Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 edition. Excerpt: ... LETTERS. [These are a few of the many letters we received during the war. They are given to show how we commenced arming our soldiers for the four years' fight. Many of our guns, made to carry Minie balls, were manufactured at our little gun factory in Nashville.] Montgomery, May 18, 1862. To Hon. L. P. Walker, Secretary of War. Dear Sir: I am satisfied of your disposition to corriply with Tennessee's request, so far as it is consistent to do so under the circumstances. In view of the patent facts, both of the scarcity and pressure for arms, I have conceived the idea of converting all the rifles in Tennessee of sufficient weight into as nearly as possible a uniform length and uniform caliber, and adopting for their use the Minie ball. This use of the Minie ball explains all of the difference between the effectiveness of modern rifles and the Tennessee or Kentucky gun. By this scheme I am fully warranted in saying that all our deficiencies may be supplied. What do you think of it? I am ready and willing to be devoted to its accomplishment. Awaiting your answer, I am your obedient servant, Irby Morgan. Montgomery, 14, 1861. To Hon. L. P. Walker. Dear Sir: The inclosed letters will explain the nature of my business with you. Tennessee is without arms, and has no other hope of getting them than out of the abundance represented to be in the possession of the Confederate Government. By the late act of the Tennessee Legislature it was determined to raise fifty-five thousand troops, twenty-rive thousand to be at once under the control of the Confederate Government, and the balance, thirty thousand, to be held as reserve for contingencies. There is no mistake about the raising of the required number, or one hundred thousand, if necessary, but we...
