Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard (1809-1870) to Andrew H. Foote re: Fort Donelson, weapons, etc.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07034 Author/Creator: Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard (1809-1870) Place Written: Navy Yard, Washington Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1862/03/06 Pagination: 2 p + docket. 24.7 x 19.6 cm Order a Copy
In part: "If you had eleven inch guns instead of 42 pds, I have no doubt you would have silenced Fort Donelson in less than one hour.... I think we see land -- Tennessee ought to be pacified in 30 days"
Navy Yard Washn.
March 6th 1862
My dear Foote,
I send you a mechanic as desired to fit your guns - why has this been delayed so long? You have not asked for IX Shrapnel which are exceedingly effective.
If you had had eleven inch guns instead of 42 pdrs, I have no doubt you would have silenced Fort Donelson in less than one hour.
Things are going with great [2] rapidity and I think we see land. Tennessee ought to be pacificated in 30 days - going on as you have begun and Viriginia with S.C. in 30 more.
That done, the rest will follow unavoidably.
I am very glad you escaped unhurt, for one can not afford to lose a friend even in a good cause.
With my best wishes
your friend
J. A. Dahlgren
[Docket:]
Capt. Dahlgren
March 6 / 62
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