One of the most sobering things to read is from the collection of letters written home at the time. On National Public Radio, several were read some 4 to 6 months ago - descriptions of the person hearing a thunk next to him, seeing the person standing there with no head, the person behind hit in the chest, the person behind disemboweled, and another wounded or killed.
Perhaps we should start a recommended book list?
One brief overview of cannon construction and history is Cannons, an Introduction to Civil War Artillary by Dean S. Thomas, c 1985, Thomas Publications, 202 South Stratton Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. It has 19 references of suggested reading (I can scan the list & email it if desired). This booklet (72 pages 8-1/2x11) is commonly found at the book counter at many US national parks.
