Counter Approaches, are such trenches as are carried on by the besieged, against those of the besiegers.
APPRENTI, Fr. Apprentice.
In France they had apprentices or soldiers among the artillery, who served for less pay than the regular artillery men, until they became perfect in their profession; when they were admitted to such vacancies as occurred in their respective branches. The system is changed.
APRON, in gunnery, a square plate of lead that covers the vent of a cannon, to keep the charge dry, and the vent clean and open.
Aprons—of lead for guns, according to Deturbie
| lbs. | oz. | |
|---|---|---|
| Large—1 foot long—10 in. wide— | 8 | 4 |
| Small—6 inch long—4¹⁄₂ in.wide— | 1 | 12 |
Their dimensions are as follow, viz. for a 42, 32, and a 24 pounder, 15 inches by 13; for an 18, 12, and a 9 pounder, 12 inches by 10; for a 6, 5¹⁄₄, 3, and 1¹⁄₂ pounder, 10 inches by 8. They are tied fast by two strings of white marline, the length of which, for a 42 to a 12 pounder inclusive, is 18 feet, 9 feet each string; for a 9 to 1¹⁄₂ pounder, 12 feet, 6 feet for each.
APPUI—Pointe d’appui, or point of bearing, or direction, or support, is any particular given point or body, upon which troops are formed, or by which they are marched in line or column.
Aller à l’Appui, Fr. to go to the assistance of any body, to second, to back.
Hauteur d’Appui, Fr. breast-height.