Lt.Col. Theodore T.S. Laidley (Watertown Commanding Officer, April 11, 1871 to November 28, 1882) is shown with President Lincoln like outfit as he perches on the Rodman gun at Fort Monroe, Virginia sometime between 1868-1870.Laidley, assisted by Arsenal mechanic Alanson T. Brewer, is credited with devising the various maneuvering implements for handling the Rodman guns and carriages, especially the "Laidley Gun Lift." Civilians and soldiers also in the picture. The total length of the gun was 190 inches and it weighed 49,100 pounds. It was usually loaded with 35 pounds of large-grain powder to project the shells weighing 305-335 pounds. It was possible, using 40 pounds of powder at 39 degrees, to attain a shooting range of considerably beyond four miles.
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