Hello all,

I read that the two 6.4" Brooke Rifles and the six 9" Dahlgren smoothbores that formed the CSS Virginia's (Merrimac) broadside batteries were mounted on Marsilly carriages, the aft and forward 7" Brookes being mounted on Pivit Carriages. I have also seen drawings of the Marsillies on the gun deck.

I am studying the CSS Tennessee. Her forward and aft pivit guns were 7" Brooke Rifles and her Broadside battery consisted of four 6.4" Brooke Rifles, two on either side. So my question is this: Does anyone know if they were mounted on Marsilly carriages or the four wheel Columbiad broadside or deck carriages? I had thought all deck guns or broadside guns were on Marsilly carriages, but while at the National CW Naval Museum (Port Columbus) I saw some cannon out front on four wheel carriages. I bought a book while there about cannon, etc., and it said the little four wheel carriages were I think 8" Columbiad carriages. So that made me wonder if the Tennessee's broadside Brookes were mounted on them or the Marsilly carriages. Any info would be appreciated.

By the way, I love that museum. I recommend it to any student of CW Naval history.
Thanks,
Dave