Revolutionary War 2-pouder cannonball, recovered at Mount Independence Vermont (ON HOLD,MR)

This is another early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of Revolutionary War artillery. Being offered is a Revolutionary War 2-pounder solid-shot cannonball. It has a diameter of 2 inches and weighs 1 pound. During the Revolution both sides made extensive use of artillery, along with many 2-pounder cannons (see pictures). This cannonball was recovered many years ago at Mount Independence, Vermont.

Mount Independence on Lake Champlain in Orwell, Vermont, was the site of extensive fortifications built during the Revolutionary War by the American army to stop a British invasion. Construction began in July 1776, following the American defeat in Canada, and continued through the winter and spring of 1777.

With far fewer men than the year before, the Americans did not have the troops to man a position at Mount Independence. Soon the British were bombarding the Americans at their leisure. Worse yet, they could see every move the Americans made.

On July 5, after debating the options, a council of officers agreed to retreat and in the first hours of the morning of July 6 the American army abandoned Mount Independence, leaving the majority of the artillery and supplies. The German Prinz Friedrich and British 62nd regiments occupied the posts while the rest of Burgoyne’s army pushed on in pursuit of the fleeing American forces.

The British and Americans both used the 2-pounder small light weight cannons because they were lighter and could be moved quickly by the artillerists. The ball comes in the acrylic display case pictured. There are very few artifacts recovered from Mount Independence.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been hard to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price.