Gen. Edward Wellman Serrell - 04502
“I think a gun weighing not over ten thousand pounds can be drawn across the marsh on skids framed together to slip on the mud, similar to those used by General Bonaparte for crossing the Alps on the snow.” – U.S. Col. Edward W. Serrell, 1st NY Volunteer Engineer Regiment
In August 1863, Serrell constructed the Marsh Battery a.k.a. “Swamp Angel”. It was an engineering feat, constructed on a salt marsh.
The “Swamp Angel” was an 8-inch 200-pdr Parrott rifle gun weighing 16,300-pounds.
To fire a shell to reach the over five miles to Charleston, Serrell estimated the cannon needed to be elevated to an angle never used before by a large Parrott gun and would require loading 20 pounds of powder instead of the usual 16.
A compass reading had been taken of the target and chalked in that position. It was the first known use of a compass reading in firing an artillery piece.
Furthermore, when considering the Parrott’s reputation for bursting, the whole endeavor could be considered an artillery and construction experiment.
Before the War, Serrell internationally assisted with the design and construction of railroads and bridges. He helped raise the 1st NY Volunteer Engineer regiment and his military suggestions include long wire, armor plate, impromptu gun carriages and iron viaducts.
Serrell was in 126 actions and brevetted a brigadier general.
