Skip to main content

Powder Horn

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Colonel Nathan Whiting American, 1724 - 1771
MakerMade by John Bush American, 1725 - 1757
Date1756
Mediumhorn with wood base
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width of base): 14 × 3in. (35.6 × 7.6cm)
ClassificationsWeapons
Credit LineBequest of Clarence Everett Bacon
DescriptionPowder horn owned by Colonel Nathan Whiting (1724-1771) and carved by John Bush at Fort William Henry in Lake George, New York in 1756.

The imagery depicts Fort William Henry (New York), and is dated "the 11th of Octbr AD 1756," for "Colo Nathan Whiting Esqr." It is one of the few identified African American makers of powder horns.
Object number1989.43.3
InscribedInscription: "When Bows and weighty spears were us'd in / Fight twere nervous Limbs Declr'd a man of might / But Now Gun powder Scorns such strength to own / And heroes not by Limbs but Souls are Shown"

Inscription: "WAR"

Inscription: "Col'o Nathan Whiting Esq'r / His Horn made at Fort Wm Henry / The 11th of oct'br AD 1756"
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
    Captain Samuel Woodhouse
    18th Century