dogs at rest
Must Have Slipped Through the Blockade
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch October 19, 1861:
Steel rifled Cannon.
–We saw yesterday, near the Central railroad depot, awaiting transportation, two steel 12-pounders, rifled. The mark on each shows where they came from–“Blakely’s Patent — Fawcett, Preston & Co., makers — Liverpool, 1861.” These little dogs of war very recently arrived on this continent.
Captain Alexander Blakely RA has a ton of information about the Irish-born artillerist and inventor.
Robinson’s Battery illustrates the variety of Blakely Rifles. You can also a good illustration of the identification markings that the Daily Dispatched mentioned. The only difference is the year.
Gettin’ North
An illustration published Harper’s Weekly 150 years ago today:
Alabamians headed to the front
