Obscure Artillery of the American Civil War

"Water Batteries"  You've heard of them, notably at Forts Henry and Donelson, well, many people are less aware of their existence at the Battle of Antietam, and the park has recently been fortunate enough to have acquired a fully-restored, and original to the battle, twelve-pounder "drinking fountain gun".

Used to quench the thirst of artillerymen in the heat of battle, these water batteries never really caught on as they were very temperamental in adjustment and tuning, as often as not delivering merely the slightest trickle...

or overshooting the mouth or canteen of the parched gunner entirely!

 (click on pic for a larger view)

Nonetheless, we are happy to have such a rare piece, and I am happy to share my vast artillery expertise with all of you.

Pulling your leg, just north of Sharpsburg,

Ranger Mannie