The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-02-13
DOMESTIC.

FROM THE BOSTON DEMOCRAT.
Answer to the paragraph in the. last Satur-
days Democrat respecting Flying Artille-
ry. -,'.:
NorE. Please to observe, that what the
English call flying Artillery, the French call
Light; and what they call Light, the French
eau Battle Artiliery-because to fly, it is ne
cessary to have wings.
Light Artillery is, at the present day, con-
sidered the most advantageous armtof an ar
my, and a terror to the enemy.
Before enter into the details of its orga-
nlzation, think it my duty to prove its great
advantage over Foot Artillery, or as the
the French call it, Battle Artillery.
Pieces of Light Artillery, starting for the
same distance, say three miles, with pieces
OF Battle Artillery, will arrive, at full gal
Top, on the ground in 16 minutes, that is,
80 minutes sooner than the peices of Battle
Artillery, which cannot arrive in less than
40 MN utes, the men keeping pace with the
infantry, and the pieces with the horse.
Calculating that piece can be fired time.
IN minute, each piece OF Light Artillery
VIII nave fired 100 times.-The fate of
battle may be decided before the Battle Ar
Ii.iery mas arrived at its position. Besides,
Light Artillery seldom falls into the hands
OF the enemy. for it returns at full gallon
whilst on the contrary, Battle Artillery is Of
ten taken, and is of course used against
those who could not defend it.
Light Artillery, can be carried to all the
positions where Battle Artillery is carried.
Light Artillery, considering it well, is but
Cavalry, followed by pieces of Artillery, of
. or II Founders, (French) whsh feid-pie-
ces Gor siege-pieccs of the same oalibre
would not answer, they being too heavy, and
consequently inconvenienD are mounted on
two wheeled carriage, on which are pla-
ced all the necessary utensils for the service.
III whole, OF the piece. To this Carriage are
afhxed two hind wheels, On which is an iron
bar, that passes through hole made in the
back part OF said carriage, and which alone
connects them together. "a comparison NAV
be drawn between this and a four-wheeIed
carriage.) On these hind wheels is also pla-
eed small caisson or chest, containing about
10 or 20 charges, so as not to be obliged to
wait the arrival of the ammunition chests.
which, however, always follow the pieces.
To every platoon is attached one piece
which IS drawn by four horses, and Conduc-
ed by two mounted men, accompanied by the
artillerists. On arriving at the ordered po-
sition, the two men by drawing half cir
Gle, bring the mouth of the piece directed
towards the enemy. Some of the Artille-
rists alight Immediately their horses are
held by others of the platoon, the other part
(as reserve) keeps itself ready to charge
as Cavalry. Those artilIerists who have a.
lighted, unfasten the carriage from the hind
wheels (Which the two men remove few
steps back) and on taking hold of utensils ne
cessary to the directing and serving of the
piece, stand ia position to load and fire at
the word of command. If the enemy's Ca
valry advance, and it be judged that the in
fantry cannot protect the pieces, then the ar
tillerists having replaced the said utensils,
draw the carriages back to the hind wheels,
and after having fastened them together, the
conductors return at full gallop with the pie
ces. The Artiilerists mount, and forming
themselves into line, sword IN hand, charge
the enemy's Cavalry. The means to load
these pieces, are the same as for pieces Of bat
tie Artillery.
With due submission to the authorities of
the state of Massachusetts,, it appears to me
indispensable for the defence of said state,
that there be raised at least, two regiments
OF Light Artillery, each to be composed Of
four squadrons, each squadron of two COM
panies, and each company of76 men. (The
American organization being, / think, too
weak.) These two regiments might be
quartered as follows: one in Boston which
would furnish escorts for the Governor and
Generals and the necessary guard for the
SCiNISC VI TIC NdICTHc, Dullt Tor
the purpose y the other divided between the
other maritime towns of the state. These
two regiments, in fine, would go whenever
ordered, in case of invasion-also, do duty
in the batteries that might be erectcd, until
other troops were raised for siege artillery.
Twelve-pounders are the pieces which I
think suitable for the American Light Artil-
lery Unjust observe that some platoons have
cannon and others mortars.-It would not
only be difficult to draw pieces of heavier
metal, but of what use would they be a
feet would not go to lombard the coast
and IT landing was effected, 12pounders
would do as well as any.
Sheds, / think, could be made large G.
nough Ito be used in winter,) to hold the pie
ces mounted on their carriages, which sleds
might also have small chests capable of con-
tanning several charges. Arrived on the
ground, and after having opened the sleds,
The pieces would be taken out--6S on chang
ing positions, the same means used to re-
place them, which could be done as prompt
ly as with two hind wheels
a balloon was Of great utility at the battle
OF Jemappc. As there arc a great many
woods in dis state, balloon, in case Of an
invasion, would be Of the greatest inpor-
tance; a detachment Of artillery might be
employed 70 manage il,