The artillerist's manual and British soldier's compendium

by F. A. Griffiths

NAVAL GUNNERY.

“In firing into masses of timber, or any solid substance, that velocity which can but just penetrate will occasion the greatest shake, and tear off the greatest number of and largest splinters; consequently, in close actions, shot discharged with the full quantity of powder tear off fewer splinters than balls fired from the same nature of guns with reduced charges.

“In naval actions, shot intended to take effect upon the hull of an enemy should rather be discharged with a falling than with a rising side; but such pieces as may be appointed specially to act against the masts and rigging should be fired, on the contrary, with the rising motion, the aim being taken low.

“In all close actions, the great object should be to strike as often as possible the enemy’s hull. One or two 24-lb. shot taking effect just below the water-line, and perhaps perforating both sides of a small vessel, will in general either force her to surrender, or send her to the bottom; and such an injury is much more likely to be occasioned by firing with a falling than with a rising side.

“To estimate the distance between vessels.[31]

“Measure with a sextant, or quadrant, the angular height of the enemy’s mast, and by referring to Table B, the corresponding distance may be taken out.

“In Table A, the height of the masts to the head of the maintopgallant rigging, and likewise to the maintopmast crosstrees above the surface of the water at low water mark, are given for every rate, and class of vessel.

“The distances in English yards, corresponding to the angles subtended by the masts, are given in the first column of Table B.

“Table B may also be applied to the important purpose of determining distances, making use of the ship’s own mast as the given height or side of the triangle, by marking upon it any of the heights expressed in the table, and placing an observer there when required to measure the angle A B C (vide fig.) formed by the mast when most perpendicular, and the line of sight B C.

“The Tangent practice Tables C, D, and E will frequently be found useful in pointing ordnance, when the distance is known; for by referring to that distance in the column of the table belonging to the corresponding nature of gun, the part, that should be aimed at, will be ascertained.”

TABLE A.

Heights above the water of the different parts of French ships of War,
and their masts, according to the following Rates:

	Line of battle Ships.										Frigates.				Corv- ettes.		Brigs.
	Guns.		Guns.		Guns.		Guns.		Guns.		Guns.		Guns.		Guns.		Guns.
	120.		100.		90.		86.		82.		60.		44.		24.		18.
	ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.
Port-sills:
Of lower deck	5	3	7	10	6	7	5	8	5	8
Middle	13	1
Upper	19	4	15	1	14	9	12	9	12	9	6	6¾	6	11	5	10	4	3
Quarter	25	7	21	3	19	8	19	2	19	2	13	9	13	4	12	0
After-part:
Of poop plank sheer	35	5	29	2	29	6	25	4	25	4							39	0
Mainmast:
Upper side of mainyard	79	0	77	1	76	5	71	0	66	0	67	0	59	0	41	0	47	0
Under side of maintop	93	6	91	10	90	2	84	0	78	0	79	0	70	0	49	0	56	0
Upper side of cap to mainmast	109	6	109	10	108	3	101	0	94	0	95	0	84	0	59	0	72	0
Upper side of maintopsail-yard	148	7	140	9	141	0	139	0	130	0	131	0	114	0	79	0	77	0
” Crosstrees to maintopmast	158	5	150	11	150	11	148	0	138	0	139	0	121	0	85	0	81	0
” Cap to maintopmast	166	4	161	8	158	9	156	0	147	0	148	0	128	0	89	0	96	0
Head of topgallant rigging	190	7	185	4	185	4	183	0	170	0	171	0	151	0	104	0	112	0
Truck	219	9	212	7	201	9	205	0	192	5	187	9	168	6	120	7	34	0
Foremast:
Upper side of foreyard	72	10	72	2	71	2	64	0	61	0	67	0	51	0	34	0	41	0
Under side of foretop	86	7	84	11	83	7	77	0	72	0	73	0	63	0	43	0	50	0
Upper side of cap to foremast	103	0	101	8	100	0	92	0	87	0	88	0	76	0	53	0	66	0
” Foretopsail-yard	136	5	128	11	129	7	128	0	117	0	118	0	101	0	70	0	70	0
” Crosstrees to foretopmast	145	8	139	1	137	9	136	0	126	0	127	0	109	0	76	0	75	0
” Cap to foretopmast	153	6	148	11	145	0	144	0	135	0	136	0	116	0	81	0	89	0
Head to topgallant rigging	173	10	170	3	169	7	168	0	156	0	157	0	136	0	95	0	103	6
Truck	200	1	194	10	184	8	188	0	176	0	172	1	152	0	109	6
Mizenmast:
Upper side of crossjack-yard	73	1	71	10	70	2	64	0	61	0	62	0	52	0	32	0
Under side of mizentop	83	4	83	7	81	4	75	0	71	0	72	0	62	0	39	0
Upper side of cap to mizenmast	93	6	96	5	93	9	85	0	82	0	83	0	71	0	47	0
” Mizentopsail-yard	121	4	116	9	117	1	110	0	107	0	108	0	94	0	56	0
” Crosstrees to mizentopmast	127	11	125	11	122	4	117	0	112	0	113	0	99	0	61	0
Head of topgallant rigging	154	2	150	11	145	8	143	0	136	0	137	0	120	0	74	0
Truck	177	9	171	7	158	9	160	0	153	0	150	0	133	6	85	0

TABLE B.

