PART 2.—_Article 1._
LEVER, AND HANDSPIKE.
The lever is of essential use in the service of artillery. When it is 6 feet long, and 3½ inches square at the large end, called _the point_, it is termed a handspike. The greater the length of the lever the greater is its power.[27]
_Slewing._
To slew a gun, or mortar, strictly speaking, is to turn it on its axis without moving it from the spot on which it rests.
_Pinching._
Pinching is the operation of moving a gun, or mortar, by small heaves of the handspike, without allowing it to turn on its axis. It is moved little by little, and never raised in its progress, but rubs against the skid on which it rests.
_Cross-lifting._
To cross-lift a gun, or carriage, is to move it in a direction nearly perpendicular to its axis. Heavy guns, mounted, or dismounted, require a long lever, and a fulcrum, for cross-lifting. Guns of medium weight may be cross-lifted by means of handspikes.
_Article 2._
FULCRUMS, AND PROPS.
Any piece of strong timber of suitable dimensions may serve for a fulcrum, or a prop. It is called a fulcrum when used to support a lever, and a prop when used as a temporary support for anything else.
_Fulcrums._
The distance of the fulcrum from the weight which is to be raised should be such that, when the lever rests upon the top of it, the point may be put under the weight, and the lever form such an angle with the horizon that, when it is heaved down, and the small end nearly touches the ground, the weight may be raised to the required height.
Except with very heavy bodies, care must be taken, in placing a fulcrum, that it is inclined in a small degree towards the body, so that when the lever acts it may bring the fulcrum into a vertical position.
_Props._
There cannot be a better prop than a quoin, when it is long enough, or a piece of wood of that shape, of proportionate size.
If the wheels of a carriage are to be taken off, and the carriage propped, the trail should be first secured from slipping.
The props are placed under each cheek, or under the shoulder of the axletree, with a slight inclination towards the carriage.
When one wheel only is to be taken off, and the other scotched, the props may be placed vertically; but practice alone will point out the proper position of props in all situations.
The point of the lever must not be withdrawn, until it is evident that the prop is well placed.
_Article 3._
LIFTING JACK.
The lifting jack forms part of the equipment of every battery, and battering train. It may be applied to many of the purposes for which a long lever is used; but it is commonly employed to raise the wheels of carriages from the ground when they are to be greased, or exchanged, and to extricate them from ruts and holes.
The wheel opposite to that which is to be raised must be scotched.
On soft ground a piece of board must be placed under the foot of the jack, to prevent its sinking.
There are three kinds of lifting jacks in the service—
1st. _The common lifting jack_ is used for field carriages only. The arm, which may be adjusted, within certain limits, to any required height, is a lever of the first kind, and is applied accordingly. The body of the jack is the support on which it works.
2nd. _The tooth and pinion jack_ is of greater power than the common jack, and is used for heavy carriages. It is applied vertically under the carriage, which is raised by turning the winch of the jack.
3rd. _The screw jack_ is an elevating screw of large dimensions, and is of greater power than either of the other two. Like the tooth and pinion jack, it is applied vertically under the body, which is raised, like the breech of a gun, by turning up the screw. The foot of it is furnished with three spikes, to prevent its slipping when the screw is turned.
If a wheel is to be extricated from a rut, into which it has sunk so far that the lifting jack cannot be applied in the ordinary manner, the jack is placed as close to the wheel as possible, on the outside of it. A piece of rope, passed under the nave, is made fast to the extremity of the arm, if the common jack is used, or to the fork, if either of the other kinds be employed. The jack is then worked as usual, and stones or other hard substances are thrown under the wheel, to prevent its sinking, as often as it may be necessary to take fresh purchases.
The tooth and pinion and screw jacks may be employed to move bodies horizontally a few inches, provided a good abutment or support can be found for the foot of the stock. By the application of two jacks, in opposite directions, bodies may be brought together to be spliced, riveted, &c.
_Article 4._
ROLLERS.
Rollers are solid cylinders of wood, used in mounting guns upon their carriages, in shifting them from carriage to carriage, and in moving them through passages too narrow to admit of the use of the ordinary means of transport. Their dimensions vary, according to the nature of the service for which they are intended.
