John S. Griscom, USN-- Part 3: Killed by Exploding 100-Pdr. Parrott Gun at First Battle of Fort Fisher

John Griscom was on the USS Mackinaw at the First Battle of Fort Fisher as an acting ensign, likely in command of the 100-pdr. Parrott cannon on the ship.

At the first battle, Rear Admiral David D. Porter reports that 20,271 projectiles were fired at Fort Fisher and Union naval casualties mounted to 20 killed and 63 wounded.  Also reported was that six 100-pdr. Parrot guns exploded killing and wounding men.

The explosion of the Parrott gun on the USS Mackinaw resulted in one officer being killed and five men wounded.  That one officer would have to be Mr. Griscom.

The Mackinaw was listed as having two 100-pdr. Parrott  rifles.

Also:  four 9-inch smoothbores, two 24-pdr. smoothbores, one heavy 12-pdr and one 12-pdr. rifle.

--Old B-Runner