Angles subtended by the Mainmasts of French ships of war, between the water-line and the truck, also between the water-line and the crosstrees, at distances in yards, and in cables’ length; the eye of the observer being twenty feet above the water.

DISTANCES.		LINE OF BATTLE SHIPS.
		120 Guns.				90 Guns.				82 Guns.
		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.
		219	9	158	5	201	9	150	11	192	5	138	0
		Truck		Main-		Truck		Main-		Truck		Main-
		of		topmast		of		topmast		of		topmast
	Cables’	main-		cross-		main-		cross-		main-		cross-
Yards.	length.	mast.		trees.		mast.		trees.		mast.		trees.
		°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′
120	½	32	14	24	13	29	59	23	3	28	47	21	11
240	1	17	7	12	29	15	46	11	50	15	4	10	54
360	1½	11	33	8	22	10	37	7	56	10	8	7	38
480	2	8	42	6	17	7	59	5	57	7	38	5	29
600	2½	6	59	5	2	6	24	4	46	6	7	4	23
720	3	5	49	4	12	5	20	3	59	5	6	3	39
840	3½	4	59	3	36	4	35	3	24	4	22	3	8
960	4	4	22	3	9	4	1	2	59	3	49	2	44
1080	4½	3	53	2	48	3	34	2	42	3	24	2	26
1200	5	3	30	2	31	3	21	2	23	3	4	2	12
1320	5½	3	11	2	17	2	55	2	10	2	47	2	0
1440	6	2	55	2	6	2	40	1	59	2	33	1	50

Part 2 of 2
DISTANCES.		FRIGATES.								CORVETTES.				BRIGS.
		60 Guns.				44 Guns.				24 Guns.				18 Guns.
		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.		ft. in.
		187	9	139	0	168	6	121	0	120	7	85	0	112	0	77	0
		Truck		Main-		Truck		Main-		Truck		Main-		Truck		Main-
		of		topmast		of		topmast		of		topmast		of		topmast
	Cables’	main-		cross-		main-		cross-		main-		cross-		main-		cross-
Yards.	length.	mast.		trees.		mast.		trees.		mast.		trees.		mast.		trees.
		°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′	°	′
120	½	28	11	21	12	25	37	18	51	18	50	13	25	17	31	12	11
240	1	14	43	10	55	13	15	9	35	9	34	6	45	8	52	6	7
360	1½	9	54	7	19	8	54	6	24	6	24	4	30	5	56	4	5
480	2	7	27	5	30	6	41	4	48	4	48	3	23	4	27	3	4
600	2½	5	58	4	23	5	21	3	51	3	51	2	42	3	34	2	27
720	3	4	58	3	39	4	28	3	13	3	13	2	15	2	58	2	3
840	3½	4	16	3	8	3	50	2	45	2	45	1	56	2	33	1	45
960	4	3	44	2	44	3	21	2	24	2	24	1	41	2	14	1	32
1080	4½	3	19	2	26	2	59	2	9	2	9	1	30	1	59	1	22
1200	5	2	59	2	12	2	41	1	55	1	55	1	21	1	47	1	14
1320	5½	2	43	2	0	2	26	1	45	1	45	1	14	1	37	1	7
1440	6	2	29	1	50	2	14	1	36	1	36	1	8	1	29	1	1

TABLE C.

Tangent practice with 8-inch Guns, weighing 65, and 60 cwt., carrying a single shot weighing 56 lb., or a shell weighing 56 lb., and charged with 10 lb. of powder. The line of sight is parallel to the axis of the bore, and the gun is 5 feet 4 inches above the level of the water.