They can be used with advantage, only on a perfectly level plane surface.
When a cylindrical body is moved on rollers, they must be perfectly horizontal, or it will roll off them; and even when the rollers are horizontal, steadying handspikes should, if possible, be applied, to guard still further against such an accident.
The rollers must be placed at right angles to the direction in which they are intended to move, projecting equally on each side of the axis of the gun, or other body, which they support.
A gun laid upon rollers may be moved, either by hauling upon it with ropes, or by means of levers. In the last case, two holes crossing each other at right angles, are pierced near each end of the several rollers, and in them are inserted the points of iron levers, by means of which the rollers are turned in the required direction.
In order that rollers may be used with the greatest effect, and that there may be as little necessity as possible for shifting them during the course of an operation, it must be borne in mind,—
1st. That a roller moves in a direction perpendicular to its own axis.
2nd. That it moves over half the space only which is traversed by the body it supports.
_Article 5._
CRAB CAPSTAN.
A crab capstan consists of a barrel, (in shape, a frustum of a cone,) and of a framework of wood and iron by which the barrel is supported in a vertical position with its largest diameter next the ground. It is furnished with two levers, called capstan bars, which are passed through mortices in the upper part of the barrel, and by means of which the barrel may be turned about on its axis. By means of the crab capstan, a few men, acting at the levers, can move weights which would be far beyond their strength, if applied in the ordinary manner; and it may, therefore, be used with advantage in many situations, in which it may be either difficult to command labour, or desirable to economise it.
One end of a rope is made fast to the weight which is to be moved, and is called the _standing end_. The other, called the running end, is passed two or three times round the lower part of the barrel, the loose or running end being kept above the turns, and stretched taught by the man who passed it round. As the barrel is turned, the standing end of the rope winds round it, forces the turns up the barrel, and clears itself. As fast as the running end comes off the barrel, it is coiled by a man appointed to that duty.
The capstan, when used, is secured by ropes to pickets, driven on the opposite side of it to that on which the strain acts upon it. Three men at each end of both bars—_i. e._, twelve men in all—is the greatest number that can be employed at the capstan with advantage; and two men are required for the running end of the fall, as previously described. The levers are twelve feet in length, and the power of twelve men, acting upon them, is about equivalent to that of 132 men acting at the end of a taught rope.
If a crab capstan cannot be procured, the windlass of a gyn may be used as a substitute, the cheeks being laid on the ground and secured with pickets; or a temporary capstan may be rigged, by lashing four handspikes to the spokes and felloe of a limber wheel, which is turned upon the pintail of the dismounted limber.
_Article 12._
SLING CART.
The sling cart weighs about 15 cwt., and is employed for moving heavy ordnance. It is capable of carrying 65 cwt.
One non-commissioned officer and six men are required, numbered as usual; but it can be worked by one non-commissioned officer and four men.
Articles required:—
_One sling_ of six-inch white rope, two fathoms long, with an eye-splice at each end.
_One sling tye_, of one-inch tarred rope, two feet long.
_One prypole._
_One prypole rope_, 2½-inch, three fathoms long.
_Two levers_, six feet nine inches long.
_Two lever ropes_, of two-inch tarred rope, each two fathoms.
_Two pawls._
_Two common handspikes._
_Two pieces of short skidding_, about 4½ feet long, and five or six inches square.
The detachment is drawn up in rear of and facing the cart, the command is given, “_Form the order of exercise—to the right face—quick march_.” The detachment wheels to the left, and the ranks open out. Nos. 2 and 3 halt one pace in rear of and covering the wheels. The whole one pace from each other, and covering.
_Disposition, and duties of the Men._
No. 1 attends to the pawl, and commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._ | 3 has charge of the left lever, | 2 has charge of the right lever, and skids the gun when | and skids the gun when necessary. | necessary. 5 has charge of a handspike, | 4 has charge of a handspike, assists 3 at the lever, and | assists 2 at the lever, and skidding, and raises the weight | skidding, and raises the weight when it is to be lashed. | when it is to be lashed. 7 assists 3 at the lever, slings, | 6 assists 2 at the lever, slings, and unslings the gun, and | and unslings the gun, and lashes it to the prypole. | lashes it to the prypole.
