,,the ,,details ,,of ,,the ,,rocket ,,system3 ,,drawn ,,up ,,by ,,colonel ,,congreve #ahad4 ,reproduced from an original edition made available by the ,library of the ,royal ,artillery ,institute1 ,woolwich1 to whom ,british ,aircraft ,corporation wish to express their appreciation4 ,,british ,,aircraft ,,corporation ,,guided ,,weapons ,,division ,,the ,,details ,,of ,,the ,,rocket ,,system3 ,,shewing ,,the ,,various ,,applications ,,of ,,this ,,weapon1 ,,both ,,for ,,sea ,,and ,,land ,,service1 ,,and ,,its ,,different ,,uses ,,in ,,the ,,field ,,and ,,in ,,sieges2 ,,illustrated ,,by ,,plates ,,of ,,the ,,principal ,,equipments1 ,,exercises1 ,,and ,,cases ,,of ,,actual ,,service1 ,,with ,,general ,,instructions ,,for ,,its ,,application1 ,,and ,a ,,demonstration ,,of ,,the ,,comparative ,,economy ,,of ,,the ,,system4 ,,drawn ,,up ,,by ,,colonel ,,congreve1 ,,for ,,the ,,information ,,of ,,the ,,officers ,,of ,,the ,,rocket ,,corps1 ,,and ,,others ,,whom ,,it ,,may ,,concern4 ,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,j4 ,,whiting1 ,,finsbury ,,place4 #ahad4 ,,introduction4 ,,his ,,royal ,,highness ,,the ,,prince ,,regent1 to whose gracious patronage the ,rocket ,system owes its existence1 having been pleased to command the formation of a ,rocket ,corps1 on the #ast of ,january1 #ahad1 by augmentation to the ,regiment of ,artillery1 as proposed by his ,lordship1 the ,,earl ,,of ,,mulgrave1 ,master ,general of the ,ordnance2 ,i have thought it my duty to draw up the following details of the ,system1 for the ,instruction of the ,officers of the ,corps1 for the information of the ,general ,officers of the ,british ,army1 and that of such departments as it is important for the good of the service1 to make acquainted with the principles of this new branch of our naval and military means of offence and defence4 ,i have1 indeed1 conceived it the more incumbent upon me to prepare such a document for the use of the ,rocket ,corps1 with as much expedition as possible1 that nothing might be wanting on my part towards its completion1 having been induced to decline the offer graciously made me of commanding it1 with rank in the ,regiment of ,artillery2 a decision1 in which ,i trust ,i have sufficiently proved myself to have been actuated by the most sincere desire of manifesting my attachment to that ,regiment2 as1 however flattering the offer1 it was sufficient gratification to me to have brought my labours to a consummation1 which enabled me to leave the undivided benefit of this new ,corps in their possession3 and to have succeeded in putting into their hands a weapon1 which it is my greatest pride to have already seen adding to their laurels1 in the ,plains of ,leipsic1 and on the ,banks of the ,adour2 a weapon1 which has so early given them pledges of future and greater successes1 and which ,i hope the following pages will evince to have already been brought to a state of organization and perfection1 at least commensurate with its age4 ,i will hope1 also1 that the further progress and extension of the powers of the ,rocket ,system will be such as not to discredit the discernment of the enlightened ,prince1 who first patronized it1 or that of his ,lordship1 the ,master ,general1 by whose protection it is now placed on a permanent establishment4 ,it is almost needless to add1 that this volume is intended only for the use and instruction of such as it may concern1 and not in any way for publication4 ,,william ,,congreve4 ,,table ,,of ,,contents4 ,,introduction4 ,general ,instructions4 ,formation of a ,rocket ,troop4 ,,plate #a4-- ,the ,equipment of a ,rocket ,trooper4 ,,plate #b4-- ,the ,equipment of a ,rocket ,ammunition ,horse4 ,,plate #c4-- ,fig4 #a4--;,a ,sub-division of ,rocket ,cavalry1 in ,line of ,march4 ,fig4 #b4--;,a ,sub-division of ,rocket ,cavalry1 in ,action4 ,,plate #d4-- ,fig4 #a4--,rocket ,cars1 in ,line of ,march4 ,fig4 #b4--,rocket ,cars1 in ,action4 ,,plate #e4-- ,fig4 #a4--,rocket ,infantry1 in ,line of ,march4 ,fig4 #b4--,rocket ,infantry1 in ,action4 ,,plate #f4-- ,fig4 #a4--,the ,conveyance of the ,apparatus and ,rocket ,ammunition for ,bombardment4 ,fig4 #b4--,the ,firing of ,rockets1 in ,bombardment4 ,,plate #g4-- ,fig4 #a1 and #b4--,the ,projecting of ,rockets from different ,descriptions of ,earth ,works1 in ,bombardment4 ,,plate #h4-- ,fig4 #a4--;,a ,rocket ,ambuscade4 ,fig4 #b4--,the ,use of ,rockets for the ,defence of a ,post4 ,,plate #i4-- ,fig4 #a4--,the ,use of ,rockets1 in the ,attack of a ,fortress4 ,fig4 #b4--,the ,use of ,rockets1 in the ,defense of a ,fortress4 ,,plate #aj4--;,fig4 #a4--;,a ,repulse of ,cavalry by ,infantry1 with ,rockets4 ,fig4 #b4--,preparation for storming1 by ,means of ,rockets4 ,,plate #aa4--,the ,throwing of ,rockets from ,men of ,war's ,boats4 ,,plate #ab4--;,fig4 #a4--,the ,use of ,rockets in ,fire ,ships4 ,fig4 #b1 #c1 and #d4--,the ,equipment of a ,rocket ,ship1 with ,scuttles for throwing ,rockets from her ,broadside4 ,,plate #ac4--,the different ,natures of ,rocket ,ammunition1 and the ,implements used for fixing the ,sticks4 ,,conclusion--containing ,calculations1 proving the great comparative ,economy of the ,rocket ,system in all its ,branches4 ,,general ,,instructions for the ,use of ,,rockets1 both in the ,,field and in ,,bombardment1 shewing the ,spirit of the ,system1 and its comparative ,powers and ,facilities4 ,it must be laid down as a maxim1 that 8the very essence and spirit of the ,rocket ,system is the facility of firing a great number of rounds in a short time1 or even instantaneously1 with small means10 arising from this circumstance1 that the ,rocket is a species of fixed ammunition which does not require ordnance to project it2 and which1 where apparatus is required1 admits of that apparatus being of the most simple and portable kind4 ,an officer1 therefore1 having the use of this weapon under his direction1 must ever bear this maxim in mind--and his first consideration must be--to make his discharges against the enemy in as powerful vollies as he possibly can4 ,thus--if the defence of a post be entrusted to him1 and the ground be at all favourable1 he will1 independent of the regular apparatus he may have at his disposal1 prepare what may be called ,rocket ,batteries1 consisting of as many embrasures as his ground will admit2 these embrasures being formed by turning up the sod1 so as to give channels of direction four or five feet long1 and three feet apart3 by which a great number of ,rockets in a volley may evidently be arranged to defend any assailable point4 ,in these embrasures1 if liable to surprise1 the ,rockets may be placed in readiness the vents not uncovered2 though generally speaking1 this is not necessary1 as so short a time is required to place them--here and there one1 only being in its embrasure4 ,in battle also1 where there is not1 of course1 time to prepare the ground as above stated1 but where it is tolerably level1 he may1 in addition to the apparatus he possesses1 add to his fire by discharging1 from the intervals of his frames or cars1 ,rockets merely laid on the ground in the direction required3 and1 if an enemy be advancing upon him1 there is1 in fact1 no limit to the volley he may be prepared thus to give1 when at a proper distance1 but the quantity of ammunition he possesses1 the extension of his own ground1 and the importance of the object to be fired at4 ,under these limits1 he may chuse his volley from #ej to #ejj--;a fire which1 if judiciously laid in1 must nearly annihilate his enemy3 for this purpose trains are provided4 ,this practice also requires the exposure of only one or two men1 who are to fire the volley1 as the remainder1 with the ammunition1 may be under cover4 ,and here it should be remarked1 that the length of ranges1 and the height of the curve of the recocht1 in this mode of firing1 depend on the length of the stick--the stick of the full length giving the longest range1 but rising the highest from the ground2 the reduced stick giving a shorter range1 but keeping closer to the ground4 ,from this application1 therefore1 where practicable1 by carrying a certain number of the #ab-pounder pouches in the ammunition waggon1 an officer1 even with a dismounted brigade1 may always manuvre and detach parties to get upon the flanks of any approaching or fixed column1 square1 or battalion1 while he himself remains with the heavier ammunition and cars in front4 ,this mode of firing from the ground of course applies only for moderate distances2 the limits of which1 with the smaller natures of ,rockets1 may be considered from #hjj to #a1jjj yards1 and for the larger from #a1jjj to #a1bjj2 where therefore greater ranges are required1 the apparatus must be resorted to4 ,and here it is proper to remark1 that in the use of the ,rocket1 at least in the present state of the system1 no certain increase of range can be depended upon by increasing the elevations from the ground-ranges up to #ae1 for the smaller ,rockets2 and #bj to #be for the larger2 for in the intermediate angles1 the ,rocket is apt to drop in going off1 and graze near the frame2 but at the above angles it will always proceed in a single curve to very greatly increased ranges from #a1ejj to #b1jjj yards4 ,in bombardment1 as well as in the field1 the quantity of instantaneous fire is equally important1 and the greater number of ,rockets that can be thrown1 not only increase the number of fires1 but1 by distracting the enemy's attention1 prevent their extinction4 ,to this end1 therefore1 an officer should always employ as many bombarding frames as possible2 and here again he will find1 that in bombardment1 as well as in the field1 the weapon affords him the means of extending his fire beyond the compass of his apparatus4 ,thus1 he may form a ,rocket ,battery of any common epaulement1 parallel to the face of the town to be bombarded1 by digging a trench in the rear of it to admit the stick1 so as to lay the ,rocket and stick against the slope of the epaulement1 that slope being brought to the desired elevation for projecting the ,rocket1 or by boring holes to receive the stick2 or he may construct a slope expressly as a ,rocket ,battery2 and as1 in firing these vollies1 his ,rockets need not be more than three feet apart1 it follows1 that from an epaulement or battery of this description1 fifty yards in length1 he may keep up this bombardment by a discharge of fifty ,rockets in a volley1 and repeat these vollies every five minutes if desirable2 a rate of firing which must inevitably baffle all attempts of the most active and numerous enemy to prevent its effect4 ,it is obvious1 therefore1 that in any comparison made of the powers of the ,rocket with those of common artillery1 whether an officer be called on merely to demonstrate its powers1 or to carry it actually against an enemy1 the foregoing maxim must be his rule2 in fact1 every thing should be demonstrated according to the spirit of its use2 a single ,rocket is not to be compared with a single gun shot1 by firing it at a target4 ,but the consideration is1 whether for general service1 the power of quantity in the fire of ,rockets does not at least counterbalance the greater accuracy of the gun8 and for this purpose the spirit of the demonstration of the ,rocket system is to shew how few men are required to produce the most powerful vollies with this arm4 ,no demonstration should be made with less than twenty rounds in a volley2 to maintain which1 in any fixed position1 at the rate of two or even three vollies a minute1 twenty men may be said to be sufficient1 and this with ,rockets projecting cohorn1 or #e-;inch howitzer shells1 or even #ah and #bd-pounder solid shot4 ,the first point of comparison1 therefore1 is--,how many rounds of such ammunition in the minute could twenty men project by the ordinary means of artillery8--or how many in a volley1 even if they had all the means at hand8--,and the next point is--what are the comparative facilities in bringing these different