Eleva- tions.	Dist- ances.	Heights of part aimed at above the water.		The Points aimed at
				In a Line of battle ship of 82 guns.	In a 44 Gun frigate.
° ′ ″	yards.	ft.	in.
0 22 20	330	11	10	1 foot below the portsills of the main deck.	1½ foot below the portsills of the quarter deck.
0 35 0	435	18	7	7 inches below the portsills of the quarterdeck, and forecastle.	5 feet above ditto.
0 47 30	535	27	6	2 feet above the afterpart of poop plank sheer.	Twice the height from the water to ditto.
1 0 0	630	38	4	About midway between the water-line, and the under side of the maintop.	Three times ditto.
1 20 0	756	58	0	3 feet below the upper side of the foreyard.	Upper side of the mainyard.
1 40 0	879	82	0	Upper side of cap to mizenmast; or, 4 feet above the under side of the maintop.	2 ft. below the upper side of the cap of the mainmast.
2 0 0	1000	110	0	2 feet below the crosstrees of the mizentopmast.	1 ft. above the upper side of crosstrees of foretopmast.
2 20 0	1078	137	0	1 foot below the crosstrees of the maintopmast.	1 ft. above the head of the topgallant rigging foremast.
2 40 0	1153	166	0	4 feet below the head of topgallant rigging.	2 feet below the truck of the mainmast.
3 0 0	1225	198	0	6 feet above the truck of mainmast.
Tangent practice with 32-pounder Gun, weighing 56 cwt., carrying one solid shot, charge 10 lb. The line of sight parallel to the axis of the bore, and the Gun 5 feet 4 inches above the water.
0 15 0	343	9	10	3 feet below the portsills of the upper deck.	3 feet above the portsills of the upper deck.
0 30 0	435	16	9	4 feet above ditto.	3 feet above the portsills of the quarter deck.
0 41 0	525	24	0	1 foot below the afterpart of poop plank sheer.	About midway between the water, and the under side of foreyard.
0 52 0	613	33	0	Midway between the water & upper side of mainyard.	One-third of distance from the water to the crosstrees of mizentopmast.
1 0 0	700	42	0	About midway between the water and the upper side of the cap of the mizenmast.	Midway between the water, and cap of mainmast.
1 20 0	835	63	8	About 2 feet below the upper side of the mainyard.	The under side of foretop.
1 40 0	968	90	0	4 feet below the upper side of the cap of mainmast.	4 feet under the mizentopsail-yard.
2 0 0	1100	120	0	3 feet above the upper side of foretopsail-yard.	1 ft. below the upper side of crosstrees of maintopmast.
2 20 0	1240	157	0	1 foot above the head of topgallant rigging, foremast.	5 feet above the truck of foremast.
2 40 0	1378	198	0	5 feet above the truck of mainmast.
Vide—Tables of Practice, &c., [pages 74], [75], [77], [79].

TABLE D.

Tangent practice with a long 24-Pr. Gun with 1 solid shot and a charge of 8 lb. of powder, or with a long 18-Pr. charge 6 lb., from the maindeck of a Frigate of the first class; the height of the Gun above the surface of the water being 9 ft.

Distance in yards.	Take aim.	Height of parts aimed at.	Point at the undermentioned parts of Frigates of 44 guns.
297	P. B.	..	At part intended to hit.
By using sight parallel to bore.
402		14 ft.	At the level of the quarterdeck, gangway, and forecastle.
508		22	At bulwark rail of quarterdeck, gangway, and forecastle.
614		33	At 4 feet below the centre of mainmast, reckoning from the deck to the mainyard; centre of foremast; 20 feet below crossjack-yard.
720		47	At 13 feet below mainyard; 5 feet below foreyard; 6 feet below crossjack-yard.
790		61	At under part of mainyard; 3 feet below foretop; 2 feet below mizentop.
860		77	At rail of maintop-bulwark; forecap; 5 feet over mizencap.
930		..	Point at part intended to hit.
*By using the line of metal.
1000		35	At 2 feet below half-way from deck to mainyard; 2 feet above half-way from deck to foreyard; centre of mizenmast.
1060		51	At 9 feet below mainyard; under part of foreyard; 1 foot below crossjack-yard.
1120		68	At 3 feet under maintop; rather better than half-way between foretop and forecap; half-way between mizentop and mizencap.
1180		86	At cap of mainmast; 8 feet over forecap; 3 feet under half-way from mizencap to topsail-yard (hoisted).
1240		106	At centre-way between maincap and topmast-crosstrees; 4 feet over foretopsail-yard (hoisted); cap of mizentopmast.
1299		130	At maintopmast cap; 7 feet under head of foretopgallant rigging.
With 2 shot the elevation must be nearly double that which, with 1 shot, and the same charge of powder, produces the same range.
The angles of elevation, corresponding to the ranges, increase, by quarter degrees, from point blank.
*The reason for transferring the sight to the line-of-metal is, obviously, to use the dispartelevation for the purpose of getting a more direct view.
Vide Tables of Practice, &c., [pages 74], [75].

TABLE E.

Tangent practice with short 24, and 18-Prs., with 1 solid shot and a charge of ¼th the shot’s weight, from the maindeck of a 2nd class Frigate; the height of the Gun above the surface of the water being 7 feet 6 inches.

