Note number 5, enemy torpedoes, page 3

TitleNote number 5, enemy torpedoes, page 3
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CollectionsThomas Benton Brooks Papers

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Transcriptioncontact with the fulminate until set in the ground. L is a rectangular piece of board, its ends resting on the ground and plunger to increase the chances of explosion. In place of this board a cap having three arms of iron shown in figure [blank] was in a few instances substituted, stepping on one of the arms having the same effect as on the board. The wooden torpedoes were easily rendered harmless by pouring water into the powder, through a small auger hole bored for the purpose. Over thirty were removed in this way. The third form, of which but three were found, consisted of one large 15 inch Navy shell buried like the small shell first described, but having the metallic explosive apparatus, like the wooden ones above mentioned. At least six torpedoes exploded accidentally producing about twelve casualties.

LocationsFort Wagner (historical), Charleston County, South Carolina, United States(32.7375,-79.87204)

TopicsUnited States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Armed Forces
Artillery operations

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RightsU.S. Government Work Learn More