You are right, Double D. there is quite a difference between the Widow Blakely and Whistling Dick. The lengthy reinforce, the applied sight mount and the lack of an insert piece between the breeching jaws and the girth of the chase are all very different. Wish I had been quick enough to see that image while it was up. Here is a little history about the “Other” cannon, unfortunately caught up in some scrap drive or heaved into the muddy Mississippi upon capitulation.
Whistling Dick’s most noted Accomplishment from the Book,
The Bugle Blast by E.S.S. Rouse
”On the 26 of May 1863, it was determined to make an attack on the Rebel batteries to the north of Vicksburg and opposite General Steel’s column. The gunboat Cincinnati, Lieutenant Basche, was to co-operate and attempt to silence the water batteries, previous to the assault from the land side. Accordingly, a little after 8:00 A.M., she began dropping down below Young’s Point. When about two miles from Vicksburg, the famous gun, ‘Whistling Dick’, in position just north of the town, opened on her.
At first the aim was too high, and the balls passed over without doing any damage, but as the boat neared the batteries, it became more accurate, as the sound of the passing balls, growing sharper at every shot, clearly indicated.
In order to attack the upper batteries, it became necessary to drop below them, and round-to, with the head up stream. This position was a most unfortunate one, as it exposed the vessel to a raking fire, from one battery in front and another from behind. The first shot which struck her, hit the iron plating, and did no material damage. But the Captain had given orders to push up to within 300 yards, and by the time she had reached that proximity, the shot hit her with fearful accuracy, generally passing directly through her port-holes.
It was discovered that one ball had passed through the boat below the water line, and that the boat was sinking. It was evident that to continue the fight longer, was to throw away the lives of the crew, and orders were given to start up the river as fast as possible. For three quarters of an hour she toiled, crippled, up stream; while the enemy, seeing her condition, redoubled the fury of the cannonading. More than fifty shot struck her before she reached the shore. But Lieutenant Basche refused to allow the colors to be lowered, and she sunk like the Cumberland, with the Stars and Stripes still waving.”
Tracy
