Howitzer

Howitzers were a short barreled weapon that came in different sizes. These were used to fire at the enemy when he was concealed behind terrain or in a fortification of some sort. The Howitzer used lower powder charges than guns with similar calibers. It threw shot and shells at close range.

The Howitzer was easier to transport than the larger guns and could be maneuvered in rough terrain.

The model 1841 12 pounder was the standard for the American Civil War battlefield. It could fire a shell over 1,000 yards using only one pound of powder.