Excavation Progress
September 25, 2002
Jeff Johnston
NOAA Historian
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
After a weeks hiatus, work in the Monitors gun turret resumed the week of September 16-20. The excavation now is focusing on the area behind the cannons and carriages. Archaeologists are working to remove two wood boxes that are heavily concreted to the turret bulkhead and roof beams. Box number one is mostly collapsed and might turn out to be two boxes. Box number two is intact, missing only the lid.
There are numerous leather fragments under and stuck in between the collapsed portions of the first box. These could possibly be the remains of a gunners pouch.
This area is also where some of the cannon implements are projecting from under the concreted guns. Clearing has revealed one brass rammer head and a copper or brass shot ladle.
Most of one quadrant of the turret had been cleared down the roof rails and roof plating. With the exception of one pencil recovered two weeks ago, this area has been surprisingly devoid of artifacts.
Other artifacts recorded and removed during this work session have included a rubber gasket, a knife handle, a silver fork and spoon, and a leather boot.
Stay tuned for further findings!
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