186 
MINUTES OP PROCEEDINGS OP 
loading, of two patterns, viz. of wrought iron weighing 60 cwt., and 
of steel about 40 cwt., mostly of the wedge system, but some of the 
cylindrical. The charge of the gun was lbs. of powder, of the 
shell 3lbs.; the fuze was invariably percussion, of a very simple 
pattern, wherein the plunger with the needle was quite loose but for 
a transverse iron pin passed through it from outside; this pin, on 
discharge of the gun, is thrown out laterally by the rotatory force of 
the shell. 
Moreover, with the reserve was a battery of what they called the 
Mew Mortars, from which very great effect was anticipated. They 
would be more strictly described as “ cannon for vertical fire, 55 inas¬ 
much as their charge remains fixed, and their elevation varies with 
the range. It is claimed for them that their shell always descends 
point foremost, even when fired at 80° elevation; they are breech¬ 
loading, of bronze, with some 20 grooves resembling the original 
Armstrong, hardly three times as long as their shell, and weigh 
about 82 cwt.; the lead-coated shell weighs 160lbs., and appears to 
have a diameter of 8 or 9 in., and a length of 2 ft. 6 or 8 in. Their 
wrought-iron carriages were much like those of the other siege 
guns. 
The field guns were 4 and 6-prs., throwing shells of 10 and 15 lbs, 
weight with a charge of one-tenth. 
The heavy guns were mounted on the same carriages on which 
they had travelled hither, (some, I was told, all the way from 
Spandau), a few of wood, but more of wrought iron, weighing 
30 cwt., very similar in form to our own siege carriages, but having 
the important innovation that the firing trunnion holes were raised 
above the brackets on two strong iron arms, so as to carry the 
trunnions, when in action, at 6 ft. above the ground. The advantage 
of this height, in connection with breech-loading siege-guns, is very 
remarkable; the lowest part of the parapet being kept at least 6 ft. 
high, no man of the detachment is ever under the direct fire of the 
enemy, with the exception of the very trivial exposure of the Mo. 1 
in laying, who stands on a step of the carriage, and of course, in 
order to see, must be seen; and as these guns are almost invariably 
used at angles of elevation, the breech comes conveniently down 
within reach of the proper numbers. 
The position of the batteries was perhaps the most note- 
ferSs. Bat ~ worthy thing in the whole transaction. On every wooded 
knoll that jutted into the plain, all round the town except 
on its north side, at distances varying from 1,400 to 8,600 yards, 
was prepared a battery for 4 heavy guns, the trees between it and 
the place being only taken down at the last moment; generally 
rather behind the crest of the knoll, so that moderate excavation for 
the terreplein left the natural surface of the ground for a parapet: 
the distance, the woods, and this use of the natural surface rendered 
them all but invincible to the garrison. Only one battery, for six 
24-prs., was in the plain, in order to perfect the convergence of fire : 
it was about 2,000 yards from the town, and was arranged behind 