Distance in yards.	Take aim.	Height of parts aimed at.		Point at the undermentioned parts of Frigates of 44 guns.
221	P. B.	.	.	Point at part intended to hit.
By sight parallel to axis of bore.
312		11 ft.	6 in.	At 2 feet below the level of the quarterdeck, gangway, and forecastle.
403		18	6	At bulwark rail of quarterdeck, gangway, and forecastle.
494		26	6	At 6 feet over the upper part of hammocks stowed in quarterdeck, gangway, &c.
582		37	6	At 2 feet under centre of mainmast, reckoning from top of hammocks to mainyard: 2 feet over corresponding mark in foremast.
644		50		At 8 feet under mainyard; 1 foot under foreyard; crossjack-yard.
706		62		At 2 feet under half-way from mainyard to maintop; 1 foot under foretop; mizentop.
768		78		At half-way from maintop to maincap; 2 feet over forecap; 7 feet over mizencap.
832		94		At 10 feet over maincap or one-third up to the topmast, reckoning from cap to topsail-yard, (hoisted); 6 feet under foretopsail-yard, hoisted; mizentopsail-yard.
907	..	.	.	Point at part intended to hit.
*By the line of metal.
982		20	6	At upper part of the hammocks stowed in quarterdeck, forecastle, nettings, &c.
1057		35	6	At 4 feet under centre of mainmast, reckoning from top of hammocks to mainyard; centre of foremast.
1133		51		At 7 feet under mainyard; foreyard; crossjack-yard.
1177		69		At 1 foot under maintop; centre between foretop and forecap; 2 feet under mizencap.
1221		87		At 3 feet over maincap; 1 foot under centre between maincap and topsail-yards (hoisted up); 4 feet under centre of mizentop-sail.
1265		106		At 8 feet under maintopsail-yard (hoisted); 3 feet under foretopmast crosstrees; 1 foot over mizentopmast cap.
1308		127		At 1 foot under maintopmast cap; 9 feet under the head of foretopgallant- rigging; 7 feet over the head of mizentopgallant-rigging.
With 2 shot the elevation must be nearly double that which, with 1 shot, and the same charge of powder, produces the same range.
The angles of elevation, corresponding to the ranges, increase, by quarter degrees, from point blank.
*The reason for transferring the sight to the line-of-metal is, obviously, to use the dispart elevation for getting a more direct view.
Vide Tables of Practice, &c., [pages 74], [75].

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXERCISE, AND SERVICE OF GREAT GUNS, AND SHELLS ON BOARD HER MAJESTY’S SHIPS.

Positions. (Vide [Plate.])
Before loading. Loading. Training.

Gun Numbers.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Auxiliaries.
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, &c.

Handspike-men.
9, 10.

Rear-men.
12, The right rear-man. 13, The left rear-man, or the two highest numbers.

Words of command.

“Prime.”—“Point.”—“Elevate.”—“Ready.”—“Fire.”—“Stop the vent.”—“Sponge.”—“Load.”—“Run out.”

Number of Men allowed to the following Broadside guns.

Nature of Gun.		Weight.	Length.	Number of men.		Carriage.
		cwt.	Feet.
8-inch.		65	9	14	}
	{	56	9½	13	}	These guns are mounted on common carriages.
	{	50	9	12	}
32 Pounder.	{	45	8½	11	}
	{	42	8	10	}
	{	32	6½	9	}	Mounted on Hardy’s carriages.
	{	25	6	8	}
32 Pr. Carronade		17	4	7	}

POSITIONS.

J. W. Lowry, sc.

Before Loading. Loading. Training.

Stationary Powderman Stationary Powderman Stationary Powderman

Extra Powderman

Exercise with 13 Men, to a Lower deck gun.

No.

1. The Captain;—commands, attends the breeching, bed, and quoin, primes, points, fires, and stops the vent.

2. The second Captain;—assists No. 1, casts loose, hauls up the port, runs out, attends the apron, and port tackle-fall, and cocks the lock.

3. Takes out the tompeon, bears out the port, loads, rams home, runs out, and trains.

4. Takes out the tompeon, bears out the port, worms, sponges, rams home, runs out, and trains.

5. Casts loose, hauls up the port, gives shot and wad to No. 3, runs out, trains, and spans the breeching.

7, and 8. Cast loose, run out, and train.

9, and 10. Cast loose, run out, and attend handspikes.

11. Casts loose, runs out, and trains.

12. Casts loose, and attends train tackle.

13. Casts loose, runs out, trains, and fires with a hammer, or match.

Note.—The duties of No. 2 for upper, or main deck guns will be the same as that for lower deck guns, omitting the words “haul up the port,” and “attends port tackle-fall.” The duties likewise of Nos. 3, and 4 will be the same, substituting the words “takes off the upper half-port,” “lets down the lower one,” or “takes out the port” (as the case may be) for “bears out the port.” The duties also of Nos. 5, and 6 will be the same, omitting the words “hauls up the port.”

Handspike-men with	5, 6, or 7 men	Nos. 5, and 6
” ”	8 or 9 men	” 7, and 8
” ”	10 or 11 men	” 7, and 8
and assistant handspike-men		” 9, and 2
Handspike-men with all Nos. above 11		” 9, and 10
and assistant handspike-men		” 11, and 2

With light guns it may be advantageous, in some cases, to double man the handspikes.

The left rear-man will always fire with a hammer, or match; and the right rear-man will attend the train tackle, except when he is handspikeman (when No. 2 will attend it), and in lower deck exercise (when the left rear-man will attend it).

At the word “Man both sides,” each watch will repair to its respective side, the odd numbers standing to the left of the left guns; even numbers to the right of the right guns.

“Man both sides.”

Left guns.—No. 3 remains 3; 5 becomes 4; 7—6; 9—5; 11—2; 13—7; 1 remains 1.

