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THE
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY,
SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES
(ARMY AND MILITIA.)
BY
CAPT. JOSEPH ROBERTS.
4th Regt. Art. U. S. Armv.
SECOND EDITION, KKVISKD AND K N I.A It G K 1>
CHARLESTON:
EVANS & COGSWELL, PRINTERS.
1861
PROCEEDINGS
The following Report was made by the Committee ap-
pointed at a meeting of the staff of the Artillery School
at Fort Monroe, Va., to whom the commanding officer of
rlie School had referred ihis work :
Your Committee to which has been referred the consid-
eration of the work of Captain Roberta, proposed as h
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 fol-
lowing subjects.
[For subjects see Table of Contents, page 7.]
Under each of these heads, except the last, the work
contains a number of questions and answers. Your Com-
mittee have carefully examined each of these questions
and their corresponding answers, and find that the an-
swers have been principally drawn from the following
sources, viz: Gibbon's Artillerist's Manual, Light and
Heavy Artillery Tactics, and the Ordnance Manual, all
of which works have been authorized by the "War Depart-
ment. Wherever the prescribed authorities furnish the
means of answering the questions, they appear to have
been followed as closely as possible.
In the opinion of your Committee, the arrangement of
the subjects and the selection of the several question.--
4 PROCEEDINGS.
and answers have been judicious. The work id one which
may be advantageously used for reference by the officers,
and is admirably adapted to the instruction of non-com*
missioned officers and privates of Artillery.
Your Committee do therefore recommend that it be sub-
stituted as a text-book in place of "Burns' Questions and
Answers on Artillery."
(Signed)
1. VOGDES,
Cai-t. 1st Aut'y.
(Signed)
B. 0. C. ORD,
('apt. 3d Aut'y.
(Signed)
.1. A. RASKIN,
Bvt.
M
AJ. AND CAPT. 1ST Art'y.
The preceding Report was adopted, and the staff recom-
mended this work as a book of instruction at the Artillery
School, in lien of ''Burns' Questions and Answers on Ar-
tillery."
PEEFACE TO SECOND EDITION
The following compilation was prepared for the instruc-
tion of non-commissioned officers and privates of the Ar-
tillery School, where it is now in successful use as a text-
book. Much of the matter is taken from Burns' Question?
and Answers on Artillery, Gibbon's Artillerist's Manual.
Heavy Artillery Tactics, the Ordnance Manual and Kings-
bury's Artillery and Infantry.
In the preface to the first edition, the compiler inad-
vertently omitted to acknowledge his indebtedness to the
proof-sheets of a forthcoming work on Ordnauce and
Gunnery, by Captain Benton, for a portion of the mat-
ter of the Appendix on Rifle cannon.
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 compilation of this little volume, and for impor-
tant suggestions in the revision of many of the "answers."'
Fort Monroe, Va.. 1861.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGB.
Proceedings, 3
Preface to Second Edition, .... 5
General Table of Contexts, .... 7
Part I, Section 1. On Artillery in General, . 9
« " 2. On Guns, 28
" " 3. On Howitzers, ... 30
" " 4. On Columbiads, . . .32
" " 5. On Mortars, .... 33
" " 6. On Sea-coast Artillery, . 37
" " 7. Siege Artillery, . . . 38
" " 8. Field Guns and Field Batteries, 43
Part II, " 1. Pointing Guns and Howitzers, 55
" ■• 2. Pointing Mortars, ... 61
Part III. Charges, 6o
IV. Ranges, 68
V. Ricochet, 79
VI. Recoil, 84
VII. Windage, 87
VIII. Gunpowder, 90
v CONTENTS.
PAGI.
Part IX. Projectiles, 98
X. Laboratory Stores. .... 119
XI. Platforms, 129
XII. Artillery Carriages and Machines, 134
XIII. Practical Gunnery, . . . .162
XIV. Miscellaneous, 167
Appendix — Rifle Cannon 180
Index, 186
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part I. Section I.
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL.
1. What is understood by the term artil-
lery?
Heavy pieces of every description with
the implements and materials necessary for
their use.
2. How many kinds of pieces are employed
in the land service of the United States ?
Four, viz. : Guns, Howitzers, Columbiads
and Mortars.
3. Hou) are these distinguished f
According to their use, as Sea-coast, Gar-
rison, Siege and Field Artillery.
4. What metals are used in their construc-
tion ?
All heavy pieces, such as those for sea-
coast, siege and garrison equipment, are
made of iron; and those for field service, of
bronze.
5. What is bronze for cannon t
An 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.
10 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
6. Why is bronze used in preference to iron,
for field pieces?
This metal having greater tenacity and
strength than iron, the pieces can be made
lighter.
7. Jn what respect doc* iron merit a prefer-
ence ?
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 t<> batter at distances exceeding
"300 yards; whereas, with iron guns, three times thai num-
ber of rounds were tired with effect, from three times the
distance, for several consecutive days, without any other
injury than the enlargement of their vents. The compara-
tive power of conducting heat in iron and copper being
respectively as 3.743 to 8.932, taking goM at 111.000, it is
evident that in practicing with iron and bronze pieces of
the same calibre, it would 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; while with iron, full charges and rapid
tiriug may 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 land
service f
X2} 18 and 24-pdr. siege and garrison guns,
32 and 42-pdr. sea-coast guns, 8-in. siege and
24-pdr. garrison howitzers, 8 and 10-in. sea-
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 11
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 uged
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 mortal's.
11. What is a battery?
This term is applied to one or more pieces,
or to the place where they are served.
12. What regulates the dimensions of apiece?
Its calibre and the tenacity and elasticity
of the metals employed in its fabrication.
Its thickness must be proportioned to the
effect developed by the powder; and the
length is determined by experiment, and
should not exceed 24 calibres. The exterior
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 toward the muzzle?
Because the elastic force of the inflamed
gunpowder is there greatest, constantly di-
minishing in intensity as the space increases
in which it acts.
14. What is the length of a piece ?
* Those of the new pattern are denominated 64 and
128-pdrs.
L2 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
The distance from the rear of the base-
ring to the lace of the piece.
15. What is the extreme length ?
From the rear of the cascable to the face.
16. What is the boee of a piece?
It includes the part bored out, viz. : the
cylinder, the chamber (if there is one), and
the conical or spherical surface connecting
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 number of inches in the cali-
bre.
19. The number of calibres being known, how
do you find the length of the cylinder f
Multiply the number of calibres by the
calibre in inches.
30. What is meant by the sights of a piece ?
Artificial marks on the piece for determin-
ing the line of fire.
21. How are the sights determined?
Usually by means of the gunner's level.
when the trunnions are perfectly horizontal.
22. What is the line of metal or the natu-
ral line of sight?
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?
The central line of the bore.
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 13
24. - V£hat is the natural angle of sight ?
The angle which the natural line of sight
makes with the axis of the piece.
25. What is the dispart of a piece f
It is the difference of the semi-diameter of
the base-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
swell 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 apiece.
The cascable is the part of the gun in rear
of the base-ring, and is composed generally
of the knob, the neck, the fillet, and the base
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-ring* 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
•'•This has been dispensed with in the brass 12-pdr. of
the new pattern (the Napoleon gun), and in the new model
coluuibiads.
9
14 HAND-ROOK OF ARTILLERY.
is next the breech is called the first reinforce kf
the other the second reinforce.
The REINFORCE rand is at the junction of
the first and second reinforces, in the heavy
howitzers and eoltrmbiads.
•The chase is the conical part of the gun
in front o,f the reinforce.
The ASTRAGAL and fillets in field onus,
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 of the astragal or the chase ring.
The swell of the muzzle is the largest
part of the gun in front of the neck. It is
terminated by the muzzle mouldings, which,
in field and siege guns, consist of the ftp and
fill rt. In sea-coast guns and heavy howit-
zers and columbiads, 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 perpendicular to the axis of the bore.
The trunnions are cylinders, the axis of
which are in aline perpendicular to the axis
of the bore, and in the same plane with that
axis.
The rimrases are short cylinders uniting
the trunnions with the body of the gun.
The ends of the rimbascs. or the shoulders
of the trunnions, are planes perpendicular
to the axis of the trunnions.
The rore of the piece includes all the
part bored out, viz.: the cylinder, the chain-
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 15
ber (if there is one), and the conical or
spherical surface connecting them.
The chamber iii 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 conical
surface with the cylinders of the bore and
chamber, are rounded (in profile) by arcs of
circles. In the 8-in. siege howitzer, the
chamber is united with the cylinder of the
bore by a spherical surface, in order that the
shell may, when necessary, be inserted with-
out a sabot.
The bottom of the bore (to facilitate
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 columbiads, the heavy sea-
coast mortars, stone mortar, and eprouvette,
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 be-
tween the true diameters of the bore and of
the ball.
* The new columbiad is made without a chamber.
16 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
27. What is the vent?
The aperture through which fire is com-
municated to the oharge.
28. What is to be observed in reference to
thr diameter of the1 vent ?
It should be as small as the use o€ the
priming wire and tube will allow.
29. Why?
As the velocity of the gases arising from
the combustion of the powder is extremely
great, a large amount escapes through the
vent, which contributes nothing to the velo-
city of the projectile. It therefore follows,
that the effect produced by a given charge
will diminish as the diameter of the vent
increases. Besides, on account of the in-
crease of power in the current that escapes
from them, large vents are more rapidly in-
jured than small ones.
30. What is the diameter of the vent ?
0.2 of an inch in all pieces except the
eprouvette, in which it is 0.1.
31. What is the position of the (iris 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 bottom equal to one-
fourth the diameter of the bore. As this
inclination renders it easy to pull the fric-
tion tube out of the vent, that of the new
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 17
12-pdr. field gun, and the new eolumbiads
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 t<> the
axis of the piece, and tangent to the upper
surface of the trunnions.
Xote. — Xot used in our service.
33. To what use are the quarter-sights ap-
plied?
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 stout?
An instrument having a graduated scale
of tangents, by means of which any eleva
tion may be given to a piece.
35. How are the divisions of the tang rut
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 multiplying it by the natural tan-
gent of os many degrees as may be required ;
and then deduct the dispart. Thus, for 5°
elevation, and the gun supposed to be 5 feet,
or 60 inches long, multiply .08748, which is
the natural tangent of 5°, by 60; the pro-
duct gives 5.2488 inches; supposing the dis-
part to be 1 inch, the graduating of the
tangent scale will be 4.2488 inches.
18 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
36. With what pieces are breech-sights used?
Guns and howitzers.
37. What is a pendulum hausse?
It is b tangent-scale; the graduations of
which are the tangents of each quarter of a
degree of elevation, fco a radius equal to the
distance between the muzzle-sight of the
piece, and the axis of vibration of the
hausBe, which is one inch in rear of the haso-
ring. At the lower end of the scale is a
brass bulb tilled with lead. The slider, which
marks the divisions 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 lateral-
ly. This piece of steel terminates in pivots,
by means of which the pendulum is sup-
ported on the seat attached to the gun, and
is at liberty to vibrate in the direction of the
axis of the piece. The seat is of metal, and
is fastened to the base of the breech by
screws, so that the centres of the steel piv-
ots 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 iron is screwed into
the swell of the 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 thai a line joining the
muzzle-sight and the pivot of the tangent-
scale is parallel to the axis of the piece.
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 19
38. What is a gunner's level, 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 fast-
ened to the same side of the plate, perpen-
dicular to the axis of the level.
39. What is it used for ?
To mark the points of sights on pieces.
40. What is a plummet ?
A simple line and bob for pointing mortars.
41. What is a gunner's quadrant?
It is a graduated quarter of a circle of
sheet-brass, attached to a brass rule 18 inches
long. It has a vernier turning on a pivot,
to which is attached a spirit-level. To get
a required 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 de-
pressed until the level is horizontal.
There is another graduated quadrant of
wood, of 6 inches radius, attached to a rale
23.5 inches long. It has a ylumb-line and
bob, which are carried, when not in use, in a
hole in the end of the 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 trunnions; the arc is gradu-
20 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
ated into degrees and parte of a degree. By
placing the axis of the piece horizontal, and
marking the breech at any one of the divis-
ions on the aiw any elevation or depression
required will be noted by the number of de-
crees 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. What is the use of the knob of the casca-
ble?
To facilitate the handling of the piece in
mounting and dismounting it. and moving it
when off its carriage!
44. Of what use are the trunnions of a piece?
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.
46. 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 preponder-
ance of a piece ?
It is the excess of weight of the pari in
rear of the trunnions over (hat in front; it
is measured by the lifting force in pounds,
which must be applied at the rear of the
base-ring to balance the piece when suspend-
ed freely on the axis of the trunnions.
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 21
4S. Why is this preponderance given ?
To prevent the sudden dipping of the muz-
zle in firing, and violent concussion on the
carriage at the breech.
49. What is bushing apiece 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 oc-
curred.
52. Is all new artillery hushed ?
No, only bronze pieces, and iron pieces
only when repeated tiring has rendered it
absolutely necessary.
53. How is artillery rendered unserviceable?
I. Drive into the vent a jagged and hard-
ened 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.
22 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
V. Fill the piece with sand over tlie
charge, to bursl it.
VI. Fire a piece against another, muzzle
to muzzle, or the muzzle of one to the chase
of tin.' other.
VII. Light a fire under the chase of a
bronze gun, and strike on it with a Bledge^
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 cliuehed,
and the bore is not impeded, put in a charge
of powder } of the weight of the shot, and
ram junk wads over it; laying on the bot-
tom of the bore a slip of wood, with a groove
on the under side containing a strand of
quick-match, by which fire is communicated
to the charge. In a brass gun. take out
some of the metal at the upper orifice of
the vent, and pour sulphuric aeid into the
groove, and let it stand some hours before
tiring. If* this method, several times re-
peated, is not successful, unscrew 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
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. 23
powder, and fire it after replacing the vent
piece. In the last resort, bore a hole in the
bottom of the breech, drive out the shot,
and stop the hole with a screw.
56. What is scaling a piece of artillery ?
Flashing off a small quantity of powder
to clean out the bore; about TV, of the shot's
weight. The practice is discontinued.
57. How are cannon in our service marked?
As follows, viz.: The number of the gun
and the initials of the inspector's name on the
face of the muzzle, — the numbers in a sepa-
rate 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 fabrication
on the end of the left trunnion; the foundry
number on the end of the right rimbase,
above the trunnion ; the weight 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 con-
demned pieces ?
Pieces rejected on inspection are marked
X C on the face of the muzzle; if condemn-
ed 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 ivhich artil-
lery must undergo, before being received into
the service?
1st. They are ganged as to their several
dimensions, internal and external; as to
24 IIAND-BOoK OF ARTILLERY.
justness and position of the bore, the cham-
ber, vent, trunnions, etc
2d. They are fired with a regulated charge
of powder and shot, being afterwards
Bearched to discover irregularities or holes
produced by the firing.
3d. By means of engines, an endeavor is
made to force water through them.
4th. They are examined internally, by
means of light reflected from a mirror.
60. Are brass cannon liable to external in-
jury, caused by service f
They are little subject to such injury, ex-
cept 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 fired with large charges ;m<l
heavy shot, expand so much that the projectile dues 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 com-
bustion of tile 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
yielding of the cohesion of the metal ; cavi-
ties, 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.
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL. JO
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
burr in front of the lodgment; and the mo-
tion thereby given to the shot causes it to
strike alternately on the top and bottom of
the bore, producing other enlargements, gen-
erally three in number: the first, on the
upper side a little in advance of the trun-
nions; the second, on the lower side about
the astragal ; the third, in the upper part or
the muzzle; it is chiefly from this cause that
brass guns become unserviceable. Scratches,
caused by the fragments of a broken shot,
or the roughness of an imperfect one ; en-
largement of the muzzle by the striking of the
shot in leaving the bore; external cracks, or
longitudinal 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 and cavities.
65. To what is this due?
To the melting and volatilization of a
portion of the tin in the alloy; tin being
much more fusible than copper.
66. Do lodgments cause an inaccuracy of
fire?
They do.
67. How may this in a measure be remedied?
By using a wad over the cartridge, in
3
26 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
order lo change the place of the shot; or
by wrapping the shot in woollen cloth or
paper, s<> as to diminish the windage. In
field guns, the paper cap which is taken oft*
the cartridge should always be put over the
shot.
68. 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 unserviceable
from enlargement. The principal cause of
injury to iron cannon is the rusting of the
metal, producing a roughness and enlarge-
ment of the bore, and an increase of any
cavities or honeycombs which may exist in
the metal.
()9. 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 j> re-
servation of artillery ?
Gannon should be placed together, accord-
ing to kind and calibre, on skids of stone.
iron, or wood, laid on hard ground well
rammed and covered with a layer of cinders
or of some other material to prevent vege-
tation. In case of gune 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 trun-
nion of one piece may rest on the adjoining
piece, so that the axis of the trunnions may
ARTILLERY IN GENERAL.
be inclined about 45° to the horizon; th
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 pre-
serving the same inclination. In case <>t'
short howitzers and mortars, the pieces should
stand on their muzzles, resting on thick
] thinks, the trunnions touching, the vents
stopped.
71. What additional precautions should be
observed in case of iron pieces.
They should be covered on the exterior
with a lacker impervious to water; the bore
and the vent should be greased with a mix-
ture of oil and talloiv, or of tallow and bees-
wax 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.
BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY
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 case-able, breech, reinforce, chase, and
muzzle.
4. What proportion usually exists beti
the length and calibre of a gun?
It varies from 15 to 23 calibres.
5. What proportion does the dispart of a
gun bear generally 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 garrison
guns!
6. What is the natural angle of sight in
siege and garrison guns?
One degree and thirty minutes.
7. What is it in field guns?
One degree in all except the new 12-pdr.,
in which it is one degree and six minutes.
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.
GUNS. 29
9. Upon what are guns mounted ?
On field, siege, barbette or casemate car-
10. What projectiles are used with guns ?
Solid shot, spherical-case, grape, and can-
ister.
11. About what are the weights of the differ-
ent guns f
6-pdr., 884 lbs.; brass 10-pdr., 1,757 lbs.,
new pattern 1,220 lbs.; iron 13-pdi\, 3,590
lbs.; 18-pdr., 4,913 lbs.; 24-pdr., 5,790 lbs.;
32-pdr., 7,200 lbs.; 42-pdr., 8,466 lbs.
12. Give the entire length of the Several
guns.
6-pdr. field gun, 65.6 inches; 12-pdr. field
gun, 85 inches, new pattern 72.15 inches ;
1^-pdr. iron gun, 116 inches; 18-pdr., J.23.-
25 inches; £J4-pdr., 124 inches; 3^-pdr.,
125.2 inches; 42-pdr., 129 inches.
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part I. Section III.
on howitzers.
1. What is a Howitzer?
A chambered piece, of larger calibre than
a gUD of like weight, and mounted in a sim-
ilar manner.
2. What form of cjiambcr is given to howit-
zers ?
That of a cylinder.
8. How is it united with the large cylinder
of the bore?
J$y 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 neces-
sary— be inserted without a sabot.
4. What advantages are gained by the em-
ployment of howitzers?
They project larger shells than the guns
with which they are associated, are well
adapted for ricochet fire, the destruction of
field woi'ks, breaking down palisades, and
selling tire to buildings.
5. What projectile* are used with howitzers?
Shells usually, spherical case, canister,
grape and carcasses.
(>. Give the entire length of the several how-
itzers.
HOWITZERS. 31
Iron 10-inch, 124.25 inches; 8-inch sea-
coast, 109 inches; 8-inch siege and garrison,
61.5 inches; SMt-pdr. garrison, 69 inches;
32-pdr. field, 82 inches; 24-pdr. field, 71.2
inches; 12-pdr. field, 58.6 inches; mountain,
lfc-pdr. 37.21 inches.
7. What is the weight of a howitzer of each
kind ?
Winch, 9,500 lbs. ; 8-inch sea-coast, 5,740
lbs. ; 8-inch siege and garrison, 2,614 lbs.;
24-pdr. garrison, 1,476 lbs. ; 33-pdr. field,
1,920 lbs."; 24-pdr. field, 1,318 lbs.; 12-pdr.
field, 788 lbs.; 12-pdr. mountain, 220 ibs.
8. What is the natural angle of sight in
siege and garrison and field howitzers?
One degree.
9. What in mountain howitzers?
Thirty-seven minutes.
10. Why have sea-coast howitzers no natu-
ral line of sight ?
Because the swell of the muzzle is not
visible when the eye is on a level with the
base-ring.
32 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part I. Section IV.
on columbiads.
1. What is a Columbiad?
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 vortical field of fire
from 5° depression to 39° elevation- and a
horizontal field of fire of 360°.
3. Are these pieces chambered ?
Those of the old pattern have chambers;
but they are now made without any.
4. Give the weight of this piece t
Old Pattern, 10-inch, 15,400 lbs. ; 8-ineh,
0,240 ll.s. New Pattern, 128-pdr., 15,000
lbs. ; ©4-pdr., 9,100 lbs.
5. What is the entire length of this gun f
lO-ineh, 126 inches; 8-ineh, 124 inches;
l£8-pdr. 182.6 inches; CM-pdr., 12s. s inches.
6. What is the natural angle of sight in
this piece ?
8-inch, 1° 23'; 10-inch, 1° 21'; 128-pdr.
2° 45'; 64-pdr., 2° 30.'
MORTARS.
Part I. Section V.
ON MORTARS.
1. What is a Mortar ?
The shortest piece in service; the trun-
nions are placed in rear of the vent at the
breech ; the bore is very large in proportion
to the length, and is provided with a cham-
ber.
2. What are the principal advantages ob-
tained by the employment of mortars ?
Beaching objects by their vertical fire —
such as a town, battery, or other place —
whose destruction or injury cannot be ef-
fected by direct or ricochet fire; dismounting
the enemy's artillery; setting fire to and
overthrowing works ; blowing up maga-
zines ; breaking through the roofs of bar-
racks, casemates, etc.; and producing havoc
and disorder amongst troops.
3. What do you mean by vertical fire?
That produced by firing the mortar at a
high elevation.
4. What are its advantages t
The shell having attained a great eleva-
tion, descends with great force on the object,
in consequence of the constant action of the
force of gravity on it.
5. Why are mortars constructed stronger and
shorter than other pieces ?
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Because greater resistance is required in
consequence of the high elevation under
wnich they are fired ; and were they longer,
the difficulty experienced in Loading them
would become too great.
