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I think, I rediscovered the lost history on the cannon cemented in the ground in M___. I feel it may very well be from the Rev. War, American? The gun was donated by PT Barnum in the late 1800's and was said to be referred as not "Swamp Angel" but Swamp Angels! Your gonna find this interest Sir! Early M___ residents were told by Barnum the gun was on Commodore Perry's ship durring the 1812 War. This is the documented story in 1976! So, based on this I began my reaserch on Perry. I discovered the Great Lakes sea battle is recognized as one of the most horrific American Naval Sea battles to ever take place with ships in that era! The Ship he Commanded is called the Lawrence and he had 6 or so vessels in his fleet. The ship was named after his friend Navy Captain Lawrence who died in a sea battle commanding a Frigate prior! Do you know where the big Parrot Gun " Swamp Angel" was manufactured? It was manufactured in Lawrence County, Ohio. From what I read there were a couple parrot guns named "Swamp angel" at the same time! The County was named after Captain Lawrence, not sure if he founded the town, or if it is in honor of the ship? I think the ship! Perry, recruited 200 or so men for his fleet that he built in Ohio. A large number of these men never even saw a square rigger before, not to say any ever sailed! Ohio provided many men from PA and Kentucky as soldiers fore the land campaign. Now, a battle had happened at a place called French town on the River Raisin, swamp basin. This was the first time in history the British allowed Indians to kill prisoners of war who surrendered, men women and children! Many of these men were from Kentucky and PA. Perry, recruited 70 or so of the remaining Kentucky militia as Marine sharp shooters and for them to board enemy ships at close quarters. This battle is so well documented and horrific! Perry stood on the deck of his shattered and splintered vessel, noticing a officer trying to load and fire a gun by himself. The man turned to Perry and asked him for more men to help him on this gun station. The mans only concern calmly was to fire the gun. It would not go off! Perry asked what he was doing! The man turned to him and calmly ask for more men to help him. At that point he was struck by a cannon ball. Perry mentioned he never say anyone braver! He was shocked at this mans heroism. After the battle was over about 116 men died in Perry's fleet of six vessels. Perry had just over 100 men on the Lawrence. Only 7-9 men survived on his ship the Lawrence. His whole crew was dead! Hes recognized for the famous quote "We Saw Our Enemy and They Are Ours" Perry won the battle and its recorded that so much smoke covered the area. The Americans from the other vessels assisted Perry. All the dead from the ship Lawrence were thrown over board. many of the poor souls bodies washed ashore. They washed ashore on the edge and in the swamps! Thus the name for the lost souls came about! The "Swamp Angels" The Gun in M----- may just be the same gun documented in the story! Why, the heck would PT. Barnum bring this historic gun that symbolizes the "Swamp Angels"from Ohio and leave it in M-----d? I can answer that question! M----- is the 5th-6th oldest English Settled Colony and township. The first settlers that settled OHIO are from M-----! The Abolitionist West Ward movement into Ohio, started in M----. It all makes perfect sense in regards to respecting your many relatives in Ohio who died not just in the sea battle, but the many land battles tied to this event! One final note: The book I found talks about how the cannons at Fort Detroit were Rev. war cannons captured at Ft. Bennington. The the British captured the fort and claimed the 6 of the bronze guns. Then in another battle involving Perry, the guns were recaptured. So, the M----, gun can be an authenic Rev. War gun!. Call me please and tell me what you think!
