COMPOSITION.
Grant’s black 40 lb. Red lead 5 lb. Raw linseed oil 5 gallons.
The red lead is to be ground into a part of the oil, in order that the whole of the ingredients may be thoroughly incorporated.
TO RENDER ORDNANCE UNSERVICEABLE BY SPIKING, ETC.
The most effectual method of rendering Guns unserviceable, or of no further use, is by removing one or both of the trunnions, which may be done by striking it near its end with a sledge hammer; or by firing a shot against it from a carronade, or howitzer, the muzzle of the piece being placed near the trunnion.
Brass Ordnance may also be rendered unserviceable by firing whole or broken shot into the bore from another piece; or by filing a shot against the chase, which generally bulges the metal within the bore.[6]
For spiking Ordnance, two kinds of spikes are used:—
1st. The Common spike, which is 4 inches long, ·27 inches in diameter at the head, and about ·1 at the point. It is driven as far as it will go into the vent, and afterwards broken off close to the gun.
2nd. The Spring or temporary spike, which is ·17 in diameter, and varies in length from 3·25 to 5·25 inches. It has a flat head to prevent its falling through the vent into the bore, and also a spring about two inches in length, which extends from the point towards the head. In passing through the vent, this is compressed, but as soon as it is clear of the metal, it expands and cannot be withdrawn, unless it is again compressed sufficiently to allow its being again drawn into the vent, which may be done by pressing a rammer head against it, provided the spring is towards the muzzle, which may be known by a small notch cut in the head of the spike to point out its direction.
A long spike with a soft point may be driven into the vent, and the end projecting into the bore clenched; which, as well as either a common nail or even a wooden peg would answer as a temporary expedient if a proper spike were not at hand. Should a momentary abandonment of the guns become unavoidable, by taking away the cap-squares, elevating screws, quoins, linch-pins, or side-arms, the Enemy will be prevented using them for some time.