6. Why is a mortar constructed with a cham-
ber?
In consequence of employing various
charges, some very small, it becomes neces-
sary 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 mor-
tars?
Usually that of a frustum of a cone. The
bottom is hemispherical 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 cylindrical chamber?
Cylindrical chambers arc objectionable, as
the projectile is frequently broken in conse-
quence of the small surface exposed to the
action of the charge. This detect is obviat-
ed by huge chambers, and particularly by
those that are conical, in which the charge
is expended upon nearly a hemisphere:
10. What form of chamber has the eprou-
vette ?
MORTARS. 35
That of ii cylinder, it being the only mor-
tar whose chamber is of this shape.
11. How arc 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 tired, when the recoil, in-
stead of forcing the piece backward, tends
to force it downward, and this tendency be-
comes 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, 4(3
inches; 10-inch siege, 28 inches; 8-inch,
32.5 inches; stone mortar, 31.55 inches; coe-
horn, 16.32 inches.
14. What are the weights of mortars ?
13-in., 11,500 lbs.; 10-in. sea-coast, 5,775
lbs.; 10-in. siege, 1,852 lbs.; 8-in., 930 lbs.;
stone mortar, 1,500 lbs.; coehorn, 164 lbs.;
eprouvette, 220 lbs.
15. What are the weights of the different
mortar beds ?
8-in. siege, 920 lbs.; 10-in. siege, 1,830
lbs.; coehorn, 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 chamber, of the different mortars ?
13-in., 26 inches ; 10-in. sea-coast, 25
inches; 10-in. siege, 15 inches; 8-in., 12
30 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
inches; stone mortar, 19.8 inches; coehorn,
8.82 inches \ cprouvctte, 11.6 inches.
L8. What is the length of the chamber of the
different mortars ?
ltf-in., 13 inches; 10-in. sea-coast, 10
inches; 10-in. siege, 5 inches; 8-in., 4 inch-
es; stone mortar, 0.75 inches; coehorn, 4.25
inches; eprouvettc, 1.35 inches.
19. For what is the eprouvette used?
For determining the relative strength of
gunpowder.
20. To what purpose is a stone mortar ap-
plied ?
To throw stones a short distance from 150
to 25<> yards; and also 6-pr. shells from 50
to 150 yards.
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 mortarst,
They are fired either from behind entrench-
ments like other mortars, or they may accom-
pany troops in effecting lodgments in towns
and fortified places.
23. What kind of projectiles arc 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 con-
tinuously; and in case of need with greater
rapidity.
SEA-COAST ARTILLERY.
Part I. Section VI.
SEA-COAST ARTILLERY.
1. How are Sea-Coast pieces mounted?
On barbette, casemate, flank casemate, and
columbiad carriages; and the carriage upon
which the mortar is mounted — called itsbed.
These carriages do not subserYe 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 re-
quired for the armaments of forts on the sea-
board f
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 chan-
nels where a long range is required ; light
pieces, where the range is shorter.
4
38 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part I. Section VII.
SIEGE ARTILLERY.
1. How are siege-guns mounted?
Usually on travelling-carriages, with lim-
bers.
2. Of what number and kind of pieees is a
siege-train composed ?
This must altogether depend on circum-
stances; but the following general princi-
ples may be observed in assigning the pro-
portion of different kinds and calibres, and
the relative quantity of other supplies for a
train of 100 pieces :
C 24-pdr., about one-half the
Guns. < whole number ... 50
(_ 18-pdr. or 12-pdr., one-tenth 10
Howitzers. 8-in. siege, one-fourth
12
3
6
6
40
Mortars. j 10-in. siege, one-eighth
( 8-m. siege
a n,r (in addition ^
Stone Mortars, \ tothel00t
Coehorn Mortars. | ^^ j
Wall Pieces ....
CARRIAGES.
For 24-pdr. guns, and 8-in. howitzers,
one-fifth spare .... 90
For 18-pdr. and 12-pdr. guns . . 12
For 10-in. mortars and stone mortars,
one-sixth spare . . 21
SIEGE ARTILLERY. 39
For 8-in. mortars, .... 4
Mortar-wagons, 1 for each 10-in. mortar
and bed, for each stone mortar and
bed, and for three 8-in. mortars and
beds, 19
Wagons for transporting implements, in-
trenching and miners' tools, laborato-
ry tools and utensils and other stores,
each loaded with about 2,700 lbs., say 140
Carts (carrying balls, etc., on the march) 50
Park battery-wagons, fully equipped, . 28
Park forges, a . 8
Sling-carts, large, 5
JDo. hand, .... 4
DRAUGHT HORSES.
For each gun and howitzer, with its
carriage, ...... 8
For each spare gun-carriage, . . 6
" mortar wagon, ... 8
" battery wagon, . . 6
" forge, 6
" cart, 2
" sling-cart, large, ... 2
" spare horses, . . . l-10th
Total, about 1,900 horses.
PROJECTILES AND AMMUNITION.
Eound-shot, 800 to each 24-
pdr., 1,000 to each 18 and
12-pdr.
For Guns. ■{ Grape and canister, strapped,
20 rounds to each piece.
Spherical-case, strapped, 20 rds.
to each piece.
40
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY
For Howitzers.
Shells, 800 to each 8-in.
howitzer.
Canisters, strapped. 5 to
each.
SpluT. case, strapped, 20
to each.
( 600 shells to each 10-inch.
For Mortars. ■] 800 " « 8-incli.
(200 " « Cochorn.
Gunpowder, 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 sph.
case, one-sixth the
weight of shot.
round of howit-
zer am'nition,
a
&T~
5 lbs.
round 10-in. mor-
tar am'nition,
7 lbs.
round 8-in. mor-
tar am'nition,
3 lbs.
round Coehorn mortar
ammunition. \ lb.
round stone mortar am-
munition. 1 lb.
3. What is the best position for guns in order
to make a breach?
SIEGE ARTILLERY. 41
On the glacis, within 15 or 16 feet of its
crest; hut if the foot of the revetment can-
not be seen from thence, the guns must be
placed in the covered way, within 15 feet of
the counterscarp.
4. In what mutiner should the fire of siege-
guns be conducted in order to form a breach?
1st. Make a horizontal section the length
of the desired breach along the scarp, at one-
third its height from the bottom of the
ditch, and to a depth equal to the thickness
of the wall.
2d. Make vertical cuts through the wall,
not farther than ten yards apart, and not
exceeding one to each piece of ordnance, be-
ginning at the horizontal section and ascend-
ing gradually to the toj) of the wall.
3d. Fire at the most prominent parts of
the masonry left standing; beginning always
at the bottom and gradually approaching
the top.
4th. Fire into the broken mass with how-
itzers until the breach is practicable.
5. How long would it take to make a breach
of 20 yards in length?
Breaches of more than 20 yards in length
have been opened by way 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. Mow many discharges can an iron gun
sustain ?
42 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
An iron gun should sustain twelve hun-
dred* discharges, at the rate of twelve an
hour; hut whatever may be the rate of tire,
it is deemed unsafe after that number of dis-
charges. As many as twenty an hour have
been made for sixteen consecutive hours.
Recent experiments at Fort Monroe, Va., prove this to
be a. Bafe estimate of the number of discharges an iron gun
can sustain, as two new model LO-in. columbiads have been
fired, with charges of 14 and 16 lbs. of powder, nearly
4,000 times each. One of these pieces was cast hollow and
the other solid under the direction of Captain Hodman, of
the Ordnance. In consequence of the action of the clastic
force of tin' gases, due to the combustion of the powder, in
enlarging the vent, the pieces have had new vents bored In
them some 7 or 8 times.
FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES. 43
Part I. Section YIII.
ON FIELD-GUNS AND BATTERIES.
1. What proportion of artillery should be al-
lotted 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, according 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 different
kinds in the train ?
Similar considerations to those specified
in the foregoing answer. The following-
principles may be observed in ordinary
cases :
^ , c i • i \ i are 1 2-pdrs.
o • i. ( 4 Suns, ot which < t . „ r ,
3 pieces to ) 3 fo ' (. f 6-pdrs.
1,000 men. ^how.tz>5ofwh.ch || « 24^32-pdr,
3. What is a field-battery ?
A certain number of pieces of artillery so
equipped as to be available for attack or de-
fence, and capable of accompanying cavalry
or infantry in all their movements in the
field.
44 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
4. How many pieces ore allotted to a field-
bakery ?
Four guns and two howitzers.
.".. .!/•, all field-batteries alih .'
No; field-batteries accompanying infantry
:nv composed of the heavier, and those ac-
companying cavalry of the lighter pieces,
the first manned by foot-artillery, and the
latter by horse-artillery.
6. In what respect does a hatter;/ of horse-
artilcri/ differ from one of foot-artillery f
The main difference consists in the can-
noneers in a battery of horse-artillery being
mounted; in rapid evolutions of foot-artil-
lery they are conveyed on the carriages.
7. What is the composition of a field-battery
on the war establishment?
KIND OF BATTERY. 12-PB. 6-PE.
Guns. 5 l^s., mounted 4
( 6-purs., " 4
TT \ 24-pdrs., mounted 2
HoW1TZKUS- (l-_4drs.; « 2-6 q
n . . x. . ( For ffuns 8 1
Caissons. } -For |owiteer8 , ,_v> (;
Travelling Forges l l
Battery Wagon l l — 2 2
Whole No. of carriages with a battery ... 20 14
(Shot 56t) 500
For 4 guns -\ Spher. case. . . . 22 I 80
(Canisters 11 •> 160-896 800
( Shells . . .168 120
For 2 howitzers - Sph. case .112 1 «i<>
( Canisters . 42 32-322 312
L Total No. rounds with a battery 1218 1112
FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES. 45
KIND OF BATTERY. 12 -PR. 6-PR.
Draught ( 6 to each carriage 120 84
Horses. { Spare horses, 1-12 10 7
Total 130 91
Note. — For two 32-pdr. howitzer car- ( Shells 112
riages and four caissons, the number of < Spher. case. S4
rounds of ammunition is ( Canisters. . . 14
Total 210
8. What is the composition of a battery of
mountain howitzers f
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 exten-
sive repairs, and for making up ammunition
for the service of an army in the field, form
the Field-Park, to which should be attached
also the batteries of reserve.
10. What determines the quantity of such
supplies ?
It 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-
w a irons.
46 HAND-HOOK OF ARTILLERY.
12. Do any other carriages and stores form
part of the Field-Park f
Yes ; spare gun-carriages, one to each field*
battery,
Travellinq Forties ) c ,
,, ., irv •/ } one or more of each.
pottery-Wagons j
Spare spokes, 50 to each battery }
Spare fellies, 20 to each battery ( in store
S/xire harness \ in t wagons.
Horse-shoes and nails j boxes. )
Gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, charcoal, la-
boratory-paper, cannon-primers (perctissicfa
and friction), fuzes and plugs for field ser-
vice, 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. battery for following the move-
ments of infantry, and the 6-pdr. battery for
those of cavalry.
Note. — These siege pieces should be placed mi the weak-
est points of a line, and on heights which either form a key
to the position, or from whence the greatest and longest
continued effect may be produced.
15. What are the peculiar advantages of
Horse- Artillery f
Possessing, from their lighter construction
and mounted detachments, much greater lo-
comotive powers than other field-batteries,
FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES. 47
they are especially adapted for following the
rapid evolutions of cavalry, for sudden at-
tacks upon particular points, and for sup-
porting the advance or covering the retreat
of an army.
16. How is afield 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 ammunition chest.
17. Where should a battery be placed before
the commencement of an art ion ?
As much as possible under cover, by tak-
ing advantage of banks, hollow-ways, build-
ings, woods, etc.
18. 7s 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.
10. How should a battery be masked ?
If practicable, by covering it with cavalry,
in preference 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 col-
umn, ready to advance, it should be concen-
trated upon the real points of attack.
21. How should batteries be placed in rela-
tion to the troops with which they are acting ?
48 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Upon the Hanks of a line, but at such a
distance as not to impede its movements,
and at the same time to be unfettered in
fteir own; the artillery may thus represent
the faces of a bastion, and the line of troops
the curtain.
22. Ts t he front of a line of troops an advan-
tageous position for a fieldrbattery f
()n the contrary, it is the worst possible,
as offering a double object to the enemy's
tire, and greatly obstructing the movements
of the troops; while a position in rear is
nearly as bad, as the fire mighl seriously in-
jure, or at least greatly disquiet them.
23. In supporting an attack, what j>r< cau-
tions are necessary ?
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 <>n
■liis position, and on all the ground over
which he moves to the attack, endeavoring
to take him at all times in the direction of
his greatest dimensions; that is, obliquely
for in flank when in line, and in front when
(formed in columns. Moderate heights, com-
manding as much as possible the surround-
ing country, should always be taken ad-
vantage of, but not such as may prevent
•operations in advance if required.
1 25. Is it imperatively fiecessary to confine
FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES. 49
positions for field-batteries to the flanks of a
line ?
When, from particular circumstances, the
front of the army is too extended, and una-
voidably divided into two lines, it may
become necessary to place one or more
batteries 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 car-
ried on at the same uniform rate?
Certainly not; the destruction of the en-
emy 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 car-
ried on in salvoes or otherwise ?
]S"ever in salvoes; but in a regular man-
ner, well sustained, and with distinct in-
tervals between every round, commencing
slowly, and increasing in rapidity as the
range diminishes.
28. 7s the fire of batteries more efficacious
when dispersed than when concentrated f
The effects of the fire will be in propor-
tion to the number of guns brought to-
gether, and, therefore, in order to strike
a decisive blow, this should at once be done.
5
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
'JO. 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 hi iff cry pieces?
Solid shot from 850 yards and upward ;
spherical case from 600 up to 1 .<)<)(> yards.
although it may be used within the firsl
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?
Because the latter are fired at greater
distances than canister, and require the
piece to he carefully aimed, thus requiring
more time.
33. What is the smallest n umber of guns that
may with safety he employed in the face of an
enemy ?
Never less than two, in order to secure a
continuous fire and mutual support.
34. Is the practice of employing 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 be directed principally
against columns of attack, and masses, or
FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES. 51
upon positions which are intended to be
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
11 action front," to the discharge of one piece.
30. Suppose cavalry to be advancing to at-
tack infantry, and first observed at the distance
of a mile, passing over the first half mile at a
trot ; the next quarter of a mile at the rftanasuv-
ring gallop, and the remaining distance at an
increased, gallop, terminating with the charge;
occupying altogether about six minutes : during
the last 1,500 yards of their advance how many
rounds per piece might a battery fire in that
time ?
Eleven rounds with effect, thus :
From 1500 to 650 yards 3' 32" — spherical-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 infantry, supposing them to pass
over 1,500 yards in about 161 minutes?
Thirty-six rounds with effect, viz :
From 1500 to 650. .quick step. .9' 45" — spher. case. . . .19
" 650 to 350 " 3' 50"— solid shot 7
" 350 to 100 " 2' 30"— canister 8
" 100 to close j double quick ) 0, ,,.,, „
quarters. { and the charge, j can..
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 ob-
52 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
tained in order to obstruct and harass him
as much as possible; and if he has suc-
ceeded in passing over any portion of his
troops, it should be directed against their
formation.
39. When the enemy is making the passage
of a river in retreat, where should your guns 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 advantageous 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 carefully husbanded, particu-
larly 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 minor affairs, espe-
cially when at a distance from supplies, or
in anticipation of a general action.
42. When should the reserve be employed?
When a particular point of the line re-
quires additional support, a favorable posi-
tion is to be seized, an impression has beet
made on the line by the enemy, a forward
FIELD GUNS AND BATTERIES. 53
or retrograde movement is in contempla-
tion, 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 importance that this should be
done as expeditiously as circumstances will
permit.
43. Where should the reserve be placed pre-
vious to an engagement ?
In rear with the second line, out of the
range of shot, and as little exposed as cir-
cumstances 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, and may
possibly insure the safety of the whole
army, or turn the tide of victory in
their favor.
45. What is the position for cavalry when
placed in support of a battery ?
On its flank, about the distance of 100
yards, and as much concealed as possible.
46. What is the proper position of field-bat-
teries when infantry squares are attached by
cavalry ?
When infantry are formed in squares to
resist the charge of cavalry, the guns should
54 BAND-BOOK OJ? ARTILLERY.
be placed outside at the angles of the squares,
the limbers, horses, etc., inside. Should the
detachments be driven from their guns,
they will retire into the square, after dis-
charging their pieces, and taking with them
the sponges and other equipments; the mo-
ment the enemy lias retired, they recom-
mence 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, etc..
being placed inside, then the wagons and
limbers should be brought up with their
broadsides to the front, so as to occupy, if
possible, the space between the guns, leav-
ing no intervals for the cavalry to cut
through: the prolonge or drag ropes might
also otter an effectual momentary impedi-
ment to them, if properly stretched and
secured.
POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 55
Part II. Section I.
POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS.
1. What is meant by the term pointing a
jyiece ?
To point a piece, is to give it such a di-
rection and elevation, or depression, that
the shot may strike the object; and the rule
(except in case of mortars) is : First give
the direction and then the elevation, or de-
pression.
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.
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 de-
gree of elevation to a piece f
Because a shot describes under the action
of the above forces a curve called a trajec-
tory, which is situated below the prolonga-
tion of the axis of the piece, the extent of
its departure from this line increasing with
the time of flight. Therefore, the more dis-
tant the object, the greater must be the
elevation to enable the shot to reach it.
56 SAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
4. How is tin direction given to a gun or
howitzer?
By directing the line of metal upon the
object.
.">. How is the elevation or depression given?
The elevation or depression, which de-
pends upon the charge, the distance, and the
position of the object above or below the
battery, must be ascertained from tables or
by experiment, and the proper degree given
by means of instruments.
6. When will the object />■■ 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-blank rangey in
order to strike it ?
So as to pass below the object.
8. Give a simple rule for firing at objecti
within point-blank.
Add to the point-blank range the differ-
ence between it and the required range, set
the scale to the elevation corresponding to
this sum, as shown by tables of tiring. Then
aim the gun directly at the object; now ap-
ply 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.
POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 57
10. When the line of metal passes over the
object, what instruments must be employed /of
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, either by its longer
branch to the face of the piece, or this branch
is run into the bore parallel with the axis, or
it may be applied to the upper surface of the
lock-piece, making the allowance due to its
inclination with the axis of the piece, which
ought to be previously determined, and the
elevating screw turned, or the quoin adjust-
ed, until the required degree is indicated.
12. How is the breech-sight used ?
It is first set to the elevation correspond-
ing to the distance; 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 well to fire two or three shots
to determine the range experimentally, as it is affected by
divers causes.
58 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
15. Should the line of rhetal be ultra//* di-
rected in the vertical plane passing through the
object ?
No; as in practice there are circumstances
(as, for instance, 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 distance by
observing the striking of the shot.
10. 7s the line of metal a permanent line
under all circumstances ?
No j in batteries for garrison and sea-
coast defence, where the platforms are fixed,
the line of metal may be considered as near-
ly permanent; but with siege guns, which
are mounted on travelling carriages, the
wheels of which are liable to vary in posi-
tion from unevenness of ground, or unequal
settling in newly constructed platforms, this
line is constantly changing. It approxi-
mates 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 frequently verified ; the old marks,
if not found correct, should be erased and
new ones substituted.
17. When the notches or sights, which are
sometimes made upon the base-ring and swell of
the muzzle in field guns, for aiming the piece,
are used, how is the error of direction remedied
when the wheels are not in the same level t
The piece must he aimed more or less to
POINTING GUNS AND HOWITZERS. 59
that side which corresponds to the higher
wheel, according to the inclination.
18. When the elevation or depression has
once been ascertained for any given distance,
hoiv may the firing at that distance be facil-
itated ?
By noting some point on the elevating
screw or quoin ; adjusting some fixed meas-
urement from a point on the stock to anoth-
er point on the under side of the breech; or
by a chalk mark drawn across the face of a
trunnion and its corresponding cheek.
19. When firing, either within or beyond,
point-blank range, may remarkable points on
the ground be taken advantage of, in order to
furnish an object to aim. at?
Yes ; some fixed object majT 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 accu-
racy 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 car-
riage, the traverse wheels should be chocked
in the proper position. To preserve the
60 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
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 guns be lim-
ited ?
Yes; it should be limited to a small num-
ber of rounds, as it consumes ammunition to
little advantage.
POINTING MORTARS. 61
Part II. Section II.
POINTING MORTARS.
1. What is the rule for pointing mortars?
First give the elevation and then the di-
rection.
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 5J an epaul-
ment 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, deter-
mine 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 pointing-wires.
6. Describe this method ?
6
62 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
The two fixed points required are deter-
mined by planting two wires upon theepaut
men t, one upon its crest, and the other about
a yard in advance of it, both as nearly as
possible in 1 he vertical plane passing through
the centre of the platform and the object.
The points being thus established, the direc-
tion 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 ?
Both in accuracy of aim, and the liability
of the wires being deranged by the shots of
the enemy or by other causes.
8. Give a better method ?
By means of pointing -stakes, by which one
of the tixed points is established upon the
crest of the parapet or at the foot of the
interior slope, and another in rear of the
piece. 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 f
A slake, a foot or more in length, is driven
into the crest of the epaulment, as nearly as
practicable in the vertical plane of fire pas-
sing 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
POINTING MORTARS. 63
the ground, one yard in rear of the plat-
form. At this point a third stake is driven.
The cord is removed from the second stake,
which may now be taken away, and perma-
nently attached to the first.
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
plummet may be attached to the cord, just
in rear of the mortar. The line of metal is
then brought into the plane of these two
lines.
11. Hon) does it appear that the mortar is
thus properly directed f
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 ob-
ject?
The pointing-cord is shifted to some notch
on the pointing-board, 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 grad-
uated 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.
64 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
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
plummet thus suspended cuts the crest of
the epaulment, the first stake is driven. A
second slake is then driven in the same line
between the mortar and the epaulment.
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 the rear stake is driven.
The first stake is then removed, and the
cord attached permanently to the second
stake.
When the object can 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 faces
the mortar, and the other the object, must
by 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 fire 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
proper position.
CHARGES. 65
Part III.
CHARGES.
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. What 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.