Right guns.—No. 4 remains 4; 6 becomes 3; 8—6; 10—5; 12—2; 2—1.

Note.—The left guns are odd starboard, and even port. The right guns are even starboard, and odd port. The odd numbered guns’ crews are taken from the starboard watch; the even numbered from the port watch.

Guns’ crews always man, and powder boys always supply adjacent guns, when clearing for action, or when fighting both sides.

Note.—With a crew of 11 men, and upwards, and both sides manned, No. 2 is always to attend the train tackle.

When casualties occur at the guns, those holding the highest numbers, or those last placed, will be the first to move to fill up the vacancies, excepting that where both captains are removed, the officer will name the most fitting person to become No. 1, filling up the vacancy as above. For instance; if there should be 13 men at the gun, and Nos. 3, 6, and 9, are ordered to “fall out,” Nos. 5, and 7, move up, becoming Nos. 3, and 5; No. 11, moves up, and becomes No. 7; No. 13,—No. 9; No. 8 moves up, and becomes No. 6; No. 10,—No. 8; and No. 12,—No. 10.[32]

Exercise with 7 Men, to a 32-pounder carronade.

No.

1. The Captain; commands, attends the breeching, primes, points, fires, and stops the vent.

2. The second Captain; assists No. 1, casts loose, runs out, attends the apron, and elevating screw, cocks the lock, and attends train-tackle.

3. Takes out the tompeon, takes off the upper half-port, lets down the lower one, loads, rams home, runs out, and trains.

4. Takes out the tompeon, takes off the upper half-port, lets down the lower one, worms, sponges, rams home, runs out, trains, and attends compressor, when the gun is out.

5. Casts loose, gives shot, and wad to No. 3, runs out, trains, and spans the breeching.

6. Casts loose, gives sponge, rammer, and worm to No. 4, runs out, trains, spans the breeching, and attends compressor, when the gun is in.

7. Casts loose, runs out, trains, and fires with a hammer, or match.

Note.—Handspikes are used with all guns, and sometimes with carronades.

The duties with 9 men at the 32 cwt., and 8 men at the 25 cwt. guns are the same as with the 32-pounder carronade, except that No. 8 attends the compressor, instead of No. 6.

Arrangement for Fighting both sides.

When ordered to quarters, each watch will take its respective side; when the crew will assume the Nos. to which the several duties, prescribed for working the guns, are assigned.

In the event of being attacked on both sides, at the same time, the following distribution is to be made, where 6 men, and upwards, besides the powderman, can be allowed to each gun, and its opposite, viz.:—

Fighting both sides.

With 6 men, and powderman.		With 8 men, and powderman.		With 10 men, and powderman.		With 12 men, and powderman.
3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4	3 ┃ 4
┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃
‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖ 6	‖┃‖ 6	5 ‖┃‖ 6	5 ‖┃‖ 6	5 ‖┃‖ 6	5 ‖┃‖ 6
┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃
‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖ 2	‖┃‖ 2
1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Powder- man.	Powder- man.	Powder- man.	Powder- man.	Powder- man.	Powder- man.	Powder- man.	Powder- man.
1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	‖┃‖	2 ‖┃‖	2 ‖┃‖	2 ‖┃‖ 7
┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃
‖┃‖	6 ‖┃‖	6 ‖┃‖	6 ‖┃‖ 5	6 ‖┃‖ 5	6 ‖┃‖ 5	6 ‖┃‖ 5	6 ‖┃‖ 5
┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃	┃
4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3	4 ┃ 3
With 7 men, and powderman.		With 9 men, and powderman.		With 11 men, and powderman.		With 13 men, and powderman.

The guns are to be worked in pairs, commencing from forward; Nos. 1, and 2 guns on each side will be pairs, and so on, up to the highest even numbered gun on the deck; but the aftermost (if it should be an odd numbered gun) must be worked by its own crew passing from side to side, as necessary. When exercising, until the crews are perfect, and steady, the orders should be given by the officer, who is in charge of the quarters, and the left guns should be fired first. But when the men are perfect, the guns, which are first ready, should be first fired, and the exercise should be conducted by the captains of the guns, having reference to the movements of the other gun of their pairs, in order to approximate the exercise, as nearly as possible, to action with an enemy. All shot practice at targets, with both sides manned, is to be conducted on this plan.

Words of command for Fighting both sides.

“Man both sides.”—“Prime.”—“Point.”—“Muzzle to the right.”—“Muzzle to the left.”—“Elevate.”—“Ready.”—(Left guns.)—“Fire.”—“Sponge, and load.”—(Right guns.)—“Fire.”—“Sponge, and load.”—(Left guns.)—“Run out.”—“Fire.”—“Sponge, and load.”—(Right guns.)—“Run out.”—“Fire.”—“Cease firing.”

When ordered to “cease firing,” the guns are to be loaded, and run out.[33]

Exercise for the 10-inch, or other revolving Gun, with a crew of 17 men.

