Details
[CIVIL WAR]. DAHLGREN, JOHN ADOLPH, 1809-1870, Rear Admiral, inventor of the Dahlgren Gun. Autograph letter signed ("JDahlgren") TO ADMIRAL A.H. FOOTE, "Washington Navy Yard," 6 March 1862. 2 pages, 4to, on pages one and three of a four-page sheet. Rare.
DAHLGREN'S OPTIMISTIC WAR PREDICTIONS AFTER THE SURRENDER OF FORTS HENRY AND DONELSON: "TENNESSEE OUGHT TO BE PACIFICATED IN 30 DAYS...AND VIRGINIA...IN 30 MORE"
A striking letter of the great naval officer, written from the Washington Navy Yard: "I send you a mechanic as desired to fit your guns -- why has this been delayed so long? You have asked not for IX shrapnel which are exceedingly effective. If you had Eleven inch guns instead of 42 [pounders], I have no doubt you would have silenced Fort Donelson in less than one hour. Things are going with great rapidity and I think we see land. Tennessee ought to be pacificated in 30 days -- going on as you have before and Virginia...in 30 more. That done; the rest will follow accordingly. I am glad you escaped unhurt, for one cannot afford to lose a friend even in a good cause..."
Admiral Foote provided the crucial naval backup support for General Grant during his Henry and Donelson Campaign in Tennessee. Fort Henry had surrendered 7 February 1862, and Fort Donelson on 16 February.
DAHLGREN'S OPTIMISTIC WAR PREDICTIONS AFTER THE SURRENDER OF FORTS HENRY AND DONELSON: "TENNESSEE OUGHT TO BE PACIFICATED IN 30 DAYS...AND VIRGINIA...IN 30 MORE"
A striking letter of the great naval officer, written from the Washington Navy Yard: "I send you a mechanic as desired to fit your guns -- why has this been delayed so long? You have asked not for IX shrapnel which are exceedingly effective. If you had Eleven inch guns instead of 42 [pounders], I have no doubt you would have silenced Fort Donelson in less than one hour. Things are going with great rapidity and I think we see land. Tennessee ought to be pacificated in 30 days -- going on as you have before and Virginia...in 30 more. That done; the rest will follow accordingly. I am glad you escaped unhurt, for one cannot afford to lose a friend even in a good cause..."
Admiral Foote provided the crucial naval backup support for General Grant during his Henry and Donelson Campaign in Tennessee. Fort Henry had surrendered 7 February 1862, and Fort Donelson on 16 February.