PLAN OF A NEW CORPS. 223 



barrels, so that they may be loaded with a 

 much greater quantity of powder, and con- 

 sequently do execution at a much greater 

 distance. Excepting for the additional 

 pounds of iron in the barrels, there will not 

 be one farthing more expense in the gun. 



/ boldli/ assert that the barrels of the rifles 

 (used at present) on service, are ineffective, 

 and a stigma on any government to put 

 such useless arms (I speak comparatively ) into 

 the hands of such gallant soldiers. The 

 rifles, I know, are well made ; I have seen 

 and examined them, and I have no doubt 

 but that they shoot very well, according to 

 their powers ; but the construction of them 

 is physically false, and therefore but of little 

 use or effect, compared to those rifles which 

 I have pointed out, and described, and 

 which can be made by every gimmaker 

 who understands well his business, just as 

 readily and as easily as those rifles which 

 have been already made ; therefore it will 

 be a gross neglect if such gallant fellows 

 are not armed with a more effective instru- 

 ment, when there is no mystery, conjura- 

 tion, nor any art required, more than is 