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 f
Because balls fired with small velocities
split the wood in a manner which is favora-
ble to its burning; with a great velocity the
hole closes, the ball sinks deep, and, deprived
of air, chars without setting fire to the sur-
rounding wood.
7. To ivhat depth should hot shot penetrate?
Not deeper than ten or twelve inches.
8. In ricochet firing, what kind of charges
are used ?
Light charges generally ; varying from
two-thirds to one-eighth of the ordinary charge.
66 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
9. In what manner are the charges of mor-
tars regulated ?
The charges vary with the elevation; or,
if the elevation be fixed at any particular
angle, they must be determined by the range.
10. What are the charges for field guns and
field howitzers?
See Table, page 67.
11. What are the charges for heavy guns,
columbiads and howitzers ?
See Table, page 67.
12. What are the greatest charges of the
sea-coast, siege, and coehom mortars ?
See Table, page 67.
13. What charge is used for projecting fire
balls from mortars ?
One twenty-fifth the weight of the ball.
CHARGES.
Charges for Field Guns and Field Howitzers.
FOR (
,CNS.
FOR HOWITZERS.
KIND.
s
£
CO
•5
'S
c
Lbs.
2.5
1.5
Lbs. 1 Lbs.
1.25
1. 2.5
Lbs.
1.75
2.
2.50
Lbs.
0.75
1.
1.
Lbs.
For spher. case or canis-
ter
0.5
For sheila f small charge
±01 s&eus,^largecharge
2.5
8.25
0.5
0.5
Charges for Heavy Guns, Columbiads, and
Howitzers.
GUNS.
COLUMBIADS.
HOWITZERS.
•-.'
-3
•a
06
3
CO
S
CO
id
55
a
^ S
-3.2
IM0
SEA-COAST.
10-in. I 8-in.
Lbs.
10.5
Lbs.
8.
Lbs.
8.
Lbs.
6.
Lbs.
Lbs.
14.
Lbs.
8.
Lbs.
4.
Lbs.
2.
Lbs. 1 Lbs.
12. | 8.
Greatest Charges of Sea-coast, Siege, and Coehorn
Mortars.
SEA-COAST.
SIEGE.
COEHORN.
STONE MORTAR.
a
CO
10-inch.
0
i
8-inch.
I
00 <u
0 "S
0
-: so
1*1
lO =0
Lbs.
20.
Lbs.
10.
Lbs. I Lbs.
4. 2.
Lbs.
0.5
Lbs. I Lbs.
1.5 1.
68 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part IV.
RANGES
1. What is meant by the range of apiece
of artillery t
The distance from the muzzle to the first
graze.
2. How may the range of a projectile be ex-
tended?
Either by raising the piece to a higher
level, or by giving its axis greater elevation
within certain limits.
3. Define point-blank range.
The distance from the muzzle of the piece
to that point in a shot's trajectory where it
cuts the prolongation of the natural 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 horizontal.
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 carriage stands.
6. Explain by a, figure, the position of, and,
relations existing between the line of sight, the
RANGES. 69
line of fire or axis of the piece, and the trajeQ
tory, and also what the point-blank range is.
Fiq. 1.
ABcF, the line passing through the high-
est 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 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 gravity giving the projectile a down-,
ward tendency. The point D is called the
point-blank, and its distance from the mouth
of the piece, the point-Man k range.
7. Mention some of the causes which vary the
jmnt-Mank range?
The form of the cannon j 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 in-
fluence on the point-blank range ?
Because as the difference between the
diameter of the breech and muzzle becomes
greater, the angle of sight, BcP=GcF (see
fig.) increases, and the point-blank D is re-
70 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
moved further off; on the contrary, as the
diameters approach to an equality, the point*
blank approaches the piece. Within a cer-
tain 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 point-
blank, as the trajectory will be constantly
below the line of sight.
9. J flu it 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 inerease of range is inconsiderable,
and the force of the recoil becomes very
great,
, 10. How does the diameter and weight of the
projectile afreet the range?
As the ball increases in size and densit}',
it will overcome with more ease the resist-
ance of the air.
11. Does the inclination of the line of sight
to the horizon have much effect on the point-
blank range?
Only when this inclination is very con-
Mderable. For the ordinary inclination,
from 0° to 15°, above or below the horizon,
the difference may be wholly neglected.
12. What is the effect on the point-blank
range "(firing upward under a large angle ?
The action of the weight being nearly
directly opposed to the impulsive force, the
RANGES. 71
trajectory becomes compressed and the point-
blank distance diminishes. The contrary
effect obtains in firing downward 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 inclina-
tion of the natural line of sight, except 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 in-
72 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
creased, and as the ball is reduced. For the
musket the angle of maximum range varies
from 28° to 30°; and is nearly 42° for mor-
tars.
19. Under what angle is a mortar usually
fired ?
Under the constant angle of 45°, and the
charge is varied according to the range re-
quired.
20. What are the advantages of this prac-
tice ?
Economy of ammunition; the recoil being
inconsiderable, the mortar and its bed re-
ceive but little strain; the ranges are more
uniform, and the effect of a slight error in
the angle of fire is less than with any other.
21. Is the mortar ever fired at any other
angle than 45° ?
Yes; sometimes at 60°.
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 striking the ob-
ject more directly and with increased vio-
lence.
2:5. Under what angle are stone-mortars
usually fired, ?
Under an angle of 60°, and sometimes of
75°; that, in falling from a great height, the
stones may have the maximum force of per-
cussion.
RANGES. 73
24. Under what angle should grenades be
throicn from stone-mortars.
About 33°; otherwise they will be buried
in the earth, and their fragments will not be
sufficiently destructive.
25. When a gun or howitzer is aimed with
the line of metal horizontal, what is the eleva-
tion equal to ?
The natural angle of sight or dispart.
26. How is the time of flight for siege mor-
tars at an elevation of 45° determined?
It is nearly equal to the square root of
the range in feet divided by four.
7
74
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Ranges of Field Guns and Howitzer*
KIM" up PIECE.
der.
tell.
ISH
lbs.
o /
yards.
8-PdT. I'irl.KJun.
1.26
Shot.
0
2
3
318
847
867
1138
P. B. Range.
(i
4
1256
"
5
1523
1.
Sph. case.
2
650
Time of nidit 2"
"
2 30
840
da 3"
l;
3
1050
do. 4"
12-l'dr. Field Gun.
2.5
Bhot.
0
347
1
662
P. B. Range.
::
1 30
2
785
909
..
3
4
5
1269
1455
1663
1.5
Sph. case.
1
670
Time 2 Beoonds.
«
1 45
950
■■ :; ■■
2 30
1250
.. 4 ..
12-rdr. Field
1.
Shell.
0
195
Howitzer.
1
539
J
2
3
4
5
640
847
975
1072
0.75
Sph. case.
2 15
485
Time. 2 seconds.
"
3 15
715
.. 3 ..
"
3 45
1050
« 4 k
24-Pdr. Field
2,
Shell.
0
295
Howitzer.
"
1
2
3
4
5
516
&76
1272
i:;22
1.75
Sph. case.
2
600
Time 2 seconds.
3
BOO
" 3 "
6 30
1050
« 4 "
2,
3 30
880
« 3 "
32-Pdr. Field
2.5
Shell.
0
290
Howitzer.
■
1
2
3
4
5
581
779
1029
1203
1504
2.5
Sph. case.
3
800
Time 2-% seconds.
RANGES.
10
Ranges of Field Guns and Howitzers — Continued.
[ND OF PIECE.
Mountain Howitzer.
Pow-
der.
lbs.
0.5
U.5
Ball.
S|iii. case.
0.5 Canister. 4 to 5° 250
Eleva-
tion.
0
2 30
3
4
4 30
Range
yds.
170
300
392
500
637
785
1005
150
450
500
700
800
Time 2 sec.
Time 3 sec.
Time 2 sec.
Time 2% sec.
Time 3 sec.
Ranges of Heavy Artillery.
KIM) OF PIECE.
Pow-
der.
Ball.
Eleva-
tion.
Range
REMARKS.
18-Pdr. Siege and Gar-
rison Gun on Bar-
bette Carriage.
lbs.
4.5
Shot,
0 /
1
1 30
2
3
4
5
yds.
641
800
950
1256
1450
1592
Point-Blank.
24-Pdr. Siege and Gar-
rison Gun on Siege
Carriage.
6.
8.
Shot.
0
1
1 30
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
412
842
953
1147
1417
1666
1901
883
1170
1454
1639
1834
Point-Blank .
32-Pdr. Sea-coast Gun
on Barbette Carriage.
6.
8.
10.67
Shot.
u
1 45
1
1 30
1 35
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
900
713
800
900
1100
1433
1684
1922
780
1155
1517
76
HAND-HOOK OF ARTILLF.HV.
Ranges of Heavy Artillery — Continued.
KIM" <>F PIECE.
Pow-
der.
Ball.
1.1. \;i-
t i"ii .
Range
111 ..MAKES.
lbs.
o /
yds.
42-Pdr. Sea c iast Gun
10.5
Shot.
1
176
on Barbt tte Carriage.
"
1 30
2
3
4
5
860
1010
1800
1000
1955
14.
;•
1
2
3
770
1 1 28
1380
«
4
5
1687
1915
8-in. Siege Howitzer
4.
45-lb. Shell
0
251
Time -/K .see.
mi Siege Carriage.
••
1
4:;:,
•■ ''<•; u
*
2
CIS
»
3
720
•• :;
••
4
1H rj
•• 4 "
«
5
1241
.. |
"
12 30
2280
24-Pdr. Iron E£o^ itzer
2.
17-lb. Shell
0
295
on a Flank Case-
"
1
516
mate Carriage.
"
5
L322
1%
Sph. case.
2
600
Time 2 sec.
"
5 30
1050
.. 4 ..
2.
"
3 30
880
<< 3 «
8-in. Sea-coast How-
4.
45-lb. Shell
1
405
itzer on a Barbette
"
2
652
Carriage.
;
3
4
5
B7fi
1110
1300
6.
"
1
2
3
4
672
B28
'.147
lies
1463
8.
I
1
2
3
4
5
646
809
1190
1682
l>
10-in. Sea-coast How-
12.
90-lb. Shell
1
580
itzer 011 a Barbette
"
2
891
Time 3 sec.
Carriage.
••
3
1 1 85
" 4 "
•>
3 30
1800
>•
4
1426
« 6W"
'•
0
1650
« 6 "
RANGES.
77
Ranges of Heavy Artillery — Continued.
KIND OF PIECE.
Pow-
der.
Ball.
ra«H
lbs.
o /
yds.
S-in. Columbiad on
10.
65-lb. shot
1
932
Axis of gun 16
Barbette Carriage
"
2
1110
feet above
M
3
1402
the water.
4
1608
"
5
1*47
-
6
2010
"
8
2397
Shot ceased to
"
10
2834
ricochet on
15
3583
the water.
"
20
4322
25
4876
"
27
4481
15.
"
27 30
4812
10.
50-lb. shell
1
2
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-inch Columbiad
18.
128-lb. sht.
0
394
Axis of gun 16
on Barbette Car-
«
1
752
feet above
riage.
«
2
3
4
5
1002
1230
1570
1814
the water.
"
6
2037
Shot ceased to
8
2519
ricochet on
10
2777
the water.
"
15
3525
"
20
4020
25
4304
"
30
4761
"
35
5433
20.
•'
39 15
5654
12.
100-lb. shll
1
800
I
2
3
4
1012
1184
1443
»«
5
1604
18.
"
0
448
7S
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Ranges of Heavy Artillery— -Continued.
KIM> OP I'lKCK.
1 Pow-
| der.
Ball.
[Eleva-
tion.
Range
RBMARKS.
lh9.
O 1
Yds.
10-inch Columbiad
18.
100-lb.shl]
1
747
on Barbette Car-
••
•■>
nun
riage — Continued
■
3
4
5
6
8
Ki
15
20
1239
1611
1866
2209
2489
2848
3200
:!ssr,
..
25
4150
••
30
4651
(>
35
4828
Time 35 see'ds.
13-in. Sea-C't Mort.
20.
200-lb. shll
45
4325
Time 40 see'ds.
10-in. Sea-C't Mort.
10.
98-lb. sbell
45
4250
Time 06 seetLs.
10-in. Siege Mortar
1.
90-lb. shell
45
300
Time 6.5 sec.
1.5
"
••
Timi
- 12. -
2.
"
»
1000
•■ 14. ••
2.5
«
L300
« 16. '■
3.
"
*
1600
" 18. "
3.5
''
1800
•• li). «
4.
"
2100
•• 21. "
lbs.oz.
8-in. Siege Mortar.
0 8
45-11.. sli.-ll
4a
209
Time 6.75 sec.
0 12
376
•• 9.
1 0
••
"
650
•• 11.5 "
1 4
••
048
•• 14.
1 8
"
t*
i:ns
•• 16.6 *
1 12
"
<>
1522
•• ls.r. ■■
2 0
f(
"
1837
" 20.5 «
oz.
24-pound'rCoehorn
0.5
17-lb. shell
45
25
Mortar.
1.
1.5
1.75
2.
2.75
4.
u
"
tis
1U4
1 l:;
165
260
4-2-2
6.
"
900
8.
1200
lbs.
Stones.
fl50
Stone Mortar.
1.5
120 lbs.
60
I to
1 250
M
15 6-pdr.
}33
50
Fuze 15 see'ds.
sheila.
to 150
Note. — Fire-balls, according to their size, arc, fired from mortars
of corresponding calibres. With a charge of one twenty-fifth its
weight, the ball is thrown 600 to 700 yards.
RICOCHET. 79
Part V.
RICOCHET.
1. What is understood by ricochet firing?
That obtained by firing a piece at very
small angles of elevation, by which means
the projectile which falls on ground of ordi-
nary firmness at an angle not greater than
10°, or upon water at 4° or 5°, will make
one or more bounds. In this case the pro-
jectile is said to ricochet.
2. What is the object of ricochet firing ?
To enfilade a face of the enemy's work.
which is effected by causing a projectile to
bound along the terreplein of the face, with
the view of annoying his cannoneers, and
dismounting his pieces. It is employed also
in harassing an enemy, when formed or in
the act of forming behind a rising ground
or other obstacle, taking post in a wood,
etc., and in enfilading a line of troops.
3. What are the peculiar advantages of this
fire?
In being able to reach objects which can-
not be reached by direct fire, on account of
intervening obstacles.
4. In enfilading a face of an enemy's work,
what is the object to be fired at ?
Usually some point of the interior crest
s<l HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
of the parapet which covers a flank of the
terreplein to be reached.
5. What is the point of fall ?
The point of the terreplein which is first
struck by the projectile, after having grazed
the interior crest.
6. What is the angle of fall ?
It is the angle made at the point of fall
by the tangent to the trajectory with a
horizontal line in the plane of lire.
7. Mow does the angle of fall compare with
that Of ELEVATION ?
# It is greater.
8. Upon what do the charge and elevation
depend ?
Upon the distance of the object from the
battery; upon the difference of level be-
tween these points ; the distance of the
desired point of fall from the parapet; the
height of the parapet, etc.
9. If the embrasure be such that the object is
masked, how is the piece pointed?
The direction must be given, as with the
mortar, by the plummet; this is held by
the person who points, in such a manner as
to cover both the line Of metal and the
object. The elevation is then given by the
quadrant.
10. What is the maximum angle of elevation
in ricochet firing ?
Against troops, it should seldom exceed
3° above the surface of the ground occupied
by them. Against fortresses, torts, and for-
tified lines, it varies from 3° to 9° above the
horizontal.
RICOCHET. 81
11. At what distance from the object should
the ricochet battery be placed ?
Never at a greater distance than 600
yards.
VI. In enfilading a ivork, how should the
ricochet firing be conducted ?
The projectile should be made to graze
the parapet while in the descending branch
of the trajectory; and this must be effected
by regulating the charges and elevating or
depressing the piece until the shot is seen
to fall just over the interior crest of the
parapet. Light charges are generally used,
varying from two-thirds to one-eighth of the
ordinary charge.
13. What pieces are best adapted for ricochet
fire ?
Those which throw heavy shells ; for, if
used to enfilade a work, the shells lodge and
explode in the traverses, and render the
guns more liable to be dismounted and their
detachments put hors de combat.
14. What determines the nature of the rico-
chet f
The angle of fall : it is flattened when this
angle does not exceed 6°, and curvated when
it is between 10° and 12°. In the first of
these fires, the velocities are great, and in
the second small.
15. What are the charges for a flattened
ricochet for siege guns at an angle of about
3°?
See Table, page 83.
16. What are the charges for a flattened
82 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
ricochet for siege howitzers at an angh <>(
about 3°?
See Table, page 83.
17. What arc the charges for a cur vat kd
ricochet for a siege howitzer at an angh of
about 10°?
See Table, page 83.
RICOCHET.
83
Charges for a Flattened Ricochet for Siege Guns.
DISTANCE.
ELEVATION.
CHARGE.
660 yards.
550 "
440 «
330 "
2° 45'
3°
3° 15'
3° 35'
j1^ weight of ball,
r a u
1 5
l a a
HO
i a a
3 0
Charges for a Flattened Ricochet for Siege Howitzers.
DISTANCE.
550 yards.
440 "
330 "
220 «
ELEVATION.
1°
45'
2°
15'
2°
15'
2°
45'
CHARGE.
3 lbs.
2 lbs. 3 oz.
1 lb. 12 oz.
1 lb. 2 oz.
Charges for a Curvated Ricochet for Siege Howitzers.
DISTANCE. ELEVATION. CHARGE.
550
yards.
440
a
330
"
220
a
7° 30'
1 lb. 4 oz.
1 lb. 1 oz.
14 oz.
10 oz.
The height of the
object above the level
of the battery being
supposed to be 20 ft.
v4 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLKRY.
Part VI.
RECOIL.
1. What is meant by the recoil of a piece
of artillery?
The retrograde motion impressed upon
cannon by the discharge is termed the recoil.
2. What causes the recoil of a piece f
The gas produced by the ignition of the
charge in the bore, expanding with equal
force in every direction, finds only two ways
of escape (the muzzle and vent) ; the pres-
sure upon these points will therefore cease,
while it will be proportionally increased
upon the parts directly opposite, that is, the
breech and the lower part of the first rein-
force, producing in the first case the recoil,
and in the other, indirectly, the dipping of
the muzzle.
8. Horn far does a gun usually recoil ?
This depends entirely upon the nature
and inclination of the ground upon which
the carriage stands, the situation of the
trunnions, angle of elevation, comparative
weight of the gun and carriage, and upon
the strength of the charge.
4. What proportion does the velocity of the
recoil of a piece bear to that of a ball f
Inversely as their weights, or masses.
RECOIL. 85
5. What proportion exists between the pres-
sure acting upon the part of the bore of a piece
directly opposite the vent, and that which occa-
sions the recoil ?
As the square of the diameter of the vent
is to the square of that of the shot.
6. Has the recoil any effect upon the flight of
the projectile ?
No appreciable effect, the shot being ex-
pelled from the gun before it has recoiled a
fraction of an inch.
7. What are the principal incoweriienees
arising from the recoil of guns ?
The necessity of running up the gun after
every discharge, and consequent fatigue to
the men and loss of time • it also necessitates
that a greater breadth should be given to
the terreplein of a work.
8. What causes the muzzle of a piece of artil-
lery to dip when fired ?
The sudden pressure of the gas acting
upon the portion of the first reinforce oppo-
site to the vent, causes the piece to strike
downward upon the elevating screw or quoin,
and the reaction to make the muzzle dip.
9. What influence has the position of the
axis of the trunnions in respect to that of the
bore upon the recoil?
If the axis of the trunnions be below that
of the piece, the pressure of the breech upon
the carriage will increase as the distance
between the axis increases; and from this
pressure there will arise a friction upon the
ground which will diminish the recoil. On
86 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Che contrary, if the axis of the trunnions be
above that of the piece, the breech will have
an upward tendency, the recoil will be in-
creased, but the carriage, and particularly
the axletree, will be subjected to less strain.
Hence, the recoil will be transmitted direct-
ly to the trunnions, if their axis (as in our
Service) be situated in the same plane with
the axis of the piece. The size of the trun-
nions is made proportional to the force of
the recoil.
10. Does the position of the trunnions with
reference to the centre of gravity of the piece in-
fluence the recoil?
Yes j in cannon fired horizontally, or un-
der very small angles, the portion in rear of
the trunnions is heavier than that in front ;
an arrangement which increases the pres-
sure of the trail on the ground so as to
diminish the recoil. But in pieces fired
under large angles, the trunnions are placed
in rear of the centre of gravity, for the pur-
pose of increasing the ease of pointing.
WINDAGE. 87
Part VII.
WINDAGE.
1. What is meant by windage ?
The difference between the diameter of
the projectile and that of the bore.
2. Is it absolutely necessary to allow wind-
age?
Yes, in order to make an allowance for a
piece becoming foul, the expansion of shot
by heat, the incrustation of rust, and for the
tin straps of fixed ammunition.
3. What advantages are derived from re-
ducing the windage?
An increase in the accuracy of fire; a
more extensive range, or an equal range
with a smaller charge, as there is less loss of
gas; and less injury to the surface of the
bore.
4. Why should the bore suffer less injury by
a diminution of the windage?
Because in proportion to the decrease of
windage there will be less space for the re-
flections of the shot along the bore, and
consequently less injurious power exercised
upon it.
5. What is the loss of velocity by a given
windage proportional to ?
It is directly as the windage, and inverse-
ly as the diameter of the bore very nearly.
S3
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
6. What is the loss of velocity by the wind-
of the ball?
0
c.
<~
z
® tl
%M
&
0
Initial velocity
of ball.
r> aa of relocitj
by
K1NI> OF 005.
Without
windage.
With
windage
or l-40th
diani.
windage
of
1-iOth diani.
22-pdr. Sea-Coast
lbs.
4
4
0
feet.
1444
feet.
1271
feet.
173
pr cent.
12
-4r-l»<lr. Siege -
1600
1890
1433
1723
187
167
10
9
12-pdr. 26 calibres -1 i 3
1 *
1017
1918
2124
1444
1742
1951
173
173
173
11
9
8
12-pdr. Field, 16cali-( 3
,n"s (i 4
152S
1793
1992
*-'JiO
158
158
158
10
9
8
6-pdr. Field
1.5
1734
1560
174
10
7. What windage is allowed to guns f
IRON.
liKASS.
Sea-Coast.
