OF THE EQUIPMENT OF THE AMMUNITION HORSE.
[Plate 2] represents the mode of equipping the Ammunition Horses.
The left hand figure shews that the whole of the ammunition, &c. may be completely covered and protected from the weather by a painted canvass; and the other has this cover off, to shew the particular distribution of the load, which consists of eighteen Rockets and Rocket sticks, and a proportion of small stores, such as portfires, slow match, &c.
This load is carried on a bat saddle, made as small and as light as possible, with a pad at the back part of it, extending towards the crupper. The saddle is furnished on the top with two iron forks to receive a leather case, in which the sticks are carried in half lengths, of three feet six inches each, a length from which no inconvenience arises; being contrived so that the two parts may be united, to form the stick complete in a moment, by means of a ferule fixed to one end and receiving the other; in which situation they are firmly fixed and connected, either by a pair of pointed pincers, by a hammer with a point in the head, or by a wrench. When these sticks are taken from the Ammunition Horse, to replenish the stock of the mounted men, they are to be joined at that time by the simple, secure, and momentary operation just mentioned.
The Rockets are carried in a sort of saddle bags, as they may be termed, stitched into separate compartments for each Rocket, covered by a flap at one end, and secured by a chain, staples, and padlocks, the Rocket lying horizontally. By this arrangement the load lies in the most compact form possible, and close to the horse’s side, while the Rockets, being thus separated, cannot be injured by carriage.
The load is divided into three parts, the case or bundle of eighteen sticks, and a separate saddle bag on each side, contrived to hook on to the saddle, carrying nine Rockets in each bag. By this means there is no difficulty in loading and unloading the horse.
The whole weight thus carried by an Ammunition Horse is about 19 stone, consisting of about 6½ stone for the saddle, sticks, &c. and almost six stone in each of the saddle bags. From which it is evident, that there is no fear of the load swagging the horse in travelling, because the centre of gravity is very considerably below his back bone. It is evident also, that as the weight of the Rockets diminishes by supplying the mounted men, the weight of the sticks also is diminished, and the centre of gravity may, if desired, be brought lower and lower, as the load diminishes, by taking the ammunition from the upper tiers gradually and equally on each side downwards. It is further evident, that although spaces are provided for nine Rockets in each bag, that number may be diminished, should the difficulty of the country, or the length of the march, or other circumstances, render it advisable to carry a less load.
The mode of leading these horses will be explained in the next Plate.
Plate 2