FORM THE ORDER OF MARCH. QUICK MARCH. If the gun be not on skids, a piece of skidding is placed under it, a little in front of the trunnions, to make room for the sling to be passed under the piece. Before the piece is slung, the trunnions are brought vertical, or nearly so, either by the ordinary method of slewing, or by means of the sling cart, as follows:—
BACK THE CART OVER THE GUN. SCOTCH THE WHEELS. FORM THE ORDER OF EXERCISE. QUICK MARCH. UNLASH THE PRYPOLE, LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES. FIX THE SLING TO THE RIGHT OF THE WINDLASS. OVERHAUL THE SLING. PREPARE TO RAISE THE RIGHT TRUNNION. HEAVE IN THE SLACK. TAKE UP LEVERS. RIGHT LEVER TAKE PURCHASE. HEAVE. LEFT LEVER TAKE PURCHASE. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. LEFT LEVER HEAVE. RIGHT LEVER TAKE PURCHASE. LEFT LEVER FETCH. HALT. OUT LEVERS. SLING THE GUN. HEAVE IN THE SLACK. MAN THE LEVERS. HEAVE. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. Alternately to the lever numbers—HOLD ON, and FETCH, until the gun is close to the axletree, HALT. PREPARE TO RAISE THE BREECH. RAISE THE BREECH. (If necessary, TAKE A FRESH PURCHASE. HEAVE.) HALT, LASH THE BREECH. LASH LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES.
_Unslinging the Gun._
UNLASH LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES. UNLASH THE PRYPOLE. MAN THE LEVERS. EASE OFF. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. RIGHT LEVER HOLD ON. LEFT LEVER FETCH. OUT LEVERS.
_Slinging a Howitzer._
A howitzer is slung, and unslung according to the foregoing details.
_Slinging a Mortar._
A mortar is slung with the muzzle towards the rear. For a 13-inch mortar, the wheels of the sling waggon ought to be used for the sling cart, and a double-barrelled windlass, if procurable.
_Unslinging a Mortar._
See “Unslinging a Gun.”
_Slinging a Mortar bed._
The windlass for raising Mortar beds is of a different construction from that of guns, being square in the middle, and cylindrical at each end. The bed is slung with the front part towards the rear of the cart.
SLING THE BED. LASH THE BED.
_Unslinging a Mortar bed._
Unslinging a mortar bed is just the reverse of slinging, each number undoing what he had previously done.
_Article 13._
SLING WAGGON.
The sling waggon weighs about 29 cwt., and is employed for moving heavy ordnance, and their standing carriages. It requires a detachment of 1 non-commissioned officer and 8 men; but 1 non-commissioned officer and 6 men can sling any weight below a 24-pounder.
The following articles are required:—
_One sling_ of five-inch white rope, 2½ fathoms long, and having an eye-splice at each end.
_One sling tye_ of one-inch tarred rope, two feet long.
_One breech rope, or carriage sling_, of 2½-inch tarred rope, 6 fathoms long.
_Two levers_, six feet nine inches long.
_Two lever ropes_, of two-inch tarred rope, 2½ fathoms each.
_Two pawls._
_Four common handspikes._
_Two pieces of skidding_, about four feet long, and six or seven inches square.
_One pair of strong dragropes._
The detachment is numbered in the usual manner, and takes post for exercise, as at the sling cart.
