Grape Shot and Storage Bag
PeriodCirca 1775 - 1778
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumLead; linen
Dimensions0.63 in. (1.6 cm)
ClassificationsMilitary Artifacts
Credit LineBequest of John E. Gordon, 1938
Object number1225.1
DescriptionA heavy solid spherical lead ball, commonly known as "grape shot." The ball is accompanied by a handmade bag of rough undyed linen in a narrow rectangular shape, crudely sewn with linen thread.NotesThe original accession records describe this gift as "grape shot ploughed up on farm of G. C. Gordn on Battle of Monmouth field." George C. Gordon was born on 24 August 1824. His father and mother, John C. Gordon and Lydia Gordon lived on the family farm in Freehold. Gordon married local girl Mary E. Conover on 3 January 1854. The couple had two children, daughter Ella (bon 1858) and son John E. Gordon (born 1861). George Gordon was an active member of the community and allowed use of his property for many events. In July 1854, Gordon was one of the farmers who allowed the Celebration of the Battle of Monmouth to take place on his farm. In 1858, Gordon's property was the site of a lively prayer camp meeting. In an article appearing in the 28 August 1858 Monmouth Democrat, it was noted that "the meeting is held in a piece of woods belonging to Mr. George C. Gordon. It is part of the identical woods behind which the British army retired on the evening after the battle, and from which they so silently retreated before morning..." George Gordon died on 29 May 1892.
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