Siege and Garrison.
Field.
42
32
24
18
12
12
6
inches.
0.16
inches.
0.15
inches.
0.14
inches.
0.13
inches.
0.10
inches.
0.10
inches.
0.9
WINDAGE.
89
8. What windage is allowed to columbiads
and howitzers ?
Columbiads.
Howitzers.
iron.
BRASS.
iron.
Sea-Coast.
Siege and
Garrison.
Field.
Moun-
tain.
©
c
c
o
CO
c
1
P,
CO
P.
a,
12-pdr.
in.
0.12
in.
0.12
in.
0.12
in.
0.13
in.
0.13
in.
0.14
in.
0.15
in.
0.14
in.
0.10
in.
0.10
9. What amount of icindage is allowed to
mortars ?
IRON.
BRASS.
IRON.
Heavy.
Light.
Stone
Mortar.
Coehorn
24-pdr.
Epron-
vette.
inches.
0.13
inches
0.13
inches.
0.13
inches
0.12
inches.
inches.
0.14
inches.
0.025
90 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part VIII.
GUNPOWDER.
1. What are the ingredients in gunpowder ?
Saltpetre, charcoal, and sulphur.
2. What (ire the proportions ?
In the United States, 75 to 70 saltpetre, 14
to 15 charcoal, and 10 sulphur.
England, 75 Saltpetre, 15 Charcoal, 10 Sulphur.
France, 75 " 12£ " 1 _", "
Prussia, 75 " 13Jf " 11 J «
3. What is the combustible ingredient?
Charcoal.
4. What is the use of the saltpetre?
It furnishes the oxygen necessary to sup-
port a rapid combustion, and to change the
whole mass into gas.
."). What is the use of sulphur?
It adds consistency to the mixture and in-
tensity to the flame, besides rendering the
powder less liable to absorb moisture.
6. On what does the quality of gunpowder
depend ?
On the intimate mixture and proper pro-
portions and parity of the ingredients.
7. In what does the manufacture of gun-
powder consist ?
In pulverizing the ingredients, incorpora-
tion, eompression, granulation, drying, glaz-
ing, and dusting.
GUNPOWDER. 91
8. Explain the method of making gunpowder
by the pounding mill.
The charcoal in small pieces is first placed
in the mortars, with a quantity of water,
and pounded for half an hour; after which
the saltpetre and then the sulphur, previous-
ly pulverized and sifted, are put in, and the
whole well mixed with the hand; it is then
pounded in the mortars, and at the end of
each hour, the composition is passed from
each mortar into the next. At the sixth or
eighth change, add half a pint of water; it
is then pounded two hours without changing
th6 mortars, in order that it may form into
cake. It is then partially dried, and grained
in a graining sieve, or passed between wood-
en rollers. The grains are then sifted to
separate those which are too coarse and too
tine, and also to separate from each other
the different kinds of grains for cannon, mus-
ket, and rifle powder. It is then glazed in
large glazing barrels, which make 15 or 20
revolutions in a minute. A charge of 500
lbs., is thus treated for about twenty-four
hours. It is then dried either in the open
air, or in a drying house. If in the open air,
when the sun is too hot, the powder should
be covered to prevent the loss of sulphur. It
is then dusted, by being sifted in fine sieves,
or through bolting cloths.
9. What other machines besides the pound-
ing mill are used in 'pulverizing and incorpo-
rating the ingredients of gunpowder.
Boiling barrels, and the cylinder or rolling
mill.
92 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
10. What advantage is gained by the use of
the ROLLING BARRELS ?
1 1 lessens the duration and danger of
pounding in the mortars. After the ingre-
dients are pnlverized and mixed in the roll-
in-- barrels, the mixture is placed under the
pestles of the pounding mill, 10 per cent, of
water is added, and it is beaten for three
hours only.
11. Which mill is noio generally usedf
The cylinder mill, which performs at
the same time the operations of purverizin^,
incorporating, and pressing the composition.
It consists of two cylinders, of marble or
cast iron, weighing abonl five tons each,
rolling in a circular trough of the same
material, the inner diameter of which is
about three feet; a wooden plough follows
the cylinders, to bring the powder towards
the centre of the trough. The cylinders
revolve ten times in a minute, and run from
one to three hours on each charge of 50 lbs.
of composition.
12. Does powder inflame instantaneously t
No; its inflammation is gradual and pro-
gressive, and in a gun the projectile com-
mences to move before the whole charge is
ignited.
13. Why should gunpowder be grained .'
In order to facilitate the transmission of
the flame. When the powder is very line,
and in large and compact charges, the flame
cannot penetrate it, and it burns slowly and
in successive layers.
GUNPOWDER. 93
14. Which burns quickest, the small or large
grained powder ?
Before coming to the limit of dust, the
smaller the grain, the more rapid the com-
bustion, and the greater the bursting force of
the powder.
15. What is the difference between the igni-
tion and combustion of large and small grained
powder.
With the large grained, the ignition is
more rapid, but the combustion slower; with
small grains, the contrary is the case.
16. Why should the grains be angular?
Because they present a greater surface to
the action of the flame, and therefore burn
quicker.
17. Why should powder be free from dust ?
Because the dust fills up the intervals be-
tween the grains, and forming a compact
mass, retards combustion.
IS. To what special purpose are large and
small grained powders applied?
The large for cannon, and the small for
small arms.
19. How is the size of the grain for each
kind of powder tested ?
By means of sieves or gauges.
20. How many grains of powder are in 10
grs. Troy weight.
Cannon, 150; Musket, 2,000 to-2,500; and
Rifle, 12,000 to 15,000.
21. What is the object in glazing powder ?
Grlazed powder does not absorb moisture,
or break up in transportation, so much as
un glazed.
94 BAND-BOOK OE ARTILLERY.
22. What is the established mode of proving
the strength of powder in the U. S. t
A sample is taken from each barrel, and
the strength determined by the eprouvettid
mortal-.
23. What is the least range allowed.
The general mean-range of new powder
must not be less than 250 yards ; but no
powder ranging below 225 yards is received^.
24. When is powder in magazines consi<h red
unsi rviceable?
WTien it does not range over 180 yards.
25. What is the range of good powder?
Cannon from 280 to 300 yards. Small
grained from 300 to 320 yards.
20. What other means is there for determine
ing the strength of powder?
The Gun and Ballistic pendulum, and
Navez' Electro-ballistic Machine. The
latter is considered the best for determining
the initial velocity.
27. What is the hxjgro metric proof of 'powder?
Samples arc placed in shallow tin pans,
set in a tub, the bottom of which is covered
with water; the pans should be about an
inch above the water, and the till) covered.
Good powder will not absorb more than 2J
per cent, in 24 hours.
28. I loir can the relative quickness of two
kinds of powder be determined?
By burning a train laid in a circular or
other groove, which returns into itself, made
in a piece of hard wood; one-half of the
groove being tilled with each kind of pow-
GUNPOWDER. 95
der, and fire communicated at the junction
of the two trains, the relative quickness is
readily deduced from observation of the
point at which the flames meet.
29. What are the qualities of good powder ?
It should be perfectly free from dust, uni-
form in strength and size of grains, angular
and irregular in form; in color, brownish
black, or slate color; so hard as not to be
easily crushed by pressure with the finger;
and should leave no beads or foulness when
flashed in quantities of 10 grs. on a copper
plate.
30. What is the expansive velocity, and
pressure of ignited powder ?
The expansive velocity is about 5,000 feet
per second, and pressure about 2,000 atmos-
pheres.
31. What is the weight of a cubic inch of
powder?
About half an ounce; a cubic foot will
therefore weigh about 54 pounds, and 32
cubic inches, one pound.
32. How is government powder packed ?
In barrels of 100 lbs. each ; the barrels
being large enough to allow sufficient space
for the powder to move when rolled to pre-
vent its caking.
33. How are the barrels marked?
On one head with the place and year of
manufacture, and with the kind of grain,
camion, musket, or rifle; on the other head
with the year in which it was proved and
the proof-range, leaving room for subsequent
96 HAND-HOOK OF ARTILLERY.
proofs, winch are marked in the same man-
ner.
34. When powder is injured !>>j dampness^
can it be reston d?
1 1' the water absorbed does not exceed 7
per cent., it can be by drying. If it has ab-
sorbed from 7 to VI per cent., after drying
it remains porous and friable, and is unfit
for transportation. In this case it is better
to work it over.
35. How is powder stort df
In magazines especially constructed for
the purpose. The barrels are generally
placed neai- the sides, three tiers high, or
four tiers if necessary ; small skids should
be placed on the floor and between the sev-
eral tiers of barrels, in order to steady
them, and chocks should be placed at inter-
vals on the lower skid, to prevent the roll-
ing <>f the barrels.
36. How are the different kinds of powder
arranged f
Those barrels of the same kind, place and
date of fabrication, and proof-range, are
piled together.
37. Should it be necessary to pile the barrels
more than four tiers high, what is done?
The upper tiers are supported by a frame
resting on the floor, or the barrels may be
placed on their heads, with boards between
the tiers.
38. What is necessary for the preservation
of the powder ?
The magazine should be opened and aired
GUNPOWDER. 97
in clear dry weather, and the ventilators
should be kept free.
39. How may the moisture of a magazine be
absorbed ?
By chloride of calcium suspended in a box
under the arch, and renewed from time to
time.
40. When the magazine is open, what pre-
cautions should be observed?
The sentinel or guard should have no fire-
arms, and any one who enters it should take
off his shoes, or put socks over them. No
sword or cane, or anything which might oc-
casion sparks should be carried in.
41. How should powder in barrels be trans-
ported ?
The barrels should never be rolled ; they
should be carried in hand-barrows, or slings
made of rope or leather. In wagons, the
barrels should be packed in straw, and not
allowed to rub against each other, and the
whole covered with thick canvas.
42. What precaution should be used to pre-
vent powder caking ?
The barrels should be taken outside the
magazine and rolled on boards.
48. Where should cartridge bags be filled?
In the filling-room of the laboratory, or a
small magazine, and not in the general
magazine.
9
98 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part IX.
PROJECTILES.
1. What projectiles are made use of in the
setvice f
Solid shot, shells, spherical-case or shrap-
nel, canister, grape, grenades, stones, car-
casses, light and fire balls.
2. What is a solid shot?
A solid sphere of cast-iron, almost exclu-
sively appropriated to guns. The gun de-
rives its denomination from the weight of
the shot, as 6-pr., 12-pr., etc.
3. What is a shell, and its use?
A hollow sphere of cast-iron, containing
pOwder, which is ignited by means of a fuze;
when tired at troops, it should be prepared
to burst over their heads, or, if the ground
be favorable, to ricochet a Little in front and
plunge into the column. When fired at
works or buildings, it should explode after
penetration.
4. What is a spherical-cas,\ ami what ad-
vantages does it possess ?
It is a shell much thinner than the ordi-
nary shell, and tilled with leaden bullets and
a charge of powder sufficient to burst it,
which is done by means of a fuze, as with a
common shell, at any required distance. It
PROJECTILES. 99
is thus calculated to extend all the advan-
tages of canister shot to distances far beyond
the reach of that projectile. It is fired both
from guns and howitzers.
5. What are canister shot?
Cylindrical tin cases with iron heads, of
calibre suitable for different pieces of ord-
nance, filled with cast-iron balls, arranged
in tiers, and packed in with dry saw-<lust ;
they are fired at ranges not exceeding 400
yards, but their most destructive effects are
from 100 to 200 yards.
6. What are grape shot ?
A certain number of iron balls, usually
nine, put together by means of two cast-iron
plates, two rings and one pin and nut. Each
plate has on the inside three beds for the
shot, of a depth equal to half the thickness
of the plate, and of the form of a spherical
segment, the curvature of which is the same
as that of the shot. An iron pin riveted to
the bottom iron plate, passes through the
centre and also through the top plate, where
the hole is secured by a nut and screw.
Note. — The use of these shot for field pieces has been
discontinued, canister answering the purpose of these shot.
7. How were the balls fixed in the old pat-
tern t
They wTere placed in tiers around an iron
pin attached to an iron tompion at the bot-
tom, and put into a canvas bag, and then
quilted around with a strong cord.
8. What is a grenade ?
A shell thrown from the hand, or in bas-
100 BAND-BOOK "F Aim LLEB Y.
kete from the Btone mortar, and ignited as
other shells by means of a fuze.
9. How many kinds of grenades are made
US( i
Hand-grenades and rampart-grenades; six-
pOnnder spherical-case may be used for the
former, and shells of any calibre for the lat-
ter.
10. To what purposes are grenadi s applii d .'
They are useful in the defence of works,
the smaller thrown by hand into the head of
a sap, trenches, covered way, or upon the
besiegers mounting a breach ; the larger
kinds are rolled over the parapet in a
trough.
1 1. What is a carcass, and its use t
It is a spherical shell having three addi-
tional holes, of the same dimensions as the
fuze hole, pierced at equal distances apart
in the upper hemisphere of the shell, and
tilled with a composition which burns with
intense power from eight to ten minutes,
and the flame issuing from the holes sets fire
to everything combustible within its reach ;
it is used in bombardments, setting tire to
shipping, etc.; and is projected from cannon
like a common shell.
12. What is a substitute for a carcass?
Common shells Loaded in the following
manner: The bursting charge is placed in
the bottom of the shell in a flannel hag, over
which carcass composition is driven until
the shell is nearly tilled; then insert four or
live strands of quick-match, which must be
secured \>y driving more composition upon
PROJECTILES. 101
it. These shells, after burning as a carcass,
explode.
13. What is a fire-ball, and its use ?
It is a projectile of an oval shape, formed
of sacks of canvas filled with combustible
composition which emits a bright flame. Its
use is to light up the enemy's works, and it
is loaded with a shell to prevent it from
being approached.
14. What is a light ball ?
Light balls are the same as tire balls, ex-
cept that there is no shell in them, as they
are used for lighting up our own works.
15. What is a smoke ball ?
A hollow paper sphere, similar to a light
ball, and filled with a composition winch
emits a dense, nauseous smoke ; it is em-
ployed to suffocate the enemy's miners when
at work, or to conceal one's own operations;
it burns from twenty-five to thirty minutes.
16. In field pieces, to what is the projectile
attached f
To a block of wood called a sabot.
17. Are the projectile and cartridge ever at-
tached to the same sabot?
Yes, in field guns, and the 12-pdr. field
howitzer; the whole then constitutes a round
of fixed am m unit ion.
18. What is the arrangement in case of the
32 and 24=-pdr. field howitzers ?
The projectile is separate from the charge,
and the cartridge is attached to a block" of
wood called the cartridge-block, the object of
which is to give a finish to the cartridge and
fill the chamber.
102 HAND-BOOK OJ ARTILLERY.
19. What difference is there in sabots for
field servi
Sabots for shot and spherical case or guns,
have one gro'oye for attaching the cartridge —
those for guti canisters and for the 12-pdr.
howitzer shells, spherical-case and canisters
have two grooves. Those for the li*2 and
94L-pdr. howitzers have do grooves, bat are1
furnished with handles made of cord, pass-
ing through two holes in the sabot, and fas-
tened by knots on the inside.
20. Sow are projectiles for fiehl service /«&
tern d to the sabot ?
By straps of sheet tin, or of st rong canvas,
when tin or sheet iron cannot be procured.
_M . How many straps are employed, and how
are they fastened?
For shot, there are two straps, crossing at
right angles, one passing through a slit in
the middle of the other. For shells, there
are lour straps soldered to a ring of tin, or
fastened to it by cutting four slits in the
ring, into which the tapper ends of the
Btrap are hooked, and turned down on
the inside of the ring. The sabots for 3d
and dl-pdr. field howitzers having no
groove, each strap is fastened by one nail
on the side, and two under the hottom of
the sabot.
'I'l. What is a canister for field ser-
vi e E ?
It consists of a tin cylinder attached to a
Sabot, and tilled with ea>t-iron shot.
-l'.\. Hon- is it made?
The cylinder is fastened to the sabot by
PROJECTILES. 103
six or eight nails, and a plate of rolled iron
is placed at the bottom on the sabot. It is
closed with a sheet-iron cover after being
filled, the top of the cylinder being cut into
strips half an inch long, and turned down
over the cover.
24. In case of heavy guns are the shot at-
tached 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 ease of strap-
ping shot for field service.
2G. How is it with canister for siege and sea-
coast guns?
The}' have no sabot; the tin is turned
over the iron bottom.
27. How is it with canisters for the S4nch
siege and sea-coast howitzers ?
They are attached to sabots in the same
way as the field-howitzer canisters. The
sabot for the siege howitzer has a hemi-
spherical 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 f
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 may be inserted into the piece
separately from the stand of grape.
104 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
30. What is the object of fixing shot or shells
to wooden bottoms?
To prevent injury to brass cannon* and
150' insure tne fuze of a shell being retained
in the axis of the piece.
31. What proportion 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 </< termined ?
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
ease of lead halls, the multiplier is 0.214.
The cube of the radius in inches of a cast-iron shot will
be very nearly equal to its weight in pounds.
33. How is the diameter of a cast-iron shot
of a given weight found ?
Divide the weight in pounds by 0.134, and
extract the cube root of the quotient, which
Will be the diameter in inches.
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. 01 744 for the
weight of powder in pounds.
Note.— These multipliers are found as follows: Suppose
IT to represent the weight of a body, D its density, V
its volume, ami g the weight of the unit of mass, then
It' D I </. .Now. if a cubic iueh of distilled water at the
standard temperature he taken as the unil of mass, g will
he Humeri. ally /'f./y pounds. Hence, W=D V {^=
if
O.n.ltlL'UlZ^F— 0.03G201 JJ-,iP (supposing d to he the di-
rilOJECTILES. 105
ajneter and the body to he spherical) = 0.036201 X 0.6236
DcP=0M89£>5Dd9. If Ave now substitute for 1) the spe-
cific gravity of cast iron shot or shells=7.000. wc have ir
t==7X0.018&55(*3=?0.134d3i and if for I) we substitute
the specific gravity of lead, W==0.2142d3; and in case of
powder, TF= 0.017 U</:\
Far diameters, w< ighta, and charges, see Tables, pages
115-118.
35. When shot are heated to a ivhiie heat,
what expansion takes place?
42
32
2 4
18
12
Expansion inches. 0.149
0.11
O.lolo.OSiO.OG 0.04
» U.UOM
36. Do heated shot retain a permanent en-
largement?
Yes: in case of the 8-in. shot, for example,
after the first cooling the enlargement is
0.054 in. ; and, after the second, 0.099 in.
37. Are the igniting powers of a hot shot de-
stroyed by ricocheting upon the water?
No ; a shot, properly heated, will ignite
wood after having struck the water several
times.
38. What is the peculiarity of cartridges for
hot shot ?
There are two cartridge bags, one being
inserted, choke foremost, in another of the
next higher calibre, and the end of the lat-
ter folded under.
39. Explain the process of loading with hot
shot ?
The piece should be sponged with great
care, and the worm frequently passed into
108 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
the bore. As a precaution, it is well to
inserl :i wet sponge just before putting in
the ball. The muzzle is sufficiently elevated
to allow the ball to roll down the bore, the
cartridge is inserted, the mouth of the outer1
bag foremost, the fold down, and carefully
pushed home without breaking it ; a dry hay1
wad is placed upon it and rammed once" \
then a clay or wet hay wad, and rammed
twice ; and finally, if firing at angles Of
depression, a wad of day a half calibre in
length, or a wet hay wad is put on the ball;
40. May the ball cool in the gun withorii
igniting the charge?
Yes. with proper precaution in loading.
The piece, however, should be tired with as
little delay as possible, as the vapor which
arises from the action of the hot ball on the
water contained in the wad, diminishes the
strength of the powder.
41. \Yh<it means arc afforded at thesea-boatd
/mis for heating shot?
Furnaces for this purpose are erected,
which hold 60 or more shot.
Al. What length of time is required to heat
them to a red heat ?
The shot being placed, and the furnace
cold, ii requires one hour and fifteen min-
utes; hut after the furnace is once heated,
a 24-pr. shot is broughl to a red heat in
twenty-live minutes; the 32-pr. and 42-pr.
shot require a few minutes longer.
43. Describe '/rates for heating shot?
In siege and other batteries, where there
are no furnaces, a grate is used. It consists
PROJECTILES. 107
of four bars 1.75 inches square, three feet
long, placed four inches apart on three iron
stands, with legs one foot in height. It is
placed 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 stones rising about four
or five inches from the bottom. A roof is
made over it with hoops of flat iron, cover-
ed with sods and eighteen inches of earth,
having in the back part a chimney 6 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 the
front part the wood is put, cut in pieces
about fourteen inches long and two inches
thick. A thick sod is used as a register, to
regulate the draught of the chimney, so that
no flame can issue from the front. This
grate, which 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 half in diame-
ter, and then commencing at one end, and
doubling it up about one calibre in length,
twisting it all the time until it becomes near-
ly 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 form of proper calibre, and
then bound with spun yarn, and afterward
rammed a second time.
108 SAND-BOOK OF ARTIU.KUY.
4."). Wave hot shot been almost entirely super-
seded?
fesj since the adoption of the method of
throwing large hollow shot from long pieces.
These require but Little preparation, can be
used at once, and arc more terrible in their
effects.
4(1. What are ring or grommet wads, and
t/n ir use?
They consist of a ring of rope yarn, about
0.7 in. thick, with two pieces of strong twine
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 lit tight, and
stop the windage. They increase the Accu-
racy of lire, 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
straps, or to the ball by twine, or may be
inserted like other wads after the ball.
47. //"//• are junk-wads made ; <>n<l for
what are they used?
Wad-moulds tor each calibre, consisting of
two cast-iron cylinders of different diame-
ters set in oak, or of two strong pieces of
Oak; strapped with iron, and joined by a
hinge, are employed in their manufacture.
The junk, alter having been picked, is com-
pressed by being beaten in the smaller mould
with a maul and cylindrical drift — the latter
nearly of the size of the mould— -until it as-
sumes the requisite dimensions; it is then
taken out by raising the upper part of the
PROJECTILES. 109
mould, and closely wrapped with rope yarn,
passed over it in the direction of the axis of
the cylinder, and fastened by a few turns
around the middle of the wad. It is then
placed in the large mould, 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 copper
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 care-
fully reamed out, and stopped with tow-
wads, which are pressed in firmly with a
round stick.
