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FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — Human blood has been found on shrapnel discovered on a Revolutionary War battlefield in New Jersey.
A team of volunteer archeologists in Freehold Township found the canister shot used by the Continental Army against British troops during the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. They sent the lead to Colorado for testing.
Dan Sivilich, who heads the team, tells the Asbury Park Press he believes the find is the only piece of Revolutionary War canister shot that's ever been positively tested for human blood. Based on where it was found, he believes it was fired by Pennsylvania artillery into the British 42nd Regiment.
“This is the only piece of Revolutionary War canister shot ever found that’s been positively tested for human blood” https://t.co/kY8ZCUMMwj
— Ilana Keller (@IlanaKeller) May 19, 2017
George Washington attacked the British during the battle, which ended in a draw. The British were able to march toward New York while the Americans held the field.
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