Canon Demo

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

I think back in the day, it took a crew of at least 6 or perhaps 7 to fire a cannon from a warship.  The gentleman in the blue coat described the entire process and went through all the commands, and played two different roles in the firing of this cannon.  One important role, not shown here, was often performed by boys on aboard ship, about the age of 10-12.  These boys were referred to as "powder monkeys" and would run from the cannon back to the ship's magazine and carry a single charge for the cannon.  Once delivered, they'd immediately run back for another charge.  For safety reasons, there was never more than a single powder charge near the cannon.