The crew are assembled as in the established Gun exercise; then—

Gun.—Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Auxiliaries.—Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

Traversing tackle-men.—Nos. 7, 8.

Handspike-men.—Nos. 9, 10. Assistant handspike-men.—Nos. 11, 12.

Compressor men, Nos. 13, 14.

Rear-men.—No. 16, the right rear-man. No. 17, the left rear-man.

No. 1. The Captain.	No. 4. Sponger.
” 2. Second Captain.	” 5. Assistant loader.
” 3. Loader.	” 6. Assistant sponger.

Words of command.

“Traverse.”[34]—“Prime.”—“Point.”—“Elevate.”—“Ready.”—“Fire.”— “Stop the vent.”—“Sponge.”—“Load.”—“Run out.”

Exercise with 17 men.

No.

1. The Captain; commands, attends the breeching, bed, and quoin, primes, points, fires, and stops the vent.

2. Second Captain; assists No. 1, casts loose, runs out, attends the apron, cocks the lock, and attends rear bolt.

3. Takes out the tompeon, loads, rams home, runs out, attends fighting bolt, shackles, and unshackles breeching, if necessary.

4. Takes out the tompeon, worms, sponges, rams home, runs out, attends stop-handspike, shackles, and unshackles breeching, if necessary.

5. Casts loose, runs out, traverses, and spans the breeching.

6. Casts loose, gives sponge, rammer, and worm to No. 4, runs out, traverses, and spans the breeching.

7, and 8. Cast loose, run out, attend traversing tackles, and shift side tackles.

9, 10, 11, and 12. Cast loose, run out, and attend handspikes.

13, and 14. Cast loose, run out, traverse, and attend compressors.

15. Casts loose, runs out, and traverses.

16. Casts loose, traverses, shifts traversing-tackle, brings up shot, or shell, attends stop-handspike, and train-tackle.

17. Casts loose, traverses, shifts traversing-tackle, brings up shot, or shell, fires with a hammer, or match, and attends train tackle.

N.B. These numbers will be reduced for lighter guns, as may be necessary, when Nos. 11, and 12, will attend compressors, and the rear-men will do the duties of No. 16, and 17. When slide-guns are fitted with Ferguson’s Compressor, No. 6 is to attend to it.

On coming to the gun, one, or other of these orders will follow; viz.,—“Action on the rear bolt,” or “Action on the fighting bolt required.”

No. 2, attends the rear, No. 3, the fighting bolt, No. 1 gives the word “Right, or left traverse;” and when bearing on the object, or when on the fighting bolt required “Well:” the gun is then to be wormed, sponged, loaded, and run out, without further orders.

MORTAR EXERCISE.

Mortars—	13-inch Land service—	Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
”	10-inch ” ”	” 1, - 3, 4, 5, 6.
”	8-inch ” ”	” 1, - 3, 4, - 6.

Words of command.

“Point.”—“Run the mortar up.”—“Cross lift the mortar to the right.”—“Cross lift the mortar to the left.”—“Muzzle to the right.”—“Muzzle to the left.”—“Down.”—“Load.”—“Prime.”—“Fire.”

13-inch Land service Mortar.

Duties.—No. 1. Commands, points, and serves the vent.

2. Serves ammunition.

3. Loads, assists to put in the shell, runs up, and trains.

4. Sponges, wipes the bottom of the shell, uncaps the fuse, puts in shell, runs up, trains, and attends sheepskin.

5. Assists to bring up shell, runs up, trains, and fires.

6. Brings up shell, guides it into the mortar, runs up, trains, and primes.

10-inch Land service Mortar.

Duties.—No. 1. Commands, points, and serves the vent.

3. Serves ammunition, loads, assists to put in shell, runs up, and trains.

4. Sponges, wipes the bottom of the shell, uncaps the fuze, puts in shell, runs up, trains, and attends sheepskin.

5. Assists to bring up shell, runs up, trains, and fires.

6. Brings up shell, runs up, trains, and primes.

8-inch Land service Mortar.

Duties.—No. 1. Commands, primes, points, and serves the vent.

3. Serves ammunition, loads, runs up, and trains.

4. Sponges, wipes the bottom of the shell, uncaps the fuze, puts in shell, runs up, trains, and attends sheepskin.

6. Brings up shell, and fires.

To dismount a 13-inch Land service Mortar, with any number of men, not less than 14.

Duties.—No. 1. Commands.

2. Assists No. 1, and lashes handspikes.

3, and 4. Unlash the quoin, and place handspikes in the mortar.

5, and 6. Bring up a drag-rope each, and place the loop ends over the handspikes.

