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1957.159

ID Number: 1957.159
Category: T&E For Science & Technology
Sub-category: armament T&E - ammunition
Item Name: cannonball
Measurements: 25cm diameter
Description: iron; 3.75lbs.
History: Found beneath basement floor in East side of Francois Baby House by workmen in 1948. Round Shot: solid cast -iron round shot (cannon ball). A 24 pound ball could penetrate 4.5 feet of solid oak at a range of 100 yards. It was often used for knocking out enemy gun batteries, and breaching enemy fortifications. When heated to a cherry red, round shot became hot shot. This was done in hopes of setting fire to whatever it hit (Douglas 1963). During the bombardment of Detroit in August of 1812, "a ball came bounding over the fort wall, dealing death in its passage. A group standing at the door of one of the officer's quarters were almost annihilated…. Many women and children were in the house where the officers were slain… Several of [the women] were bespattered with blood…" (Lossing 1868).
Collection Name: Museum Windsor
Subject (Fre): Y

Subjects

Detroit (Mich.) place

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