11/17/1835: Ohioans come to the aid of Texas with "Twin Sisters"

[Craig Tx]

On this day in 1835, the people of Cincinnati, Ohio, decided to aid the cause of the Texas Revolution by raising funds to procure two cannons.

Since the United States was taking an official stance of neutrality toward the rebellion in Texas, the citizens of Cincinnati referred to their cannon as "hollow ware." Two guns, probably six pounders, were manufactured at the foundry of Greenwood and Webb in Cincinnati and then shipped down the Mississippi to New Orleans. The cannons arrived in Galveston at the beginning of April 1836, accompanied by the family of a Dr. Charles Rice. The guns were presented to representatives of Texas under the sponsorship of Dr. Rice's twin daughters, Elizabeth and Eleanor. Someone in the crowd made notice of the fact that there were two sets of twins in the presentation, the girls and the guns, and thus the cannons became the Twin Sisters. The guns went into action on April 20, and, under the command of George W. Hockley, supported the infantry assault the next day at the battle of San Jacinto. Along with the Gonzales "come and take it" cannon, the Twin Sisters are among the most famous weapons of the Texas Revolution.

[rollingb]

The "Twin Sisters" was a cool name for those big guns. 

[Uncle Russ]

The "Twin Sisters" was a cool name for those big guns. 

 

[Ohio Joe]

  the cannons became the Twin Sisters

I recall a Civil War movie where a Confederate Officer in charge of a Battery gave the command;

"Fire Peter" - "Fire Paul"

Can't remember the name of the movie, but that always kind'a stuck with me (when I could remember things).

I expect this could have been a common practice back in the "day" as they say.

Always interesting stuff, Craig. Thanks! 

[Two Steps]

 

[Doc Nock]

Just love your tidbits of TX history, Craig

[BEAVERMAN]

  Craig, do those guns still exist in a museum or fort somewhere?

[Nessmuk]

"Hollow Ware" !! Ya gotta love it. 

[Ohio Joe]

Here we go; Cannons with name's - about 5:57 into the youtube clip from the "Horse Soldiers"

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=horse+soldiers+youtube&docid=608019712768478998&mid=1CFB70689ECED71DC1F21CFB70689ECED71DC1F2&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

[Craig Tx]

Craig, do those guns still exist in a museum or fort somewhere?

Unfortunately, no...  They disappeared not long after the revolution.  There have been many folks that have looked for them, but none have ever had conclusive evidence that their finds are the actual Twin Sisters.