Notes |
This mortar was sent by Isaac J. Wister to the Library Company in 1864. His accompanying letter [7431.F.47] reads: Head Quarters,
U. S. Army Forces, Yorktown Va., February 16, 1864. To the President and Managers of the Library Company of Philadelphia.
Gentlemen, I have the honor to present to the Library Company, one thirteen inch mortar shell, just examined by a fatigue
party from the terreplein of old Fort Yorktown - which from its position must have been fired from the right batteries of
Gen'l Washington's second parallel during the siege by the Allies in October, 1781. The fuze has entirely decayed, but the
charge remains. It has been effectively drowned and is believed to be inexplosive."
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