_Disposition, and duties of the men._
No. 1 attends to the pawls, and commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._ | 3 has charge of the left lever, | 2 has charge of the right lever, and skidding, scotches the | and skidding, scotches the wheels in rear, assists in | wheels in rear, assists in unlimbering, and limbering up. | unlimbering, and limbering up. 5 has charge of a handspike, | 4 has charge of a handspike, assists 3 at the lever, scotches | assists 2 at the lever, scotches the wheels in front, fixes the | the wheels in front, fixes the carriage sling, and assists in | carriage sling, and assists in unlimbering, and limbering up. | unlimbering, and limbering up. 7 assists 3 at the lever, slings, | 6 assists 2 at the lever, slings, and unslings the gun, lashes the | and unslings the gun, lashes the breech, handspikes, and levers, | breech, handspikes, and levers, and assists in unlimbering, and | and assists in unlimbering, limbering up. | and limbering up. 9 assists in unlimbering, and | 8 assists in unlimbering, and limbering up, keys, and unkeys | limbering up, keys, and unkeys the limber chain, and fixes the | the draught chain, and fixes breech rope. | the breech rope.
_Bringing the stores._—If the stores are not with the waggon, Nos. 2 and 3 bring a lever each, and 4 and 5 two handspikes each; 6 the gun sling, and 7 the carriage sling or breech rope; 8 and 9 the skids and drag ropes.
The gun is supposed to be lying on skids, and its carriage on one side, with its breast nearly in line with the breech.
FORM THE ORDER OF MARCH. QUICK MARCH. BACK THE WAGGON OVER THE GUN. PREPARE TO UNLIMBER. UNLIMBER. OUT LEVERS. PREPARE TO TURN THE GUN CARRIAGE OVER. TURN THE GUN CARRIAGE OVER—HEAVE. TAKE OFF THE TRUCKS. PREPARE TO LIFT THE CARRIAGE TO THE CROSS-BAR. LIFT THE CARRIAGE TO THE CROSS-BAR. FIX THE CARRIAGE SLING. TAKE UP LEVERS. RIGHT LEVER TAKE A PURCHASE—HEAVE. OUT LEVERS—OFF SLING. PREPARE TO LIMBER UP. LIMBER UP. PREPARE TO BACK THE WAGGON. BACK THE WAGGON. SCOTCH THE HIND WHEELS. PUT ON THE TRUCKS. FORM THE ORDER OF EXERCISE. QUICK MARCH. PREPARE TO RAISE THE TRUNNION ON THE RIGHT. HEAVE IN THE SLACK. TAKE UP LEVERS. RIGHT LEVER TAKE A PURCHASE—HEAVE. LEFT LEVER TAKE A PURCHASE. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. LEFT LEVER HEAVE. OUT LEVERS. SLING THE GUN. MAN THE LEVERS. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON—RIGHT LEVER FETCH. PREPARE TO RAISE THE BREECH. RAISE THE BREECH. FRAP AND MAKE FAST. PLACE STOOL BED, AND QUOIN. LASH UP LEVERS, AND HANDSPIKES.
_Dismounting the Gun, and Carriage._
PLACE SKIDS, UNLASH, AND SCOTCH THE WHEELS. UNLASH THE BREECH. FORM THE ORDER OF EXERCISE. QUICK MARCH. LEVERS TAKE A PURCHASE TO LOWER THE GUN. BEAR DOWN. EASE OFF. RIGHT LEVER HOLD ON. LEFT LEVER FETCH. LEFT LEVER HOLD ON. RIGHT LEVER FETCH. EASE OFF.
_Slinging Howitzers._
A howitzer is slung in the same manner as a gun.
_Slinging Mortars._
A 13-inch mortar and its bed require each a waggon for itself; but a 10 or 8-inch mortar can be conveyed on its bed, by one waggon.
LIMBER UP. UNSCOTCH THE WHEELS. RUN THE WAGGON BACK. PREPARE TO LASH UP THE MUZZLE. HEAVE. RUN THE WAGGON FORWARD.
_Article 15._
TRIANGLE GYNS.
There are two patterns of triangle gyn, the small and the large.
The small gyn has legs sixteen feet long, weighs about 8½ cwt., including the tackle, and is capable of raising with safety 65 cwt. It is principally used for mounting guns and howitzers on their carriages, and for dismounting them; and for placing ordnance of every description on platform waggons.
The large gyn has legs twenty feet long, weighs about 11½ cwt., including the tackle, and is also capable of raising with safety 65 cwt. It is principally used for mounting guns upon traversing platforms, and for dismounting them.