All the Nos. man the dragropes, except Nos. 3, and 4, who attend with their handspikes, and raise the mortar perpendicular; then Nos. 3, and 4 steady the mortar, place the dragropes round the body of the mortar, and take out the handspikes and quoin; Nos. 5, 6, 7, and 8 unscrew, and take out the cap-squares. All the numbers man the dragropes, except Nos. 3 and 4, and throw the mortar to the rear. If it does not fall on its face, Nos. 3, and 4 place their handspikes under the trunnions (Nos. 5, and 6 the bight of the dragropes under the trunnions) and raise the mortar on its face; then Nos. 3, and 4 place their handspikes on the trunnions; Nos. 5, and 6 place the loop ends round the handspikes, and trunnions; even Nos. go to the front, and odd Nos. to the rear, and turn the mortar round. Nos. 5, and 6 place their dragropes over the opposite bolts of the mortar bed; Nos. 3, and 4 assist with their handspikes. All the Nos., at right angles to each other, turn the mortar bed round, and run it close up to the mortar.

To mount the Mortar.

Nos. 3, and 4 place their handspikes under the trunnions, and on the top steps of the mortar bed; Nos. 5, and 6 place their dragropes round the trunnions, and throw the mortar into the trunnion boxes: the mortar is raised perpendicular, as before. All the Nos. will do what they have undone; even Nos. go to the front, odd Nos. to the rear, and ease the mortar down.

N.B. The cap-squares are not to be shifted over till the mortar is raised perpendicular.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LANDING SEAMEN, AND MARINES, WITH FIELD PIECES.

For Exercise, or Service on shore.

1. The boats should be formed in divisions, according to the seniority of the Captains of their respective ships, numbering from No. 1, on the right. The seamen, and marines should be told off in companies previous to leaving their ships, and on landing they will form immediately in the same order.

2. Each division of boats should have a distinguishing flag. Launches will carry two scaling ladders, intrenching tools, &c.; barges, and pinnaces, one ladder each.

3. The boats will always land a boat’s length apart. Before leaving the ships, two boat keepers for each boat, and an officer in charge of each division of boats are to be told off, and are on no account to leave them.

A fast-pulling boat with medical officers will attend in rear of the line.

4. Should the distance from the point of landing be considerable, the boats of each division, in tow of each other, commencing with the lightest boats, will pull in,—the leading boat of each division abreast, leaving space for the whole to form line abreast when ordered.

The boats will be dressed in line, as well as circumstances will admit. The officer in command will commence firing from the gun-boats when he thinks fit, but no shells, Shrapnell shells, or musketry are to be fired without orders.

5. When the commanding officer perceives the beach to be cleared (or when he considers it proper) he will order the boats to advance; they will pull in immediately, and land their crews, and field pieces, the latter will be formed on the flanks of their own division, or in batteries, according to orders; the scaling ladders in the rear until required for service.

6. The launches’ crews may be employed in throwing up a breast-work, and placing their guns in it, to cover their re-embarkation, should it become necessary.

7. Should the boats be employed for the disembarkation of troops, the same arrangement as to the divisions of boats should remain. It will then be desirable that every boat should carry a flag similar to that of the commanding officer of its division, and, when in large numbers, the boats should also be painted according to the colours of the flags, that the troops may readily know their own boats.

On these occasions, the launches, barges, and pinnaces will form a front line, so as to clear the beach; the light boats will tow troop boats, paddle box boats, &c., and be ready to succour any boats that may be damaged by the enemy’s fire.

The orders, as to the firing of musketry, should be strictly enjoined, as before, with the seamen, and marines. It would be better that no musket should be loaded, and no knapsacks taken.

Proportion of Charges, Spare powder, &c., for a 51 Gun, screw, steam Frigate; and 50 Gun Frigate.

KEY:
A = Number.
B = Proportion for each Gun.
C = Total number of Cartridges.
D = Number in each case.
E = Number of cases.

51 Gun, screw, steam Frigate.
Nature of Ordnance.	A	Charge.	B	C	D	E	Spare powder.	Remarks.
68 Pr. 95 cwt.	1	Distant 16 lb. Full 10 lb.	120	120	6	20	20 rounds per gun, full charges, as spare; amounting to 200 lb.	This spare powder would amount to 5560 pounds, and would be packed in 15 pound bags, 8 in a case, and would stow in 47 cases.
			60	60	11	7
8 in. Gun 65 cwt.	12	Reduced 5 lb. Full 8 lb. Distant 10 lb.	20	240	15	16	20 rounds per gun, reduced charges, as spare; amounting to 1200 lb.
			40	480	14	34½
			20	240	11	22
32 Pr. 58 cwt.	18	Reduced 6 lb. Full 8 lb. Distant 10 lb.	40	720	19	38	20 rounds per gun, reduced charges, as spare; amounting to 2160 lb.
			20	360	14	26
			20	360	11	33
32 Pr. 45 cwt.	20	Reduced 5 lb. Full 7 lb.	30	600	22	27½	20 rounds per gun, reduced charges, as spare; amounting to 2000 lb.
			50	1000	16	62½
24 Pr. Howitzer 12½ cwt.	2	2½ lb.	174	348	20*	17†	2 half-cases of bursters, (10 oz., 6 oz., 5½ oz., and 4½ oz.,) and two half-cases of fuses.
12 Pr. Howitzer 6 cwt.	2	1¼ lb.	174	348	40*	9‡
* In a half-case.† Half-cases, and a quarter-case.‡ Half-cases.

