Letter from Lieutenant John M. Brooks to Secretary of the Navy Stephen R. Mallory; July 4, 1862

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Letter from Lieutenant John M. Brooks to Secretary of the Navy Stephen R. Mallory; July 4, 1862

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People

Brooks, John M.Mallory, Stephen R. (Stephen Russell), 1813-1873 Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Scott, William R.Williamson, W. P.

Events

Military Engagements

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Navy

Organizations

Watercraft

Occupations

Engineers

Places

Louisiana--Orleans Parish. New Orleans Virginia--Independent City. Richmond

Page 1

Navy Department 1862
Richmond July 4th

Sir⁠—I have examined the rough sketch on the drawing of a steam battering ram proposed by Mr Wm R Scott of Algiers and have heard his explanation No similar proposition has yet been made ^to^ the De-partment. Mr Scott claims to be its originator

The ram as heretofore constructed to be effective requires considerably headway and must strike at an obtuse angle

In naval Engagements particularly in narrow channels the headway necessary to strik effectively cannot alway

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be attained and if the blow when struck fails the ram must withdraw to a distance prior to makeing a second attempt

To render Rams more effectivevari-ous plans have been propos-ed submarine torpedoes and guns placed in their bowes &c But it appears to me that Mr Scott,s Battering Ram would be more effecti-ve the blows being given with great rapi-dity and powere

I therefore sugest that steps to be taken to add this Engine to the othe means of offens we now possess

I have honor to be

Very Respectfuly
your obt Servt

John M Brooks
Lt C S N

I have examined the application of the steam hammere to the use of driveing the Ram as proposed by Mr Scott and concur with Lt Brooks in the opinion above expressed

Very Respectfully

Wm P Williamson
Chief Eng C S N

Hon
S. R. Mallory
Secretary of the navy