It is a common error amongst military men and others not well versed in the use of Artillery, to suppose that a field gun is intended for the purpose of making breaches in walls.
The fallacy of this idea can be seen at once by making an examination of the projectiles, which will be found to contain only the quantity of powder which you could hold in the palm of your hand. The shells contain 10 ounces, the shrapnel 3, the cannister a little more than 2. Thus it may be readily seen that the guns used by the 25th Battery are not such destructive engines of war after all, but to those who would doubt their effectiveness, we should simply say: "Go and witness them in action."
Enough has been said to give the reader a correct idea of what a "Mountain Battery" is, with the history of what is known as the 25th Battery of Field Artillery, and thereby the object of the writer has been accomplished.
James Edgar Allen.
"THE MOUNTAIN BATTERY."
(Dedicated to Captain W. S. McNair and command.)
The stout-hearted warriors who have fallen in battle
In defence of their country, its freedom to save,
Whose memory shall live and will ne'er be forgotten
Though long have they mouldered to dust in their graves,
Could they but look back from their graves of cold slumber,
Where in silence they are sleeping long ages away,
And see their successors, brave, bold, and undaunted,
Who have fought the proud Moros on Mindanao's plains.
For foremost in the ranks of victorious honor,
Are the heroes who founded the illustrious name
Of the 25th Battery, and one may well ponder,
On the name of its Commander, with world renown fame.
He has led with envious credit and valor,
Over many mountain trails, through swamp and ravines,
That same immortal "Battery," whose presence in battle
Made the wild Moros tremble, like cowards in fear.