49. Describe the p>rocess 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
bottom of the chamber by working the balls
aside. The shot is then placed in a sand-
bath or oven, and brought to a proper tem-
perature to receive the sulphur, which in a
melted state is poured in to fill up the inter-
stices between the balls; the shot is allowed
10
110 HAND-BOOK OF ABTILLERY.
to cool, and the sulphur to harden, when the
stick' is withdrawn, and the sulphur adher-
ing to the sides of the eye and the surface, of
the shol is removed. If a fuze-plug and
paper-fuze arc 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 and the
Stopper and fuze screwed into their places,
care being taken before placing the fuze in
position to puncture the covering of the
magazine, so that the fire can communicate
with the charge.
Spherical-case are now usually loaded by
putting in the bullets, and pouring nielied
sulphur in until the ease is full. Alter 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 projectile.
50. What advantages does this mode of load'
ing possess over the old mode?
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, be-
sides, in a compact mass, instead of scat-
tered among the bullets, its power is much
greater, and acts more effectively in throwing
the bullets outward from the centre.
PROJECTILES. Ill
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, etc., is
inserted. In the meantime the fuze is cut
to the 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 f of its length. If it
does not, it may be reduced by rasping.
The head of it is covered with tow to pre-
vent 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.
52. How are shells for columbiads and
heavy guns loaded ?
In the same way as Mortar-shells; but as
paper-fuzes inserted in wooden or bronze
fuze plugs are used instead of wooden fuzes,
the plug only is driven into its place, and
112 HAND-BOOK OF ABTILLERY.
stopped with tow after the bursting charge
lias been poured through it into the shell.
53. Wow an condemned shot and, shell
parked .'
With an X, made with the cold chisel.
54. //<///• should balls be preserved .'
They should be carefully lacquered as
soon as possible after they are received^
When it becomes necessary to renew the
lacquer, the old lacquer should he removed
by rolling or scraping the halls, which
should never be heated for that purpose.
55. How should grape <m<l canister shot be
preserved ?
They should he oiled or lacquered, put in
piles, or in strong boxes on the ground floor;
or in dry cellars; each parcel marked with
its kind, calibre and number.
50. I Ion- are !><dls piled?
Balls are piled according to kind and
calibre, under cover if practicable, in a
place where there is a free circulation of
air, to facilitate which the piles should he
made narrow, if the locality permits; the
width of the bottom tier may he from 12 to
14 halls according to calibre.
Prepare the ground for the base of the
pile by raising it above the surrounding
ground so as to throw off the water; level
it, ram it well, and cover it with a layer
of screened sand. Make the bottom of the
pile with a tier of unserviceable halls buried
about two-thirds of their diameter in the
sand; this base may he made permanent*:
clean the base well and form the pile, put-
PROJECTILES. 113
ting the fuze-holes of shells downward in the
intervals, and not resting on the shells below.
Each pile is marked with the number of
serviceable balls it contains. The base may
be made of bricks, concrete, stone, wood, or
with borders and braces of iron.
57. How should fixed ammunition for can-
non be stored ?
Either in boxes or placed in piles, formed
of two parallel rows of cartridges, with the
sabots together; in 4 tiers for l£-pdr. and
5 for 6-pdr. ; chock the lower tier with
strips of wood fastened with small nails;
put a layer of tow 2 in. thick between the
shot; let the piles rest on planks, if there is
no floor, and cover them with tarpaulins )
have the place swept, and the cartridge-bags
brushed off. Leave a passage of 18 in. be-
tween the double rows, and keep them 2 feet
from the walls. Fixed ammunition should
not be put into powder-magazines, if it can
be avoided ; it should be kept in a dry place
above the ground floor if practicable ; the
store-rooms should be always aired in fine
weather, the piles should be taken down,
and made up again every six months at
most, the bags examined and repaired, and
the damaged cartridges broken up. A ticket
on each pile should show the number and
kind of cartridges, the additions to the pile,
and the issues.
58. How shoidd canisters be piled ?
Like fixed ammunition, in 4 tiers for £$4's
and 18's; and 5 for IS's and 6's. Empty
114 SAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
canisters in 1<> <>r 12 tiers; the bottoms and
©overs separately.
.V.I. HOW Should CARTRIDGE-BAGS FILLED be
filed :
Like fixed ammunition, or packed in boxes
or barrels.
i;u. How should loaded shells be piled.?
On the ground floor of a secure building
on planks, if the floor is not hoarded; in 0
tiers at most: the fuzes of the lower tier in
the Vacant spaces between the shells; those
of the Other tiers turn downward, like the
fuze-holes of empty shells ; the piles should
he covered with a tarpaulin. Loaded shells
should never he put into magazines, cxeept
from absolute necessity.
61. /A'"' Should FIRE-BALLS he }>r< screed ?
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 computed, of whatever form the pile may be?
By multiplying the sum of the three par-
allel edges, by one-third of the number of
halls in a triangular face-.
63. What is meant by the three parallel
edges of the pile f
Of the rectangular or long pile, they con-
sist of the two largest bottom-rows and top-
row ; of the square pile, of two bottom-
rows and top-shot; and of the triangular
pile, of one bottom-row, the shot at the op-
posite angle, ami that at the top.
64. How is the number of shot in a triangu-
lar face computed f
Multiply the number in the bottom row,
PROJECTILES.
115
plus one, by half the number in the bottom
row, for the number required.
65. Hoiv is the shot contained in the top row
of a rectangular pile calculated f
One added to the difference 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 j and
the difference of these piles will be the num-
ber contained in the frustum or incomplete
portion.
Diameters of Shot, Shells and Spherical-Case.
13-in.
12.87
10-in.
8-in.
42
32
24
18
u
1
in.
9.S7
in.
7.88
in.
6.84
in.
6.25
in.
5.68
in.
5.17
in.
4.52
Weights of Shot, Shells and Spherical-Case.
•a ,
ll
c •-
o
a
Mortars.
Guns and Howitzers.
c
_d
a
£
a
42
32
24
18
12
6
©
oo
CO
rH
lbs.
O
lbs.
cc
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
Lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
Shot
12S
65
42.7
32.6
24.4
18.5
12.3
6.1
Shells
101
50.5
197
87.5
44.5
31
22.5
17
13.4
8.4
Sph. case
30
20.3
16
11.86
8.7
6.1
3.06
The 8-inch Mortar Shell is used for
Siege Howitzer.
the
116
HAND-BOOK OF AHT1LLKRV.
Wt ight of Canister Shot.
42
:;j
SI'S
• — z
j_ y- _.
18
12-pdr. Gun
and 32-pdr.
Howitzer.
6
12-pd
•. Howitzer.
Field,
Mountain.
lbs.
1.5
lbs.
1.14
n.s.
0.86
lbs.
0.64
lbs.
0.43
lbs.
0.32
lbs.
lo.lG
lbs.
0.21
Musket
bull.
Weights of finished Canisters and number of Shot.
Guns.
j
8-in. Howitzer.
42
82
24
18
12
Biege.
Sea-
Coast.
Weights
No. of Shot
lbs.
4S
27
lbs.
27
lbs.
S
lbs.
23
lbs.
IB
lbs.
58.6
48
lbs.
5i.5
is
Weight of Grape-Shot and Grape-Shot Stands.
8-in.
42
82
24
is
12
Grape shot.
Stands
lbs.
6.1
74.5
lbs.
4.2
51.2
n.s.
3.15
39.7
n.s.
2.4
30.6
lbs.
l.S
22.1
lbs.
1.14
14.8
PROJECTILES.
11;
Weights of fixed Ammunition.
For Guns.
12
For Howitzers.
32
12
Cartridge, inclucM , charee
Shot, strapped
Shell, strapped and charged
Spherical case, strapped and
charged
Canister, with Sabot
f Shot
Shell with small
charge
Spherical case
Canister
Round of
Ammunition
complete.
2.56
2.06
11.43
14.80
15.40
13.50
16.91
1.30
LOS
5.75
7.32
7. t'.n
6.82
8.40
3.10
24.60
31.00
28.50
27.70
34.10
31.60
2.70
2.34
18.80
23.00
21.25
21.15
25.34
23.60
1.05
9.35
11.30
10.80
10.50
12.50
11.85
Charges for Mortar Shells.
13-in. 10-in.
Coe-
horn.
f of the shell filled with powder
Charged to burst the shell
(to blow out the fuze
Ordinary service (fannon powder,
charge 1 Incendiary match
'" ( or other comp'tion.
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
11 0
6 0
0 6
7 0
5 0
2 0
0 5
3 0
2 9
1 0
0 4
1 12
0 8
0 6
0 6
lbs.oz.
1 0
0 8
0 2
118
AND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Charges for Field Shells.
Remarks.
Powder
required
to fill the shell
to burst do
to blow out the fuze-
plug
for Bervice charge....
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
1 5
0 11
1 0
0 8
0 8
0 5
0 2
1 (i
0 2
0 12
0 1
0 7
Rifle or mus-
ket powder
is used II)
preference
to cannon.
Charges for Spherical-case Shot.
Charge.
42
32
24
No. of musket balls...
Bursting charge of
powder (<7..
Weight of shot load-
ed lbs.
486
306
225
175
120
78
15
9
8
6
5
4.5
59.5
39.
30.13
22.7:.
16.8
11.
38
Charges for Shells for Columbiads and Heavy Guns.
Charge
of Powder.
Columbiads.
Km- Guns.
10-in.
42
21
Toiill theshelL...
To burst tin' shell
To blow out the
fll/.e plug
For ordinary ser-
vice
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
lliS.o/..
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
lbs.oz.
3 4
1 0
1 12
1 0
1 8
(I 12
1 §
0 11
1 0
0 8
(1 11
0 7
0 10
0 8
0 6
0 2
0 2X
Q iM
3 0
1 8
1 4
1 0
0 12
0 10
lbs.cz.
0 8
0 ;,
0 1
0 7
LABORATORY STORES. 119
Part X.
LABORATORY STORES.
1. What is a fuze?
The contrivance for communicating fire to
the charge in a shell at any point of its
night. It consists of some highly inflamma-
ble composition inclosed in a wood, paper,
or metal case.
2. What fuzes are used in the U. S. service?
Wooden, paper, the Bormann and the
United States sea-coast fuzes.
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 plug 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 cylindrical space is filled
with composition, pounded hard,. and as regu-
larly as possible, and the cup filled with ,
mealed powder moistened with whiskey or
alcohol. The rate of burning is determined
by experiment, and marked on a waterproof
cap, which is tied over the cup. Knowing
120
HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLKRY
the time any shell is to occupy in its flight,
the fuze is cut off with a saw a! the propefr
division, and firmly set in the fuze-hole with
a fuze-set and mallet. Hay 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 -fG in. should be cut off, etc.
4. What is the disadvantage of this fuzi t
Its irregularity, it being very difficult to
pound the composition so that equal lengths
will burn in equal times. The shell may
either burst too soon, and a greater part of
its effect be lost; or it may burst after bury-
ing itself in the ground; or it may hurst
after passing the proper point. This irregu-
larity of burning is common to all fuzes
where the composition is driven in successive
layers in a column which burns in the same
direction.
5. With what shells is this fuze used?
With Mortar shells.
6. What is the composition for Mortar-
fuzes.?
No.
Nitre.
Sulphur
Healed
Powder.
Time of
burning l in.
Remarks.
1
2
3
2
2
1
1
3
1
3.8 sec.
5. "
2.2 "
For Siege Mortars.
For Sea Coast •'
For 8 in. Howitzers.
7. Are these fuzes always cut before being in-
serted in the shell ?
Generally they are; but they are some-
LABORATORY STORES. 121
times bored through at the proper positions
instead of being sawed.
8. Are they ever cut obliquely?
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 perpendicular to the
axis, the whole base of the wood might be
driven in contact with the bottom of the
shell, and prevent the lighted composition
from setting lire to the bursting charge.
9. Describe the paper-fuze.
It consists of a conical paper-case, contain-
ing the composition, whose rate of burning
is shown by the color of the case, as follows :
Black burns 2" to the inch.
Red " 3"
Green " 4" "
Yellow " 5" "
Each fuze is made two inches long, and
the yellow consequently 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
faze?
Its simplicity, and the little trouble re-
quired to place it in the shell, rendering un-
necessary the numerous and complicated in-
struments such as saws, fuze-setter, and ex-
tractor, files, etc., which were formerly used
in field artillery.
11
Yl'l HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
11. What is the composition of paper-fuzes
for field servia .'
Mealed
Powder)
Sulphur.
Red...
Green.
Yellow
0
:;
3.5
4.0
Note. — Tu case of heavy guns, oolumbiada and how-
ls, nitre is added} and the fuzes burn longer.
12. Describethe Belgian or Bormann-fuze>
The fuze case is made of metal (a compo-
sition o!' lead and
tin), ami consists.
Figure 2, first, of
a short cylinder,
having at one
end a horse-shoe
'shaped indenta-
tion ; one end only
of which commu-
nicates with the
magazine of the
fuze placed in I he
Fig. 2. centre.
This horse-shoe indentation extends nearly
to the other end of the cylinder, a thin layer
of the metal only intervening. This is gra-
duated on the outside into equal parts vol
presenting seconds and quarter seconds (see
Fig. 4). " In the bottom of this channel a
smooth layer of the composition is placed,
LABORATORY STORES.
123
-^OPVIEK,
with a piece of wick or yarn underneath it
On this is placed a piece of metal, the cross
section of which is
wedge-shaped (see Fig.
3); and this, by ma-
chinery, is pressed
[down upon the com-
position, sealing it
hermetically: The cy-
lindrical opening, re-
presented at a, Fig 2,
is filled with fine pow-
der and covered with
a sheet of tin, which
is soldered, closing the
magazine from the ex-
ternal air.
SECTION
Fig. 3.
Before using the
fuze, several holes
are punched thro'
this sheet of tin,
to allow the flame
to enter the shell.
On the side of the
fuze the thread of
a screw is cut,
which fits into one
cut on the inside
of the fuze-hole,
and the fuze is Fis- 4-
screwed into the shell with a wrench.
The thin la}^er of metal over the composi-
tion is cut through with a gouge or chisel,
or even a pen-knife, at the interval marked
124 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
with the number of seconds which
the fuze to burn. To prevent the
this fuze, which is soft, from
being 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 in-
serted.
13. To what hind of artillery has this fuze
been confined ?
Principally to light artillery, in firing
shells and particularly spherical-case, where
regularity and certainty are essential requi-
sites.
14. Mention one important advantage of this
fuze.
The shells can be loaded, all ready for use,
and remain so any length of time, perfectly
safe from explosion, as the fuze can be
screwed into its place, and the composition
never exposed to external tire 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
fuzk.
The paper case fits in a fuze-plug of bronze
LABORATORY STORES. 125
instead of wood. It fits the eye of the shell
in the same way as the wooden plug, and is
retained by the force of friction. A safety
cap and primer combined have been adopted
to prevent ricochets, especially over the
water, from extinguishing the fuze. A re-
cess in the top, filled with priming composi-
tion, is covered, until the fuze is required for
use, with a disk of lead fitting accurately
the opening. The fire is conveyed to the
fuze-composition through a crooked passage
which is filled with priming, and prevents
water from entering in sufficient quantity to
extinguish the fuze.
For security, a small leaden plug is placed
in the inner end of the fuze-plug, where it
remains until it is driven out by the shock
of the explosion.
When the shell is placed in the piece,
nothing more is necessary than to remove
the leaden disk which covers the recess in
the top.
17. When are paper fuzes for field-shells and
spherical-case inserted ?
At the moment of loading the gun, and
into wooden fuze-plugs previously driven
into the shell.
18. What is a port-fire ?
It consists of a small paper case, filled
with a highly inflammable but slow-burning
composition, the flame of which is very in-
tense and penetrating, and cannot be extin-
guished by water.
19. What is it used for ?
126 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Principally as an incendiary material in
loading shells, and fbr 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
differenl proportions. One kind is com-
posed of
Nitre 65 parts.
Sulphur, .... 22..") "
Mealed powder, . . . 12.5 "
A port-fire case, eighteen inches in length,
filled with tins composition, burns ten min-
utes.
21. What are priming-tubeb, <tn<i their urn .'
Small pipes having a cup at one end. and
filled with a composition for firing cannon.
22. What tube is in general use in our ser~
The friction primer.
23. Describe it.
It consists of :i short tube of metal insert-
ed 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 ami one of sulphuret of an t imoiiy .
moistened with gum water. A serrated
wire passes throu-gh 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 with nippers, and the wire at
the end of the serrated part doubled under
to prevent any displacement. The other
LABORATORY STORES. 127
end of the wire is doubled and twisted by
machinery. The long tube is filled with
musket powder, its upper end being covered
with shellac-varnish blackened with lamp-
black, and its lower closed with shoemakers'
wax and dipped into varnish.
24. Mention one great advantage of the fric-
tion tube.
It gives an enemy at night no clue to the
position of your piece, as does the lighted
port-fire or slow-match.
25. What is slow-match ?
A slow burning match prepared from
hemp or flax slightly twisted, soaked in a
strong lye, or in water holding in solution
sugar of lead. Cotton rope, well twisted,
forms a good match without any prepara-
tion.
20. How long does slow-match prepared from
hemp or flax burn?
Four to five inches to the hour.
27. What is the v$e of slow-match f
It is used principally for the purpose of
retaining fire in the shape of a hard-pointed
coal, to be used in firing cannon, fireworks,
etc. It was formerly used in field-batteries
for lighting the port-fires with which the
pieces were discharged; but both are now
entirely superseded by the friction tube.
28. What is quick-match?
It is a match made of threads of cotton,
or cotton wick, steeped in gummed brandy
or whiskey, then soaked in a paste of mealed
powder and gummed spirits, and afterward
strewed over with mealed powder.
128 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
20. How long <lncs it hum?
One yard burns in the open air thirteen
seconds.
30. What is the use of quick-match f
To fire stone and heavy mortars, and some-
times in proving pieces. It is extensively
used in priming all kinds of fireworks, such
as fire and light balls, carcasses, rockets,
priming tubes, etc , and in conveying tire
very rapidly from one portion of a piece of
firework to another.
31. When used for dischargin/j cannon, how
is the quick-match set fire to?
By a slow-match, port-fire, or any other
convenient material.
32. When used to prime carcasses, etc., how
is it set on fire ?
By the name from the piece.
33. What is Valenciennes composition?
A compound of 50 parts of nitref28 of sul-
phur, 18 of antimony, and 0 of rosin.
34. What is its use ?
As an incendiary composition, in charging
shells for the purpose of increasing their de-
structive property, by setting lire to build-
ings, shipping, etc.
PLATFORMS. 129
Part XI.
PLATFORMS.
1. What is a platform ?
A strong flooring upon which a piece of
ordnance, mounted on its carrriage, is ma-
noeuvred when in battery.
2. What is the object of a platform f
To facilitate the service of heavy guns and
mortars, and to insure accuracy of fire.
3. Mention the kinds of platforms in general
use in the service.
Fixed platforms for casemate and barbette
batteries in fortifications, which are con-
structed with the works ; the siege-platform
for guns and howitzers and the siege-plat-
form for mortars, the rail-platform and the
ricochet-platform.
4. What properties should wooden platforms
possess ?
Strength and portability.
5. Are the pieces composing siege-platforms
of the same or different dimensions ?
All of the same dimensions, viz. : 9 feet
long, 5 inches wide, and 3£ inches thick ;
except the sleepers, which in the mortar-
platform are one foot less in length.
6. What is the weight of each piece ?
About fifty pounds.
130 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
7. What is the number of pieces in the siege:
platform for guns and howitzers t
Forty-nine in all — one being used as a
hurter on the front part of the platform to
prevent the carnage from running too far
forward ; and twelve for sleepers.
8. Describe the method of laying a platform
for a siege-gun or howitzer.
First establish the centre line of the em.-
brasure, and stretch a cord on this line from
the middle of the embrasure to the rear.
This is the directrix of the platform.
Lay the two outside Bleepers parallel to
this directrix, their outside edges being tifiy-
four inches distant from it. The four other,
sleepers are laid parallel to these, the edge
of each fifteen and a half inches from th,e
edge of the next. The upper surface of the
front ends of these sleepers to be fifty inches
on a vertical line below the sole of the em-
brasure.
They are laid with an elevation to the
rear, of one and a half inches to the yard, or
four and a half inches in their whole length.
This elevation may be determined by plac-
ing a block four and a half inches high on
tin- iron! mid of the sleeper, and laying a
straight-edge with a gunner's lever on it
from this block to the rear end, then so ar-
range the earth as to bring the level true in
this position. The next set of sleepers are
laid against and inside of the first, overlap-
ping them three feet, having the rear ends
inclined outward, so that the outer edges of
PLATFORMS. 131
the exterior ones shall be each fifty-four
inches from the directrix, and the spaces be-
tween the edges of the others the same as in
the first set, viz. : fifteen and a half inches
from the edge of one to the edge of the next,
all having the elevation to the rear of one
and a half inches to the yard, and perfectly
level across. The earth is then rammed
firmly around these sleepers, and made even
with their upper surface. The first deck-
plank, with a hole through each end for the
eye-bolts, is laid in place perpendicular to
the directrix, its holes corresponding with
those in the sleepers. The hurter is placed
on it, and the bolts driven through the cor-
responding holes in these pieces. The hur-
ter should be so placed as to prevent the
wheels from striking against the epaulment
when the piece is in battery. If the interior
slope has a base of two-sevenths of its height,
the inner edge of the hurter should be two
and a half inches from the foot of the slope.
The other planks are then laid, each one
forced against the preceding, the last plank
having holes for the rear eye-bolts. By
drawing out or driving in the outside sleep-
ers, the holes through their rear ends are
made to correspond with those in the last
deck-plank, and the bolts are put in.
Drive stakes in the rear of each sleeper,
leaving their tops level with the upper sur-
face of the platform. Raise, ram, and level
the earth in rear of the platform, so as to
have a plain, hard surface to support the
132 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
trail when the recoil is great. The earth at
the sides should he raised nearly as high as
the platform, and well rammed, giving it a
slight inclination outward to allow the water
to run off'.
i). What arc the dimensions of this platform?
Fifteen feet by nine feet.
10. Why is the elevation to the rear given to
this platform ?
To diminish the recoil and to permit the
water to run off.
