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An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise, 1843 (approximate): Finding Aid

Published in May 2020

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 169
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise
  • Dates: 1843 (approximate)
  • Size: 0.13 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 1 volume of 66 leaves
  • Creator: Marshall, John H.
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: John H. Marshall was an officer in the United States Navy. An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise was written by Lieutenant John H. Marshall in approximately 1843. The volume is likely an abstract of the British Admiralty's 1843 "Instructions for the Exercise and Service of Great Guns on Board Her Majesty's Ships."

Biography of John H. Marshall

John H. Marshall, born in Virginia, was appointed a Midshipman in the United States Navy from Louisiana on May 10, 1820. He was commissioned a Lieutenant on May 17, 1828, and in 1830, was serving aboard U.S.S. Brandywine. By 1844, he was serving at the Boston Navy Yard, and in 1846, he was attached to the Brazil Squadron as Executive Officer of U.S.S. Columbia (Frigate). Marshall was detached from the Columbia in October 1847 and granted a leave of absence. After a period of waiting orders, he reported for duty at the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, and Repairs by 1850. John H. Marshall died on June 1, 1850 at the Naval Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.

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Description of Contents

An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise, comprising 0.13 linear feet of documentation in a single volume of 66 leaves, was written by Lieutenant John H. Marshall in approximately 1843. The volume is likely an abstract of the British Admiralty's 1843 "Instructions for the Exercise and Service of Great Guns on Board Her Majesty's Ships."

The abstract includes sections entitled carronade exercise; mortar exercise; questions at the rocket boat; questions relative to sights; naval cutlass exercise; shew the guards; cutlass exercise; stick practices; musket exercise; field piece exercise; limbering up; dismounting field ordnance; maneuvers of a field battery of four guns; and wooden gun exercise. Tucked into the volume is a brief chronology of Lieutenant John H. Marshall's U.S. Navy career.

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Arrangement

An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise comprises a single volume.

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Access and Use

Access

Patron use restricted to microfilm.

Copyright and Permission

An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise is the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

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Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Accession No. 763.

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Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

This collection also available on microfilm.

Related Archival Material

Official personnel files for Lieutenant John H. Marshall may be available at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

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Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise, MS 169

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

Callahan, Edward William. List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps, from 1775 to 1900. New York: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1901.

United States. Bureau of Naval Personnel. Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1822-1930.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in May 2020.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Gunnery
  • Marshall, John H.
  • Naval gunnery
  • Ordnance, Naval -- Great Britain

Genre Terms

  • Manuscripts
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Contents List

Box 1 Folder 1

An Abstract of the Great Gun Exercise, 1843 (approximate)

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