Miniature Mortar Made From Confederate Bullets At Fort Hell, Virginia

This miniature mortar was made from Confederate bullets that were fired at Union troops at Fort Hell, otherwise known as Fort Sedgwick, Petersburg, Virginia. The mortar is made in two sections; the carriage is 4 inches long and 2.5 wide. The sides, are engraved with a fancy border. The left side is engraved, “From Dan to Uncle Ben.” The right side bears the legend, “Made from Rebel Bullets fired into Fort Hell, Va.”  The barrel has an eagle engraved over a wreath, and the glory above.  I do not know who made it (could be the gent mentioned below), or who “Dan” is.

The new article in the North South Trader Magazine, has an article on these miniature mortars, and makes mention on one of  the men who did make these, his name being William P. Hawkins, 7th Rhode Island Infantry. This mortar comes with copies from his diary stating “I am making toy lead mortar and shells for the officer’s. Make them of Confederate bullets which are gathered at the slope of our works…..” (see photo section for more info.)  One that Hawkins made for an officer weighed 25 Ibs using 300 bullets.

“Peace Commissioner” was the soldiers name for this artillery piece, perhaps their idea being a bit different than that known at the Hampton Roads Conference. The Hampton Roads Conference was a peace conference held between the United States and representatives of the Confederacy, on February 3, 1865, aboard the steamboat River Queen in Hampton Roads, Va. to discuss terms to end the the Rebellion.

Being made of lead, this does show some wear, but all the work done upon it is visible.

I think this is one of the most interesting and rare soldier made souvenirs of the war that I have seen. Not quite “spears to plow shears,”  but something akin to that.

First one I’ve had the chance to own.