Six-Pound Cannons:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
In 1848, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) ordered four six-pound, smooth bore artillery pieces to be used for training of the cadets at VMI... The six-pounders were superseded by [their] "big brother" the twelve pounder. Nevertheless, early in the War they did see service. The names of these cannons is said to come from a statement made by William N. Pendleton, an Episcopalian minister, and member of the Rockbridge Artillery. He stated that these guns would "preach the gospel" as they fought invaders.
-Walter D. Kennedy
(Dixie Defender, Vol 1, No 1)
