When was it published?

February 8, 1804 in The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Foreign News February 8, 1804

The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Naval Affairs, Military Campaign

Q: What keywords are associated?

First Consul, Boulogne, Cannon Raft, Artillery Exercise, English Invasion Prep

Washington, District Of Columbia

View full issue View on Library of Congress PDF Page 1

What is this article about?

The First Consul tested heavy cannon on a raft at Boulogne, demonstrating precision firing in rough waters to train artillerymen for operations on England's coast.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

The First Consul, before his departure from Boulogne, went on a raft on which were placed 12 pieces of heavy cannon, so arranged as to be pointed in any direction. The precision and rapidity with which they were discharged, notwithstanding the waves which broke against the pieces, astonished the most experienced engineers. The fire was as well kept up as if it had been on shore, although the cannoneers were up to their knees in water. The object of this exercise was to accustom the conductors of the pieces to this novel manoeuvre, that they might acquire the habit of performing in the water, the many evolutions which they must necessarily perform on the coast of England.

What sub-type of article is it?

Naval Affairs Military Campaign

What keywords are associated?

First Consul Boulogne Cannon Raft Artillery Exercise English Invasion Prep

What entities or persons were involved?

First Consul

Where did it happen?

Boulogne

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Boulogne

Key Persons

First Consul

Outcome

the exercise successfully accustomed the cannoneers to performing evolutions in water for coastal operations.

Event Details

The First Consul, before his departure from Boulogne, went on a raft with 12 pieces of heavy cannon arranged to point in any direction. The precision and rapidity of their discharge, despite waves breaking against the pieces, astonished experienced engineers. The fire was maintained as well as on shore, with cannoneers up to their knees in water. The purpose was to train the conductors to perform necessary evolutions in water for operations on the coast of England.