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Story
November 7, 1861
The Nevada Democrat
Nevada City, Nevada County, California
What is this article about?
During the capture of Fort Hatteras, a Federal shell pierced the rebels' powder magazine but failed to explode due to a forgotten safety cap, narrowly averting the destruction of the fort and saving the garrison from annihilation.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Narrow Escape.
After the capture of Fort Hatteras, one of the shells from a Federal vessel was found to have pierced the rebels' powder magazine, without bursting.
On examination it appeared that the gunner, whose duty it was, had forgotten to tear off a small leather cap, ordinarily put on for safety. This was the only shell that penetrated the magazine, and the only one thrown that did not explode. Had the cap been removed, the fortification would have been blown up, and not a handful of the rebel garrison would have been left alive to be captured as prisoners.
After the capture of Fort Hatteras, one of the shells from a Federal vessel was found to have pierced the rebels' powder magazine, without bursting.
On examination it appeared that the gunner, whose duty it was, had forgotten to tear off a small leather cap, ordinarily put on for safety. This was the only shell that penetrated the magazine, and the only one thrown that did not explode. Had the cap been removed, the fortification would have been blown up, and not a handful of the rebel garrison would have been left alive to be captured as prisoners.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Extraordinary Event
Survival
What themes does it cover?
Fate Providence
Survival
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Narrow Escape
Fort Hatteras
Powder Magazine
Shell Explosion
Civil War
Federal Vessel
Rebel Garrison
Where did it happen?
Fort Hatteras
Story Details
Location
Fort Hatteras
Story Details
A Federal shell pierced the rebels' powder magazine at Fort Hatteras without exploding because the gunner forgot to remove a safety cap, preventing a catastrophic blast that would have killed the garrison.