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The exact country and date of this heavy 4-pder cannon are unknown. Its heavy iron construction, lack of typical European markings and low trunnions indicate it is an American made piece from the Revolutionary War era. American cannon were often made of iron rather than bronze because iron was more available and far cheaper in the American colonies. Artilleryman, Captain Peter's Company, U.S. Regiment of Light Artillery ~ 1808. Fearing a new war with Great Britain, President Thomas Jefferson expanded the Regular Army to include a Regiment of Light Artillery. Captain George Peter formed the Army's first horse or truly light artillery company. All soldiers of the unit rode horses or traveled in light wagons allowing the unit to maneuver quickly. Field tests of the new unit were spectacularly successful and then stationed in New Orleans. The uniform consisted of a shortened version of the artillery coatee with red facings and yellow buttons and trim. A new leather shako was designed and decorated with the letters for Light Artillery. In 1809 the new Madison administration decided horses were an unnecessary waste of public funds and sold them leaving the company dismounted. The Army was not permitted to buy any horses for light artillery until February 1812 on the eve of the War of 1812.

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