means into action1 where the one system requires only the transport of the ammunition--the other1 not only that of the ammunition1 but of the most massive ordnance1 without which it is entirely useless8 ,but independent of this comparison as to quantity1 there are others in which the ,rocket has advantages exclusively its own3 there are situations where artillery cannot by any means be brought into action1 while there is no situation1 no nature of ground1 which is passable to an infantry soldier with his musket in his hand1 that is not equally to be passed by the ,rocketteer with his arm and ammunition4 ,for the accomplishment of any particular service1 he may dispense entirely with wheel carriages or even horses2 there is nothing which the men themselves cannot transport and bring into action2 and if any bombardment were required by a coup de main1 #a1jjj men would not only convey #a1jjj rounds of the heaviest ,carcass ,rockets1 a number sufficient to destroy any place within the compass of their range1 but would perform that service in a few hours1 having neither batteries or platforms to erect1 nor mortars to convey4 ,such are the true principles of this new system of artillery1 for 7projecting the same ammunition7 so it may be called1 and the greater the scale of equipment1 the greater in proportion will its powers appear2 thus1 if an establishment were formed on the strength of a cavalry regiment1 if #fjj mounted men were equipped on the principles of the present detachment1 they would take into action1 without ammunition horses or wheel carriages1 #b1djj rounds of ammunition1 and #bjj abouches a fu2 and if #ajj ammunition horses were attached to this corps1 it would further possess a reserve of nearly #b1jjj rounds more3 the whole capable of every movement and service practicable by any other regiment of heavy cavalry2 and the same proportionate power would be found to attach to every other mode of equipment4 ,in addition to this view of the powers of the weapon1 it is important to state1 that the detail of the service is most extraordinarily simple2 that there are but a few points to be attended to in its application2 and those such as may be most easily acquired2 the principal ones are1 that care must be taken to fix the sticks very firmly to the ,rocket1 and in the true direction of the axis of the ,rocket1 to prevent aberration of flight4 ,that1 at high angles1 the frame must always be elevated for the large ,rockets from #e to #aj more than the elevation at which the ,rocket is intended to be projected1 and in the small ,rockets from #b to #e2 for1 as the ,rocket leaves the frame before it has obtained its full force1 it drops a certain number of degrees in proportion to its weight at going off4 ,thus the longest ranges of the #cb-pounder ,carcass ,rockets are obtained at about #ee1 or rather more1 if the ,rockets have been long made4 ,an officer1 however1 being prepared for this circumstance1 will soon discover the maximum range of the ,rockets he may have to discharge4 ,some allowance in elevation also must be made for the direction of the wind3 if it is powerful1 and blows in a contrary direction to that in which the ,rocket is projected1 the frame requires more elevation2 for the wind acting more on the stick than the body of the ,rocket1 depresses the elevation in its rising4 ,if1 on the contrary1 it blows in the direction of the ,rocket's flight1 less elevation is required2 for1 in this case1 the ,rocket mounts by the wind's action on the stick4 ,so1 from the same cause1 if the wind be strong1 and across the range1 though no difference of elevation is necessary1 still an allowance must be made to leeward2 for the ,rocket1 contrary to the course of ordinary projectiles1 has a tendency to draw to windward3 a few rounds1 however1 in all these cases1 will immediately point out to the observant officer what is the required allowance4 ,these remarks refer only to high angles2 for no effect whatever is produced by the wind in the ground-ranges3 in these the only caution necessary to be attended to is1 to chuse the most smooth and level spot for the first #ajj yards in front of the point from which it is intended to discharge these ,rockets1 as they generally travel in contact with the surface for this distance1 not having acquired their full force1 and are therefore more liable to deflection2 but having at this point acquired a velocity not much less than the mean velocity of a cannon ball1 they are not to be more easily deflected3 at this distance also they rise a few feet from the ground1 so as to clear any ordinary obstacles that may occur2 insomuch that1 if it were desired to fire ,rockets at low angles into a besieged town1 from the third parallel1 these ,rockets1 having a clear space to acquire their velocity1 in front of the parallel1 would run up the glacis1 clear the ditch1 and skim over the parapet into the town2 and would no doubt be of great use in a variety of cases1 particularly in discomfiting and rendering the enemy unsteady1 by pouring in vollies of some hundreds or even thousands on this principle1 previous to an assault or escalade3 indeed1 knowing the effect1 ,i do not hesitate to affirm that this manuvre1 practised on the great scale1 would infallibly dislodge any enemy posted for the protection of a breach4 ,sufficient has1 ,i conceive1 now been stated1 to give the officer such a general view of the power and spirit of the weapon1 as may enable him to apply it in all possible cases to the best advantage2 and if he will but constantly bear in view that maxim which ,i have laid down as the fundamental principle of this system1 ,i will confidently pledge myself that it will never disappoint him1 either as to the physical or moral effect which he may calculate on producing upon his enemy2 since1 he must recollect1 that for this latter effect1 it adds all the terrors of visibility to every species of that destructive ammunition introduced by the use of gunpowder1 but by every one admitted hitherto to have been qualified1 as to moral effect1 by its invisibility4 #beth ,october1 #ahac4 ,w4 ,,congreve4 ,note4--,all the cases of service referred to in the above instructions1 will be found particularly detailed in the following plates4 ,,constitution ,,and ,,strength ,,of ,a ,,troop ,,of ,,rocket ,,horse ,,artillery4 ,a ,troop is proposed to consist of three divisions4 ,each division to be divided into two sub-divisions4 ,each sub-division to consist of five sections of three men each1 and two drivers leading four ammunition horses1 each mounted man carrying into action four rounds of #ab-pounder ,rocket ammunition1 and each ammunition horse eighteen rounds2 thus3 ,each section carries #ab rounds of ammunition into action1 and one bouche a fe1 and1 consequently1 each sub-division will have five bouches a fe1 and #adj rounds of ammunition3 so that the whole troop1 consisting of six of those sub-divisions1 will amount to #ajb mounted men1 and #bd ammunition horses1 and will take into action1 without any wheel carriage1 #cj bouches a fe1 and #hdj rounds of ammunition4 ,it is1 however1 further proposed to attach to each division two ,rocket cars1 one heavy and one light1 the first carrying four men with #dj rounds of #bd-pounder ,rockets1 armed with cohorn shells1 the latter carrying two men1 and #fj rounds of #ab-pounder ammunition4 ,each of these cars is capable of discharging two ,rockets in a volley4 ,it is proposed1 also1 to attach to each sub-division a curricle ammunition cart1 or tumbril1 for two horses1 to carry1 in line of march1 three rounds out of four of each mounted man's ,rockets1 to ease the horse3 and1 in action1 when every man carries his full complement of ammunition on horseback1 these cars may contain a reserve of #fj rounds more for each sub-division1 making the whole amount of ammunition1 for each sub-division1 #bjj rounds4 ,with this addition1 therefore1 the whole strength of the ,rocket troop will stand thus3 ,officers #e ,non-commissioned ,officers #ae ,troopers #ij ,drivers #fj ,artificers #h ,cars1 heavy #c ,cars1 light #c ,curricle ammunition carts1 or tumbrils #f ,bouches a fe #db ,ammunition1 heavy shell #bfj ,ammunition1 light shell1 or case shot #abjj ,making a total of ,ammunition of all sorts #adfj rounds4 ,battery of #db bouches a fe4 ,cars1 tumbrils1 and forge cart #ac ,officers1 staff artificers1 troopers1 and drivers #agb ,troop1 ammunition1 and draft horses #afd ,the number of sections in a sub-division may vary according to the actual effective strength of the troop at any time2 so that the distribution may be accommodated to the numbers1 without departing from this principle of constitution4 ,the number of men and horses above stated is precisely the same as that of a troop of horse artillery4 ,the reserve of ammunition is supposed to proceed with the park4 ,,the ,,equipment ,,of ,,rocket ,,cavalry4 ,plate #ast represents the mode of equipment for carrying ,rockets on horseback1 as it was arranged during the course of experiments1 which were carried on1 under my direction1 at ,bagshot1 in #ahaa2 as it was subsequently carried into actual service1 under ,captain ,,bogue1 with the ,allied armies in ,germany1 in the ever memorable campaign of #ahac2 and as it is at present proposed to equip the new corps of ,rocket ,horse ,artillery1 established on the #ast of ,january1 #ahad1 by ,earl ,,mulgrave1 ,master ,general of the ,ordnance1 and composed of two troops1 under the command of ,lieutenant ,colonel ,,fisher1 of the ,royal ,artillery4 ,the right hand figure represents a trooper completely armed and equipped1 in review order4 ,the left hand figure is a delineation of the same1 with the shabracque removed1 to shew the holsters in which the ,rockets are conveyed4 ,these holsters each contain two #ab-pounder ,rockets1 each ,rocket armed with a #f-pounder shell1 or case shot2 they are connected together at top1 and are supported by the pummel of the saddle1 which is made in the hussar fashion1 though the saddle itself is1 in fact1 formed and stuffed the same as a common ,english saddle4 ,this projection in front keeps the holsters clear of the horse's withers and shoulders1 which1 from their size1 it might otherwise be difficult to do2 for the latter of these purposes1 also1 the flap of the saddle comes further forward than usual4 ,the holsters1 thus connected1 slip on and off from the pummel with great facility1 which is an object of importance1 as a part of the service of the ,rocket trooper is1 when from some impassable obstacle1 he can no longer advance on horseback1 to dismount and pass over such obstacle1 with his ammunition holsters and chamber1 on foot4 ,the sticks1 which are seven feet in length1 and four in number1 answering to the number of ,rockets1 are collected in a bundle by means of a strap with four loops1 contrived on purpose1 and are carried on the off-side1 the thicker ends being supported in a bucket1 suspended from the flap of the saddle1 the strap above mentioned1 as confining them together in the middle1 leading across the man's thigh to the peak of the saddle2 by this means they fall naturally under his right arm1 without at all incommoding him1 either in mounting or dismounting1 or even in going through the sword exercise4 ,by this arrangement also1 they are easily drawn from the bundle downwards1 for fixing to the ,rocket1 leaving any number that may remain as securely fixed as when the whole are in the quiver4 ,it has already been stated1 that the men are told off in sections of threes4 ,they are accordingly numbered #a1 #b1 and #c4 ,now numbers #a and #c have nothing to carry but their proportion of the ammunition1 viz4 four ,rockets and four sticks each1 while ,no4 #b has in addition to carry the chamber from which the ,rockets of his section are discharged4 ,this chamber is a small iron plate trough1 about one foot six inches in length1 capable of being fixed steadily in the ground by four iron points at the bottom of it1 so