11. Describe the platform for a mortar.
The mortar-platform is composed of only
half the number of sleepers and deck-planks
required for the gun or howitzer platform.
It is laid level, and the front and rear deck-
planks are connected by eye-bolts to every
sleeper. Its depth is one-half that of the
previous platform.
12. Describe the method of laying the rail-
platform.
The rail-platform for siege-mortars con-
sists of three sleepers and two rails for the
cheeks of the mortar-bed to slide on, instead
of the deck-plank, and is very strong, and
easily constructed and laid.
The pieces being notched to fit, are driven
together at the battery, the distance between
the centre lines of the rails being equal to I hat
between the centre lines of the cheeks. The
earth is excavated eight and a half inches, the
depth of the sleepers, and the bottom made
perfectly level. The directrix being exactly
marked by stakes, the platform is placed in
PLATFORMS. 133
position, its centre line coinciding with a
cord stretched between the Stakes marking
the line of fire. The earth is filled in as
high as the upper surface of the sleepers,
and firmly rammed; and stakes are driven
in the rear angles formed by the sleepers
and rails, and one at the rear end of each
rail.
13. Mention the parts of the ricochet-plat-
form.
1 Hurter, 8 ft. lung, S in. wide, ami 8 in. thick.
3 Sleepers, 9 ft. " 5£ " " " H
2 plank?, 10ft. Sin. l'g, 13 " " " 2± «
1 plank, 7 ft. long, 13 " " " 2£ "
1 piece ofpl'k2ift.l'g, 13 " " " 2\ «
And some stakes.
14. Describe the method of laying this plat-
form.
To lay this platform, place the hurter per-
pendicular to the line of* fire, and secure it by
four stakes, one at each end and two in front,
?A\ inches from the middle toward each end;
lay the three sleepers parallel to the hurter,
the first 16 inches from the rear edge of the
hurter. the second 43} inches from the rear
edge of the first, and the third 43^ inches
from the rear edge of the second. 'Lay the
plank 31 ^ inches from the directrix of the
platform to the centre of the plank. Place
the piece of plank 60 inches from the rear
edge of the last sleeper, and bed it in the
ground. Place on the last sleeper and this
piece of plank, the plank (7 feet long), its
front end 106 inches from the rear edge of
the hurter.
12
134 HAND-B004 OF ARTILLERY
Part XII.
ARTILLERY CARRIAGES AND MACHINES.
1. What is meant by artillery carriages t
Carriages of every description employed
in the artillery service.
2. How are such carriages classified?
Into two general divisions; first, those
carriages on which artillery are mounted,
either tor firing or travelling; and secondly,
such as are especially used tor the transpor-
tation of artillery, ammunition, and stores.
3. What is a gun-carriage ?
It is the machine on which a piece is
mounted for manoeuvring and tiring.
4. Into what classes may gun-carriages be
divided?
Into movable and stationary carriages.
5. What is the use of movable carriages?
They are used tor the transportation of
the pieces as well as for tiring them, and
are mounted on large wheels. They are
furnished with limbers.
6. Describe the movable carriage.
It consists of two cheeks, connected to-
gether and with a stock by assembling bolts.
The front part supports the piece, and rests
upon an axle-tree furnished with wheels, the
rear end of the stock or trail resting on the
ground.
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 135
7. What are the cheeks ?
The parts of the carriage between which
the piece is placed, and upon which the trun-
nions are supported.
8. What is the wheel composed of?
Of a nave into which the axle-tree enters;
of a certain number of spokes fastened in
the nave; and a circumference which is
composed of a number of fellies equal to
half the number of spokes.
9. What is tlie disii of a wheel?
The inclination outward of the spokes,
when fastened in the nave.
10. What is the advantage of this obliquity
of the spokes ?
It gives elasticity to the wheel, and pro-
tects it from the effect of shocks which
would destroy it, if the spokes were in the
same plane.
11. What is the object of giving dish to a
wheel ?
For the purpose of making the body of
the carriage wider; to diminish the length
of the axle-tree, thus increasing its strength;
to throw the mud and water outside the
wheels; and to keep the wheel close against
the carriage, and prevent any tendency to
run off the axle.
12. How are movable gun-carriages distin-
guished?
As field, mountain, and siege-carriages.
13. What are the principal considerations to
be kept in view in the construction of movable
carriages ?
136 IIAND-HooK OF ARTILLERY.
In firing, the carriage Bbould vivid to the
recoil. Were it fixed immovably, it would
soon be destroyed, no matter how great its
solidity. Its weight should be proportional
to that of the piece. IT too heavy, it would
soon be destroyed by the shocks of tjie piece.
If t<>o light, the recoil would be immoderate.
Its weight should always ho less than that
of the piece. A heavy piece upon too light
a carriage will perforin better service than
the reverse arrangement, since the effort
exerted by a piece depends upon its mass
multiplied into the square of the velocity.
14. What are tin- principal considerations to
be kept in view in the construction of field-car-
riages ?
Lightness and strength combined, great
mobility and flexibility, and a low centre of
gravity, in order to surmount all difficult-
ies in the field which must frequently arise,
while artillery is acting with other troops
to resist the concussion in firing, and the
severe jolting produced when moving rapid-
ly over uneven ground.
15. How mi in ij kinds of field-gun carriages
have we?
Three, viz: one for the 6-pdr. gun and VI-
pdr. howitzer; another for t he - 1-pdr. howit-
zer ; and the third for the 12-pdr. gun and
32-pdr. howitzer.
Ki. /// what respect an these carriages simu
/or/
In all having the same kind of limber and
the same-sized wheels, so that any limber or
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 137
wheel may be used with any carriage ;
though, if possible, the heaviest wheel (No.
2) should be used on the carriages of the
three heaviest pieces, 12-pdr. gun and 24 and
32-pdr. howitzers.
17. Describe these gun carriages.
They consist of two short cheeks of wood,
bolted upon a stock and wooden axle-body,
in a recess of which fits the iron-axle on
which the wheels are placed. The stock
terminates in a trail and trail-plate which
rests on the ground, and has on the end a
strbng ring called the lunette, which is placed
on the pintle-hook when the piece is lim-
bered. In the stock is placed an elevating
screw-box of bronze in which the elevating
screw fits.
18. Mention other parts of a field-carriage.
Cap-squares, ear-plates, trunnion -plates,
under -strap, elevating- screw, wheel -guard
plate, axle-tree, trail-plate, trail-handles, pro-
longe-hooks, pointing-rings, washer-hooks,
lock-chain, sponge-chain, sponge and ram-
mer stop, bolts, rings, bands, hooks, keys,
straps, nuts, and nails.
19. What is the limber?
It consists of a similar axle-body, axle,
and two wheels, 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 pintle-hook to re-
ceive the lunette of the trail. Connected
with the frame-work in front is a fixed
138 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
splinter-bar with four hooks, to which arc
attached the (races of the wheel-horses. At
the extremity of the tongue arc 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.
2(>. What is the use of the Umber?
To facilitate the movements of the car-
riage. By means of it a considerable por-
tion of ammunition and stores may be con-
veyed 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.
lM. Are (here any other advantages from the
iiwnner in which the gun carriage and limber
are connected ?
These two parts thus possess all the advan-
tages of a four-wheel carriage, and the free-
dom of motion peculiar to each admits of
their passing over ground uninjured, or with-
out being overturned or strained, where any
other four-wheel carriage would invariably
fail.
Tl. Describe the mountain artillery gun
carriage.
It is formed like the field-gun carriage,
hut much smaller, the cheeks not being form-
ed of pieces distinct from the stock, but all
three made of two pieces bolted together.
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 139
The axle-tree is. of wood, which lessens the
recoil, and gives an elasticity to the whole
carriage, better adapted to resist, the shocks
of firing. The wheels are hut 38 inches
high. Ordinarily, over rough ground, the
carriage is transported on the backs of
mules; hut 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 ammunition is carried in
ammunition boxes on the backs of mules.
23. Describe the prairie-carriage.
The necessity for a small carriage for the
mountain howitzer, when used on our west-
ern prairies, has led to the adoption of a
special carriage for that service, with a lim-
ber 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 ammunition boxes, placed over the axle
tree, and parallel to it, and just wide enough
for one row of shells and their cartridges.
24. How in any kinds of siege-gun carriages
are used in our service ?
Three; one for the 12-pdr. gun; another
for the 18-pdr. ; and the third for the 24-
pdr. gun and 8-ra. howitzer.
25. In what respect are they similar?
They are all constructed in the same man-
ner, differing only in their dimensions. All
the limbers and wheels are the same, so that
they can be used in common.
140 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
26. Describe this gun carriage.
It is si in i lav in its const met ion to the tield-
carriage, bul is joined to the limber in a
different way. Projecting upward 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 together when
once in position. The weight of the trail
resting 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 cany.
The splinter-bar is, as in field-carriages,
stationary, but the traces of the uexl learn
are attached to a movable bar which is con-
nected with the end of the tongue. The
tongue is furnished with pole-chains, but no
yoke, and the rest of the teams are harness-
ed as in field artillery. The axle-trees are
of iron, with axledxxlies of wood; which
last, by its elasticity, renders the shock from
the piece less direct and violent.
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 ttavelling trunnion-beds.
When thi' piece is in this position, its breeeh
rests upon the bolster, which is a curved
block of wood, bolted to the upper side of
the stock'. On each side of the trail, and
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 141
perpendicular to it, a strong manoeuvring
bolt is placed to serve as places to apply the
handspikes in manoeuvring the carriage.
27. What is the object of the travelling trun-
nion-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 lash-
ing-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.
2(.». Why is it unnecessary for siege-carriages
to hare the same degree of mobility and fleotibil-
ity as field-carriages ?
Because siege -carriages are, properly
Speaking, transportation wagons for use on
roads, and never intended for manoeuvring
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 trans-
port it except for short distances.
32. For what service are these carriages used?
For garrison and sea-coast pieces; al-
though the siege-gun-carriages just des-
cribed may also be used in a fort iti cation
or garrison. Mortar-beds, to be described
hereafter, are used either for seige or garri-
son service.
142 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
33. What are the chief requisites for garrv*
son and sea-coast carriages f
Strength, durability, and facility in serv-
ing the guns, as they are intended only for
the works oi a place, coast-batteries, and
situations where they are permanently fixed,
34. Why should these carriages be required
to possess great strehgth and durability t
Unless made strong they would soon be
shaken by the continued and rapid fire
which the% defence 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*?
It is of less importance in this class of
carriages than in any other; as they are sel-
dom removed from their situations, their
weight adds but little to the labor of tun-
ning 1 hem up.
36. Mention the different stationary carri-
ages.
The carriage from which a mortar is tired,
called its bed; the barbette-carriage; the
col umbi ad-carriage \ the casemate-carriage \
and thai for the 24-pdr. iron howitzer, called
the lank casemate-carriage.
."17. Wow many kinds of siege-mortar beds
Inter we ?
Four; t ho 8-in., the 10-in., the stone, the
coehorn.
38. Which of these are alike?
The first three, differing only in dimen-
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 143
sions. 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 handspikes 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 circular 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 mprtar 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.
14-1- SAND-BQQK OF AKTI I.i.KKY.
A'l. Describe the iikavy ska-coast mortar*
bed.
Ths bed for the heavy ten-inch mortar is
the only one which has ye1 been adopted.
The cheeks arc of cast-iron, and somewhat
similar in form to those in the beds of siege*
mortars; but in the front, the checks turn
up to receive between them the front tran-
som, winch has, countersunk in and bolted
to it, an elevating screw-bed, through which
works an inclined elevating screw, which
rises or falls by turning the nift, fitted on it
by means of a lever inserted into mortises
cut in the direction of the radii of the circu-
lar nut.
Both the transoms an* made of wood, con-
nected with the cheeks by mortises and ten-
ons, 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 ma-
noeuvring bolts. Directly behind and under-
neath 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 into the face of -the
cheek. The use of the elevating screw in-
stead of the quoin, is rendered necessary by
the great mass of metal to be raised or low-
ered in sighting the piece.
4:;. What is a BABBETTE-cam'a^e f
It is a Carriage belonging to the class
denominated immovable, on which a gun is
mounted to fire over a parapet; and a bar-
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 145
bettc gun is any gun mounted on a barbette-
carriage.
44. How many forms of the barbette-carriage
are in use in the service?
Two; one for iron gvns and sea-coast how-
itzers (12, 18, 24, 32, 42-pdrs., and 8 and
10-in.) ; and one for the columbiads.
45. Of how m any 2)arts are barbette-car-
riages composed f
Of a gun-carriage and a chassis.
46. Describe the gun-carriage
It is formed of two upright pieces of tim-
ber, nearly vertical, behind which are placed
two inclined braces, mortised into the up-
rights, and designed to receive the force of
the recoil, the whole forming the cheeks,
which are firmly connected and braced by
transoms and assembling bolts, thus form-
ing a triangular framework, which is less
liable than any other form to become de-
formed from the shocks of the gun. A hori-
zontal piece (the transom and axle-tie) runs
from front to rear between the cheeks, con-
necting the axle-body and rear transom.
The trunnion-bed is at the top of the up-
right, 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
13
14(i BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
lower part of this transom is notched to
receive the tongue of the chassis on which
it slides. Between this transom and the
transom and axle-tie, the cud 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-body, in which an iron axle is placed*.
On the ends of the axle are fitted cast-iron
rollers, which rest on the rails of the chassis,
and support the front of the carriage. On
the outside of the roller is place. 1 an octag-
onal 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 ties. .Ma-
noeuvring 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 holts and the
spokes of the wheels form the points of
application for the handspikes, in manoeu-
vring the piece. Manoeuvring staples are
placed in front of the teet of the braces, for
the purpose of using handspikes to raise
the rear of the carriage from the tongue of
the chassis in running to and from battery.
17. What pieces go on /Ac same carriage ?
The 32-pdr. 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,
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 147
and 24-pdrs ; the other for the remaining
carriages.
49. Are cap-squares used with these car-
nages ?
fib.
50. What other purposes do the wheels sub-
set're besides assisting in manoeuvring the gun-
carriage ?
In transporting the piece on its carriage
for short distances, as from one front of a
fort to another.
51. Describe the chassis.
It consists of two rails and a tongue, joined
by three transoms. The tongue is in 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 barters and
counter-barters, and their use is to prev
vent the gun carriage from running off the
chassis. Kail-plates of iron to protect the
wooden rails are let into 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 manoeuvring loop fixed
there, with a bolt and screws, to assist in
handling the chassis. On the under side of
each rail, opposite the rear transom, a mor-
tise 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
148 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
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. /// permanent batteries, how are the pin-
tle and traverse circle fixed .'
The pintle is fixed in a block of stone, and
the traverse circle is an iron plate set also in
stone.
53. /// temporary batteries, how is the pintle
attach d .'
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 f
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 ajid
their forks in their places?
The weight of the carriage and gun. and
the form of the socket and handle of the
fork.
;)(i. 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.
57. 117/ // does the chassis slope toward the
front?
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 149
In order to diminish the recoil, and aid in
running the piece into battery.
58. Describe the columbiad gun-carriage?
It is a triangular framework, consisting
on each side of an upright, a horizontal rail
or tic, and a brace, firmly mortised 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 manoeuvring wheels are
fixed (the axis 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 the ties
are in contact with them.* A similar ar-
*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 when they
are in a horizontal or inclined line, the ties rest on them.
1T>0 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
rangemenl is made for the rear pari of the
carriage, except thai the axle does not ex-
tend all the way through, bu1 the wheel <>n
each side lias a projecting piece of axle
which \\<>rks Into a box placed near the end
of the tie.
The wheel is thrown into or oul oi gear,
that is, made to hear on tin- rail of the ehas-
918, 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 outward, mortises arc placed
for the reception of the end of the iron
handspikes, by acting on which, while in-
serted, the wheels are turned, and the car-
riage moved hack and forth on the chassis.
Ordinarily, when the wheels are thrown into
gear, the carriage being hack, it will run
into hat t cry of itself.
The elevating arrangement consists of an
elevating-screw, working into a screw-bed,
which slides in a vertical box, and carries
on the top of it a movable pawl to lit into
the notches cut in the breech of the gun, 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 arrangement is over the rear transom,
59. Describe the chassis of the columbiad-
carriage.
It consists, like those used with other bar-
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 151
bette-carriages, of two rails connected by
three transoms; but the tops of the rails
are shod with iron plates, and the rear bart-
ers are the large heads of heavy holts which
pass entirely through the rails. The front
hurtcrs are fixed to the front transom by a
heavy plate and bolt.
Traverse-wheels are placed under both
front and rear transoms, and the chassis
moves on a pintle passing through the mid-
dle transom. Two of these wheels are placed
under each end of the ehassis, their axes
being kept in place by straps bolted to the
transoms. Recesses are cut in the underside
of the transom for the wheels to turn in.
This ehassis has no tongue.
60. Of how many 'parts are casemate-car-
riages compose/ ?
Like barbette-carriages, of a gun-carriage
and chassis.
61. Describe the gun-carriage.
It consists of two cheeks, joined together
by as many transoms, 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 reception 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
check is cut into steps, which give a better
152 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
hold for i he assembling bolts, than a uniform
slope, ami give purchases for the handspikes',
in elevating the piece. On the inside of
each cheek, just in rear of the axle, a verti-
cal guide is fixed to keep the carriage on the
chassis. It is of wood, and bolted to the
front transom, and axle-tree. Thetopof the
front transom is hollowed out, to admit the
depression of the piece. Behind the rear
transom and at tlie notch cut in it. there is
an eccentric roller, so arranged as to bear*
the weight of the rear part of the carriage,
or not, according as it is thrown in or out of
gear.
Near the rear end of each cheek, and out-
side, 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 outward in the direc-
tion of the radii, for the insertion oi 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. lh scribe the chassis.
It consists of two rails and a tongue,
joined by two transoms, and supported on
traverse-wheels in front and rear. The track
On each rail is curved up at each end, and
provided with hurters to prevent the car-
riage from running on the chassis. .V prop
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 153
fastened under the rear end of the tongue
prevents the chassis from upsetting I tack-
ward 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 embrasure is left for this
tongue, and it is secured in its place by
dropping the pintle from the embrasure down
through the eye of the tongue.
63. Where is the flank cASEMATE-cw/'m^/e
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 are
narrower and lighter than the other case-
mate-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'eheeks, and resting
on the chassis with a projection on the bot-
tom 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 cheek fit the
rails. The remaining portion of the bottom
of the cheek makes an angle with the rail,
and has in front a fork, and a roller which
runs on the rail of the chassis when the
Each cheek has on the
154 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
side a trail-handle and a manceuvring-ring.
In rear of the rear transom is placed an eccen-
tric-roller, having a projection in the middle
or it just large enough to fil 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 it. while
that of the front part of the carriage 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 tired, the weight rests
upon the rear part of the cheeks and the
front transom, and friction is brought into
play to diminish the recoil. Cap-squares
are used with this carriage.
G5. Dcsr-riht' the chassis.
It consists simply of two rails 3 in. apart,
and joined by four transoms and assembling-
bolts, liurters on the rear ends of the rails
only are used, as the bottom projection of
the front transom prevents the carriage run-
ning too far into battery. The front end oi
the chassis rests on the sole of thr embra-
sure. The end is provided wilh a pintle-
plate and a strap of half-inch iron through
Which the pintle passes to the masonry be-
neath, 'flic rear of the chassis is supported
by an iron prop, the lower end of which is
attached to two traverse-wheels.
Hi). What kind of <i<irri<i</<.s have been rec-
ommended for use in garrisons, instead of
Wooden ones?
Wrought-iron carriages, all made in a sim-
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 155
ilar manner, differing only in weight and
dimensions.
67. What is the objection to cast-iron ?
Its weight, and its great liability to splin-
ter when struck by shot.
68. Of how many parts is the wrought-iron
carriage, composed ?
Like the wooden ones of a gun-carriage
and chassis.
69. Describe the gun-carriage.
It consists of two cheek-plates of thick
sheet-iron, each one of which is stiffened by
three trough-beams, termed braces, bolted
on the inside of the cheeks. Along the bot-
tom of each cheek an iron shoe is fastened
by pieces of angle iron, bolted to the cheeks
and the shoe. This shoe is bent upward at
both ends, in front being bolted to the flange
of the front brace, and in rear to the flange
of the rear brace. The rear bent portion is
longer, and terminated at top by another
bend at right angles, which serves as a point
of application for a lever.
The trunnion-plates rest on the top ends
of the braces, being secured to them through
their flanges by movable bolts and nuts.
The cheek-plates are assembled together
by transoms made of bar iron bent at both
ends, and bolted to the cheek-plates thrpugh
the braces. The cheek-plates are parallel
to each other.
The carriage is supported in front on an
axle-tree with truck wheels in a similar
manner to the wooden casemate-carriage.
I 56 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
70. Describe the chassis.
Ii consists of two rails of wrought-iron,
the cross section of each being in the form
of an i. The rails arc parallel to each
other and connected by iron transoms and
braces
In the 8 and 10-in. columbiad and bar-
bette-carriages the middle transom is of
wo.wi strengthened by iron plates and bolts.
The chassis is supported on traverse-
wheels.
A prop is placed under the rails to prevent
sagging.
71. What carriage is used for conveying
ammunition for a field-battery ?
The caisson.
I'l. Describe it.
A four-wheeled carriage, consisting of two
parts, one of which is a limber similar to
that of the gun -carriage, and connected in a
similar way by a wooden stock and lunette.
On the axle-bod}' 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 compart-
ments of the ammunition boxes vary ac-
cording to the nature of the ammunition
with which they are loaded. In rear of the
last bo'x is placed a spare wheel axle of iron,
with a chain and toggle at the end of it.
On the rear end of the middle rail is placed
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 157
a carriage hook, similar to a pintle hook, to
which the lunette of a gun-carriage whose
limber lias become disabled may be attach-
ed, and the gun carried off the tield.
The caisson has the same turning capacity
and mobility as the gun-carriage, so that it
can follow the piece in all its manoeuvres, if
necessary. It also carries a spare wheel,
spare pole, etc.
78. What provision is made for repairing
the carriages of a field-battery when 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, etc. Behind the bellows is placed a
coal-box, which has to be removed before
the bellowTs can be put in position. In the
limber box are placed the smiths' tools,
horse-shoes, nails, and spare parts (iron) of
carriages, harness, etc.
