Cap-squares, ear-plates, trunnion-plates, under-strap, elevating screw, wheel guard plate, axle-tree, trail-plate, trail-handles, prolong-hooks, pointing-rings, washer-hooks, lock-chain, sponge-chain, sponge and rammer 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 receive the lunette of the trail. Connected with the frame-work in front, is a fixed splinter-bar with four hooks, to which are attached the traces of the wheel-horses. At the extremity of the tongue are 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.
20. What is the use of the limber?
To facilitate the movements of the carriage. By means of it a considerable portion of ammunition and stores may be conveyed 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.
127]
21. Are there any other advantages from the manner in which the gun-carriage and limber are connected?
These two parts thus possess all the advantages of a four-wheel carriage, and the freedom of motion peculiar to each admits of their passing over ground uninjured, or without being overturned or strained, where any other four-wheel carriage would invariably fail.
22. Describe the mountain artillery gun-carriage.
It is formed like the field-gun carriage, but much smaller, the cheeks not being formed of pieces distinct from the stock, but all three made of two pieces bolted together. 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 but thirty-eight inches high. Ordinarily, over rough ground, the carriage is transported on the backs of mules; but 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.