Ripley, James W. (1794-1870) to James Woodruff
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00337.01 Author/Creator: Ripley, James W. (1794-1870) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 October 1861 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20.7 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
States that Woodruff's proposal to furnish a light three pounder cannon is not advisable and will not be accepted because they already have a lighter field artillery piece in use, the bronze mountain and the prairie howitzer. Written from the Ordnance Office and signed by Ripley as Brigadier General. With endorsement by Abraham Lincoln and Winfield Scott (see GLC 337.02).
Ordnance Office
Washington, Oct. r 21st. 1861.
James Woodruff Esq.
Washington D.C.
Sir,
Your letter of the 6th inst, proposing to finish light three pounder cannon, and the accompanying papers have been duly considered. In answer I have to state that it is not advisable, but on the contrary, very objectionable, to introduce into the service a new calibre of field artillery; and we have, already, a lighter piece, in use, the bronze mountain and prairie howitzer. You proposition cannot, therefore, be accepted.
Respectfully
Yr ob t svt
Ja. W. Ripley
Br. Gen l.
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