I stand corrected, for which I thank Michael Wright.  "Dynamite" was not invented and patented till 1866, hence was unknown at the period discussed.
http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron/Technology/Nobel.html  

    Paul Drake JD
 Genealogist & Author
<www.DrakesBooks.com>
     931-484-9129

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html