Burning Powder Magazine

Here we see the work crew trying to dislodge a "RedHot" cannonball that has found it's way into the roof of the powder magazine.

"RedHot" cannonballs were used to start fires in the wooden forts or ships. Heated shot used to bombard Fort George was a very delicate operation for the gunners of the American Artillery. Cannon balls were put into a furnace until they became red hot at which time the ammunition handlers would carry them in an iron cradle to the gun. The cartridge of powder was rammed home and then a wad well soaked in water, was inserted. The glowing ball was then rammed in. Another well soaked wad topped it off, and the gun was fired quickly so the ball would not burn through the first wad blowing up the gun.