Spoleto (anc. Spoletium). A city of Central Italy, province of Umbria, is situated on a rocky hill, 61 miles north-northwest of Rome. During the second Punic war, Hannibal is said to have been repulsed by the colonists in an assault which he made on the town (217 B.C.), after the battle of Thrasymene. In 1860 it was taken by the Italians from a body of Irish mercenaries in the service of the pope, and now forms part of the kingdom of Italy.
Sponge. See [Implements].
Sponge and Rammer-stop. See [Ordnance, Carriages for].
Sponge-bucket. See [Implements].
Sponge-chain. See [Ordnance, Carriages for].
Sponge-hook. See [Ordnance, Carriages for].
Spontoon. A weapon bearing resemblance to a halberd, which, prior to 1787, was borne instead of a half-pike by officers of British infantry. It was a medium for signaling orders to the regiment. The spontoon planted in the ground commanded a halt; pointed backwards or forwards, advance or retreat; and so on.
Sporting Powder. Gunpowder used in sporting arms,—usually finer grained than that for military arms.
Sporting Rifle. A rifle made especially for hunting. There is no invariable feature distinguishing it from other rifles. Ordinarily the rear sight is not elevating.
Spottsylvania Court-house. A village in Spottsylvania Co., Va., situated on the river Po, 65 miles north from Richmond. A series of desperate battles took place in the neighborhood of this village between the Federals and Confederates, from May 8 to 21, 1864, in which the former compelled the latter, after much carnage, to retreat to the North Anna River, which ultimately resulted in the battle of [Cold Harbor] (which see).