Iron embrasure casing, drawings and description

TitleIron embrasure casing, drawings and description
This resource is part of a series 

CreatorLorigan

CollectionsThomas Benton Brooks Papers

Descriptive InformationDescription and drawings by Lorigan representing an appliance or casing to Embrasures. Lorigan writes that during the Siege of Forts Sumter, Wagner and Gregg on Morris Island SC, experience had shown that hides and similar coverings were insufficient to protect the work, and a Boiler plate casing was first suggested and tried with complete success, by Major T. B. Brooks.

Transcription[document was edited; contains crossed-out sentences and added notes, some illegible] The annexed drawings represent an appliance or casing to Embrasures to prevent the translation or burning of material in [????] and Parapets, occasioned by the cone of blast from a piece in Battery at the time of discharge. During the Siege of Forts Sumter, Wagner and Gregg on Morris Island S. C. [South Carolina] experience had shown that hides and similar coverings were insufficient to protect the work, and a Boiler plate casing was first suggested and tried with complete success, by Major T. B. Brooks A. D. C. and Asst. [Assistant] Engnr. [Engineer] Dept [Department] of the South. The Boiler [Trow?] used in their constructions was taken from the wreck of the Steamer "Ruby", thickness No. 3 Birmingham Wire Gauge weighing 10.4 lbs per square foot. A Hanging Door closes the mouth of the embrasure, and is proof against Rifle bullets, or musketry. In this door is cut a slot or opening protected by another smaller door suspended on a tightening screw, so as to fall or be held up at pleasure, for the double purpose of allowing the Rammer or Sponge staff to pass through when loading, and for sighting to the object. A thin scantling of hard wood, or a rod of iron is made fast on one side of the door, which acts as a lever to raise the door immediately before fire is delivered. The swing bar (one inch round iron) upon which the hinges of the door are hung has a collar at each end to enable the cheeks of the casing

LocationsCharleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, United States(32.77657,-79.93092)

TopicsSouth Carolina--History
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Artillery operations
Fort Sumter National Monument (Agency : U.S.)

Physical Descriptions

Contributing Institutions

Identifiers

RightsU.S. Government Work Learn More