Graphic Warning: Effects of Civil War Canister

Cumpston1862

First Sergeant
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Sep 10, 2013
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The attached picture is believed to be the skull of an African-American Federal soldier killed in South Carolina during the siege for Charleston. This ghastly wound was found when his remains were uncovered during reburial operations after the war ended.

Effects of a Canister Ball on a Soldier in the 54th Mass. Infantry.jpg
 
he looks like he ate alot of corn meal hes teeth are so worn and rounded and maybe an older man, ya he went fast, I wonder what made them keep his skull.
 
he looks like he ate alot of corn meal hes teeth are so worn and rounded and maybe an older man, ya he went fast, I wonder what made them keep his skull.

After the war ended there were Federal soldiers buried pell mell all over the south. Many of them were buried quite hastily and without much care of sanitary considerations. So the government for many years after the war transferred the bodies to national cemeteries. Some unique wounds were kept for study and probably some unscrupulous souveniring occurred as well. Which one happened here in this case I don't know.
 
The 54th Massachusetts endured heavy canister fire when attacking Fort Wagner. They were taking fire from 2 32-pounder Howitzers, a 42-pounder Carronade, 2 8-inch shell guns, and 3 32-pounder Carronades. The 32-pounder Howitzers were firing double canister, each canister round packed with about 36 shot. The larger guns firing shells, canister, and possibly even grapeshot since some of the larger guns positioned in coastal batteries were issued grapeshot, unlike field batteries.
 
I have an artifact in my collection given to me years ago from a old landlord of mine, that is simular to the Canister Shot and after having it researched found out is is a Grapeshot, just one ball has some weight to it, imagine a bag full of them. And the ball I have has been a topic of dicussion when I have company over and we all agree that these balls Rain's Death on anybody that was unfortunate enough to be in front of or under them (depending on the position of the canon) when it the packet blew !!!
 
he looks like he ate alot of corn meal hes teeth are so worn and rounded and maybe an older man, ya he went fast, I wonder what made them keep his skull.

The Grist mill of that time used a stone, to grind the corn. It seems to me that some of the grit from the stone cause his teeth to wear. That is a mighty big hole in his head! It is a wonder that it didn't come out the other side!
 
I would much rather be hit with ammunition from today than yesteryear. Especially a .58 cal Minie ball. YIKES!!!!:eek::eek::eek:

The Minie ball was a nasty Bullet. Shelby Foote Explained that Modern Bullets, when they hit the bone, It would break the bone....The Minie Ball would hit the bone and would shatter, If I remember right.
 
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