Feast of the Hunters Moon cannon

[IndianaDean]

I went to the Feast of the Hunters Moon in Lafayette, Indiana today. It's an annual recreation of a French/English/Colonial/Indian trading camp that took place in the 1700s when there was a French fort on the Wabash River.
I go every year, but this year I got there in time to see the artillery demonstration.
They had a 13 pound cannon, and 2.5 inch Irish howitzer, and a 5 inch King howitzer. (I may have those sizes reversed)
Those were their names, they were all Colonial representatives. I actually listened to them fire without covering my ears. I could really tell the difference in the 3 guns. The cannon had a flat sound, while the howitzers both had a rich boom.
After they all fired simultaneously at one point, I mentioned to someone nearby: Now imagine soldiers having to charge directly into that fire.
I don't see how they were able to do it, even being forced.
At the end of the day I was tired, but the closing ceremonies, with the Scottish soldiers marching to bagpipes, Americans and French marching out to fife and drums, really sparked me and gave me energy to follow along with them, so I can see how those would affect and encourage marching troops back then.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Arggggghhhh! It was too early. I'm going to be in Indianapolis in October for Conner Prairie's GunMakers' Workshop (taking engraving & hearth cooking - got conned into the latter because we get to eat everything we cook. Heck, I don't see it as any different from cooking over a camp fire). Would love a side trip to see these things, but vacation approval doesn't permit it and I have to be back to work.

 

[Iggy]

After they all fired simultaneously at one point, I mentioned to someone nearby: Now imagine soldiers having to charge directly into that fire.
I don't see how they were able to do it, even being forced

Imagine Pickett's boy marching over a mile into the face of over 200 of them..

 

[4v50 Gary]

Imagine the British at Bunker (Breed's) Hill. They faced the same sheet of flame and were driven back several times before their last charge carried the American entrenchments.

 

[IndianaDean]

The Feast always coincides with the first new moon of October. Sorry you couldn't make it.

And, to another response, I thought of Pickett's charge too.
I just finished reading a book about WWI. I don't see how those millions kept going into those trenches either.
Then again, there were several mutinies in the ranks during WWI.

 

[Mark whiz]

Gary,

There is a recreation south of Wabash this next weekend on a battle of 1812 in that area Missisinewa I believe it is. It's the biggest 1812 re-creation in the country.........................comes well recommended from my girlfriend who went last year.....................she loves cannon too now.

Here's a link to the info: Missisinewa

 

[IndianaDean]

As of yet I have never made it to Mississinewa. I may try to go this weekend.