Collection Item Record

DescriptionThis artifact consists of a 41-pound (18.6kg), 8-in (20.3cm) diameter hollow cast iron sphere with 1in (2.5cm) thick walls. A slightly conical hole allows access to the powder cavity; it measures 1¼in (3.1cm) diameter at the top and 1⅛in (2.6cm) at the bottom. A portion of the wooden plug fuse was found in this hole. The fuse is made of a tapered piece of wood with a ⅜in (.95cm) hole bored through its 2in (5cm) length. This cavity would have been filled with a mixture of gunpowder, saltpeter, and alcohol that acted as the ignition mechanism for the large powder charge (approximately 2½ lbs [1.1kg]) located in the shell. At first, the presence of the 8-inch shell was perplexing. The Radeau Thunderer carried 8-Inch Howitzers, but would be unable to fire the shells from a distance, nor would they fire exploding rounds over the heads of the British gunboats. However, upon further research it was discovered that there were two British gunboats carrying 8-Inch Howitzers. These were the Firebrand and the Tartar. According to the British order of battle for the gunboats, the Firebrand was positioned in the Right Division and the Tartar was positioned in the Left Division. Since this shell was located along the Eastern end of the American line, it can be surmised that the British gunboat Firebrand commanded by Lieut. Dysart of the Royal Artillery was the boat that fired this shell.