that the ,rockets may be discharged parallel to the surface and close to it4 ,the weight of this chamber1 or bouche a fe1 is about six lbs4 and it is carried in a small leather case1 shewn in both these figures1 just at the back of the valise4 ,the men are armed with a sabre1 which is in action suspended to the saddle1 that they may not be incumbered in mounting and dismounting4 ,each man has besides a pistol in his cross belt1 and a spear head in his holster1 which may be occasionally fixed at the end of one of the ,rocket sticks1 so as to give the further aid of a very formidable lance4 ,instead of carrying slow match1 which would be dangerous as well as inconvenient1 the portfire is lighted in action by a flash of powder obtained from a pistol lock and pan1 mounted on a small stock2 and a light portfire stick for discharging the ,rocket1 about three feet in length1 is constructed of a thin iron tube1 which shuts up1 and is carried in the holster4 ,the sticks are fastened in the loops on the ,rocket case1 either by the gripe of a pair of pincers with points in them1 or by the stroke of a small hammer with a point in the head1 or by some equally simple tool4 ,every part of this equipment1 except the sticks1 is so completely concealed by the shabracque1 that the ,rocket trooper has the appearance merely of a lancer4 ,the weight of ammunition carried by the troop horse1 with the full complement going into action1 is three stone six lbs42 to which the horse is fully equal for any ordinary operation4 ,but in long marches1 it would be not only useless but improvident to burthen him to this extent2 small tumbrils1 therefore1 are provided to convey three rounds of each man's ,rockets1 he still carrying one round on the near side1 and the four sticks on the off side to balance1 which leaves the horse1 in travelling1 only one stone four lbs4 weight of ammunition to carry2 a burthen of two stone less on line of march1 than that of the heavy dragoon's or artillery-man's horse2 allowing for the difference of the weight of the men requisite for the respective services4 ,the ,rocket trooper has no heavy weights to lift--no guns to spunge1 or to limber up and unlimber4 ,he is required merely to be light and active for mounting and dismounting1 and for moving nimbly on foot with a single ,rocket1 when in action3 so that1 whereas an artillery man cannot average less than #ac stone1 the ,rocket trooper need not exceed #aj stone1 a difference amounting within a few pounds to the whole weight of ammunition carried by the men1 even in action4 ,it is needless to add that this difference in the men must also give great facility in recruiting for a ,rocket corps4 ,illustration3 ,plate #a ,,of ,,the ,,equipment ,,of ,,the ,,ammunition ,,horse4 ,plate #b represents the mode of equipping the ,ammunition ,horses4 ,the left hand figure shews that the whole of the ammunition1 c4 may be completely covered and protected from the weather by a painted canvass2 and the other has this cover off1 to shew the particular distribution of the load1 which consists of eighteen ,rockets and ,rocket sticks1 and a proportion of small stores1 such as portfires1 slow match1 c4 ,this load is carried on a bat saddle1 made as small and as light as possible1 with a pad at the back part of it1 extending towards the crupper4 ,the saddle is furnished on the top with two iron forks to receive a leather case1 in which the sticks are carried in half lengths1 of three feet six inches each1 a length from which no inconvenience arises2 being contrived so that the two parts may be united1 to form the stick complete in a moment1 by means of a ferule fixed to one end and receiving the other2 in which situation they are firmly fixed and connected1 either by a pair of pointed pincers1 by a hammer with a point in the head1 or by a wrench4 ,when these sticks are taken from the ,ammunition ,horse1 to replenish the stock of the mounted men1 they are to be joined at that time by the simple1 secure1 and momentary operation just mentioned4 ,the ,rockets are carried in a sort of saddle bags1 as they may be termed1 stitched into separate compartments for each ,rocket1 covered by a flap at one end1 and secured by a chain1 staples1 and padlocks1 the ,rocket lying horizontally4 ,by this arrangement the load lies in the most compact form possible1 and close to the horse's side1 while the ,rockets1 being thus separated1 cannot be injured by carriage4 ,the load is divided into three parts1 the case or bundle of eighteen sticks1 and a separate saddle bag on each side1 contrived to hook on to the saddle1 carrying nine ,rockets in each bag4 ,by this means there is no difficulty in loading and unloading the horse4 ,the whole weight thus carried by an ,ammunition ,horse is about #ai stone1 consisting of about #f stone for the saddle1 sticks1 c4 and almost six stone in each of the saddle bags4 ,from which it is evident1 that there is no fear of the load swagging the horse in travelling1 because the centre of gravity is very considerably below his back bone4 ,it is evident also1 that as the weight of the ,rockets diminishes by supplying the mounted men1 the weight of the sticks also is diminished1 and the centre of gravity may1 if desired1 be brought lower and lower1 as the load diminishes1 by taking the ammunition from the upper tiers gradually and equally on each side downwards4 ,it is further evident1 that although spaces are provided for nine ,rockets in each bag1 that number may be diminished1 should the difficulty of the country1 or the length of the march1 or other circumstances1 render it advisable to carry a less load4 ,the mode of leading these horses will be explained in the next ,plate4 ,illustration3 ,plate #b ,,rocket ,,cavalry ,,in ,,line ,,of ,,march1 ,,and ,,in ,,action4 ,plate #c1 ,fig4 #a1 represents a sub-division of ,rocket ,cavalry1 or ,rocket ,horse ,artillery1 marching in column of threes4 ,it consists of six sections1 of three men in each1 or a less number of sections1 according to the whole strength of the troop1 followed by four ammunition horses1 each pair led by a driver riding between them2 on the full scale1 therefore1 a sub-division will consist of #bd horses and #bj men1 and will carry into action #aeb rounds of #ab-pounder ,shell or ,case ,shot ,rockets1 and six bouches a fe or chambers1 carried by the centre men of each section4 ,fig4 #b represents this division in action1 where the division may be supposed to have been halted in line1 on the words--8,prepare for action in front--dismount0--,nos4 #a and #c having dismounted1 and given their leading reins to ,no4 #b1 who remains mounted1 ,no4 #a runs forward about #ae or #bj paces with the chamber1 which he draws from the leather case at the back of ,no4 #b's valise2 and while ,nos4 #b and #c are preparing a ,rocket1 drawn from any one of the holsters most convenient1 ,no4 #a fixes the chamber into the ground1 pointing it to the desired object1 and lights his portfire ready for the first round1 which ,no4 #c by this time will have brought to him1 and laid into the chamber2 there remains1 then1 only for ,no4 #a to touch the vent of the ,rocket with his portfire1 ,no4 #c having run back for another round1 which ,no4 #b will have been able to prepare in the mean time4 ,in this way the sub-division will1 without hurry1 come into action with six bouches a fe1 in one minute's time1 and may continue their fire1 without any extraordinary exertion1 at the rate of from two to three rounds from each chamber in a minute1 or even four with good exertion2 so that the six bouches a fe would discharge #hj rounds of #f-pounder ammunition in three minutes4 ,twelve light frames for firing the #ab-pounder ,rockets at high angles are further provided in addition to the ground chambers1 and each of the drivers of the ammunition horses has one in his charge1 in case of distant action4 ,the preparation of the ,rocket for firing is merely the fixing the stick to it1 either by the pincers1 pointed hammer1 or wrench1 provided for joining the parts of the stick also4 ,these modes ,i have lately devised1 as being more simple and economical than the screw formerly used2 but cannot at present pronounce which is the best2 great care1 however1 must be taken to fix the stick securely1 as every thing depends on it2 the vent also must be very carefully uncovered1 as1 if not perfectly so1 the ,rocket is liable to burst2 and in firing the portfire must not be thrust too far into the ,rocket1 for the same reason4 ,on the words 8,cease firing10 ,no4 #a cuts his portfire1 takes up his chamber1 runs back to his section1 and replaces the chamber immediately4 ,no4 #c also immediately runs back2 and having no other operation to perform1 replaces the leading reins1 and the whole are ready to mount again1 for the performance of any further manuvre that may be ordered1 in less than a minute from the word 8,cease firing0 having been given4 ,it is obvious that the combined celerity and quantity of the discharge of ammunition of this description of artillery cannot be equalled or even approached1 taking in view the means and nature of ammunition employed1 by any other known system2 the universality also of the operation1 not being incumbered with wheel carriages1 must be duly appreciated1 as1 in fact1 it can proceed not only wherever cavalry can act1 but even wherever infantry can get into action2 it having been already mentioned that part of the exercise of these troops1 supposing them to be stopped by walls1 or ditches and morasses1 impassable to horses1 is to take the holsters and sticks from the horses1 and advance on foot4 ,another vast advantage is the few men required to make a complete section1 as by this means the number of points of fire is so greatly multiplied1 compared to any other system of artillery4 ,thus it may be stated that the number of bouches a fe1 which may comparatively be brought into action1 by equal means1 on the scale of a troop of horse artillery1 would be at least six to one2 and that they may either be spread over a great extent of line1 or concentrated into a very small focus1 according to the necessity of the service2 indeed the skirmishing exercise of the ,rocket ,cavalry1 divided and spread into separate sections1 and returning by sound of bugle1 forms a very interesting part of the system1 and can be well imagined from the foregoing description and the annexed ,plate4 ,illustration3 ,plate #c ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,rocket ,,cars4 ,plate #d1 ,fig4 #a1 represents a ,rocket ,car in line of march4 ,there are two descriptions of these cars1 of similar construction--one for #cb or #bd-pounder ammunition1 the other for #ah or #ab-pounder2 and which are1 therefore1 called heavy or light cars3 the heavy car will carry #dj rounds of #bd-pounder ,rockets1 armed with cohorn shells1 and the light one will convey #fj rounds of #ab-pounder1 or #ej of #ah-pounder ammunition1 which is packed in boxes on the limber1 the sticks being carried in half lengths in the boxes on the after part of the carriage1 where the men also ride on seats fixed for the purpose1 and answering also for small store boxes2 they are each supposed to be drawn by four horses4 ,these cars not only convey the ammunition1 but are contrived also to discharge each two ,rockets in a volley from a double iron plate trough1 which is of the same length as the boxes for the sticks1 and travels between them2 but which1 being moveable1 may1 when the car is unlimbered1 be shifted into its fighting position at any angle from the ground ranges1 or point blank up to #de1 without being detached front the carriage4 ,fig4 #b represents these ,rocket ,cars in action3 the one on the left hand has its trough in the position for ground firing1 the trough being merely lifted off the bed of the axle tree on which it travels1 and laid on the ground1 turning by two iron stays on a centre in the axle tree2 the right hand car is elevated to a high angle1 the trough