Posted on 09/24/2010 10:31:29 AM PDT by BradtotheBone
SAN ANTONIO — A cannon thought to have been cast in Mexico and possibly used by the Texan army during the 1836 Alamo battle has taken its place at the historic mission.
If its presumed link to the Alamo is proven, it would be the only known bronze Spanish cannon used by defenders that has been recovered, the San Antonio Express-News reported Friday.
As was the case with other cannons seized and disabled by Mexican troops after the famous 1836 battle, the cannon's cascabel and trunnions, which are used to pivot and aim the weapon, have been broken off.
"It's got the exact same damage as the other guns," said Alamo historian Bruce Winders.
Researchers believe the cannon, which recently went on display at the Alamo, may have been given by the Samuel Maverick family to a Philadelphia family named French after the Civil War. The Mavericks had reported finding 13 cannons near the Alamo site in 1852.
"We know the cannon was sent to Philadelphia as payment for a debt," said Jan DeVault, president of the Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground, which owns the cannon.
For many years, it was displayed on the lawn of Howard B. French's country estate in Pennsylvania.
Houston businessman J.P. Bryan bought it from a collector in 1986. It was resold to John McRae of Dallas. McRae's daughter in 2008 donated it to DeVault's group, which had it restored at Texas A&M University's Conservation Research Laboratory.
The San Jacinto group plans to keep the cannon "on permanent loan" at the Alamo, as long as it's kept indoors and safe from visitors, said DeVault.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Was it stored in the basement?
“...and possibly used by the Texan army...”
Something about the words ‘Texan Army’ just make me feel really happy.
All right! Another reason to go to the Alamo for the hundreth time. At least. Seriously, can’t get enough of that place.
Time for some W bashing. It’s a good thing he’s not governor. He’d give it back to Mexico like he gave the sword. He’s probably call them and say “Come and take it.”
My brother moved to San Antone a few years ago, we are going in the spring, can you go inside the Alamo?
/johnny
Appears to show compressed air [scuba tanks] under the gun to simulate firing during filming. As well as what appears to be wires for the solenoid valve.
If you are going to visit San Antonio, I suggest you block out a couple of days for sight seeing, and leave time for the adults to spend a couple of evenings on the riverwalk. There's a great Irish pub on the riverwalk. Make sure you have someone available to drive, or stay at one of the B&Bs nearby.
/johnny
/johnny
Wayne gives a great speech about "the republic".
It’s a very solemn place. Men are required to remove their hats and you’re asked to speak in hushed tones. Bottom line is it’s a church and a spot where men died.
Right out front, on the right if you’re facing the building, is where Crockett’s body was found. Ms. Dickinson later wrote that she walked passed it and noticed the coon skin hat. The Long Barracks is still there and that’s where Bowie died. Travis was killed in the first few minutes of the first attack. I think that spot is where a bank now stands.
It’s a wonderful place to visit. I’ve been more times than I can remember and would love to go again. Probably will.
Maybe we’ll see it soon on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars. Love that show
Here in Houston, Billy Gibbons used to tell the story of visiting the Alamo. He would claim a ‘tear cam to his eye’ - Dusty Hill would counte that he actually cut his finger opening a can of beer.
Look like Actylene or Mapp gas cyl.
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Indeed! The gun doesn't seem to be mounted on its trunnions (which appear to be exposed behind the axle). I wasn't aware of any mounting scheme that strapped the barrel directly to the carriage axle, either...
I'm no muzzleloading artillery expert, but that appears to be quite a movie kludge"...
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