NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
November and December 1863
From The Missouri Democrat, Thursday, December 3, 1863.
How the Three-Hundred-Pounder Parrotts are Worked.
A correspondent on Morris Island writes:
As there is no manual laid down for the 300-pounder Parrott, I subjoin that in use. The piece is on its carriage and “from battery,” implements, no two to be in the same place and no one in its proper place. The instructor gives the command “load her up!” At this command the gunner says, “Some of you fellers bring a shell,” and “John, bring a cartridge.” Some of the “fellers” take a small hand-barrow and bring a shell. Gunner says, “Stick in that powder.” “Now, boys, hold on till I get a fuse.” “Stick it in.” All hands by hard heaving get the shell to the embrasure. Gunner says, “Swab her out.” She is swabbed out. “Now, heave and haul, and in it goes.” It goes in accordingly. “Now, ram it down.” It is rammed down. “Now, run her in.” She is run in. “Screw down the recoil bands.” They are screwed down. Gunner aims. “Slew her round a little.” “All right!” “Where’s that primer?” “Now, git out of the way everybody.” All go to windward, and No. 3 steps round a corner, so as not to be hit if the gun bursts. Gunner says, “Blaze away!” She blazes away. Remark of the gunner on returning to the gun: “How are you, Sumter?” Repeat.
