FL464496

446

way to damage the enemy, sometimes directly at them, striking the ground first, as
described; sometimes it is thrown so as to skim horisontally [horizontally] along close to the ground,
or high in the air to take its chance at a venture"

War Boomerings made of malleable iron of from three to ten pounds weight, and
discharged out of a short field piece of Artillery of large calibre, would have a terrific
effect on the ranks of an enemy. The cartridge would require to have a sole
of iron, or other proper wadding run down close to it previous to being charged with
Boomerings. There would be no "dodging" these fearful iron war swords
flying through the air____   A letter from the Cremea says "The men
who are constantly at the batteries become so accustomed to the sound of shot,
that they know in what direction they are coming, and act accordingly__ It is
curious to watch how utterly indifferent some of them apparently become, though their
lives may pay the forfeit the next minute __ I have seen more "dodging" from
a cricket ball, than you may see here any day from heavy round shot with twenty
lives in their power if they happen to come in the right direction." Masses of troops exposed
to a park of Artillery discharging Boomerings, might receive more injury at a greater range, than with grape
or Canister shot, and be used with effect in positions where these would not. They would make havoc
against a troop of Cavalry, as the war Boomering strikes with its horns against the ground, & rebounds apparently
with greater violence & strikes at random some distant object, wounding severely with its sharpened extremeties. Superior
numbers would be thinned & reduced, & be of less advantage to an enemy, when exposed to a fire with
this abominable missile, it would spread terror & consternation in the ranks of the enemy.