I have, indeed, conceived it the more incumbent upon me to prepare such a document for the use of the Rocket Corps, with as much expedition as possible, that nothing might be wanting on my part towards its completion, having been induced to decline the offer graciously made me of commanding it, with rank in the Regiment of Artillery; a decision, in which I trust I have sufficiently proved myself to have been actuated by the most sincere desire of manifesting my attachment to that Regiment; as, however flattering the offer, it was sufficient gratification to me to have brought my labours to a consummation, which enabled me to leave the undivided benefit of this new Corps in their possession: and to have succeeded in putting into their hands a weapon, which it is my greatest pride to have already seen adding to their laurels, in the Plains of Leipsic, and on the Banks of the Adour; a weapon, which has so early given them pledges of future and greater successes, and which I hope the following pages will evince to have already been brought to a state of organization and perfection, at least commensurate with its age. I will hope, also, that the further progress and extension of the powers of the Rocket System will be such as not to discredit the discernment of the enlightened Prince, who first patronized it, or that of his Lordship, the Master General, by whose protection it is now placed on a permanent establishment. It is almost needless to add, that this volume is intended only for the use and instruction of such as it may concern, and not in any way for publication. WILLIAM CONGREVE. TABLE OF CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. General Instructions. Formation of a Rocket Troop. PLATE 1.-- The Equipment of a Rocket Trooper. PLATE 2.-- The Equipment of a Rocket Ammunition Horse. PLATE 3.-- Fig. 1.--A Sub-division of Rocket Cavalry, in Line of March. Fig. 2.--A Sub-division of Rocket Cavalry, in Action. PLATE 4.-- Fig. 1.--Rocket Cars, in Line of March. Fig. 2.--Rocket Cars, in Action. PLATE 5.-- Fig. 1.--Rocket Infantry, in Line of March. Fig. 2.--Rocket Infantry, in Action. PLATE 6.-- Fig. 1.--The Conveyance of the Apparatus and Rocket Ammunition for Bombardment. Fig. 2.--The Firing of Rockets, in Bombardment. PLATE 7.-- Fig. 1, and 2.--The Projecting of Rockets from different Descriptions of Earth Works, in Bombardment. PLATE 8.-- Fig. 1.--A Rocket Ambuscade. Fig. 2.--The Use of Rockets for the Defence of a Post. PLATE 9.-- Fig. 1.--The Use of Rockets, in the Attack of a Fortress. Fig. 2.--The Use of Rockets, in the Defense of a Fortress. PLATE 10.--Fig. 1.--A Repulse of Cavalry by Infantry, with Rockets. Fig. 2.--Preparation for storming, by Means of Rockets. PLATE 11.--The Throwing of Rockets from Men of War’s Boats.