barrett
04-29-2008, 10:19 AM
Does anyone know what a "revolving gun" is? Thanks-Barrett-7th Va Inf
OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 11, Part 2 (Peninsular Campaign)
GENERAL D. H. HILL, Commanding, Dept. South of James River.
HEADQUARTERS, August 2, 1862.
GENERAL: I am pleased to learn by your letter of the 1 st* that two of
the enemy's transports were burned in your attack of Thursday night and
the rest driven off.
I had written to you this morning, giving my views and explaining the
object desired.
I regret that you had no incendiary shells, and have directed Colonel
Alexander to have some prepared for your 12-pounders, as they probably
will be the largest caliber you can rely on for general service.
I will direct the revolving gun you desire to be sent you. I do not know
whether we have any of the rockets you mention, but if there are they
shall be sent, too.
I desire you to continue your attacks as long and as continuously as you
can make them effective, and to use all the force in your department.
the supporting force will be necessary, but if kept back or under cover
from shells I think the risk would be small. But if you can accomplish
the object any risk would be justifiable, for it would break up
McClellan. I wish you, however, to exercise you good judgement as to the
manner and mode of attack, and to take every precaution to spare your
men.
The force could encamp near the scene of action. I do not at this
distance see the necessity of its retiring to Petersburg. It would save
men and horses. The prisoners, save the invalids, will be marched to
Aiken's; but they will use their eyes on this side, too.
I informed you to-day that ours were reported to be coming; so you must
be careful.
Make your blows heavy, and as quick as you can. Use all your infantry. I
necessary, keep Anderson's division at work.
Very truly,
R. E. LEE.
OFFICIAL RECORDS: Series 1, vol 11, Part 2 (Peninsular Campaign)
GENERAL D. H. HILL, Commanding, Dept. South of James River.
HEADQUARTERS, August 2, 1862.
GENERAL: I am pleased to learn by your letter of the 1 st* that two of
the enemy's transports were burned in your attack of Thursday night and
the rest driven off.
I had written to you this morning, giving my views and explaining the
object desired.
I regret that you had no incendiary shells, and have directed Colonel
Alexander to have some prepared for your 12-pounders, as they probably
will be the largest caliber you can rely on for general service.
I will direct the revolving gun you desire to be sent you. I do not know
whether we have any of the rockets you mention, but if there are they
shall be sent, too.
I desire you to continue your attacks as long and as continuously as you
can make them effective, and to use all the force in your department.
the supporting force will be necessary, but if kept back or under cover
from shells I think the risk would be small. But if you can accomplish
the object any risk would be justifiable, for it would break up
McClellan. I wish you, however, to exercise you good judgement as to the
manner and mode of attack, and to take every precaution to spare your
men.
The force could encamp near the scene of action. I do not at this
distance see the necessity of its retiring to Petersburg. It would save
men and horses. The prisoners, save the invalids, will be marched to
Aiken's; but they will use their eyes on this side, too.
I informed you to-day that ours were reported to be coming; so you must
be careful.
Make your blows heavy, and as quick as you can. Use all your infantry. I
necessary, keep Anderson's division at work.
Very truly,
R. E. LEE.