The rear of the gyn is the part where the windlass is fixed. The front of the gyn is the prypole.
_Strength of Gyn Detachments._
One non-commissioned officer and ten men are allowed to raise and work the gyn, numbered as for gun drill.
The same number is sufficient to carry the small gyn. The large one should be drawn to the place where it is to be used in a hand cart.
At exercise the even numbers are on the right, and the odd numbers on the left.
The following is the list of stores required for the service of gyns:—
_One fall_, of 3½-inch white rope, seventy-two feet long, for the small gyn.
_One fall_, of 3½ inch white rope, ninety-six feet long. } _One staple_, fixed in the top of the prypole. } For _One four-inch block_ for whip. } the _One whip fall_, of 1½-inch rope, thirty feet long. } large _Four lashing ropes_, each nine feet long. } gyn.
_Two levers and lever ropes._ } _One triple block._ } _One double block._ } _One sling_, of six-inch white rope, of a length to suit the} dimension of the gun or other object which is to be slung. } _One single lashing rope_, 2½-inch, for slinging mortars. } _One piece of spun yarn_, three-stranded, 1½ fathom long, } for seizing the clinch of the fall. } _One ditto_, one fathom long, for stoppering the fall. } With _One fid_, (for which a couple of handspikes may be } both substituted,) for slinging the gun; or,— } patterns. _One short piece of skidding_, for the same purpose, } for slinging mortars and howitzers. } _One hammer._ } _Three trucks_, or _small pieces of board_, four inches } thick, with a hole in the centre of each, to receive the } spikes of the feet of the gyn on soft ground. Handspikes } laid upon the ground, and on each side of the several } spikes, will answer this purpose. } _One pair of dragropes._ }
_Disposition, and duties of the Men._
No. 1 commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._ | 3 carries the foot of the left | 2 carries the foot of the right cheek, has charge of the left | cheek, has charge of the right lever, keys and unkeys the left | lever, keys and unkeys the capsquare, runs the carriage up, | right capsquare, runs the or back. | carriage up or back. 5 carries the top of the left | 4 carries the top of the right cheek, assists 3 at the lever, | cheek, assists 2 at the lever, runs the carriage up, or back. | runs the carriage up or back. 7 carries the levers and | 6 carries the windlass, passes the handspikes, assists 6 to pass | fall round it, holds on the fall the fall round the windlass, | and makes it fast, eases off holds on next to him. | the fall, and lowers the gun. 9 carries the top of the prypole | 8 carries the foot of the prypole with sling, fid, trucks, &c., | with sling, fid, trucks, &c., holds on the fall behind 7, | holds on the fall behind 6. and coils it up. | 11 assists in carrying the blocks, | 10 assists in carrying the blocks and fall, reeves, and unreeves | and fall, reeves, and unreeves the triple block, assists in | the double block, assists in slinging the gun, and steadies | slinging the gun, and steadies it on his own side. | it on his own side.
PUT THE GYN TOGETHER, AND REEVE THE TACKLE. PLACE THE WINDLASS.
_To raise, and place a Gyn._
PREPARE TO RAISE THE GYN. At a small gyn the tackle is hooked before the gyn is raised; at a large gyn it is not hooked until after the operation has been performed. _At the Small gyn_, HOOK THE TACKLE. RAISE THE GYN. HALT. PREPARE TO PLACE THE GYN, either pattern. LIFT THE CHEEKS IN, OUT, TO THE RIGHT, OR TO THE LEFT. _At the Large gyn_, PREPARE TO HOOK THE TACKLE. HOIST THE TACKLE.
