Ambrosio Jose Gonzales to Thomas Jordan, July 28, 1863
Brig. Gen. THoMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: I have the honor to recommend what I consider an urgent and important policy in our disposition of heavy artillery, to wit, that the Brooke and other heavy rifled guns at Sumter and Batteries Simkins* and Cheves,* bearing upon Morris Island, be at once replaced by 8 and 10 inch columbiads, and that the heavy rifled guns be placed upon the sea faces of our works, for the following reasons :
irst. The rifled guns, as shown by experience, will not stand a rapid and continuous fire.
* NOTE ON ORIGINAL,—None there,
238 8. C. AND G. A. COASTS, AND IN MID. AND E, FLA. —(Caar. X. L.
Second. The character of these heavy rifled guns suits them better for close fire upon iron-clads or distant fire upon wooden vessels than for dismounting land guns and annoying working parties. For the latter, the columbiads are far preferable, and for dismounting guns, a smaller rifled gun more desirable. ; destructive, and the ammunition for them can be much more easily and readily supplied. They will also answer better for general purposes against land attacks, flank attacks, barges, &c.
In view of the above, I would respectfully suggest that the south face of Fort Sumter be lined with 8 and 10 inch columbiads, and that the heavy rifled guns be used on the water faces, in accordance with the above; their fire against iron-clads would be slow, as required for accuracy and for the preservation of the guns, and the saving of ammunition, so difficult to procure.
I would also recommend that an inclosed work be ordered at Fort Johnson, mounting heavy guns, to be removed from another point; and the armament of which could be made to bear upon the channel, upon Morris Island, and upon the land approach upon the lines.* stout the enemy pass the latter on the eastern half of James Island, this fort, in conjunction with Battery Means (which should be armed as far as practicable+), would hold him in check; they would be-
“come bases for reassuming, in any event, offensive operations.
I have necessarily written this in haste, but hope that the main points are made sufficiently clear for the decision of the commanding general,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Colonel, and Chief of Artillery.
{Indorsement. }
HEADQUARTERS First MILITARY DISTRICT,
Respectfully returned.
The principal point in the recommendation of the chief of artillery
appears to be removing the Brooke and rifled guns from Fort Sumter. The removal of heavy guns from that fort has proceeded, under