There are ports and openings for crossbows and lances and at the sides there is provided felt leather to protect against fire, while (on the topmost deck) there are trebuchets for hurling stones, set up (in appropriate places).
forecastle | Forecastle |
At 7 am, having arrived within gun shot of the French ship, the Rainbow commenced firing 32-pounder chase guns from the forecastle which were returned by the frigate.
A large cask of un-slaked lime was found open on Chesapeake's forecastle, and another bag of lime was discovered in the fore-top.
Following a shellburst which mortally wounded the first sponger, who dropped the sponge out of the forecastle port, Molloy jumped out of the port to the forecastle, recovered the sponge and sponged and loaded the gun for the remainder of the action from his exposed position, despite the extreme danger to his person from the raking fire of enemy musketry.
On the Smithsonian Folkways FW03569 1961 recording, "Bunkhouse and Forecastle Songs of the Northwest," Stanley G. Triggs sings a song called "The Kettle Valley Line" while accompanying himself on the mandolin.
Freeboard was increased in the Northamptons by adopting a high forecastle, which was extended aft in the last three for use as flagships.
Seven of Pontoosucs sailors received the Medal of Honor for their actions during this campaign: Cabin Boy John Anglin, Coxswain Asa Betham, Boatswain's Mate Robert M. Blair, Captain of the Forecastle John P. Erickson, Landsman George W. McWilliams, Chief Quartermaster James W. Verney, and Sailmaker's Mate Anthony Williams.