being raised and supported by the iron stays behind1 and in front by the perch of the carriage1 connected to it by a joint1 the whole kept steady by bolting the stays1 and by tightening a chain from the perch to the axle tree4 ,the limbers are always supposed to be in the rear4 ,the ,rockets are fired with a portfire and long stick2 and two men will fight the light car1 four men the heavy one4 ,the exercise is very simple2 the men being told off1 ,nos4 #a1 #b1 #c1 and #d1 to the heavy carriage4 ,on the words1 8,prepare for action1 and unlimber10 the same process takes place as in the #f-pounder exercise4 ,on the words1 8,prepare for ground firing10 ,nos4 #b and #c take hold of the hand irons1 provided on purpose1 and1 with the aid of ,no4 #d1 raise the trough from its travelling position1 and lower it down to the ground under the carriage2 or on the words 8,prepare to elevate10 raise it to the higher angles1 ,no4 #d bolting the stays1 and fixing the chain4 ,no4 #a having in the mean time prepared and lighted his portfire1 and given the direction of firing to the trough1 ,nos4 #b1 #c1 and #d1 then run to the limber to fix the ammunition1 which ,no4 #b brings up1 two rounds at a time1 or one1 as ordered1 and helping ,no4 #a to place them in the trough as far back as the stick will admit3 this operation is facilitated by ,no4 #a stepping upon the lower end of either of the stick boxes1 on which a cleat is fastened for this purpose2 ,no4 #a then discharges the two ,rockets separately1 firing that to leeward first1 while ,no4 #b returns for more ammunition3 this being the hardest duly1 the men will1 of course1 relieve ,no4 #b in their turns4 ,in fighting the light frame1 two men are sufficient to elevate or depress it1 but they will want aid to fix and bring up the ammunition for quick firing4 ,illustration3 ,plate #d ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,rocket ,,infantry ,,in ,,line ,,of ,,march1 ,,and ,,in ,,action4 ,plate #e1 ,fig4 #a1 represents a sub-division of ,rocket infantry in line of march--,fig4 #b1 the same in action4 ,the system here shewn is the use of the ,rockets by infantry--one man in ten1 or any greater proportion1 carrying a frame1 of very simple construction1 from which the ,rockets may be discharged either for ground ranges1 or at high angles1 and the rest carrying each three rounds of ammunition1 which1 for this service1 is proposed to be either the #ab-pounder ,shell ,rockets1 or the #ab-pounder ,rocket case shot1 each round equal to the #f-pounder case1 and ranging #b1ejj yards4 ,so that #ajj men will bring into action1 in any situation where musketry can be used1 nearly #cjj rounds of this description of artillery1 with ranges at #de1 double those of light field ordnance4 ,the exercise and words of command are as follow3 ,no4 #a carries the frame1 which is of very simple construction1 standing on legs like a theodolite1 when spread1 and which closes similarly for carrying4 ,this frame requires no spunging1 the ,rocket being fired merely from an open cradle1 from which it may be either discharged by a lock or by a portfire1 in which case4 ,no4 #a also carries the pistol1 portfire-lighter1 and tube box4 ,no4 #b carries a small pouch1 with the requisite small stores1 such as spare tubes1 portfires1 c42 and a long portfire stick4 ,nos4 #c1 #d1 and #e1 c4 to #aj1 carry each1 conveniently1 on his back1 a pouch1 containing three ,rockets2 and three sticks1 secured together by straps and buckles4 ,with this distribution1 they advance in double files4 ,on the word 8,halt10 8,prepare for action10 being given1 ,no4 #a spreads his frame1 and with the assistance of ,no4 #b1 fixes it firmly into the ground1 preparing it at the desired elevation4 ,no4 #b then hands the portfire stick to ,no4 #a1 who prepares and lights it1 while ,no4 #b steps back to receive the ,rocket2 which has been prepared by ,nos4 #c1 #d1 c4 who have fallen back about fifteen paces1 on the word being given to 8,prepare for action40 ,these men can always supply the ammunition quicker than it can be fired1 and one or other must therefore advance towards the frame to meet ,no4 #b with the round prepared4 ,no4 #b having thus received the ,rocket1 places it on the cradle1 at the same instant that ,no4 #a puts a tube into the vent4 ,no4 #b then points the frame1 which has an universal traverse after the legs are fixed2 he then gives the word 8,ready10 8,fire10 to ,no4 #a1 who takes up his portfire and discharges the ,rocket4 ,no4 #a now sticks his portfire stick into the ground1 and prepares another tube2 while ,no4 #b1 as before1 puts the ,rocket into the frame1 points1 and gives the word 8,ready10 8,fire10 again4 ,by this process1 from three to four ,rockets a minute may1 without difficulty1 be fired from one frame1 until the words 8,cease firing10 8,prepare to advance10 or 8retreat10 are given2 when the frame is in a moment taken from the ground1 and the whole party may either retire or advance immediately in press time1 if required4 ,to insure which1 and at the same time to prevent any injury to the ammunition1 ,nos4 #c1 #d1 c4 must not be allowed to take off their pouches1 as they will be able to assist one another in preparing the ammunition1 by only laying down their sticks2 in taking up which again no time is lost4 ,if the frame is fired with a lock1 the same process is used1 except that ,no4 #a primes and cocks1 and ,no4 #b fires on receiving the word from ,no4 #a4 ,for ground firing1 the upper part of this frame1 consisting of the chamber and elevating stem1 takes off from the legs1 and the bottom of the stem being pointed like a picquet post1 forms a very firm bouche a fe when stuck into the ground2 the chamber at point blank being at a very good height for this practice1 and capable of traversing in any direction4 ,the exercise1 in this case1 is1 of course1 in other respects similar to that at high angles4 ,illustration3 ,plate #e ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,the ,,mode ,,of ,,using ,,rockets ,,in ,,bombardment4 ,plate #f1 ,fig4 #a1 represents the mode of carrying the bombarding frame and ammunition by men4 ,the apparatus required is merely a light ladder1 #ab feet in length1 having two iron chambers1 which are fixed on in preparing for action at the upper end of the ladder2 from which chambers the ,rockets are discharged1 by means of a musket lock2 the ladder being reared to any elevation1 by two legs or pry-poles1 as in ,fig4 #b4 ,every thing required for this service may be carried by men2 or a ,flanders-pattern ammunition waggon1 with four horses1 will convey #fj rounds of #cb-pounder ,carcasses1 in ten boxes1 eight of the boxes lying cross-ways on the floor of the waggon1 and two length-ways1 at top4 ,on these the frame1 complete for firing two ,rockets at a flight1 with spunges1 c4 is laid2 and the sticks on each side1 to complete the stowage of all that is necessary1 the whole being covered by the tilt4 ,four men only are required to be attached to each waggon1 who are numbered #a1 #b1 #c1 #d4 ,the frame and ammunition having been brought into the battery1 or to any other place1 concealed either by trees or houses 7for from the facility of taking new ground1 batteries are not so indispensable as with mortars71 the words 8,prepare for bombardment0 are given2 on which the frame is prepared for rearing1 ,nos4 #a and #b first fixing the chambers on the ladder2 ,nos4 #c and #d attaching the legs to the frame as it lies on the ground4 ,the words 8,rear frame0 are then given2 when all assist in raising it1 and the proper elevation is given1 according to the words 8,elevate to #ce0 or 8#de10 or whatever angle the officer may judge necessary1 according to the required range1 by spreading or closing the legs of the frame1 agreeable to the distances marked in degrees on a small measuring tape1 which the non-commissioned officer carries1 and which is called--the ,elevating ,line4 ,the word 8,point0 is then given3 which is done by means of a plumb-line1 hanging down from the vertex of the triangle1 and which at the same time shews whether the frame is upright or not4 ,things being thus arranged1 ,nos4 #a and #b place themselves at the foot of the ladder1 and ,nos4 #c and #d return to fix the ammunition in the rear1 in readiness for the word 8,load40 ,when this is given1 ,no4 #c brings a ,rocket to the foot of the ladder1 having before hand carefully taken off the circle that covered the vent1 and handing it to ,no4 #b1 runs for another4 ,in the mean time1 ,no4 #a has ascended the ladder to receive the first ,rocket from ,no4 #b1 and to place it in the chamber at the top of the ladder2 by the time this is done1 ,no4 #b is ready to give him another ,rocket1 which in like manner he places in the other chamber3 he then primes the locks with a tube and powder1 and1 cocking the two locks1 after every thing else is done1 descends from the ladder1 and1 when down1 gives the word 8,ready20 on which1 he and ,no4 #b each take one of the trigger lines1 and retire ten or twelve paces obliquely1 waiting for the word 8,fire0 from the officer or non-commissioned officer1 on which they pull1 either separately or together1 as previously ordered4 ,on the ,rockets leaving the frame1 ,no4 #a immediately runs up and spunges out the two chambers with a very wet spunge1 having for this purpose a water bucket suspended at the top of the frame2 which being done1 he receives a ,rocket from ,no4 #b1 as before1 ,no4 #c having1 in the mean time1 brought up a fresh supply2 in doing which1 however1 he must never bring from the rear more than are wanted for each round4 ,in this routine1 any number of rounds is tired1 until the words 8,cease firing0 are given2 which1 if followed by those1 8,prepare to retreat10 ,nos4 #c and #d run forward to the ladder2 and on the words 8,lower frame10 they ease it down in the same order in which it was raised1 take it to pieces1 and may thus retire in less than five minutes3 or if the object of ceasing to fire is merely a change of position to no great distance1 the four men may with ease carry the frame1 without taking it to pieces1 the waggon following them with the ammunition1 or the ammunition being borne by men1 as circumstances may render expedient4 ,the ammunition projected from this frame consists of #cb-pounder ,rockets1 armed with carcasses of the following sorts and ranges3-- #ast4--,the small carcass1 containing #h lbs4 of carcass composition1 being #c lbs4 more than the present #aj-;inch spherical carcass4--,range #c1jjj yards4 #bnd4--,the medium carcass1 containing #ab lbs4 of carcass composition1 being equal to the present #ac-;inch4--,range #b1ejj yards4 #crd4--,the large carcass1 containing #ah lbs4 of carcass composition1 being #f lbs4 more than the present #ac-;inch spherical carcass4--,range #b1jjj yards4 ,or #cb-pounder ,rockets1 armed with bursting cones1 made of stout iron1 filled with powder1 to be exploded by fuzes1 and to be used to produce the explosive effects of shells1 where such effect is preferred to the conflagration of the carcass4 ,these cones contain as follows3-- ,small4--,five lbs4 of powder1 equal to the bursting powder of a #aj-;inch shell4--,range #c1jjj yards4 ,medium4--,eight lbs4 of powder1 equal to the bursting powder of a #ac-;inch shell4--,range #b1ejj yards4 ,large4--,twelve lbs4 of powder4--,range #b1jjj yards4 ,n4,b4 ,i have lately had a successful experiment1 with bombarding ,rockets1 six inches diameter1 and weighing #adh lbs4--and doubt not of extending the bombarding powers of the system much further4 ,illustration3 ,plate #f ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,the ,,mode ,,of ,,using ,,rockets ,,in ,,bombardment1 ,,from ,,earth ,,works1 ,,without ,,apparatus4 ,plate #g1 ,fig4 #a1 is a perspective view of a ,battery1 erected expressly for throwing ,rockets in bombardment1 where the interior slope has the angle of projection required1 and is equal to the length of the ,rocket and stick4 ,the great advantage of this