_To raise a Gun, or other object, and to mount and dismount a Gun or Howitzer on, and from a standing carriage; or to shift it from one carriage to another._
POST YOURSELVES. PASS THE FALL ROUND THE WINDLASS. PUT ON THE SLING, AND HOOK THE BLOCK. FIX THE SLING, to a gun, or howitzer without dolphins. Or, FIX THE LASHING, to a mortar, or other piece of ordnance with dolphins. FIX THE SLING, to a mortar bed. SHIFT THE FALL TO THE RIGHT OF THE WINDLASS. HAUL TAUGHT. Everything being prepared for raising the piece, &c., which has been slung, WORK THE LEVERS. HEAVE. FETCH. HEAVE, FETCH, alternately until the piece, &c., is high enough. HIGH ENOUGH. MAKE FAST THE FALL. If a gun, or howitzer is to be dismounted, the carriage is run from under by Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, and the piece is lowered to the ground—PREPARE TO LOWER THE PIECE. LOWER. The piece is unslung, and the sling removed by the same numbers that slung it. Before striking the large gyn, the tackle must be unhooked; an operation exactly the reverse of hooking. PREPARE TO STRIKE THE GYN. STRIKE THE GYN. TAKE THE GYN TO PIECES.
_To mount a Gun, and Carriage, upon a platform waggon, by means of a triangle gyn._
The gyn is placed over the gun in the usual manner, and the platform waggon is brought to the side of the gyn, with its rear towards the muzzle of the gun. The gun is then raised, by means of the gyn; and, when high enough, and the fall made fast, the carriage is run back by Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5. PREPARE TO BACK THE WAGGON. BACK THE WAGGON. LOWER THE GUN. The sling is then removed, and the waggon is run forward. The gun carriage is next brought under the gyn, and turned bottom upwards—LIFT. FIX THE CARRIAGE SLING. The carriage is now raised by means of the gyn, and is lowered upon the piece. LASH THE CARRIAGE.
_Article 16._
GIBRALTAR GYN.
The Gibraltar gyn is principally used for mounting, and dismounting guns, and howitzers on, and from standing carriages. It weighs 10¾ cwt., and can support three tons with safety.
The following stores are required for the service of the gyn:—
_One fall_, of 3½-inch white rope, eight fathoms long.
_Two lashings_ for slinging the gun, of 2½-inch tarred rope, each twenty feet long.
_One stopper_, about 5½ feet long, of 2½-inch tarred rope, more than one half plaited as a gasket.
_One iron triple block_, with brass sheaves, to which is attached a bar of iron 2½ feet long, for suspending the gun, its ends turned up to prevent the slings slipping off.
_Four common handspikes. Two dragropes._
One non-commissioned officer and six men are allowed for working the gyn, numbered as usual.
The gyn is moved by means of dragropes hooked to the staples of the front, or rear axletrees by Nos. 6 and 7. It can be drawn over hard level ground by the working detachment of six men. On ground of an unfavourable nature, a greater number than this is necessary.
The rear of the gyn is the part where the windlass is fixed.
The detachment being formed a few paces in rear of the gyn, No. 1 gives the word, “TAKE POST FOR EXERCISE—TO THE RIGHT FACE—QUICK MARCH.” The detachment wheels to the left, and the ranks open out. Nos. 2 and 3 halt one pace in rear of their respective axletree arms. The whole one pace from each other, and covering.
_Disposition, and Duties of the Detachment._
No. 1 commands.
_Left side._ | _Right side._ | 3 runs the carriage up, or back, | 2 runs the carriage up, or back, heaves round the windlass, | heaves round the windlass, assists 7 to sling the gun. | assists 6 to sling the gun. 5 runs the carriage up, or back, | 4 runs the carriage up, or back, assists to hold on the fall, | holds on the fall, makes it stoppers, and unstoppers it. | fast, and lowers the gun. 7 reeves the tackle, slings, and | 6 reeves the tackle, slings, and unslings the gun at the chase, | unslings the gun near the first and steadies it. | reinforce, steadies the gun, | and overhauls the tackle.
PREPARE TO PLACE THE GYN. PLACE THE GYN BY HAND, (or BY CROSSLIFTING). REEVE THE TACKLE. PREPARE TO SLING THE PIECE. SLING THE PIECE. HAUL IN THE SLACK. HEAVE ROUND THE WINDLASS. HALT. STOPPER THE FALL. SHIFT THE FALL. HALT. The carriage having been run under the piece, or away from it, as may be required, the piece is lowered, and cast loose, each number reversing the operations which he performed in lashing; and raising it.