, 161 — Allowance for a man and a horse, 154. WEIGHTS : Guus, 27— Columbiads, 30— Howitzers, 29— Mortars, 33 — Projectiles, 106-7 — Of wheels for field canMages, 144; and for siege caniages, 144 — Proportion between weights of shot, 95 — Of cast-iron shot or shell, how determiued, 95 — Quantity of pow- der to fill a shell, how found, 96 — Carried by horses, 152 — Car- ried by an infantry soldier, 154. WHEELS : Field carriage, size and weight, 144 — Siege carriage^ size and weight, 144 — Parts of, 124. WINDAGE : Definition, 80— Amount, 81-2— Loss of velocity by, 81 — Advantage of a reduction of, 81 . WIRES, pointing, 56.