system is1 that1 as it dispenses with apparatus3 where there is time for forming a work of this sort1 of considerable length1 the quantity of fire1 that may be thrown in a given time1 is limited only by the length of the work3 thus1 as the ,rockets may be laid in embrasures cut in the bank1 at every two feet1 a battery of this description1 #bjj feet in length1 will fire #ajj ,rockets in a volley1 and so on2 or an incessant and heavy fire may1 by such a battery1 be kept up from one flank to the other1 by replacing the ,rockets as fast as they are fired in succession4 ,the rule for forming this battery is as follows4 8,the length of the interior slope of this work is half formed by the excavation1 and half by the earth thrown out2 for the base therefore of the interior slope of the part to be raised1 at an angle of #ee1 set off two thirds of the intended perpendicular height--cut down the slope to a perpendicular depth equal to the above mentioned height--then setting off1 for the breadth of the interior excavation1 one third more than the intended thickness of the work1 carry down a regular ramp from the back part of this excavation to the foot of the slope1 and the excavation will supply the quantity of earth necessary to give the exterior face a slope of #de40 ,fig4 #b is a perspective view of a common epaulement converted into a ,rocket battery4 ,in this case1 as the epaulement is not of sufficient length to support the ,rocket and stick1 holes must be bored in the ground1 with a miner's borer1 of a sufficient depth to receive the sticks1 and at such distances1 and such an angle1 as it is intended to place the ,rockets for firing4 ,the inside of the epaulement must be pared away to correspond with this angle1 say #ee4 ,the ,rockets are then to be laid in embrasures1 formed in the bank1 as in the last case4 ,where the ground is such as to admit of using the borer1 this latter system1 of course1 is the easiest operation2 and for such ground as would be likely to crumble into the holes1 slight tubes are provided1 about two feet long1 to preserve the opening2 in fact1 these tubes will be found advantageous in all ground4 ,fig4 #b also shews a powerful mode of defending a field work by means of ,rockets1 in addition to the defences of the present system2 merely by cutting embrasures in the glacis1 for horizontal firing4 ,illustration3 ,plate #g ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,a ,,rocket ,,ambuscade4 ,plate #h1 ,fig4 #a1 represents one of the most important uses that can be made of ,rockets for field service2 it is that of the ,rocket ,ambuscade for the defence of a pass1 or for covering the retreat of an army1 by placing any number1 hundreds or thousands1 of #cb or #bd-pounder shell ,rockets1 or of #cb-pounder ,rockets1 armed with #ah-pounder shot1 limited as to quantity only by the importance of the object1 which is to be obtained2 as by this means1 the most extensive destruction1 even amounting to annihilation1 may be carried amongst the ranks of an advancing enemy1 and that with the exposure of scarcely an individual4 ,the ,rockets are laid in rows or batteries of #ajj or #ejj in a row1 according to the extent of ground to be protected4 ,they are to be concealed either in high grass1 or masked in any other convenient way2 and the ambuscade may be formed of any required number of these batteries1 one behind the other1 each battery being prepared to be discharged in a volley1 by leaders of quick match3 so that one man is1 in fact1 alone sufficient to fire the whole in succession1 beginning with that nearest to the enemy1 as soon as he shall have perceived them near enough to warrant his firing4 ,where the batteries are very extensive1 each battery may be sub-divided into smaller parts1 with separate trains to each1 so that the whole1 or any particular division of each battery1 may be fired1 according to the number and position of the enemy advancing4 ,trains1 or leaders1 are provided for this service1 of a particular construction1 being a sort of flannel saucissons1 with two or three threads of slow match1 which will strike laterally at all points1 and are therefore very easy of application2 requiring only to be passed from ,rocket to ,rocket1 crossing the vents1 by which arrangement the fire running along1 from vent to vent1 is sure to strike every ,rocket in quick succession1 without their disturbing each others' direction in going off1 which they might otherwise do1 being placed within #ah inches apart1 if all were positively fired at the same instant4 ,fig4 #b is a somewhat similar application1 but not so much in the nature of an ambuscade as of an open defence4 ,here a very low work is thrown up1 for the defence of a post1 or of a chain of posts1 consisting merely of as much earth and turf as is sufficient to form the sides of shallow embrasures for the large ,rockets1 placed from two to three feet apart1 or nearer2 from which the ,rockets are supposed to be discharged independently1 by a certain number of artillery-men1 employed to keep up the fire1 according to the necessity of the case4 ,it is evident1 that by this mode1 an incessant and tremendous fire may be maintained1 which it would be next to impossible for an advancing enemy to pass through1 not only from its quantity and the weight and destructive nature of the ammunition1 but from the closeness of its lines and its contiguity to the ground2 leaving1 in fact1 no space in front which must not be passed over and ploughed up after very few rounds4 ,as both these operations are supposed to be employed in defensive warfare1 and therefore in fixed stations1 there is no difficulty involved in the establishment of a sufficient dept of ammunition for carrying them on upon the most extensive scale2 though it is obviously impossible to accomplish any thing approaching this system of defence1 by the ordinary means of artillery4 ,illustration3 ,plate #h ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,the ,,use ,,of ,,rockets ,,in ,,the ,,attack ,,and ,,defence ,,of ,,fortified ,,places4 ,plate #i1 ,fig4 #a1 represents the advanced batteries and approaches in the attack of some fortress1 where an imperfect breach being supposed to have been made in the salient angle of any bastion1 large ,rockets1 weighing each from two to three hundred weight or more1 and being each loaded with not less than a barrel of powder1 are fired into the ruins after the revetment is broken1 in order1 by continual explosions1 to render the breach practicable in the most expeditious way4 ,to insure every ,rocket that is fired having the desired effect1 they are so heavily laden1 as not to rise off the ground when fired along it2 and under these circumstances are placed in a small shallow trench1 run along to the foot of the glacis1 from the nearest point of the third parallel1 and in a direct line for the breach3 by this means1 the ,rockets being laid in this trench will invariably pursue exactly the same course1 and every one of them will be infallibly lodged in the breach4 ,it is evident1 that the whole of this is intended as a night operation1 and a few hours would suffice1 not only for running forward the trench1 which need not be more than #ah inches deep1 and about nine inches wide1 undiscovered1 but also for firing a sufficient number of ,rockets to make a most complete breach before the enemy could take means to prevent the combinations of the operation4 ,from the experiments ,i have lately made1 ,i have reason to believe1 that ,rockets much larger than those above mentioned may be formed for this description of service--,rockets from half a ton to a ton weight2 which being driven in very strong and massive cast iron cases1 may possess such strength and force1 that1 being fired by a process similar to that above described1 even against the revetment of any fortress1 unimpaired by a cannonade1 it shall1 by its mass and form1 pierce the same2 and having pierced it1 shall1 with one explosion of several barrels of powder1 blow such portion of the masonry into the ditch1 as shall1 with very few rounds1 complete a practicable breach4 ,it is evident1 from this view of the weapon1 that the ,rocket ,system is not only capable of a degree of portability1 and facility for light movements1 which no weapon possesses1 but that its ponderous parts1 or the individual masses of its ammunition1 also greatly exceed those of ordinary artillery4 ,and yet1 although this last description of ,rocket ammunition appears of an enormous mass1 as ammunition1 still if it be found capable of the powers here supposed1 of which ,i have little doubt1 the whole weight to be brought in this way against any town1 for the accomplishment of a breach1 will bear no comparison whatever to the weight of ammunition now required for the same service1 independent of the saving of time and expense1 and the great comparative simplicity of the approaches and works required for a siege carried on upon this system4 ,this class of ,rockets ,i propose to denominate the ,belier a fe4 ,fig4 #b represents the converse of this system1 or the use of these larger ,rockets for the defence of a fortress by the demolition of the batteries erected against it4 ,in this case1 the ,rockets are fired from embrasures1 in the crest of the glacis1 along trenches cut a part of the way in the direction of the works to be demolished4 ,illustration3 ,plate #i ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,of ,,the ,,use ,,of ,,rockets ,,by ,,infantry ,,against ,,cavalry1 ,,and ,,in ,,covering ,,the ,,storming ,,of ,a ,,fortress4 ,plate #aj1 ,fig4 #a1 represents an attack of cavalry against infantry1 repulsed by the use of ,rockets4 ,these ,rockets are supposed to be of the lightest nature1 #ab or #i-pounders1 carried on bat horses or in small tumbrils1 or with #f-pounder shell ,rockets1 of which one man is capable of carrying six in a bundle1 for any peculiar service2 or so arranged1 that the flank companies of every regiment may be armed1 each man1 with such a ,rocket1 in addition to his carbine or rifle1 the ,rocket being contained in a small leather case1 attached to his cartouch1 slinging the carbine or rifle1 and carrying the stick on his shoulder1 serving him either as a spear1 by being made to receive the bayonet1 or as a rest for his piece4 ,by this means every battalion would possess a powerful battery of this ammunition1 in addition to all its ordinary means of attack and defence1 and with scarcely any additional burthen to the flank companies1 the whole weight of the ,rocket and stick not exceeding six pounds1 and the difference between the weight of a rifle and that of a musket being about equivalent4 ,as to the mode of using them in action1 for firing at long ranges1 as these ,rockets are capable of a range of #b1jjj yards1 a few portable frames might be carried by each regiment1 without any incumbrance1 the frames for this description of ,rocket not being heavier than a musket2 but as the true intention of the arm1 in this distribution of it1 is principally for close quarters1 either in case of a charge of cavalry1 or even of infantry1 it is generally supposed to be fired in vollies1 merely laid on the ground1 as in the ,plate here described4 ,and1 as it is well known1 how successfully charges of cavalry are frequently sustained by infantry1 even by the fire of the musket alone1 it is not presuming too much to infer1 that the repulse of cavalry would be absolutely certain1 by masses of infantry1 possessing the additional aid of powerful vollies of these shell ,rockets4 ,so also in charges of infantry1 whether the battalion so armed be about to charge1 or to receive a charge1 a well-timed volley of one or two hundred such ,rockets1 judiciously thrown in by the flank companies1 must produce the most decisive effects4 ,neither can it be doubted1 that in advancing to an attack1 the flank companies might make the most formidable use of this arm1 mixed with the fire of their rifles or carbines1 in all