462. The powder is to be emptied into the mortar, the bag well shaken and beaten over the lee-side to remove dust and fine grains of powder, and the bag placed in the rear to wipe out the mortar-chamber after every round.
None of these bags should be returned to the magazine during the action, as the loose powder would be likely to form trains.
463. Large tubs of water are to be kept near the magazines, with buckets at hand to drown the cartridges, or to extinguish fire; and every precaution taken to cut off trains of powder with wet swabs.
464. The forward part of the vessel above decks will be used as the most convenient place for cutting or preparing fuzes, and a heavy screen, spread tent-fashion, should be rigged to protect the fuzes from fire from the mortars, or rain.
In filling shells, the Gunner and two assistants will be detailed for this purpose, besides the men stationed to pass powder from the magazines.
All fire and lights must be put out when the magazine is opened for action.
465. In firing against the wind, the flame is thrown back in-board; therefore care should be taken beforehand to wet the sides, decks, and rigging of the vessel; the sails covered with tarpaulins; and men stationed with buckets to put out fire.
466. One hundred bombs are at all times to be kept ready filled in the shell-room.
A vessel properly organized ought to throw at least 20 bombs an hour; but should circumstances prevent, the mortar may be properly served if even one bomb can be filled before the previous one is fired.
467. A beech plug must be temporarily put in the fuze-hole of the bomb when filled; and the men who fill cartridges and charge the bombs are to wear flannel sleeves and magazine-shoes.