For what it is worth:  I know that Nick Lucketti (of Jamestown excavations)
excavated similar well with barrels in a 17th century site in Poquoson, Va.
back in the late 1070s or early 1980s.  (perhaps at other sites too) He may
be a good expert to contact.  He may have done some research on the topic,
and you could at least compare notes on excavated barrels.

Linda Derry, Director
Old Cahawba - AHC
719 Tremont St.
Selma, AL 36701 - 5446
ph. 334/875-2529 / email: [log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Elizabeth Crowell
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 4:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: historic barrels


     I am forwarding this query to the list from a colleague who is not on
     HISTARCH.  I will forward your responses to him.

     Thanks for your input.

     Liz Crowell
     [log in to unmask]

     ----------------------------------------------------------------------


     Parsons ES excaavted a well constructed with three large wooden
     barrels place on top of each other inside a construction pit.  The
     first (upper) barrel was only a light grey stain; the second (middle)
     barrel was half organic stain and half decaying wood at the water
     line, and the third (bottom) barrel was almost completely intact under
     the water line.  The barrels were approximately 1 m tall and 90 cm
     wide (inside) with wooden rings around the exterior instead of metal
     bands.  The bttom barrel had three rings at the base, two in the
     center, and no evidence of any rings on the top.  Any information on
     barrel technology from the 17th and 18th centuries would be
     appreciated to determine the age.  Artifacts suggest a mid to late
     18th century construction date for the well.

     Patrick O'Neill
     Parsons Engineering Science
     Fairfax, Virginia