Similar to each of the preceding editions of “The Artillerist’s Manual, and British Soldier’s Compendium,” the present work contains much additional matter; and notice has been taken of the subjects in which improvements, or alterations have been adopted. To those Officers, and Non-commissioned Officers, who are in possession of the 6th edition of The Manual, it is advisable that I should specify the chief additions, &c., in the present edition, viz.:—
Alterations:
Percussion small arms.Manufacture of cartridges.Ball cartridge barrels, and boxes.Carcasses.Quick match.Shells, weight, &c.Ordnance, length, weight, &c.Service, and management of heavy ordnance.Wads for heavy ordnance.Charges for the Royal Navy.
Additions:
Manual, and platoon exercise of Riflemen.Instructions for aiming with the rifle musket.Light infantry signals, and sounds.Fusil exercise.Instructions for pitching, and striking tents.Lights, long. Lights, signal.Parachute light ball.Water fuze.To extricate a shot when jammed in a gun.To ascertain if a magazine is damp.Detail for active service of 9-Pounder Troop of Royal HorseArtillery.Reserve of gun, and small arm ammunition.Detail for active service—18-Pounder Field battery.” ” ” 9-Pounder Ditto.” ” ” 32-Pounder Howitzer Ditto.Small arm ammunition reserve.Exercise of rockets.To estimate distances in the field.To find the distance from an object, height known.Instructions for the exercise, and service of great guns, andshells, on board Her Majesty’s ships.Instructions for landing seamen, and marines, with Field pieces.Charges for the Royal Navy, for boats.Proportion of charges, for a 51-screw steam frigate.Ditto Ditto 50-gun frigate.
Also—1 New Plate.2 ” woodcuts.1 ” diagram.
In the publication of each edition my object has been the same—to renderThe Manual a Compendiumof all that can be required by Officers in the Field; and if I may be allowed to judge by the gratifying manner in which the work has been received by the Officers of the United Services, my humble exertions have indeed been successful, ten thousand copies of The Manual, including the present edition, having been printed.
The extensive circulation of “The Artillerist’s Manual,and British Soldier’s Compendium,” is no doubt, however, chiefly to be attributed,—
1st. To the highly favourable notice of the Military Authorities, as evinced by theGeneral orderof the Master-General of the Ordnance, dated 25th April 1840, and by theMemorandum, dated Horse Guards, 10th December 1840.2nd. To the considerate notice of The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of the work having been ordered to be included in the libraries of all Vessels of war.3rd. To the liberal distribution, by the Honourable Court of Directors of the East India Company, of copies of each edition to the military authorities at the several Presidencies in India.
1st. To the highly favourable notice of the Military Authorities, as evinced by theGeneral orderof the Master-General of the Ordnance, dated 25th April 1840, and by theMemorandum, dated Horse Guards, 10th December 1840.
2nd. To the considerate notice of The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a copy of the work having been ordered to be included in the libraries of all Vessels of war.
3rd. To the liberal distribution, by the Honourable Court of Directors of the East India Company, of copies of each edition to the military authorities at the several Presidencies in India.
In conclusion, I have to express my grateful feelings to His Royal Highness the General Commanding in Chief, who has been graciously pleased to promulgate theMemorandum, dated Horse Guards, 13th October 1856;[1]and my warm thanks are also due to the Officers of the various Departments at Head Quarters, for the kind manner in which they have invariably assisted me in the revision of the work, in order that each succeeding edition may keep pace with the improvements, alterations, or requirements of the United Services.
F. A. GRIFFITHS.
Putney, October 13th, 1856.