The Library of Congress

 

What Do You See?

Right Section

Answers to Questions

1. What are the round objects?

   Cannon balls (solid shot - solid metal) or mortar shells (hollow with gunpowder inside).

2. Why are they stacked in that manner?

   For ease in handling. If the cannon ball weighs over 200 pounds, putting one on top allows for less lifting.

3. What is the man in suspenders holding in his left hand?

   Tongs.

4. What is the function of that object?

   Tongs are used for lifting the shells. This would be a two person task. The shells would have indentations to ease in lifting.

5. Look at the hat worn by the man in the right side of the picture. Are any other men in the whole picture wearing a hat like his?

   This hat is an official uniform (issued) hat. Four other men (all on the right side of the picture) may be wearing similar hats.

Click here to see a larger view of the whole picture.