The M.O. is for Watterson's broker, Bruce Stiles, to contact either the local cemetery association or the municipal government officials. In most cases these are the people who know the least about the meaning of these cannons, and who are in the greatest need of cash. If the first monetary offer is refused, Stiles will be back with a higher offer until the temptation is too great and the cannon is sold.
A Google search for "kendall and cannon" will bring up dozens of hits on a story that was picked up by the Associated Press. The Town Board of Kendall, NY, quietly sold their Civil War cannon earlier this year. When the residents found out, they let their elected officials know that this was entirely unacceptable. The cannon was returned but Watterson charged the town $7,000 in fees, which was paid through a legislative grant.
CAN IT HAPPEN AGAIN?
Yes, and it already has. Groton, NY, in Tompkins County, lost
their Civil War cannon from the local cemetery. They are fighting to have it returned.
The civil war community cannot stand idly by. We need to be vocal and vigilant.