light infantry or tiraillieur manuvres4 ,in like manner1 in the passage of rivers1 to protect the advanced party1 or for the establishment of a tete-du-pont1 and generally on all such occasions1 ,rockets will be found capable of the greatest service1 as shewn the other day in passing the ,adour4 ,in short1 ,i must here remark that the use of the ,rocket1 in these branches of it1 is no more limited than the use of gunpowder itself4 ,fig4 #b represents the covering of the storm of a fortified place by means of ,rockets4 ,these are supposed to be of the heavy natures1 both carcass and shell ,rockets2 the former fired in great quantities from the trenches at high angles2 the latter in ground ranges in front of the third parallel4 ,it cannot be doubted that the confusion created in any place1 by a fire of some thousand ,rockets thus thrown at two or three vollies quickly repeated1 must be most favourable1 either to the storming of a particular breach1 or to a general escalade4 ,i must here observe1 that although1 in all cases1 ,i lay the greatest stress upon the use of this arm in great quantities1 it is not therefore to be presumed1 that the effect of an individual ,rocket carcass1 the smallest of which contains as much combustible matter as the #aj-;inch spherical carcass1 is not at least equal to that of the #aj-;inch spherical carcass3 or that the explosion of a shell thrown by a ,rocket1 is not in its effects equal to the explosion of that same shell thrown by any other means3 but that1 as the power of instantaneously throwing the most unlimited quantities of carcasses or shells is the exclusive property of this weapon1 and as there can be no question that an infinitely greater effect1 both physical,a as well as moral1 is produced by the instantaneous application of any quantity of ammunition1 with innumerable other advantages1 than by a fire in slow succession of that same quantity3 so it would be an absolute absurdity1 and a downright waste of power1 not to make this exclusive property the general basis of every application of the weapon1 limited only by a due proportion between the expenditure and the value of the object to be attained--a limit which ,i should always conceive it more advisable to exceed than to fall short of4 ,a ,for a hundred fires breaking out at once1 must necessarily produce more destruction than when they happen in succession1 and may therefore be extinguished as fast as they occur4 ,there is another most important use in this weapon1 in the storming of fortified places1 which should here be mentioned1 viz4 that as it is the only description of artillery ammunition that can ever be carried into a place by a storming party1 and as1 in fact1 the heaviest ,rockets may accompany an escalade1 so the value of it in these operations is infinite1 and no escalade should ever be attempted without4 ,it would enable the attackers1 the moment they have got into the place1 not only to scour the parapet most effectually1 and to enfilade any street or passage where they may be opposed1 and which they may wish to force2 but even if thrown at random into the town1 must distract the garrison1 while it serves as a certain index to the different storming parties as to the situation and progress of each party4 ,illustration3 ,plate #aj ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,,the ,,use ,,of ,,rockets ,,from ,,boats4 ,plate #aa represents two men of war's launches throwing ,rockets4 ,the frame is the same as that used for bombardment on shore1 divested of the legs or prypoles1 on which it is supported in land service2 for which1 afloat1 the foremast of the boat is substituted4 ,to render1 therefore1 the application of the common bombarding frame universal1 each of them is constructed with a loop or traveller1 to connect it with the mast1 and guide it in lowering and raising1 which is done by the haulyards4 ,the leading boat in the plate represents the act of firing2 where the frame being elevated to any desired angle1 the crew have retired into the stern sheets1 and a marine artillery-man is discharging a ,rocket by a trigger-line1 leading aft4 ,in the second boat1 these artillery-men are in the act of loading2 for which purpose1 the frame is lowered to a convenient height2 the mainmast is also standing1 and the mainsail set1 but partly brailed up4 ,this sail being kept wet1 most effectually prevents1 without the least danger to the sail1 any inconvenience to the men from the smoke or small sparks of the ,rocket when going off2 it should1 therefore1 be used where no objection exists on account of wind4 ,it is not1 however1 by any means indispensable1 as ,i have myself discharged some hundred ,rockets from these boats1 nay1 even from a six-oared cutter1 without it4 ,from this application of the sail1 it is evident1 that ,rockets may be thrown from these boats under sail1 as well as at anchor1 or in rowing4 ,in the launch1 the ammunition may be very securely stowed in the stern sheets1 covered with tarpaulins1 or tanned hides4 ,in the six-oared cutter1 there is not room for this1 and an attending boat is therefore necessary3 on which account1 as well as from its greater steadiness1 the launch is preferable1 where there is no obstacle as to currents or shoal water4 ,here it may be observed1 with reference to its application in the marine1 that as the power of discharging this ammunition without the burthen of ordnance1 gives it exclusive facilities for land service1 so also1 its property of being projected without reaction upon the point of discharge1 gives it exclusive facilities for sea service3 insomuch1 that ,rockets conveying the same quantity of combustible matter1 as by the ordinary system would be thrown from the largest mortars1 and from ships of very heavy tonnage1 may be used out of the smallest boats of the navy2 and the #ab-pounder and #ah-pounder have been frequently fired even from four-oared gigs4 ,it should here also be remarked1 that the #ab and #ah-pounder shell ,rockets recocht in the water remarkably well at low angles4 ,there is another use for ,rockets in boat service also1 which ought not to be passed over--namely1 their application in facilitating the capture of a ship by boarding4 ,in this service #cb-pounder shell ,rockets are prepared with a short stick1 having a leader and short fuze fixed to the stick for firing the ,rocket4 ,thus prepared1 every boat intended to board is provided with #aj or #ab of these ,rockets2 the moment of coming alongside1 the fuzes are lighted1 and the whole number of ,rockets immediately launched by hand through the ports into the ship2 where1 being left to their own impulse1 they will scour round and round the deck until they explode1 so as very shortly to clear the way for the boarders1 both by actual destruction1 and by the equally powerful operation of terror amongst the crew2 the boat lying quietly alongside for a few seconds1 until1 by the explosion of the ,rockets1 the boarders know that the desired effect has been produced1 and that no mischief can happen to themselves when they enter the vessel4 ,illustration3 ,plate #aa ,,the ,,use ,,of ,,rockets ,,in ,,fire ,,ships1 ,,and ,,the ,,mode ,,of ,,fitting ,,any ,,other ,,ship ,,for ,,the ,,discharge ,,of ,,rockets4 ,plate #ab1 ,fig4 #a1 represents the application of ,rockets in fire-ships2 by which1 a great power of distant conflagration is given to these ships1 in addition to the limited powers they now possess1 as depending entirely on contact with the vessels they may be intended to destroy4 ,the application is made as follows3--,frames or racks are to be provided in the tops of all fire-ships1 to contain as many hundred carcass and shell ,rockets1 as can be stowed in them1 tier above tier1 and nearly close together4 ,these racks may also be applied in the topmast and top-gallant shrouds1 to increase the number3 and when the time arrives for sending her against the enemy1 the ,rockets are placed in these racks1 at different angles1 and in all directions1 having the vents uncovered1 but requiring no leaders1 or any nicety of operation1 which can be frustrated either by wind or rain2 as the ,rockets are discharged merely by the progress of the flame ascending the rigging1 at a considerable lapse of time after the ship is set on fire1 and abandoned4 ,it is evident1 therefore1 in the first place that no injury can happen to the persons charged with carrying in the vessel1 as they will have returned into safety before any discharge takes place4 ,it is evident1 also1 that the most extensive destruction to the enemy may be calculated on1 as the discharge will commence about the time that the fire-ship has drifted in amongst the enemies' ships3 when issuing in the most tremendous vollies1 the smallest ship being supposed not to have less than #a1jjj ,rockets1 distributed in different directions1 it is impossible but that every ship of the enemy must1 with fire-ships enough1 and no stint of ,rockets1 be covered sooner or later with clouds of this destructive fire2 whereas1 without this distant power of destruction1 it is ten to one if every fire-ship does not pass harmlessly through the fleet1 by the exertions of the enemies' boats in towing them clear--exertions1 it must be remarked1 entirely precluded in this system of fire-ships1 as it is impossible that any boat could venture to approach a vessel so equipped1 and pouring forth shell and carcass ,rockets1 in all directions1 and at all angles4 ,i had an opportunity of trying this experiment in the attack of the ,french ,fleet in ,basque ,roads1 and though on a very small scale indeed1 it was ascertained1 that the greatest confusion and terror was created by it in the enemy4 ,figs4 #b1 #c1 and #d1 represent the mode of fitting any ship to fire ,rockets1 from scuttles in her broadside2 giving1 thereby1 to every vessel having a between-deck1 a ,rocket battery1 in addition to the gun batteries on her spar deck1 without the one interfering in the smallest degree with the other1 or without the least risk to the ship2 the sparks of the ,rocket in going off being completely excluded1 either by iron shutters closing the scuttle from within1 as practised in the ,galgo defence ship1 fitted with #ba ,rocket scuttles in her broadside1 as shewn in ,fig4 #c2 or by a particular construction of scuttle and frame which ,i have since devised1 and applied to the ,erebus sloop of war3 so that the whole of the scuttle is completely filled1 in all positions of traverse1 and at all angles1 by the frame2 and thereby any possibility of the entrance of fire completely prevented4 ,in both these ships1 the ,rockets may be either discharged at the highest angles1 for bombardment1 or used at low angles1 as an additional means of offence or defence against other shipping in action2 as the ,rockets1 thus used1 are capable of projecting #ah-pounder shot1 or #d-;inch shells1 or even #bd-pounder solid shot4 ,this arrangement literally gives the description of small vessels here mentioned1 a second and most powerful deck1 for general service as well as for bombardment4 ,smaller vessels1 such as gun brigs1 schooners1 and cutters1 may be fitted to fire ,rockets by frames1 similar to the boat frames1 described in ,plate #aa1 from their spar deck1 and either over the broadside or the stern2 their frames being arranged to travel up and down1 on a small upright spar or boat's mast1 fixed perpendicularly to the outside of the bulwark of the vessel4 ,as a temporary expedient1 or in small vessels1 this mode answers very well2 but it has the objection of not carrying the sparks so far from the rigging1 as when fired from below3 it interferes also with the fighting the guns at the same time1 and can therefore only be applied exclusively in the case of bombardment4 ,all the gun brigs1 however1 on the ,boulogne station1 during ,commodore ,,owen's command there1 were fitted in this manner1 some with two and some with three frames on a broadside4 ,illustration3 ,plate #ab ,fig4 #a ,fig4 #b ,fig4 #c ,fig4 #d ,,rocket ,,ammunition4 ,plate #ac represents all the different natures of ,rocket ,ammunition which have hitherto been made1 from the eight-inch carcass or explosion ,rocket1 weighing nearly three hundred weight1 to the six-pounder shell ,rocket1 and shews the comparative dimensions of the whole4 ,this ,ammunition may be divided into three parts--the heavy1 medium1 and light natures4 ,the heavy natures are those denominated by the number of inches in their diameter2 the medium from the #db-pounder to the #bd-pounder inclusive2 and the light natures from the #ah-pounder to the #f-pounder inclusive4 ,the ranges of the eight-inch1 seven-inch1 and six-inch ,rockets1 are from #b1jjj to #b1ejj yards2 and the quantities of combustible matter1 or bursting powder1 from #belbs4 and upwards to #ejlbs4 ,their sticks are divided into four parts1 secured with ferules1 and carried in the angles of the packing case1 containing the ,rocket1 one ,rocket in each case1 so that notwithstanding the length of the stick1 the whole of this heavy part of the system possesses1 in proportion1 the same facility as the medium and light parts4 ,these ,rockets are fired from bombarding frames1 similar to those of the #db and #cb-pounder carcasses2 or they may be fired from a slope of earth in the same way4 ,they may also be fired along the ground1 as explained in ,plate #i1 for the purposes of explosion4 ,these large ,rockets have from their weight1 combined with less diameter1 even more penetration than the heaviest shells1 and are therefore equally efficient for the destruction of bomb proofs1 or the demolition of strong buildings2 and their construction having now been realized1 it is proved that the facilities of the ,rocket system are not its only excellence1 but that it actually will propel heavier masses than can be done by any other means2 that is to say1 masses1 to project which1 it would be scarcely possible to cast1 much less to transport1 mortars of sufficient magnitude4 ,various modifications of the powers of these large ,rockets may be made1 which it is not necessary here to specify4 ,the #db and #cb-pounders are those which have hitherto been principally used in bombardment1 and which1 for the general purposes of bombardment1 will be found sufficient1 while their portability renders them in that respect more easily applied4 ,i have therefore classed them as medium ,rockets4 ,these ,rockets will convey from ten to seven pounds of combustible matter each2 have a range of upwards of #c1jjj yards2 and may1 where the fall of greater mass in any particular spot is required1 either for penetration or increased fire1 be discharged in combinations of three1 four1 or six ,rockets1 well lashed together1 with the sticks in the centre also strongly bound together4 ,the great art of firing these fasces of ,rockets is to arrange them1 so that they may be sure to take fire contemporaneously1 which must be done either by priming the bottoms of all thoroughly1 or by firing them by a flash of powder1 which is sure to ignite the whole combination at once4 ,the #db and #cb-pounder ,rockets may also be used as explosion ,rockets1 and the #cb-pounder armed with shot or shells3 thus1 a #cb-pounder will range at least #a1jjj yards1 laid on the ground1 and armed with a #e-;inch howitzer shell1 or an #ah and even a #bd-pounder solid shot4 ,the #cb-pounder is1 as it were1 the mean point of the system3 it is the least ,rocket used as a carcass in bombardment1 and the largest armed either with shot or shell1 for field service4 ,the #bd-pounder ,rocket is very nearly equal to it in all its applications in the field2 from the saving of weight1 therefore1 ,i consider it preferable4 ,it is perfectly equal to propel the cohorn shell or #ab-pounder shot4 ,the #ah-pounder1 which is the first of the light natures of ,rockets1 is armed with a #i-pounder shot or shell2 the #ab-pounder with a #f-pounder ditto2 the #i-pounder with a grenade2 and the #f-pounder with a #c-pounder shot or shell4 ,these shells1 however1 are now cast expressly for the ,rocket service1 and are elliptical instead of spherical1 thereby increasing the power of the shell1 and decreasing the resistance of the air4 ,from the #bd-pounder to the #i-pounder ,rocket1 inclusive1 a description of case shot ,rocket is formed of each nature1 armed with a quantity of musket or carbine balls1 put into the top of the cylinder of the ,rocket1 and from thence discharged by a quantity of powder contained in a chamber1 by which the velocity of these balls1 when in flight1 is increased beyond that of the ,rocket's motion1 an effect which cannot be given in the spherical case1 where the bursting powder only liberates the balls4 ,all ,rockets intended for explosion1 whether the powder be contained in a wrought iron head or cone1 as used in bombardment3 or whether in the shell above mentioned1 for field service1 or in the case shot1 are fitted with an external fuse of paper1 which is ignited from the vent at the moment when the ,rocket is fired4 ,these fuses may be instantaneously cut to any desired length1 from #be seconds downwards1 by a pair of common scissars or nippers1 and communicate to the bursting charge1 by a quickmatch1 in a small tube on the outside of the ,rocket2 in the shell ,rocket the paper fuse communicates with a wooden fuse in the shell1 which1 being cut to the shortest length that can be necessary1 is never required to be taken out of the shell1 but is regulated either by taking away the paper fuse altogether1 or leaving any part of it1 which1 in addition to the fixed and permanent wooden fuse in the shell1 may make up the whole time of flight required4 ,by this system1 the arrangement of the fuse in action is attended with a facility1 security1 and an expedition1 not known in any other similar operations4 ,all the ,rocket sticks for land service are made in parts of convenient length for carriage1 and jointed by iron ferules4 ,for sea service they are made in the whole length4 ,the #bd-pounder shell and case shot ,rockets are those which ,i propose issuing in future for the heavy field carriages2 the #ah-pounder shell and case shot for the light field carriages2 the #ab-pounder for the mounted ammunition of cavalry2 the #i and #f-pounders for infantry1 according to the different cases already explained4 ,fig4 #a1 #b1 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 #h1 and #i1 represent the different implements used for jointing the sticks1 or fixing them to the ,rocket1 being of different sizes1 in proportion to the different natures to which they belong4 ,they consist of hammers1 pincers1 vices1 and wrenches1 all to accomplish the same object1 namely1 that of compressing the ferule into the stick1 by means of strong steel points in the tool1 so as to fix it immoveably4 ,the varieties are here all shewn1 because ,i have not hitherto decided which is the preferable instrument4 ,fig4 #aj1 #aa1 #ab1 and #ac1 represent another mode of arranging the different natures of ammunition1 which is hitherto merely a matter of speculation1 but which may in certain parts of the system be hereafter found a considerable improvement4 ,it is the carrying the ,rocket1 or projectile force1 distinct from the ammunition itself1 instead of combining them in their first construction1 as hitherto supposed4 ,thus1 ,fig4 #aj is the ,rocket1 and ,fig4 #aa1 #ab1 and #ac1 are respectively a shell1 case shot1 or carcass1 which may be immediately fixed to the ,rocket by a screw1 according as either the one or the other nature is required at the time4 ,a greater variety of ammunition might thus be carried for particular services1 with a less burthen altogether4 ,fig4 #ad and #ae represent the light ball or floating carcass ,rocket4 ,this is supposed to be a #db-pounder ,rocket1 containing in its head1 as in ,fig4 #ab1 a parachute with a light ball or carcass attached to it by a slight chain4 ,this ,rocket being fired nearly perpendicularly into the air1 the head is burst off at its greatest altitude1 by a very small explosion1 which1 though it ignites the light ball1 does not injure the parachute2 but by liberating it from the ,rocket1 leaves it suspended in the air1 as ,fig4 #ac1 in which situation1 as a light ball1 it will continue to give a very brilliant light1 illuminating the atmosphere for nearly ten minutes2 or as a carcass1 in a tolerable breeze1 will float in the air1 and convey the fire for several miles1 unperceived and unconsumed1 if only the match of the carcass be ignited at the disengagement of the parachute4 ,it should be observed that1 with due care1 the ,rocket ammunition is not only the most secure1 but the most durable that can be3 every ,rocket is1 in fact1 a charge of powder hermetically sealed in a metal case1 impervious either to the ordinary accidents by fire1 or damage from humidity4 ,i have used ,rockets that had been three years on board of ship1 without any apparent loss of power2 and when after a certain period1 which1 from my present experience1 ,i cannot estimate at less than eight or ten years1 their force shall have so far suffered as to render them unserviceable1 they may again be regenerated1 at the mere expense of boring out the composition and re-driving it3 the stick1 case1 c4 that is to say1 all the principal parts1 being as serviceable as ever4 ,illustration3 ,plate #ac ,figs4 #a-ae ,the ,ranges of these different ,natures of ,rocket ,ammunition are as follow3 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,elevations 7in ,degrees71 ,,ranges 7in ,yards7 ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,nature ,point #bj #be #cj #ce #dj #de #ej #ee #fj of ,blank1 to to to to to to to to to ,rocket or #be #cj #ce #dj #de #ej #ee #fj #fe ,ground ,practice ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- #f1 #g1 #b1ajj and #h to inch #b1ejj #db- #b1jjjb1ejj ,pounder to to #b1ejjc1jjj #cb- #a1jjj #a1jjj #a1ejjb1jjjb1ejjc1jjj ,pounder to to to to to to #a1bjj #a1ejj #b1jjjb1ejjc1jjjc1bjj #bd- nearly ,pounderthe same ranges #ah- #a1jjj #a1jjja1ejj #b1jjj ,pounder to to#b1jjj to#b1ejj #a1ejj #ab- nearly ,pounderthe same #i- #hjj #a1jjja1ejj #b1jjj ,pounder to to andupwards to#b1bjj #a1jjj #a1ejj #f- nearly ,pounderthe same ---------------------------------------- ---------------------- ,,conclusion4 ,calculations proving the comparative ,economy of the ,rocket ,ammunition1 both as to its ,application in ,bombardment and in the ,field4 ,so much misapprehension having been entertained with regard to the expense of the ,rocket system1 it is very important1 for the true understanding of the weapon1 to prove1 that it is by far the cheapest mode of applying artillery ammunition1 both in bombardment and in the field4 ,to begin with the expense of making the #cb-pounder ,rocket ,carcass1 which has hitherto been principally used in bombardments1 compared with the #aj-;inch ,carcass1 which conveys even less combustible matter4 4 s4 d4 ,case #j #e #j ,cost of a #cb-pounder ,cone #j #b #aa ,rocket ,carcass1 complete ,stick #j #b #f for firing in the present ,rocket composition #j #c #i mode of manufacture4 ,carcass ditto #j #b #c ,labour1 paint1 c4 #j #e #f ------------ #a #a #aa ------------ ,if the construction were more systematic1 and elementary force used instead of manual labour1 the expense of driving the ,rocket might be reduced four-fifths1 which would lower the amount to about #ahs4 each ,rocket1 complete2 and if bamboo were substituted1 which ,i am endeavouring to accomplish1 for the stick1 the whole expense of each #cb-pounder ,carcass ,rocket would be about #afs4 each4 ,now as the calculation of the expense of the ,rocket includes that of the projectile force1 which conveys it #c1jjj yards2 to equalize the comparison1 to the cost of the spherical carcass must be added that of the charge of powder required to convey it the same distance4 4 s4 d4 ,cost of a #aj-;inch ,value of a #aj-;inch spherical ,spherical ,carcass1 carcass #j #ae #g with a proportionate ,ditto of charge of powder1 #j #f #j charge of powder1 c4 to range it #c1jjj yards ,cartridge tube1 c4 #j #a #j ------------ l #b #g ------------ ,so that even with the present disadvantages of manufacture1 there is an actual saving in the #cb-pounder ,rocket carcass itself1 which contains more composition than the #aj-;inch spherical carcass1 without allowing any thing for the difference of expense of the ,rocket apparatus1 and that of the mortar1 mortar beds1 platforms1 c4 which1 together with the difficulty of transport1 constitute the greatest expense of throwing the common carcass2 whereas1 the cost of apparatus for the use of the ,rocket carcass does not originally exceed #e2 and indeed1 on most occasions1 the ,rocket may1 as has been shewn1 be thrown even without any apparatus at all3 besides which1 it may be stated1 that a transport of #bej tons will convey #e1jjj ,rocket carcasses1 with every thing required for using them1 on a very extensive scale2 while on shore1 a common ammunition waggon will carry #fj rounds1 with the requisites for action4 ,the difference in all these respects1 as to the #aj-;inch spherical carcass1 its mortars1 c4 is too striking to need specifying4 ,but the comparison as to expense is still more in favour of the ,rocket1 when compared with the larger natures of carcasses4 ,the #ac-;inch spherical carcass costs #a4 #ags4 #aa;d4 to throw it #b1ejj yards2 the #cb-pounder ,rocket carcass1 conveying the same quantity of combustible matter1 does not cost more than #a4 #es4 #j;d4--so that in this case there is a saving on the first cost of #abs4 #aa;d4 ,now the large ,rocket carcass requires no more apparatus than the small one1 and the difference of weight1 as to carriage1 is little more than that of the different quantities of combustible matter contained in each1 while the difference of weight of the #ac-;inch and #aj-;inch carcasses is at least double1 as is also that of the mortars2 and1 consequently1 all the other comparative charges are enhanced in the same proportion4 ,in like manner1 the #db-pounder ,carcass ,rocket1 which contains from #ae to #ah lbs4 of combustible matter1 will be found considerably cheaper in the first cost than the #ac-;inch spherical carcass3 and a proportionate economy1 including the ratio of increased effect1 will attach also to the still larger natures of ,rockets which ,i have now made4 ,thus the first cost of the #f-;inch ,rocket1 weighing #aej lbs4 and containing #dj lbs4 of combustible matter1 is not more than #c4 #ajs4 that is to say1 less than double the first cost of the #ac-;inch spherical carcass1 though its conflagrating powers1 or the quantity of combustible matter conveyed by it1 are three times as great1 and its mass and penetration are half as much again as that of the #aj-;inch shell or carcass4 ,it is evident1 therefore1 that however extended the magnitude of ,rockets may be1 and ,i am now endeavouring to construct some1 the falling mass of which will be considerably more than that of the #ac-;inch shell or carcass1 and whose powers1 therefore1 either of explosion or conflagration1 will rise even in a higher ratio1 still1 although the first cost may exceed that of any projectile at present thrown1 on a comparison of effects1 there will be a great saving in favour of the ,rocket ,system4 ,it is difficult to make a precise calculation as to the average expense of every common shell or carcass1 actually thrown against the enemy2 but it is generally supposed and admitted1 that1 on a moderate estimate1 these missiles1 one with another1 cannot cost government less than #e each2 nor can this be doubted1 when1 in addition to the first cost of the ammunition1 that of the ordnance1 and the charges incidental to its application1 are considered4 ,but as to the ,rocket and its apparatus1 it has been seen1 that the principal expense is that of the first construction1 an expense1 which it must be fairly stated1 that the charges of conveyance cannot more than double under any circumstances2 so that where the mode of throwing carcasses by #cb-pounder ,rockets is adopted1 there is1 at least1 an average saving of #c on every carcass so thrown1 and proportionally for the larger natures2 especially as not only the conflagrating powers of the spherical carcass are equalled even by the #cb-pounder ,rocket1 but greatly exceeded by the larger ,rockets2 and the more especially indeed1 as the difference of accuracy1 for the purposes of bombardment1 is not worthy to be mentioned1 since it is no uncommon thing for shells fired from a mortar at long ranges1 to spread to the right and left of each other1 upwards of #ejj or even #fjj yards1 as was lately proved by a series of experiments1 where the mortar bed was actually fixed in the ground2 an aberration which the ,rocket will never equal1 unless some accident happens to the stick in firing2 and this1 ,i may venture to say1 does not occur oftener than the failure of the fuze in the firing of shells4 ,the fact is1 that whatever aberration does exist in the ,rocket1 it is distinctly seen2 whereas1 in ordinary projectiles it is scarcely to be traced--and hence has arisen a very exaggerated notion of the inaccuracy of the former4 ,but to recur to the economy of the ,rocket carcass2 how much is not the saving of this system of bombardment enhanced1 when considered with reference to naval bombardment1 when the expensive construction of the large mortar vessel is viewed1 together with the charge of their whole establishment1 compared with the few occasions of their use1 and their unfitness for general service8 ,whereas1 by means of the ,rocket1 every vessel1 nay1 every boat1 has the power of throwing carcasses without any alteration in her construction1 or any impediment whatever to her general services4 ,so much for the comparison required as to the application of the ,rocket in bombardment2 ,i shall now proceed to the calculation of the expense of this ammunition for field service1 compared with that of common artillery ammunition4 ,in the first place1 it should be stated that the ,rocket will project every species of shot or shell which can be fired from field guns1 and indeed1 even heavier ammunition than is ordinarily used by artillery in the field4 ,but it will be a fair criterion to make the calculation1 with reference to the six and nine-pounder common ammunition2 these two natures of shot or shell are projected by a small ,rocket1 which ,i have denominated the #ab-pounder1 and which will give horizontally1 and without apparatus1 the same range as that of the gun1 and with apparatus1 considerably more4 ,the calculation may be stated as follows3-- 4 s4 d4 ,case and stick #j #e #f #ab-pounder ,rocket ,rocket composition #j #a #aj ,labour1 c4 #j #b #j -------------- #j #i #d -------------- ,but this sum is capable of the following reduction1 by substituting elementary force for manual labour1 and by employing bamboo in lieu of the stick4 4 s4 d4 ,case and stick #j #d #j ,b,reduced ,price ,composition #j #a #aj ,driving #j #j #f ------------- #j #f #d ------------- ,b ,and this is the sum that1 ought to be taken in a general calculation of the advantages of which the system is capable1 because to this it may be brought4 ,now the cost of the shot or spherical case is the same whether projected from a gun or thrown by the ,rocket2 and the fixing it to the ,rocket costs about the same as strapping the shot to the wooden bottom4 ,this #fs4 #d;d4 therefore is to be set against the value of the gunpowder1 cartridge1 c4 required for the gun1 which may be estimated as follows3-- 4 s4 d4 #f-pounder ,amm'n4 ,charge of powder for the #f-pounder #j #b #j ,cartridge1 #c;d4 wooden bottom1 #j #j #g #b;d4 and tube1 #a;d4 ------------- #j #b #g ------------- 4 s4 d4 #i-pounder ,amm'n4 ,for the #i-pounder charge of powder #j #c #j ,cartridge1 #d;d4 wooden bottom1 #j #j #h #b;d4 and tube1 #a;d4 ------------- #j #c #h ------------- ,taking the average1 therefore1 of the six and nine-pounder ammunition1 the ,rocket ammunition costs #cs4 #b;d4 a round more than the common ammunition4 ,now we must compare the simplicity of the use of the ,rocket1 with the expensive apparatus of artillery1 to see what this trifling difference of first cost in the ,rocket has to weigh against it4 ,in the first place1 we have seen1 that in many situations the ,rocket requires no apparatus at all to use it1 and that1 where it does require any1 it is of the simplest kind3 we have seen also1 that both infantry and cavalry can1 in a variety of instances1 combine this weapon with their other powers2 so that it is not1 in such cases1 even to be charged with the pay of the men4 ,these1 however1 are circumstances that can in no case happen with respect to ordinary artillery ammunition2 the use of which never can be divested of the expense of the construction1 transport1 and maintenance of the necessary ordnance to project it1 or of the men exclusively required to work that ordnance4 ,what proportion1 therefore1 will the trifling difference of first cost1 and the average facile and unexpensive application of the ,rocket bear to the heavy contingent charges involved in the use of field artillery8 ,it is a fact1 that1 in the famous ,egyptian campaign1 those charges did not amount to less than #bj per round1 one with another1 exclusive of the pay of the men2 nor can they for any campaign be put at less than from #b to #c per round4 ,it must be obvious1 therefore1 although it is not perhaps practicable actually to clothe the calculation in figures1 that the saving must be very great indeed in favour of the ,rocket1 in the field as well as in bombardment4 ,thus far1 however1 the calculation is limited merely as to the bare question of expense2 but on the score of general advantage1 how is not the balance augmented in favour of the ,rocket1 when all the exclusive facilities of its use are taken into the account--the universality of the application1 the unlimited quantity of instantaneous fire to be produced by it for particular occasions--of fire not to be by any possibility approached in quantity by means of ordnance8 ,now to all these points of excellence one only drawback is attempted to be stated--this is1 the difference of accuracy3 but the value of the objection vanishes when fairly considered2 for in the first place1 it must be admitted1 that the general business of action is not that of target-firing2 and the more especially with a weapon like the ,rocket1 which possesses the facility of bringing such quantities of fire on any point3 thus1 if the difference of accuracy were as ten to one against the ,rocket1 as the facility of using it is at least as ten to one in its favour1 the ratio would be that of equality4 ,the truth is1 however1 that the difference of accuracy1 for actual application against troops1 instead of ten to one1 cannot be stated even as two to one2 and1 consequently1 the compound ratio as to effect1 the same shot or shell being projected1 would be1 even with this admission of comparative inaccuracy1 greatly in favour of the ,rocket ,system4 ,but it must still further be borne in mind1 that this system is yet in its infancy1 that much has been accomplished in a short time1 and that there is every reason to believe1 that the accuracy of the ,rocket may be actually brought upon a par with that of other artillery ammunition for all the important purposes of field service4 ,w4 ,,congreve4 ,transcriber's ,notes ,punctuation and spelling were made consistent when a predominant preference was found in this book2 otherwise they were not changed4 ,simple typographical errors were corrected4 ,ambiguous hyphens at the ends of lines were retained2 occurrences of inconsistent hyphenation have not been changed4 ,in the table of ,ranges3 ,transcriber rearranged parts of the column headings1 but 8as follow0 7singular7 in the table's title was printed that way in the original4 ,the column heading 8#ee to #fj0 was misprinted as 8#ee to #ff02 corrected here4