Whitworth Pattern I, Sub-pattern II
Notice the excellent British workmanship. Although of British origin, this
specimen is fitted with a Confederate copper time fuze plug. Both Federal and Confederate
forces used the 12-pounder (2.75-inch caliber) Whitworth projectile, although the majority
were fired by the Confederates. The moral of Federal troops, when facing Whitworth cannon,
was greatly affected as evidence by the following statement made by Abbot in his book
Siege
Artillery in the Campaigns Against Richmond, he states on page 105 "These
projectiles were largely used by the confederates on the lines of Petersburg, where they
inspired dread among our men from their long range and horrid sound." The 12-pounder
(2.75-inch caliber) Whitworth rifle firing a solid shot projectile with a propellant
charge of 1.75 pounds at 35 degrees elevation had a maximum range of 10,000 yards.
For information about Sir Joseph Whitworth click
here.
