504
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
gun is readily repaired on the field, by the possession of a common screw driver alone- as the different parts are now made in mass and afterwards put together.- This elicits my fifth objection, to the improved piece (so called) of Mr Colts and all others of the like discription, which is the length of time required in loading. -unless upon the principle that the discharge, of a certain 'number of rounds (with which the sol- dier. is duly provided previous to action) should annihilate the enemy entirely; for after the discharge of his cylinders he presents a complete and positive target for his opponent.- A sixth objection is the construction of the lock and springs.- the Rifle is cocked by forcing back a spring from underneath the stock. -reaching some distance behind the revolving cylinders (any other, so far as yet known, would be impracticable except such as here- inafter described in the Carbine) this connects with the springs placed in the parts of the stock above, and are three in number.- approaching somewhat to the action of the German hair trigger.- the hammer strikes the cap with a great sweep, and decreased force in consequence of want of power in the springs.- this might prob- ably be obviated.- but the whole formation seems· to me, to be too complicated for use in the field. The Carbine and pistol are made witlwut, the lower spring referred to above, but the springs in the stock are made in the same man- ner as that of the Rifle, an extensive sweep is necessary to throw the cock sufficiently back, as if not so thrown, it would be in the way of the bead at the muzzel, thus, thrown back forming a back sight. but the whole acting by such springs as before mentioned, and objectionable, from their want of power, and their intricacy. The fire of the Rifle and carbine at the distance of one hundred Yards was rather scattering, but effective- the carbine was, upon the first trial, intentionally overcharged and performed well, I think it a better arm than the Rifle, being more simplified, and, from what cause I cannot divine, having fired with more accuracy.- Mr Fuller is in possession of a letter from an officer of the army of the United States, in which he approves the Rifle, so far as he had an oppor- tunity of trying it- but the carbine was not then finished.- I can readily conceive that a few hundreds of the carbines in our arsenal for the use of officers, or of picked cool veterans of the regu- lars, might some times be useful for flanks or light service, but as an issue for defence or in the hands of raw troops or even the posses- sion of any considerable number would be most prejudicial to the service- I _prefer the flint and steel decidedly for the ar:gi of the Soldiery.- Permit me now most respectfully to call Your attention to another mode of warfare, which has been for some time under the considera- tion of this Department- and to be used, if practicable against the Indians.-which is the employment of the congreve rocket, which can be thrown immediately amongst them if found in a body - excite terror and probable confusion if within their vision- and probably render them victims to the previous arrangem(:)nt of the commanding officer; one anecdot[e] is still vividly in the recollec-
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