Civil War Drummond light

[major bill]

The Drummond light was used for signaling but could also observe troop movements at night.


The Drummond light with which the company is provided enables them with the aid of telescopes to distinguish objects in the night many miles distance."...

"The lamp throws out parallel rays of light and it is very brilliant. At the distance of five miles with the aid of a telescope, one can distinguish a man."...

"In case of an engagement, the company is to be stationed behind the troops on their horses and in sight of each other, and, by means of different colored lights and rockets, convey intelligence along the whole line of battle, so that they may know at one point whether they are advancing or retreating, or what they are doing at any other place in the line, almost on the instant of its occurring."

Captain Howland's Company of Engineers, Detroit Free Press, Oct. 12 1861, p. 1, col. 1.

 

[John Hartwell]

A Drummond light is a form of limelight: an intensely bright light produced by aligning streams of oxygen and hydrogen with a sphere of lime (need a chemist to explain it, I can't). Also used in lighthouses and for theatrical stage lighting.

 

[major bill]

I found this description of a signal platform that could be risen and lowered. It was used by Captain Howland of the Holwand's Battle Creek Engineers. A telescoping observation tower? I included the second part to show what kind of other work engineers were expected to perform. I sure hope Captain Howland did not take any thirsty men with him. I know when I was Captain, that if I had done this mission I would have had a few thirsty soldiers looking really sad as I was dumping 53 barrels of whiskey.
"The men are now will practiced in the night signals, and can readily transmit messages from one to ten miles without intervening light. I have also day signals by red and white flags. By having my stations one half mile apart I can send messages almost as rapidly as I can by the lights at night."
My observatory is a beautiful piece of workmanship, constructed under the direction of Lieutenant Preston. It is sixty feet height, and commands the surrounding country. It shuts up like a telescope, and is run up by ropes and pulleys and held steady by guys. There is a platform on top for the observer and the signal apparatus, and is ascended by ladders. It looks like a frail thing to go up on; but it is perfectly safe for those who do not become dizzy in climbing"....
"Last Saturday I visited a distillery eight miles north of here. I took with me twenty-three men, and we emptied out fifty-three barrels of whiskey and other liquors, and destroyed the worm, still and other apparatus. They ground corn, rye and barley by steam, and made whiskey, beer and cider brandy in the establishment. I took with me some of the connections and a valve, so that the engine could not be worked:"
Letter form the Engineer Corps, Tipton, Mo. Dec. 10, 1861, signed E.P.H., Battle Creek Journal, December 20 1861, p. 2, col. 4.

 

[major bill]

Seeing a man at night from 5 miles is impressive.