75. Describe the battery wagon.
It consists, besides the limber, of a long-
bodied cart with a round top, which is con-
nected with the limber in the same way as
all other field carriages. The lid opens on
hinges placed at the side; and in rear is
fixed a movable forage rack for carrying
long forage. One of these wagons accom-
panies each field-battery, for the purpose of
transporting carriage-makers' and saddlers'
tools, spare parts of carriages, harness and
14
158 HAND-ROOK OF ARTILLERY.
equipments and rough materials for replac-
iog different parts.
Both this and the forge are made of equal
mobility with the other field carriages, in
order to accompany them wherever they
may be required to go.
76. How many kinds of wheels are < mployed
tor field-carriages t
Two; No. 1 for the 6-pdr. gun-carriage,
the caisson, the forge, the battery-wagon,
and for the limbers of all field carriages.
No. 2 for the 24-pdr. howitzer and the
12-pdr. gun-carriages.
77. /// what respects are these wheels similar .'
They are of the same form and height,
and they tit on the same axle-tree arm. The
height is 57 inches, and each wheel is com-
posed of 14 spokes and 7 fellies.
78. How do they differ?
In the dimensions of their parts, and in
strength and weight.
70. What is the weight of these wheels t
No. 1, 180 lbs. No. 2, 196 Lbs.
80. What is the weight and height of a irhcc?
of siege-gun carriages (did limbers ?
Weight 404 lbs., and height 60 inches.
SI. What is the portable forge designed
for t
Service in a mountainous country, where
wheeled vehieles cannot travel, for the pur-
pose of making repairs, not only for the ar-
tillery, but for all other arms of service taken
on such expeditions.
82. What is the mortar-wagon designed
fort
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 159
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 ab
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 inserted in sockets
on the side of this platform and used to se-
cure the load.
The side rails are prolonged to the rear,
and furnish pivots for a roller placed imme-
diately 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, etc., 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 pieces are transported on it.
Mortars are usually carried mounted on
their beds.
84. What is the use of the hand-cart ?
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 supported
immediately in front of the body by iron
legs.
86. What is the use of the hand sling-cart?
It is used in siege and garrison service for
transporting artillery short distances.
160 SAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
87. Describe it.
It is a two-wheeled carrige, made entire!)
of iron, except the pole, which isof oak. Tie-
axletree 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 limber or a horse.
88. I loir great weights can he transported by
this cart f
It should not he used with heavier weights
than about 4,000 lbs., but in <'asi> of necessity
a 24 or 32-pdr. gun may be transported <>n
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 tor 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.
!»<i. How docs the GARRISON GIN differ from
the field and siejje lain ?
It is heavier and Stronger, as it is used for
mounting heavier guns, and has not to be
transported like the other with an army in
CARRIAGES AND MACHINES. 161
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 thickness
and strength of the parts.
162 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
Part XIII.
PRACTICAL GUNNERY.
1. How may the initial velocity of a shot or
shell be ascertained/
Approximately by the empirical formula.
7=1600
V
Where F=initial velocity.
#r=a coefficient, whose value de-
pends on the windage.
c=charge }in Uls.'
i0=weight ot ball j
The values of a are :
Windage. Values of*
0.175 .... 3,6
0.125 .... 4.4
0.090 .... 5.0
2. Does a shot or shell continue at the same
uniform velocity during its flight t
The velocity decreases as the distance in-
creases, in a proportion 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.
4. With balls of different diameters, and
PRACTICAL GUNNERY. 163
equal velocities, 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 lengthening 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.
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 velocity.
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
velocity would be gradually diminished ; 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 sim-
ilar 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 with different
charges of powder ?
The velocities are directly as the square
roots of the charges.
164 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
10. How may tl>< velocity be increased with-
out augmenting the charge of powder f
By decreasing the windage j the loss <>t
velocity by a given windage being directly
as the windage. From £ to fa is lost by a
windage of ,'(1 diameter.
11. What is meant by the tune 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, hoiv is the time of flight found t
Extract the square root OX 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 in feet=£g?2 X cotangent elevation.
= l(i/2X cotangent elevation.
= HW- where the elevation is 46°.
Or fc=i V range in feet for elevation 15 .
13; Saving the time of flight, how is t/o
range ascertained ?
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 pro-
jectiles ?
The depth to which they are forced when
fired into any resisting medium.
15. Give the law of penetration of balls.
The penetration of balls of the same size,
with different velocities or charges, is nearly
as the squares of the velocities ; where the
Feet.
Inches.
8
6
15
0
4
6
1
10
3
0
PRACTICAL GUNNERY. 165
balls are of different sizes the penetration
will be proportionate to their diameters mul-
tiplied by the density, and inversely as the
tenacity of the medium.
16. Mention the depth of penetration in case
of the 2-[-pdr. siege gun.
At 100 yards a 34-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,
';: Hubble stone masonry,
• Brick
17. What is the depth of penetration of shot
fired from 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 tra-
verse 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 battery must be favorable and the opera-
tion a slow one.
18. In attacking a post or fortified position,
in what manner 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 simul-
taneous, as such a diversity of projectiles
166 II AND- BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
would tend to distract the defenders and
prevent them from extinguishing any fire
among buildings, besides throwing them into
confusion at the moment of assault. In
cases of surprise, when immediate action is
required, the above 'method cannot, of course,
be practicable.
19. Wlien 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.
MISCELLANEOUS 167
Part XIY.
MISCELLANEOUS.
1. What is the velocity of sound in the air?
At the temperature of 33° the mean velo-
city of sound is 1,100 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 ascer-
tained 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 measured 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 velo-
cities f
They are proportional to their velocities.
5. When velocities are equal, what proportion
do their momenta bear to their masses f
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
168 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
their masses into their velocities respec-
tively.
7. What is tm average weight oj a horse?
About 1,000 pounds.
s. What space does a horse occupy in t/><
ranks ; in a stall; and at a picket f
In the ranks a front of 40 in., a depth 6t
in feet; in a stall, from 3.] to -U feet front:
tit picket, 3 feet by 9,
0. What are the comparative effects of the
labor of a mini, and that of a horse or mule?
Taking the useful effect of a man's daily
Labor as unity, a horse can carry a load on a
horizontal plane, 4.8 to -6.1 times; ami a mule,
7.6 times greater than a man. Taking a
man with a wheel-harrow as unity, a horse
in a four-wheel wagon can draw 17.5, and in
a cart '1\. 3j and a mule, in a cart, 23.3 times
greater burden.
10. What weight is an artillery horse re-
quired t<> draw ?
Not more than 700 lbs., the weight of the
carriage included.
11. What weight can a team of four horses or
more draw with useful effect?
Including the weight of carriage, 4 horses
can draw 24 cwt., or (I each; <i horses, 30
cwt., ."> each ; S horses, 36 CWt., 44 each; and
12 horses. 4<S cwt., or 4 each. It is usual to
estimate the weight of a carriage exceeding-
ly cwt. as part of the load.
12. What weights arc carried by the riding,
pack, and draught horses respectively ?
A horse carrying a soldier and his equip-
MISCELLANEOUS. 169
ments (say 22;") 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, 1,600 lbs. 23 miles a day, weight of
carriage included.
13. What arc the usual paces for horses in
the artillery ?
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 f
An ordinary inarch is about 15 miles at 2-]
miles per hour for (J 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 \l hours;
8 in 4, and 10 in 10 hours.
15. What is the rate of march of liorse artil-
lery and cavalry?
Walk 3:1 miles per hour, or 1 mile in 16
minutes; trot 7$ per hour, or 1 mile in 8
minutes; manoeuvring gallop, at the rate of
11 miles per hour, or 1 mile in hi minutes;
cavalry charge, 24 miles an hour, or at the
rate of 1 mile in 2£ minutes.
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 1,(313 yards in an hour; in double
quick, 140 steps=l09 yards in 1 minute, or
3 miles 1,253 yards in an hour.
15
170 BAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
17. What space does afoot soldier occupy in
the ranks, and what is his average weight?
A front of 20 in., and a depth of 13 in.,
without the knapsack; the interval between
the ranks is 13 in.; 5 men can stand in a
space of 1 square yard. Average weight of
men, L50 lbs. each.
18. What is the daily allowance of water for
a man ?
One gallon, for all purposes.
1!». What 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 .'52.14 lbs. to the cubic foot, in
case of oats; 60 lbs. to the bushel, or 18.21
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 15 lbs. in all. His knapsack when
packed weighs 21 lbs.; canteen when filled,
and one day's provisions in haversack'. 5 lbs.;
rifle-musket, sling, and bayonet, 102 lbs:;
bells complete, including 20 rounds of am-
munition, 6 lbs.
22. How is the area of a circle found?
Square the diameter, and multiply by
.7854 for the area ; or square the circumfer-
ence, and multiply by .07958 for the same
result.
2:;. //<cr is the content of a conical frustum
found ?
MISCELLANEOUS. 171
Add into one sum 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 perpen-
dicular height of the frustum for its con-
tent.
24. How is the mean proportional found for
the above ?
By multiplying the areas of the two ends
together and extracting the square-root of
their product. A more simple mile 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. Sow is the content of a spherical segment
found?
From three times the diameter of the
sphere take double the height of the seg-
ment, then multiply the remainder by the
square of the height, and this product by
.523G; 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.
26. How is the capacity or content of a
Gomer chamber computed f
This chamber being the frustum of a
cone with a hemispherical bottom, its ca-
pacity will be found by applying the forego-
ing rules, viz.: first find the content of the
frustum, then that of the spherieal segment
or bottom, and add their contents into one
sum for the capacity.
Ill HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
27. How is the content of a rectangular box
ascertained?
Multiply the length by the breadth, and
this product by the depth.
28. lime is the capacity of a cylinder calcu-
lated ?
Multiply the area of the base by the
height.
2!>. How is the content of a barrel found?
Multiply half the sum of the areas of the
two interior circles, taken at the head and
hung, by the interior length; or, to the area
of the head add twice the area at the bung,
multiply that sum by the length, and lake
one-third of the product for the content.
30. What is meant by tin1 term enfilade ?
Sweeping the whole extent of a work,
line of troops, deck of a ship, etc., with shot
or shells.
31. What does defilade mean?
The art of disposing guns, troops, or
works in such a manner that they shall be
protected from a plunging fire from adjoin-
ing heights.
32. What arc the dimensions required for an
earthen parapet 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 ict will admit the
passage of infantry, carat nj, and artillery?
Ice three inches thick will bear infantry
marching in file; from 4^ to 62 inches, cav-
MISCELLANEOUS.
173
airy 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?
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 ascer-
tained without instruments?
As follows :
1st. The line AB (the distance to be deter-
mined) is extended upon the bank to D,
174 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
from which point, after having marked it,
lay off equal distances /""and Cd; produce
BC to 6, making ('/>—('!>; then extend the
lim- '//> until it intersects the prolongation of
the line CA at a. The distance 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 AG, note the point I) where it in-
tersects AB produced; measure BJJ; then
AB=BD*
37. How can the breadth of a river be ascer-
tained by the means of the }><•<(/<■ of a cap, or
cocked hat ?
Place yourself at the edge of one bank
and lower the peak of the cap, or point or
the hat, till the edge cut the other hank,
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 poinl of your hat again meets the ground ;
measure this distance, which will he nearly
the breadl h of the river.
:;s. //<///• do you ascertain th<} distance of an
object l<!i 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 tin- gun on the
top of the object ; then raise t lie tangent
* The Becond method was suggested to me by Captain Vogdes,
1st Artillery, U. S. Army.
MISCELLANEOUS. 175
slide till the top of it and notch on the muz-
zle 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 greas-
ing the axle-trees of artillery carriages?
Hogs' lard softened by working it. If
this cannot be procured, tallow or other
grease may be used; if hard, it should be
melted with fish-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-tire inserted at the bottom, and well-
secured with twine.
41. What is the length of a pendulum to
vibrate seconds, half and quarter seconds re-
spectively ?
Seconds, 39.1 inches ; half-seconds, 9.8
inches ; and quarter-seconds, 2.45 inches.
42. Give a formula for determining the
length of the seconds pendulum jn any latitude.
1= I [32.1803 feet— 0.0821 cos. 2 lat].
9>69G044
43. How are the times of a single oscillation
of two pendulums to each other?
As the square roots of their lengths.
170 HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
44. Repeat the table of measures.
10 tenths 1 inch.
4 inches 1 hand.
1:! inches . . . • . .1 foot.
28 inches 1 pace.
3 feet 1 yard.
2 yards 1 fathom.
220 yards 1 furlong.
1,760 yards 1 mile.
45. Repeat the table of avoirdupois weight.
47.34735 grains 1 dram.
16 drams 1 ounce.
16 ounces . 1 pound.
28 lbs 1 quarter.
4 qrs. or 112 lbs 1 rut.
20 cwt 1 ton.
In some of our States the ton is estimated at 2,000 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 toward its centre.
47. What is the specific gravity of a body .'
The ratio of the weight of a body to that
of an equal volume of some other body
assumed as a standard, usually pure distilled
water at a certain temperature.
48. What is tin' lair of descent of falling
bodies ?
The spaces /alien through from the com-
mencement of the descent are proportional
to the squares of the times elapsed.
49. What compositions arc made axe of for
preserving iron cannon f
1. Black lead, puhcrized 12
Red lead 12
Litharge <>
Lampblack 5
Linseed oil 66
MISCELLANEOUS. 177
Boil it gently about twenty minutes, dur-
ing which time it must be constantly stirred.
2. Umber, ground 3.75
Gum shellac, pulverized .... 3.75
Ivory black ."..7.r>
Litharge 3.75
Linseed oil 78
Spirits of turpentine .... 7.25
The oil must be first hoiled half an hour;
the mixture is then boiled 24 hours, poured
off from the sediment, and put in jugs,
corked.
3. (Seal tar (of good quality) . . .2 gals.
Spirits of turpentine .... 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 ap-
plied hot, in two thin coats, with a paint
brush. It is better to do it in summer. Old
lacker should be removed 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 1,000 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 con-
tain t
7.48 gallons.
51. What is the weight of a gallon of dis-
tilled water ?
At the maximum density (39°. 8 Fahr.),
the barometer being at 30 inches, it weighs
Kv HAND-BOOK OF ARTILLERY.
8.338£ - avoirdupois pound 8, or 58373 tray
grains.
62. What are the different lengths of plum-
mets for regulating //>< march of infantry f
Common time 90 steps in a minute, 17.37 inchest
Quick time 110 H " L1.6 inches.
Doable quick 110 " " 7.18 inches.
53. How is a plummet madet
By moans 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 thecentre!pf
the ball.
54. Explain how to embark and disembark
artillery and its stores.
1. Divide the total quantity to In- trans-
ported among the vessels, and place in each
vessel everything necessary for the service
required at the moment of disembarkation,
so that there will be no inconvenience should
other vessels he 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 platforms, tools, instruments, and mate-
rials for constructing batteries; skids, rollers,
scantling, and plank.
3. If a particular calibre of gun is neces-
sary for any operation, do not place all of
one kind in one vessel, to avoid being en-
tirely deprived of them by any accident.
4. Dismount the carriages, wagons, and
limbers, by taking off the wheels and boxes,
and, if absolutely necessary, the axle trees.
MISCELLANEOUS. 179
Place in the boxes the linch pins, washers,
etc., with the tools required for putting the
carriage together again. Number each car-
riage, and mark each detached article with
the number 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 con-
venience of handling, and have rope handles
to lift them by.
6. Place the heaviest articles below, begin-
ning.with the shot and shells (empty), then
the guns, platforms, carriages, wagons, lim-
bers, ammunition boxes, etc.; 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 car-
riages, implements, and ammunition j also
the tools and materials for throwing up tem-
porary 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, sandy beach, heavy
pieces, etc., may be landed by rolling them
overboard as soon as the boats ground, and
hauling them up with sling-carts.
APPENDIX
RIFLE CANNON.
1. What is a rifle..?
A tire-arm having a number of spiral
grooves cut into the surface of its bore for
the purpose of giving the projectile a motion
of rotation about a line coinciding with the
direction of its flight.
2. What are the advantages of this rotation .'
It increases the range of the projectile by
causing it to move through the air in the
direction of its least resistance, and corrects
the cause of deviation by distributing it uni-
formly around the line of flight.
3. What projectiles promise to be most .suc-
cessful for heavy guns f
They may be ranged under two heads, viz. :
1st. Those which have flanges or projections
on them to tit into the grooves of the gun in
loading, the flanges being of a softer metal
than the body of the projectile. 2d. Those
constructed on an expanding principle, the
body being generally of cast-iron and the
expanding portion being a band or cup of
some softer metal, as pewter, copper or wrong ht-
iron, which enters the bore of the piece free-
ly in loading, but which is forced into the
grooves by the discharge.
ArPENDIX. 181
4. What determines the form of the spiral
grooves ?
The angle which the tangent line at any
point makes with the corresponding element
of the bore. If this angle be the same at
every point, the groove is said to be uniform.
If it increases from the breech to the muz-
zle, the groove is called increasing; if the
reverse, decreasing.
5. Describe the different modes of netting the
grooves.
1st. The barrel may have both a motion
of translation and rotation, whilst a station-
ary cutter presses upon it. 2d. The barrel
may have only a motion of rotation while
the cutting point is given a motion of trans-
lation. 3d. The barrel may remain station-
ary, and the point have both motions.
6. Which of these is the practical method of
fifing a gun ?
The last ; a rod armed with a cutter is
moved by machinery back and forth in the
bore, and at the same time revolved around
its axis. If the velocities of translation and
rotation be both uniform, the grooves will
be uniform; if one of the velocities be varia-
ble, the grooves will be either decreasing or
increasing, depending on the relative veloci-
ties in the two directions.
7. What is understood by the term twist?
It is employed by gun-makers to express
the inclination of a groove at any point, and
is measured by the tangent of the an^le
16
182 APPENDIX.
made by the groove with the axis of the
bote.
To what is this tang* nt equal f
To the quotient obtained by dividing the
circumference of the bore by the length of
one revolution of the Spiral estimated in the
direct ion of the axis.
9. Has the most suitable inclination of grooves
for a rifle cannon yet been determined?
No; a wide diversity of twists is employ-
ed by different experimenters;
Jo. Describe the Armstrong gun.
It is a breech -loading rifle cannon, com-
posed wholly of wrought-iron, the promi»
lu'iii feature in its manufacture being the
combining into one mass of iron bars, which
are first coiled into spiral tubes, and then
welded by hammering. From the muzzle
to the trunnions the gun is made of one
thickness, hut in rear of the trunnions two
additional layers of material are applied.
The Fear end of the gun receives a screw.
which presses against a movable plug or
Stopper for closing the bore when the gun
is loaded. The vent is contained in this
Stopper* The screw is hollow, and turned
by a handle. When the stopper is removed.
the passage through, the screw may be re-
garded as a prolongation of the bore. The
bore is.'l inches in diameter, and is rifled with
thirty-lour small grooves. // is widened al
the breech one-eighth of an inch, to enable
the projectile to enter freely, and choke at
the commencement of the grooves. The pro-
jectile is an elongated one, made of east-
APPENDIX. 188
iron thinly coated with lead ; and being of
somewhat Larger diameter than the bore, the
lead is crushed into the grooves, thus secur-
ing the necessary rotation whilst all shake
and windage are prevented. The process of
loading is effected by placing the projectile,
with the cartridge and a greased wad. in the
hollow of the breech-screw, and thrusting
them, either separately or collectively, by a
rammer into the bore. The stopper is then
dropped into its place, and secured by turn-
ing the screw. The gun is fired by the ordi-
nary friction tube. The greased wad renders
unnecessary the use of a sponge.
The largest gun which has yet been con-
structed i^ one of 65 cwt. and throwing a
shot weighing upwards of 100 Lbs.
The greatest range yet attained by the
Armstrong gun is nearly 5] miles. The
range of the Armstrong 12-pdr. field gun of
S cwt., at an elevation of 5°, and with a
charge of 1 lb. 8 oz. is about 1,920 yards.
Projectiles have been fired from this gun
through a mass of oak timber 0 feet in
thickness.
Note. — The foregoing description of the Armstrong
gun is condensed from the 5th edition of Sir H. Douglass'
Naval Gunnery, to which the reader is referred for a com-
plete description of the gun and projectile.
The following table presents a synopsis of the results in
tfase of some of the rifle cannon tested at Fort Monroe, in
18J9. by a Board composed of Ordnance and Artillery offi-
cers :
16*
L84
U'lT.NlH X
T &&G KT
Boas.
<:::.'•
\.\MF.
Calibrb.
Twist.
z.
^
Width.
Depth.
d
6
P
J
|z
in. in.
in.
in.
Sawyer
24-pr.
5.862 Ho
('»
1.5
0.25
Uniform, one turn in
34] .. feet.
Dimick ....
32-nr.
6.4 101
1',
2J0
0.2
rectan.
[ncreasing from 0 t"
one turn in *'■■_: 1 ._. ft',
at muzzle; i wist to
the right.
Dr. Reed...
12-pr.S'ge.
4.S54 100
7
l-14th
circura.
•
[ncreasing from 0 at
commencement to
one turn in 50 feet
at muzzle.
Do. ...
12-pr,Fieid
4.636
74
dQ.
do.
Do. do.
Do. ...
32-pr.
6.425
110
:;
l-(ltll
circum.
.085 to .12
circular.
Uniform, one turn in
40 feet.
Do. ...
6-pr.
3.69
103.4
3
do.
.077 to.lll
circular.
Uniform, to the right
one turn in 25 fe«t.
rapt. Dyer.
3-pr.
2.9
44.5
s
0.4
.05
Uniform, one turn in
16 feet
Do
6-pr.b'nze.
3,67
57.5
If,
0.5
.025
Uniform, one turn 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 feap on
small end.
Dimick's. — Expanding shell; elongated; cup of soft metal oast <>n
rear end of projectile.
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 nit-Hod mel
al around it.
Dyer's. — Description nearly the same as that of Dimick's.
APPENDIX.
185
40' by 20'.
li.s.
ss-J2
0300
l'.tuo 1.",
6500 50
1200 ia
250 9
880 14
Lbs.
V/2
1.000 Yards.
2,000 Yards.
