Hmmmmm. John Bartleson maybe right after all, although this doesn't mention shot:
Transcript:
Sir,
I learned that Mr. Wm. Kemble has written to you respecting the outfit for certain guns & projectiles purchased of me by the Union Committee of the City of New York.
The guns are made to fit the 6 Pdr. Field Carriage & have a Calibre of 3.3 ins. & Have made for them a large number of projectiles of the kind known as Captain Dyers.
The agreement which these gentlemen assumed contemplated the use of the Boorman Fuse but in consequence of this fuse being only arranged for 5 seconds & under, it is not applicable to projectiles of so great a range as to require fuses of 10 or more seconds.
In consequence Lt. Benet who was ordered to inspect these articles recommended that the shells should be fitted with plain fuse holes for the wood plug & paper fuse. These when tried answered perfectly well, and he was able moreover to put the balls in loose & burst the shell. The recommendation of Lt. B. has been adopted by the Committee & the shells admit of being used either with a suitable bursting charge of powder or one mixed with the bullets.
I have nothing to do with the matter beyond supplying the guns and projectiles to the Committee, but as you have been addressed on the subject, am induced to give the foregoing explanation. No fitting is required about these shells, more than others.
I am getting on well with the Rifled Guns & projectiles for the Ordnance Dept. as well as the other work. One half of the order for the 10 pdrs & the complement of projectiles are ready & the whole will very soon be done. The 30 Pdrs are all cast & we are making good progress with them.
I have constant evidence of the reliable character of the guns & projectiles which I am making for the Department; but shall not fail to test them fully and to advise you of all important particulars.
With much respect
I am respectfully
R.P. Parrott
http://artillerymanmagazine.com/Archives/2009/parrott_sp09.html