Cannon & fleece?

[16gauge]

Hi all;
I was watchingLast of the Mohicans last night (with Daniel Day Lewis) and noticed something I hadn't noticed before. During the seige of Ft. William Henry, after firing thier cannons, the French would through what looked like a sheep skin over the back half of the cannon. Is this something that Hollywierd made up, or did they actually do this back then, and if so, what was the rational behind it? Thanks in advance.

 

[Larry Pletcher]

I saw that too and think that they wanted to prevent ait from entering the touch hole and causing a glowing ember. Someone may know if CW gun crews used a cover(thumb stall?) for the same reason.

Regards,
Pletch