Friction Primer
All cannons of the North and South were fired by a friction primer, a device that was simple and quick to use, yet extremely effective. It consisted of two small brass tubes, a serrated wire, friction composition, and fine, black powder. In use, the wire was hooked to the lanyard and the long tube inserted into the vent. A steady, quick pull on the lanyard dragged the serrated wire across the friction composition igniting it and setting off the black powder which flashed down the tube and vent, firing the cannon.