Norman Eastman to Abraham Lincoln, June 1862 (Breech loading cannon)
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Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.
Norman Eastman to Abraham Lincoln, June 1862 (Breech loading cannon)
From Norman Eastman to Abraham Lincoln1, June 1862
Sir:--
In behalf of the surviving, and in fact, sole inventor, Capt. R. R. Moffatt, of La Crosse, Wis I wish to call your attention to the accompanying model of a Breech Loading Cannon--
The working of this Gun is so obvious to the most common mind, that it will hardly be necessary to refer you to the accompanying engraving and description--
The principal distinguishing features of this Gun, are, its simplicity of construction, its ease of working, and the ease with which its working parts can be kept clean. A common field piece of 6 or 12 lb. caliber, can be handled by two men. This advantage, is one, the importance of which is obvious to all.
The great desideratum, so long sought for in a "Breech Loading Cannon"; viz: "a perfect prevention of the escape of Gas," is here attained, as perfectly, it is believed, as is possible for human ingenuity to accomplish it, and at the same time secure ease of working and rapidity of handling In these respects it is believed to be immeasurably superior to any Gun in existence.
The rapidity with which this Gun can be safely fired -- twenty times per minute, by three men, shows its superior value, in every respect, over every known Gun, for use in fortifications, and on vessels of war--
The men who handle this Gun are safe from the many accidents which occur to those who handle muzzle loading Guns.
Finally, the ease with which the Breech Piece can be detached, and the Gun made useless in case of abandonment to the enemy, is worthy of notice
I might here stop, believing as I do, that all I claim for this Gun, will be apparent to you upon even a casual inspection of this model. However, one of these Guns, roughly made, has been partially tested, first at Chicago, Ill., next at Madison, Wis., & finally by order of the Ordnance Bureau at West Point.
To the following extracts from the statements of the various persons & officers, who witnessed these partial tests, I would most respectfully invite your attention, and more particularly to those of Major Smith, formerly of West Point, now of the 12th Infantry, & of Capt S. V. Benet, now of West-Point. As to the test at Chicago, see the statements of officers in accompanying Circular-- As to the test at Madison, -- Maj. R. S. Smith, says--
"I have carefully examined this Canon, and in strength, simplicity of construction, lightness, capability of rapid discharge without heating, it appears to me to combine all that is required in field artillery. Among its peculiar advantages are the great security from accidents to the small number of men working it; its total uselessness after removing the Breech-piece, & the perfect ease with which it can be unspiked.
J. H. McFarland, State Armorer, Madison, Wis, says --
After firing it sixty eight times -- "I believe the principle, & working of the Gun to be perfect and successful in all respects."
The late Gov. S. P. Harvey, pronounced the above "to be high authority" with him" -- & certified that McFarland was State Armorer.
Col. B. Allen. Col. 16th Reg't. Wis. Vol's. witnessed the trial of the Gun in McFarland's hands -- he says --
"I have no hesitation in pronouncing it a great improvement in Breech Loading Guns -- & I see no reason why it should not prove a very valuable & successful arm for military purposes."--
Col. Hans C. Heg, Col. 15th Reg't Wis. Vol's. & late State Prison Com'r.
" A. G. Maloy, Lt. Col. 17th " " &
Maj. Thos McMahon, Maj " " " all unite in recommending it to the favorable consideration of the Ordnance Department at Washington--
Hon. E. D. Campbell, late Lt. Gov. of Wis, who knows the inventor well, after endorsing at that had been said of it by the others -- says: --
"The last but by no means the least of its good qualities is the fact of the almost entire safety of the cannoniers while loading, there being no danger from a premature discharge, and the far less liability to danger from the enemy's sharp shooters--"
Augustus Gaylord, Adj Gen'l for Wis, says --
The exhibition of a new "Breech Loading Cannon" in this City by Capt. R. R. Moffatt, has been of the most satisfactory character. The extreme simplicity of its construction -- the ease & rapidity with which it may be discharged, & the entire freedom from difficulties by expansion or escapage of Gas, promise an effective arm for Artillery service, & render it in my opinion worthy the attention of Government." "I most cheerfully recommend Capt Moffatt to the favorable consideration of any interested in this branch of Military Service."
The Members of the Legislature of Wisconsin, having witnessed the various tests of this Gun, made under the Superintendance of J. H. McFarland, State Armorer, passed the following Joint Resolution--
Resolved -- by the Assembly, the Senate concurring --
That the experiments here made in firing the "Moffat Breech Loading Cannon" have been eminently successful. And, in view of the testimony adduced from Military men, to the utility of the invention, that the same be, & is hereby recommended to the War Department for such other or final tests as are by the laws of the United States authorized to be made at the public expense, under the supervision of the Ordnance Bureau".
The Ordnance Bureau having ordered the Gun tested at West Point, the only one now constructed was taken there from the West, by Capt. Moffatt. The Gun being a roughly constructed one, & there being no projectiles at hand to fit its bore, the test was a partial one -- with blank cartridges -- only testing the working of the breech arrangements, without any regard to its strength. The officer in charge, in his report to his superior, gives a description of the Gun, & the manner in which it operates. Not having tested it as to its strength, he expresses no opinion as to its merits-- However, he speaks very commendatory of it in several respects--
Capt. S. V. Benet -- of West-Point, to Brig. Gen'l J. W. Ripley, says --
"Seventy-two rounds were fired -- the last sixty without cleaning the Gun at all -- the breech arrangements fouled very much, though not enough to prevent its free & easy working. The last nine (9) rounds were fired in twenty-seven (27) seconds -- one man loading, & two men priming & firing-- x x x The Gun has this advantage, that the parts can be kept clean by the occasional use of a wet sponge. x x x x The invention is simple, easily repaired if deranged or broken -- its strength depends on the strength of the wrought-iron breeching or strap that holds the cone in place"--
Capt. Benet was inclined to admit the feasibility of this invention for field Guns, while he doubted the ability to construct, the breeching of sufficient strength for Guns of large Caliber. The inventor thinks there need be no apprehension on this score. The great question was to make the Gun light enough for field service & yet have the breeching sufficiently strong--
I would, most respectfully ask what Breech Loading Cannon there is in existence that will bear discharging Sixty (60) rounds in succession without cleaning and yet not foul enough to prevent its free & easy working, so easy -- that the last nine (9) rounds were fired at the rate of twenty (20) rounds per minute--
I would suggest that this invention is of suffient importance to warrant the Government in ordering the construction of a perfect Gun, & giving it a fair & thorough test--
All of which is most respectfully submitted on behalf of Capt. Moffatt--
Norman Eastman
Clerk--
No. 14, 1st floor Gen'l: Land Office
[Note 1 Eastman was a clerk in the General Land Office.]
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Here's what looks like the same ad we saw before, with the name changed in ink:
http://tinyurl.com/32raf2Here's the original letter from Eastman to Lincoln:
http://tinyurl.com/2zu9ck
