Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 April 1893 — “LONGS TOM” COMES BACK. [ARTICLE]

“LONGS TOM” COMES BACK.

Fsmon* Cannon Brought From Fnysl for Exhibition nt the World'* Fair.-_ Long Tom came to New York Tuesday night. He arrived in the Portuguese steamer Vega, from Fayal. Long Tom is ope of the most famous cannon in the • world. He has been 1n exile for many years, and at last had reached the shores of the land in whose defense he once lifted up his voice. He is the sole survivor of the smart American brig General Armstrong, For seventy-nine years Long Tom has been mounted at the fortress ol Santa Cruz. Tom was originally a gun on the French frigate Heroke, which was captured by the British in 1798. The frigate ■ was taken to England and dismantled. Her guns were purchased by John B. Murray, of New York. Mr. Murray used them in fitting out three cruisers for the Emperor of Haytl. Long Tom was mounted on board the Samson, bat v&) afterward removed, because it was fonnd that a piece had bean chipped from its mouth. The gun was then put on board the brig General Armstrong, and did someeffective work in the war of 1812. The General Armstrong was in battle with some British men-of-war off - Fayal. The crew abandoned the General Armstrong and the brig sank. Long Tom was the only thing saved. He was taken to Fayal. In 1840 President Harrison asked that Long Tom be returned to this country, and in 1842, Don Carlos I, King of Portugal. granted the request. Long Tom will be exhibited at the World’s Fair.