FOOTNOTES:
[7] This ring or thimble was sometimes cast on the piece above the pomelion.
[8] As the natural roll of the ship was more marked on the lee side, the lee guns were always fitted with strong train tackles, which were strained taut by one of the crew of each gun.
[9] The tompion was secured to the gun muzzle by a lanyard. It was generally painted red, with a gilt cross.
[10] In 1812 one of the main-deck guns of H.M.S. Bacchante discharged itself suddenly, without apparent cause. The leaden apron was in its place, no fire had been near the gun, and no violent concussion had shaken the ship. The ball killed a midshipman, and narrowly missed the captain of a flagship. The cause of the explosion was never discovered. See “Donat O’Brien’s Adventures,” p. 321. Ed. 1902.
[11] When the gun fired red-hot shot, as in many general actions, the wad driven down upon the powder was a disc of green wood, wrapped about with yarns.
[12] The French invariably fired as the ship rose from a roll. Some English Admirals preferred to fire as the ship began to roll, so that the shot might strike the hull of the enemy either above or below the water-line.
[13] More frequently they were held in the hand.
[14] Misfires were not infrequent. The priming powder sometimes fizzled and smoked, without setting fire to the charge. On these occasions the gun’s crew stood aloof till all appearance of smoke had faded from the touch-hole, when the captain crept up cautiously, cleaned out the vent, and reprimed the gun.
[15] Guns were often painted red to match the carriages and ship’s sides.