The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-06-15
ROYAL ARSENAL, wooLwICH.


Experiments were carried on yesterday and to-
day al the butt in the Royal Arsenal, to test the
merits of a musket ball submitted TO the select COM
mittee by DIR. Minesinger, an American by birth
but of Dutch origin. The ball is cast with four
grooved tail attached to it., in length about three
fourths the diameter of the spherical portion, the
tail resembling the first screw propeers introduced
with leaves, but with slight obquity, instead of
the Archimedean screw form. Mr.. Mlnesinger
fired his ball. % to the h., from long -barrelled
gun, feet inches long, and Colonel Dundas,
c. B., from a common musket. the barrel of which
was fleet inches long, both guns having percussion
locks. The firing commenced at 100 yards, but,
after few rounds by each, the distance was ex-
tended to 200 yards, when excellent practice was
made, the target being struck every time, with two
or three exceptions The appendage to the ball
gives it similar advantages to ball projected from
rifles, and considerably increases the range; and
should it, further trial, be approved, every COM
mon musket, by its adoption, would possess the
protective power and excellent direction al present
only obtained with any degree of certainty by
grooved rifles. II is intended to have number OF
32-pounder solid shot and shells cast on the same
principle, for trial in the marshes.
MARCH 22.-The experiments have been con-
tinued, the range being extended to 300 yards
Previous concluding the firing at 200 yards range,
Colonel Dundas made number Of excellent shots,
striking the target every time, with balls OF the
sug,r-loaf pattern, submitted by Mr.. Lancaster,
jr. These balls we're fired from beautiful rifle OF
French pattern; and, by a very simple appliance,
made fit quite tight in the rife without wadding.
A small groove is cut round the sugar-oaf shaped
ball near the base, and two three worsted threads
tied round and raised beyond the diameter of the
base to the extent required. The long-barrelled
gun used by Mr.. Minesinger contains space for q
chamber at the breech end of the barrel, and he
loads his chambers before he commences firing,
and fires five rounds before he again charges the
FIVE chambers he carries in his pocket. The gun,
consequently, requires no ramrod--a smah piece oi
wood and a stone from the ground being suficien,
for driving home the powder and balls in the cham
ber which is only three inches in length. Each
chamber has projecting nipple on which the per-
cussion cap is placed, and is held securely to the
stock by sliding hinge, and is capable of firing %
rounds per minute.
NoRrH CAnoLrsA.-The election takes place in
August. In the Third district, Barringer not q
candidate; convention to nominate a candidate. In
the Eighth district, Donnel, Wing declines re-
election. James w. Bryan, Wing, OF Craven, and
Mr.. Lane, Democrat, are the candidates In the
First district, no opposition to Clingman, Wing
In the Second district, Caldwell, Wing, has nc
opposition Ninth, Outlaw, Wing, no opposition
Fourth, Sheppard, Wing, no opposition, Seventh
Ash, Democrat, no opposition In the Fifth Con
gressional district the Wings have nominated Hen
Ty r. Nash, and the Democrats Abraham w. Ven
able, for Congress. In the Sixth district two Dem
ocrats, j. r. J. Daniel and Major Clarke are run
ming.