Letter from William R. Scott to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; July 29, 1862

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Letter from William R. Scott to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; July 29, 1862

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People

Bobbs, Unknown Cristy, Unknown Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Scott, William R.

Events

Military Engagements

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Navy United States. Navy

Organizations

Foundries Natchez Brass & Iron Foundry (Miss.)Railroad Watercraft Watercraft--Arkansas (Gunboat)

Occupations

North Carolina. Governor Steamboat workers

Places

Jackson (Miss.)Mississippi River North Carolina Vicksburg (Miss.)Wilmington (N.C.)Yazoo City (Miss.)

Page 1

[seal]

Hon Governor Pettis

Sir enclosed you wil find anough drawing of my Steam Battering Ram and a coppy of the report made by the Navy Department

I therefore submit the idea and plan to you hopeing tht itis yet possible to fit one up in Yazoo and then get in the Mississippi to drive capture or Destory the Federal Navy that is ^in^ the Miss River by Battering or punching holes in them below water Just the same dista-nce below water in them up the Ram or punches in the bow of ouse Boat or that now be put in ships of war in proper time

This naturally seems up thoug-h it is verry close and dangerous way of Fighting but it will all ways or nearly so prove effective with the Battering Ram. The navy or partiez that adopz this ram will win and Rule their own rights

I think it wil do to thake a boat thatz in the yazoo and put here

Page 2

Engines and boilers in the hole of boat and cover her over as the sketch represents Covered with rail road iron similar to the Arkansas even the boat is a side wheel they would be shot some i know but it is not likely that the shots would destroy one or boath wheels so bad but what the boat could work and Fight her own way

I for one am willing to try and whip the Federals that in the mississippi river with sutch a battering Ram I do not but with the boat but batter or punch with Battering Ram or Punch thats in the bows of boat or Ship

And when once up to to them i or we can hit as many times as we like without leaving them

Should you need any one to explai-n the sketch i think Mr Cristy of the natchez is able to do so or the Mr Bobbs that used to work in Reading foundry in Vicksburg

If this ram cannot begotten up by State enterprise can it not be done by private enterprise in your State for i honestly believe that every Steam Boatman and every owner of boats should help with a willing heart and free hand as they would then be able to go at their own business again

This Battering Ram can be ready in the Yazoo river by the first of November i thind if there should be a proper effort made by all interested in it

I have sent a coppy to the governor of North Carolina and a sketch also last week so he can go to Battering or punching the enemys ships of war if he like to do that kind of work

I am your humble Servt & friend

Wilmington North Carolina
July the, 29, 1862

If you wil send me sixty dollars so i can get to Jackson i wil pay you wen i get in Jackson for i have used nearly all mi means that i had in geting the Battering Ram before the Navy Departmen

Wm R Scott

Page 3

July 4, 1862
W^m R. Scott Draft of Steam Battery