The wheels of the carriage are of very subtle design. The prolonge is used to loosely attach the gun to the limber, as when firing while slowly retreating, or for other towing jobs.Ī NUMBER ONE CARRIAGE, SHOWN CARRYING A 6-POUNDER Ahead of the pointing rings are two hooks, around which is wound the prolonge, a length of heavy rope with a ring at one end and a toggle at the other. Two pointing rings ahead of the lunette hold a handspike, which provides leverage for aiming the piece.
The trail terminates in an iron ring called a lunette, which is the means by which it is fastened to the limber. On softer ground, the trail tends to dig in, which can cause problems in aiming. The field carriage dissipates the force of recoil by rolling along the ground, and on firm ground can rear back several feet on firing. The back of the stock or trail rests on the ground.
The cheeks support the piece by its trunnions, and in turn rest upon the axle-tree supported by two wheels. The carriage for field artillery consists of two cheeks, bolted together and with the stock. But transport and firing only begin to describe the functions of the carriage this seemingly simple mechanical contrivance, through years of trial and error on the march and on the field of battle, acquired a set of refinements that rivalled those lavished on the Parthenon. In the case of field artillery, whose mobility is critical, the carriage also allows the piece to be easily moved where it is needed. First and foremost, the carriage holds the cannon in place while being fired, and allows the piece to be aimed. The carriage performs a number of functions in the operation of an artillery piece, some of them obvious, some not.
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