KEY:
A = Number.
B = Proportion for each Gun.
C = Total number of Cartridges.
D = Number in each case.
E = Number of cases.

50 Gun Frigate.
Nature of Ordnance.	A	Charge.	B	C	D	E	Spare powder.
8 in. Gun 65 cwt.	8	Reduced 5 lb. Full 8 lb. Distant 10 lb.	20	160	15	11	20 rounds per gun, reduced charges, as spare; amounting to 800 lb.
			40	320	14	23
			20	160	11	15
32 Pr. 56 cwt.	22	Reduced 6 lb. Full 8 lb. Distant 10 lb.	40	880	19	46	20 rounds per gun, reduced charges, as spare; amounting to 2640 lb.
			20	440	14	32
			20	440	11	40
32 Pr. 45 cwt.	20	Reduced 5 lb. Full 7 lb.	30	600	22	27½	20 rounds per gun, reduced charges, as spare; amounting to 2000 lb.
			50	1000	16	62½
24 Pr. Howitzer 12½ cwt.	2	2½ lb.	174	348	20*	17†	2 half-cases of bursters, (10 oz., 6 oz., 5½ oz., and 4½ oz.,) and two half-cases of fuses.
12 Pr. Howitzer 6 cwt.	2	1¼ lb.	174	348	40*	9‡
* In a half-case.† Half-cases, and a quarter-case.‡ Half-cases.

ON NAVAL BOMBARDMENTS.[35]

“The attack of fortresses, and powerful land batteries with a naval force only, must ever be a hazardous, and perhaps desperate undertaking. But if skilfully combined with a military force sufficiently strong to make good its landing, to invest the place, or the batteries on the land side, to take the defences in reverse, and so open the way to the attack by sea, the object of the attack will in general be successful. But this mode of proceeding can only be applied when the place to be attacked occupies a position, insular or otherwise, of such extent as to admit of being attacked by land as well as by sea. When the place, fortress, or arsenal to be attacked is covered and protected by isolated points of defence, mutually protecting each other, and when no previous military operation can be made, those points or outposts should be attacked in detail, and successively reduced; after which the fleet may arrive at, and attack the main position. This must evidently be a protracted and difficult process, even with such means: with ships alone, it cannot be effected without severe loss, and damages: and it should always be remembered that many of the attacking ships would be severely injured, probably disabled, in the attempt, whilst the enemy’s fleet would remain untouched, and in reserve. It would, therefore, follow that the attacking fleet must be exposed to a very disadvantageous action with the enemy, in the event of the latter subsequently leaving his place of shelter.

“When the fortress, or arsenal to be attacked is situated on a coast which may be approached from the open sea in any direction, steam-ships may avoid the danger of a direct attack, end-on, or oblique, by approaching the place on either, or perhaps on both sides; and, having gained the proper proximity, clear of raking, or diagonal fire, range quickly up in parallel order, to attack the place in line, or lines; as in steam warfare, ship against ship, or fleet against fleet, direct advances upon the broadside batteries of ships, may, upon the same principle be avoided, and the enemy attacked in parallel order, by ranging up to him, and forced to fight if the attacking ships are superior in speed.

“But when the fortress, arsenal, or place to be attacked is only approachable by a narrow and intricate channel, through which ships can only pass singly, or nearly so, there can be no manœuvering for position. There is no way of avoiding being met by direct, then oblique, and ultimately raking fire from the batteries that defend the channel, and steam can only perform its office of propulsion into or through those intricacies under these disadvantageous, and hazardous circumstances. Steam-ships might, indeed, run past advanced, or covering batteries at full speed, without being much damaged; but it would be extremely perilous to leave such forts unsilenced in their rear, and, unless the daring enterprise should succeed, like Nelson’s, at Copenhagen, to produce a cessation of hostilities, the fleet, or at least any disabled ships, could never get out again.

“However successful a naval attack of a fortress, or arsenal may be, the work of destruction can never be effectually accomplished by ships. The sea defences may be silenced, guns dismounted, parapets ruined, magazines blown up by mortar shells, and habitations devastated by the cruel process of bombardment; but no substantial demolition of the defences, or material destruction of public works and property, can be effected, unless the partial and rather temporary than permanent damages inflicted by the attacks of ships be followed up and completed, by having actual possession of the captured place for a sufficient time to ruin it entirely. No naval operation, however skilfully planned, and gallantly executed, can, in this way, reap the fruits of its own victory.

“In the desultory operations of small active steamers employed to shell, with their pivot guns, open towns, roadsteads, harbours, and slender buildings, magazines, stores, &c., &c., or to shell bodies of troops on shore, the attacking vessels should never anchor, but having given their end-on fire, go off at speed to reload, and prepare to take up the fire in turn with others, whenever they regain a favourable position for a good effect. To hit a steamer running with speed across a line of fire is no easy matter (Arts. 331, 341); and when in the end-on position, she presents but a small target to hit at a long range.”

PART IX.
BATTERIES, AND FORTIFICATION.

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