James W. Ripley to T. Epson, December 1, 1862

Lieut. T. Epson, Hadgrs. Department of the Cumberland, Nashville, Tenn. :

Ste: Your letter of the 23d ultimo, in relation to General Rosecrans’ desire to obtain some light guns, of about the weight of the mountain howitzer, and designed for the same kind of service, is received. This department is not authorized to procure or issue any artillery other than that of the regular patterns adopted for the land service. The reasons and necessity for this are stated in the inclosed copies of letters, dated August 27 and September 11, 1862, to the Headquarters of the Army, in accordance with which Brigadier-General Barry has been appointed and instructed as acting inspector of artillery. Mountain howitzers, suitable for the kind of service as mentioned in your letter, for which General Rosecrans requires light pieces, and which are known to be reliable and effective for that kind of service, will be supplied on requisition.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,