222 The Story of the New England Whalers 



gun is so constructed that by touching a spring 

 in the butt, a chamber in which the barrel ter- 

 minates is opened. Into this a cartridge is in- 

 serted. It is charged with 2^ drams of powder, 

 or about half the quantity used to load the ordi- 

 nary guns. The chamber is then closed. Upon 

 pulling the trigger the hammer strikes a sharp 

 blow upon a cap in the end of the cartridge, and 

 the piece is discharged. The whole operation of 

 loading, firing, and reloading can be accomplished 

 in two minutes' time. . . . The gun is much 

 surer and safer, as these cartridges can be kept 

 in the pocket until needed; and no water can 

 lessen their power after they are placed in the 

 chamber. With the breech-loader, a lance can be 

 sent with destructive effect over 750 feet, if fired 

 at a slight elevation. The weapon is constructed 

 of gun metal and is thus almost impervious to 



wet." 



Cunningham and Coogan, a New Bedford firm, 

 brought out another breech-loader, with a bomb 

 lance for a projectile. Each style of gun has its 

 friends. It is said by whalers that all three kinds 

 of guns herein described are effective, and that all 



