301 
GENERAL SIR CHARLES NAPIER 
ON 
ARTILLERY DRAUGHT. 
COMMUNICATED BY 
CAPTAIN H. A. BETHELL, R.A. 
Now that the question of Draught is exciting so much attention, it may 
he of interest to know the opinions formed upon the subject, by one of 
the clearest-headed men of the century. 
Sir Charles Napier was not only a profound thinker, but a sound, 
practical man, and on the subject of Draught, his long experience of 
Indian campaigning entitles him to speak with authority. 
The chief difference between the Bengal and Bombay Artillery is in 
their mode of driving, which they denominate single and double driving. 
Single driving is one rider to a pair of horses; its chief advantages 
are —1st, the guiding is directed by one will, at least, said so by the 
Bombay officers. This may be true on an English road with well- 
trained horses ; it may be doubted with the wild driving of a campaign, 
half-trained horses, and no roads. 2nd, the off wheel-horse has less 
severity of work, having no rider to carry; but the draught will not 
be equal. These, and other objections do not, however, seem to be 
well ascertained; for the horse which suffers from carrying the man 
can be relieved by changing him to the off side ; and though this also 
is disputed by the opponents of single driving, it is certain the man 
who rides one horse and drives the other must be well-trained and ex¬ 
perienced for a country full of bogs, nullahs, and broken ground. 
Double driving, used in Bengal, is having a second rider on the off 
draught-horse. The advantages are:—1st, the wheel horses have an 
equality of labour. 2nd, the second rider helps to work the gun. 3rd, 
there is more simultaneous movement, each rider imparting his will 
easily to the horse he bestrides; and emergencies dictate a simultaneous 
impulse to both riders; the sight, the voice and the hearing act together. 
4th, if an obstacle impedes a gun, and each horse is led by a man on foot, 
they may be unable to get the gun over ; but let those men mount the 
four horses, and the increased weight and simultaneous effort instantly 
succeeds. An instance of this occurred under my command, in the 
Booghtee Hills. 5th, if one man is struck by a shot another remains to 
conduct the horses. 6th, a driver, bringing a gun into heavy fire, 
obtains moral support by having a comrade, and they drive daringly. 
On these advantages and disadvantages the ablest and most ex¬ 
perienced Artillery Officers differ. 
Poles and shafts offer a more practical question, yet are disputed 
with so much tenacity that it would be hazardous to give an opinion. 
6* VOL. XXI. 
