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sons. The likelihood is not little, that we could meet with internal disturbances or even, given the revolutionary condition in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, experience a freebooter attack by one or another robber captain who in a [?] prosperity might find himself upset that the insurgents are not favored here, as it happens in certain colonies. Under these circumstances, it seems certain that no strengthening, in view of the effect, can be made that is more utilitarian and less costly than what is proposed above. The cannon ought to be light 3 pounders with the lightest possible carriage, as the quality of the roads makes it necessary heavy carriages unnecessary and the climate makes them supremely damaging to the crews. For crewing, only an addition of 24 artillerymen is needed as the number lacking for the servicing of the whole battery can be supplemented very well by reliable freedmen or negroes, and horses need not be kept or stables arranged, as without the least difficulty, the provisioning can, on a rotation basis, be required of the inhabitants who maintain carriage horses in town. We currently have one 3 pounder cannon in complete condition, but the carriage is so heavy that it is entirely unreasonable to presume that one could operate same for any considerable amount of time without an unreasonable number of people. We still have 5 pieces 3 pounder cannons of 22 calibers length in 5/6 cast iron but without carriages and besides, both calibers and castings are too heavy.-
Concerning the above, I have counseled with colonel v. Stabell, who, in all respects is of the same opinion.
A new invention, half French and half American of the greatest significance where poor fortifications and weak posts are to be defended by a small crew with a poorly armed and disciplined crowd are the so called repeating guns, which should by now be known and approved at home, that being the case, it would be most desirable that a suitable number for all 3 fortresses be sent out.- |