Richard Yates to Secretary of War ( no date )

Sec of War

Sir,

The government at my special request a few months since contracted for 14 Batteries of the James rifled gun, six pounder calebre and a limited quantity of the James projectiles weighing about 14 lb each.

The Reports showing the superiority of this gun + projectile both as regards range, accuracy + execution for field service, over that of all others at the Battle of Fort Danelson leads me to request that there be furnished to the State of Ill. in the shortest time practicable, 7 Batteries of the 12 pounder calebre James Rifled guns, with carriages, (illegible), Implements to be complete + ready for field service together with the following fixed ammunition to each gun (illegible)-225 shells-225 canister + 50 solid projectiles, weighing about 24 lb each- And also 200 shells-200 canister + 100 solid projectiles for each of the guns of the 14 Batteries named above, weighing about 14 lb each. All of the James model.

The Gov copy

20/ Feby 24

Secy of War

James Rifled Guns

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