A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer / Comprising ancient and modern military technical terms, historical accounts of all North American Indians, as well as ancient warlike tribes; also notices of battles from the earliest period to the present time, with a concise explanation of terms used in heraldry and the offices thereof. The work also gives valuable geographical information. Compiled from the best authorities of all nations. With an appendix containing the Articles of war, etc.

by Thomas Wilhelm

5. The Dulle-Griete of Ghent, wrought iron, A.D. 1430; bore 25 inches; stone ball, 700 pounds.

6. The Dhool-Dhanee, bronze gun of Agra, India; bore 23.2 inches; stone balls, 520 pounds.

7. Mons Meg of Edinburgh; wrought iron, A.D. 1455; bore 20 inches; stone ball, 400 pounds.

8. Rodman Gun, American, 1863; cast iron; bore 20 inches, weight 117,000 pounds; cast-iron solid shot weighing 1080 pounds.

The most powerful cannon the world has ever seen have been made within the present decade (1870-80). They are rifles.

The 100-ton [Armstrong guns] sold to Italy to arm the “Duilio” and “Dandolo”; bore 17 inches, weight of oblong shot of chilled iron 2000 pounds, charge of [Fossano powder] 552 pounds. [Muzzle-loading].

The 80-ton [Woolwich guns] made to arm the “Inflexible”; bore 16 inches, weight of shot 1700 pounds, charge of [cubical powder] 440 pounds. [Muzzle-loading].

The 72-ton [Krupp guns]; bore 15.75 inches, weight of steel shot 1700 pounds, charge of [prismatic powder] 452 pounds. Guns all steel. [Breech-loading].

Cannonade. The act of discharging shot or shells from cannon for the purpose of destroying an army, or battering a town, ship, or fort; usually applied to an attack of some continuance.

Cannon-ball. A ball usually made of cast iron, to be thrown from cannon.