Memoir Of John A Dahlgren Rear Admiral United States Navy

Important discoveries made by the late Admiral Dahlgren later in his career ended in an entire reorganization of naval ordnance. These improvements, accompanied by the introduction of steam and corresponding differences in the construction of our men-of-war, essentially modified the navy life of the present day.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VII. INVENTION OF ORDNANCE SYSTEM OF NAVAL ARMAMENT. 1850-1855. In 1850 Dalilgren first announced the result of principles he had evolved, and proposed to the Bureau two pieces, namely, a 50-pdr. of 8,000 pounds, and a IXln shell gun of about 9,000 pounds. In proposing these guns he says: --If it be true that a certain ratio of mass to velocity is indispensable to accuracy, then, as a consequence, any system of armament is directly at variance with a constituent principle of efficiency, which attempts to produce greater momenta by increasing the velocity alone of the projectile. It is only by preserving this relation (whatever it be) that the cardinal requisites of good ordnance practice, due force and greatest accuracy, can be preserved. The two pieces I beg leave to propose to the Bureau to enable me to investigate this question further, not as those which combine the greatest efficiency, but as a step forward on the road to this important point; while I have no doubt that both will add materially to the present broadside means of offence, one as a shot gun, the other as a shell gun. I am aware that the principle now evolved, if established, would lead to an entire reorganization of the ordnance, and to great changes in the arrangements of ships which are to receive new metal. But neither of these considerations ought to be of weight in view of the advantages attributable to superior efficiency, especially if it be not overlooked that, with the exception of a single frigate, we have not a model of a liner or frigate less antique than the third of a century.... If you should decide to allow these, or pieces of different calibre, it will give me pleasure to furnish draughts conformable to the principles which I believe the..

With the help of friend Abraham Lincoln, he took command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron - only to preside over the Navy's greatest disappointment during the war, the failure to capture Charleston.