^
u
■
T3
«H ./
u
o«
f-
X
£
15
13
7
0
' i 9
48 10
M s
1'., 28 | 18
1 28 16
1i, 22 11
2 15
2 15
2
2 15
2 10
2 25
2 15
: -
■—
55
119
30
3 84
3 52
18
s
■9
|
c =
'S jS ~ 2;
1 U3
to ki
-<
0 '
32 17
4 30
21
6
5
5 8
4 30
10
s
6^
I19 I
634 3665
4 45
by2 7
3270
11 30
13
15
The following is extracted from the Report of the Board:
" The method of obtaining rifle motion in these different guns is of two kinds;
"1, Flanged projectiles entering into the grooves of the gun.
"2. Expanding projectiles, which are forced into the groove 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 required to load the gun, particularly
when it becomes foul by firing, seem 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 the period for the adoption of rifle
cannon, for siege and garrison service, cannot be remote. The superiority of
elongated projectiles, whether solid or hollow, with the rifle rotation, as regards
economy of ammunition, extent of range, and uniformity and accuracy of effect
over the present system, is decided and unquestionable."
I x i) !•: x
\n: : Resistance of, 162.
Ammunition : For field batter}
44 ; for siege train. 39,40; Btoi>
1 13 : preparation, 101, 2,
L08, 9; wi ights of fixed, 117.
Lng~ i: Of gr< at< si i ge 71 ; of
fall. - tion for
mortars 72; oi elevation for
m irtars, 7- — Natural an-
gle of sight, 13; oi guns 28; of
howitzi re,31 ; of columbiads,32
ANIMAX Power, KjS.
Arc elevating 19.
Area of a circle. 170.
Armstrong Gun. 182.
Artificial Line of Sight, 57.
Artillery: Definition 9— Moth,
of embarking and disembarking,
17*. 9— Carriages | seec irriages)
— Kinds of 9; how distinguish-
ed, 9 — Proportion Of to infan-
try. 44— Proportion of different
kinds in a field train 43; in
siege train 38; for mountain
service, 45>: for armament of
forts. 37-#-How tendered unser-
viceable, 21, -2. tion 1 '.
\stk \i. \i, \m> Fillets : i>< fini
\ i t'c b of a post, 165.
\vuiuin pois W eight, L76.
Axis op a Piece: l>> finition, V2.
b.
Balls: Diameters and weights
1 15; computation of weight and
diameter, 104; piling, 112; num-
ber in a pile, 1 14 : fire, 101 ;
light. 101; smoke, 101: pener
t ration 1»J4. 5.
Barbette Carri ige : Kinds, 14. »
— Parts composing, 145 — De-
scription, 14.*). i'i.
Barrels: For gunpowder, mark-
ing, 95; piling, 96; transporta-
tion 97 : rollii
Battery: Definition of, 11 — Of
field artillery composition, 44;
tactics K t. 8,9, 50, 1. •_'. •'. 4—
Mountain artillery. 4") — Ammu-
nition for field battery. 44.
RY-WAGON, b'>7. 8.
Beds. mortar: Weights, 35— Trun-
nion beds, 141 — siege mortar-,
142— Coehorn.143— Eprouvette,
143 — Heavy sea-mast. 144.
Base-ring : Definition, 13.
BASE <>k THE Breech: Definition
of, 13.
Boars, Pointing, 63.
Bore: Definition, 14: bottom ol
15.
BorIh \nn Pi be, 122, 3.
Brass Cannon: External injury,
24.
Breaching: Hat t ery. best position
for, 41 : manner of. 41 : time re-
quired, 41.
Bre ldth of a river ascertained,
17;'.. 4.
Breech: Definition, 13 — Sights,
17 : how used, 57 ; construction,
is; pieces supplied with, Is.
Bronze: Objections to. for can-
non. 10: why used for field
10; kinds of bronze
pieces used, 11.
Burning gunpowder: Quioknese
of. 94.
Bursting open gates, 175.
INDEX.
187
BUSHING a piece. 21; metal used
for, in bronze pieces, 21 ; object
of, '-'1 : all new artillery not|
bushed, 21.
regulated. 66 — For ricochet tir-
ing. 65 — For shells fired from
columbiads and heavy guns,
118— For field shells. US— For
mortar shells. 117— For spheri-
cal ease shot IIS.
Caisson: Description of 156 i; Chase : Definition. 14.
number with a field battery, 44.
Caking of powder prevented, 97.
Calibre: Definition, 12: number
in a piece ascertained, 12.
Canisters, 98: For field
bow made. !o_!: for sief
-, ;: coast sen ;■■•■■ how made
LOS— How piled. 113.
Cannon: Bore 12— Brass, exter-
nal and internal injuries, -4 —
Dimensions, how regulated, 11
— For siege train, 38 —Iron, in-
CHA88IS: For barbette carriage,
147 — For casemate carriage,
152— For columhiad. 150,1 —
For flank-casemate 1;"'-! — For
wrought-iron carriage, 156.
Cheeks, 135.
Coehorn Mortar: Diameter. 35 —
Weight of bed. 35 — Length of,
36— Length of bore, 36- I
of chamber, 36— 1 •
est charge for, 6T— Bed
tion of, 143.
juries, 26; preservation of. 26; Columbiads: Definition
service of. bow judged, 26 —
How marked, 23— -Condemned
ca&non. bow marked. 23 — Proof
«\~. 23— Kinds. 9— Length of 29
30, 31. 35— Rifle cannon. 168. 69. j
70, 1, 2. 3.
Carcasses, 100.
Carriages: Classification, 184 —
Movable. 134: field gun. 186;
mountain artillery. 138 : prairie.
139: limbers. 137: siege gun.
139— Stationary. 141 : barbette,
144. 5: casemate, 151; Colum-
bia^. 149. 50: flank-casemate
L53, —Mortar bods, 143, 4 —
Wrought-iron* 155 — Number in
a field battery, 44.
■■• -r o;s: Where filled '.'7.
Cartridges: For hot shot. 105.
Cascable, 13.
lte: Carriage, 151, 2— Gin
161.
Chamber: Definition 15: object
of. 84; form for mortars. 34;
for howitzers, 30: for eprou-
vette. 35: gomer. 34.
Charges: Definition, 65 — For
breaching, 65 — For double shot.
6a — For field suns and howit-
zers. 67— For fire-balls 66— For
heavy guns, columbiads and
howitzers. 67 — Service charge
for heavy guns. 65 — For hot
shot. 65 — Greatest charges fo
mortars 67 — For mortars, how
Windage 89 — Charges. 67 —
Chamber. 32 — Peculiarities, 32
—Weights. 32— Length, 32—
Natural angle of sight. 32—
Gun carriage, 140: chase
—Shells, charges for, 117. 118:
method of loading. 111.
Composition, for preserving iron
pieces, 176, 77 ; application. 177;
for axle-trees of carriages, 17-"'.
Condemned cannon, bow marked.
Bhot, bow marked 112.
Context: Of a barrel 172: box,
172: conic frustum. 171 : gomer
chain her. 171 : spherical seg-
ment 171; cylinder. 172.
Cylinder Mill. 92.
Day's March
D.
Of field artillery.
Defilade: Definition. 172.
Depth or Penetration of balls.
165.
Descent of falling bodies: Law
of, 176.
Diameter : Of coehorn mortar. 35;
of eprouvette. 35 : of stone mor-
tar, 35 : of cast-iron shot, how
found. 104: of shot, shells and
ical case 115; of vent. 16.
Dimensions : Of cannon, how reg-
ulated. 11: of a parapet to re-
sist artillery. 172.
L&8
INDEX.
Dipping oi the Mi u
Number an Iron
gUIl ran sustain 4'_'.
Dish of a wheel, 135.
D i • n : To guns
and howitzers, 56; to mortars,
61 2, :;— At night, 59, 60, 64
— When wheels are oot on the
! or firing field ;
50 — Ascertained by sound, 167—
Determined by a tangent scale,
174— of recoil, 84— Of ricochet
batter; from object, 81.
Dispart: Definition, L3.
.-: Definition, 20; pieces,
furnished with, 20.
Driving out shot wedged in the
bore, 22.
E.
Elevation: Necessity for, ■'>•"' —
how given i<> guns and how ii-
zers, 56: r.i mortars, 6] : instru-
ments for, ">7 — Angle of, for
moi tars. 7_: greatesl angle in
vacuo, 71: angle of, for ricochet
fire, SO.
Elevating Arc, 19.
Embarking Artillery and its
stores, 178, 9.
Enfilade: Definition, 17_.
Enfilading a work, 79, 80. 81 —
Object to be fired at, 79.
Epbouvette, 11: form of cham-
ber, U5 — Calibre, 35 — Osi of 36
— Bed. 36, 143— Length of bore,
35.
i:.\i'» ksioh of hot shot, 105.
External injury to cannon 24.
I'm i: of the piece: Definition of
14.
Kali.: Point of 80— Angle of 80.
I'm, i i\i, Bodies, law of descent)
176.
Field Artillery: Charges for,
67— Kinds. 43— Tactics, 47 54.
Field Battery: Number of pieces,
44 — Battery of horse artillery
44 — Composition of on a war
establishment, 1 1 — Composition
of mountain howitzer battery.
45— Ammunition, 44— Drau
horses, 45.
■ ' \. how mounted, 47—
Charges fo
Field Carriages: Kinds of, 136—
ption, 137.
Field and Siege Gin, 160.
I. iding, 109 —
I
Field-park, I".: quantity of Bup-
Filling : Mortar shells, 111; cc-
Lumbiad Bhells etc., 111.
Fire Balls: Definition, 101 —
Charges, 66 — How preserved, .
114.
Firing : Field pieces 4:'. 50, 51 —
Rapidity of for mortars, 36; for
field pieces, 50 — Within point-
blank range, rule for, 56 — At
night with guns and howitzers,
59; \\ itli mortars, 64 — Mode of
facilitating firing fi>r any given
distance. 59; use of remarkable
points "ii the ground, 59 — Ki<>>-
chet firing, 79 — Effect of firing
upward under a Large angle, 70.
Fixed Ammunition: Storing, 113
—Weights of, 117.
Flight of Projectiles: Time of,
164.
Flank-casemate, carriage. 153.
Foot, Dumber of gallons in a cu-
bic, 177.
Foot Soldier, space occupied by,
in ranks, 17n.
Forge, L57 — Portable 158 —
Number with a Held battery,
44: with field-park, 46.
Forces acting on a projectile, 56.
Force of gravity, 17'i.
Friction Primer: Description,
126; advantages of, 127.
Fl kn ices for hot shut. 106.
Fuzes: Definition, 119 — Woodert.
119— Paper, 121— Bormann. iii-J
— I', s. Bear-coast, 124— Compo-
sition for mortar fuzes, 120; for
paper fuzes, 122.
Gins : Field and Siege, 160; garj
risun. 160 : casemate, 161.
Gomer Chamber, 34.
r.\Di:\
L89
Grape Shot, 99 : weight of, 116.
Grates for heating snot, 106.
Gravity: Specific, 176 — Forceof
176.
Grease for wheels, 175.
GROOVES for rifle cannon, 181.
Grenades, 99 — Angle of eleva-
tion for, when thrown from
stone mortars. 73— Hand and
rampart, loo.
GrOMMETS, 108.
Guns: Definition. 28— Lengths,
29— Weights, 29— Proof, 28—
Ranges, 74. 5, 6, 7. 8 — No-
menclature, 13, 14. 15 — Prin-
cipal parts of 28 — Projectiles
peed with, 29 — How mounted,
20 — Natural angle of sight of,
28.
Gun Metal: Bronze, 9, 10 — Cast-
iron, 10.
Gunners' Implements: Level, 19
— Quadrant, 19 — How used. 57.
GUh Carri vges : Field. 136; siege.
139; barhette, 144, 5, 6; casemate,
l.'jl ; flank-casemate, 153 ; moun-
tain howitzer, 138; wrought-
iron, la"): prairie, 139; Colum-
bian1. 149.
Gunpowder: Materials, 90 — Pro-
portions, 90 — Manufacture, 91 —
Qualities of, 95 — Packing, o." —
Proving, 94 — Expansive velo-
city and pressure, 95 — Hygrc-
metric proof, 94 — Relative
quickness. 04 — Preservation
and storage, 96 — Transporta-
tion, 97— Weight of, 95.
H.
Hand-cart. 159.
Hand-Sling-cart, 159. 60.
11m sse: Pendulum, 18.
Hay: Weight of, 170.
Houses: Number required for a
field battery. 45: for siege train,
39 — Power of. 168 — Space occu-
pied by.ios — Number required
for siege gun, 141 — Weight.
168.
Horse Artillery: Peculiar ad-
vantages Of 40.
Hot Shot. 105— Loading with,
105 — Expansion of, 105.
Howitzers: Definition. o0 — Kinds
of, and weights, :;i — Lengths,
81 — Number in field battery,
44: in siege train. 38 — Cham-
ber, form of. 30— Advantages
Of 30 — Projectiles Used with.
80— Natural angle of sight of,
31 — Charges for, 67— Pointing,
55.
I.
Ice: Strength of 172.
Implements: Quadrant. 19:
breech sight, 17: pendul um
hansse. is: gunner's perpen-
dicular, 19: pointing stakes,
62; pointing wires 61; plum-
me1 19 63; pointing cord, 62.
Incendiary Composition. 128.
Injuries to cannon. 24 5.
Iroh preferred to bronze. 10.
Iron CANNON, used in land ser-
vice. 10, 11.
Initial Velocity. 162.
J.
Jink Wads, 10K.
K.
Knob of cascable, 13 ; use of, 20.
Lacker, for iron guns, 176, 7.
LENGTH of cannon: Definition of.
12; extreme length, 12.
Pine Of fire. 69— Of metal. 12;
how directed 56, 7: not perma-
nent, 58 — Artificial line of
Bighi •"■;.
Light Ball*, 101.
Limbers : For field carriages, 137;
for Biegi 141.
Loading : With hoi shot. 105—
Field shells. loo — Spherical case,
109— Mortar shells. Ill— .Shells
fur columbiads and other heavy
guns, 111.
M.
Magazines: Moisture of. how
absorbed. 97: powder stored in.
00: precautions to be observed
when open, 97.
MARKING: Cannon, 23: condemned
shot and shell, 112: powder
barrels, 95.
190
tillery, field
artillery, cavalry and infantry,
L69.
M \i . 11 : Quick, 127 : slow, 127.
- for artillery, 9.
I ' '.7 .
.. 159.
Advantages o£ 33
— Lengths and weight*
Kinds, ii Beds, weights of
86 — Platform, 132— Form pf
chamber, 34 — Length of cham-
ber and of bore, '■'<'>. 6 — Kinds
of project ilea used v* ith, 36 —
Rapidit y of fireof siege mortars,
86— Pointing, 61, 2, 3, L— Great-
bsI charges for, 67— Angles of
elevation for, 7J,2,3 — Biegc mop-
tar beds, L43— Coehorn mortar
bed, 143— Eprouvette. bed, 14:;
—Sea-coast mortar bed, 144.
MoiN'i -.in Ai.i i i.i.K.r.v : Dimen-
sion and weights of. 31— Oom-
ion of a battery, 44 —
• 7.'>. 6, 7. 8.
Mui.ks: Strength of, L68.
Muzzle: Definition, 15— Sight, L8.
N.
NATURAL Axon: of sight, 18.
Nkck : Definition, 14.
i i.\ti i;i; of a piece, 13, 14,
15.
\)(!iir firing : Willi LTiuis and
howitzers, 59; with mortars, 64.
0.
oats: Weight of, 170.
P.
Pack-horssb, 168.
1'i.mh i.im-11 k.U88E, IS.
Pendulums: Length of, 175.
Peneth \th>\ of balls : in mason-
ry, 165; in earth, ltf>5.
Perpendici lar, gunner's, 19.
Piling: Hails 112— Canisters, 118
— Loaded shells, Hi — Powder-
barrels, 96 — Number of shol in
:, pile in.
Platforms, 129 — Siege, L30— JUJor-
6ar, L32— Rail, 132 -Ricochet,
133.
I'm MMi.T • For mortar service. 19.
63— J •!■ regulating march of
infantry 178.
Point-Blank K — Can-
sea which vary it. 69— Effect
on it of firing upward under a
Large angle, 7c
Pointing: Guns and howitzers,
55 — Mortars. 61 — Stakes
Wires. 61— Cord, 62- Board, 68.
Point of fall. 80.
Port Fires, 125 — Composition for,
126.
Prairie-Carria
Prepondeb \m k: Definition
Why given, 21.
Primers: Friction, 126.
Priming Tobrs, 126.
Preserv \tiii\ : of cannon,
Fixed ammunition, 113 — Balls,
112 — Grape and canister, 11-
Pire-balls, 114.
Projectiles: Solid shot, 98 —
Shell, 98 — Spherical case, '.<<—
Canister, 99— Grape, 99— Gre»
nades,99— Carcasses, 100— Fire-
balls, 101— Light-balls, 101—
Smoke-balls. Ml — 1 1 • >t shot,
105 — Force- acting on. when
tired from a piece, 55 — Kind
used with field-pieces, and dis-
tance at which the,) should i»-
employed, 50.
<>.
Quadrant, gunner's, 19; How
used, ">7.
Quarter Sights, 17.
Quick Match, L27 — How set lire
to. L28.
K.
Definition, 68 — Point-
blank, 68— British point-blank,
68 — Causes which vary point-
blank, • '>'.» — Extreme range, 71 —
Angle of greatest range in rti-
CUO, 71 — Tables of. 74, •">. I
— How ascertained, L84.
Rate of March of horse artillery;
cavalry and infantry, L69.
Recoil: Definition, 84— Cause • •!
84 — Amount, 84 — lias a
preciable effort on Bight of
pj ojectile 85 — Influence "i po
INDEX.
191
sition of axis of trunnions on,
85, 6.
Reinforce, IS — Band, 14.
Resistance of Air to projectiles,
162.
Ricochet: Definition. 79 — Object
55 — Penetration. 165 — Time
required to heat, 106 — Expan-
sion of. by heat. 105 — Ranges
of. 74,5, 6.7. 8— Method of driv-
ing out shot wedged in the
I ii >re. 22— Velocity, 162.
of. 79 — How conducted, 81— Sights of a piece : Definition, 12
Advantages of, 79 — Nature of, I — How determined, 12 — Quar-
81— Charges for a flattened ri- ter, 17.
cochet, 83; for curvetted, 83 — Siege Artillery: Kinds. 38 —
Tables of ricochet firing. 83 —
Pieces best adapted for, 81 —
Distance from object of ricochet
battery, si— Gkreatesl angle of
elevation for ricochet firing.
80.
Rifle Cannon: Experiments at
Fort Monroe, 183, 4. 5— Arm-
strong gun. 182.
RntBASES, 14.
Ring Wads. 108.
ItivKF.s: Breadth, 173, 4.
Rolling Barbels, 92.
Hopes : Size and strength of, 173.
S.
Sabots: Difference in. for field-
service. 102 — Arrangement for
field-guns and 12-pdr. field-how-
Proportions in a siege train. 38;
Of carriages. .38 ; draught-In TSes,
39; projectiles and ammuni-
tion, 39, 40 — Siege mortar-beds,
143.
Sling-Cam: Hand. 159, 60.
Slow Match. 127.
Smoke Balls, 101.
Sound: Velocity, 167 — Distance,
determined by. 167.
Specific Gravity, 176.
i Spherical Case. 98— Loading, 109.
! Spiking cannon, "21 .
Stakes, pointing: how planted, 62.
Stone Mortar: Length. 35—
| Weight, 36— Calibre,35-Length
of bore. 36 — Length of cham-
ber. 36 — Use of. 36 — Stones.
how disposed of. 36.
Storing of fixed ammunition, 113.
field-howitzers, 101-Mode of ££™° S*°^d,^°!&102-
fastening sabots to projectiles Strength: Of ice, 1,2-Of rope,
for field-service, 102 ; for heavy L „' , ., , -, ,
shells, 103: for canisters, 103? SWELL of the muzzle, L
for grape-shot, 103.
Sea-Coast Pieces, how mounted.
37 — Number and kind required
for seaboard forts. 37 — Heavy
sea-coast mortar-bed. 144.
Scaling a piece. 23.
Shells. 98 ; Dimensions and
Tables : Of charges. 67 — Of ranges,
74. 5, 6. 7. 8— Of windage, 88, 9
Of weights of projectiles. 115.
16, 17— Of measures, 175. 6— Of
avoirdupois weight. 176.
weights. 115— Mode of comput- Tactics of field-artillery. 47. 8, 9,
ing weight of. 104— Quantity of 50. 1. 2. 3. 4.
powder to fill, 104— Strapping. Tangent Scale, 17.
102— Loading. 109. 10. 11 — Time of Flight for siege-mortars.
Ranges, 74, 5, 6, 7. 8— Con- 73— How found, 164.^
denmed, how marked, 112 — Ye- Trajectory, 69.
locity of, 162. Transportation: Of artillery by
Shot :' Solid, 98— Hollow, 98— [ sea, 178, 9 — Of siege-guns
Rule for finding weights and di- 141.
ameters of cast-iron shot. 104 — i Traverse circles. 148.
Condemned shot, how marked, Trunnions: Definition, 14 — Use.
112 — filing. 112 — Preservation,! 20 — Position in mortars, 33 —
112 — Forces acting on a shot. I Beds, 141.
I NDEX.
1 rxnvGE : Definition, Ii
i .
... cahnon 22.
•■ composition
v. Of balls. 1H2 — ', iss of.
by resistance of air. 1<V2 — Of
of, by wind-
age
Vent: Definition. 16— Position
and diameter of, 1 * >-
■ i. Fire, 33.
W.
\V\ds: Grommet, 108— Junk, 108
— May. for firing hoi s!i"i 1()7.
Water: Weighl of, 177 — Allow-
anoe for a man and a horw, 170".
- : Guns, 29 — Columbiade,
32— Howitzers. 31— Morta
—Projectiles. 115, 16-^Of wheels
for field-carriages, 158; and for
-carriages, 158 — Proportion
between weights of shot. 104 —
Of cast-iron shot or shell, bow
determined, T>4 — Quantity of
powder to fill a shell, how
found, Id!— Cairicd by ho
168 — Carried by an irilantry
soldier. 170.
Wheels: Field carriage, .size and
and weight. 15S — Parts of 135?
Windage: Definition. 87 — Amt..
88 9— Loss of velocitj by, 88—
Advantage of a redaction of.
87.
Wicks, pointing, 61.
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