NP, FO 12/9/1861

From the Fayetteville (N. C.) Observer
 
December 9, 1861
 
The Utley Gun
   The Petersburg Express of the 6th inst., says that the "beautiful breech loading rifled cannon, the invention of Mr. Utley of North Carolina, and made in this city at the Petersburg Locomotive and Car Manufactory, was tried yesterday afternoon, east of the city, and proved a complete success. It surpassed the expectations of the inventor and the makers."
   The Express of the 7th describes the gun as made of wrought iron, weighing only a little over 500 lbs., carrying a six lb. ball about five miles, with a charge of 1 lb. of powder. It is to be sent this week to Gen. Huger, with instructions from the Ordnance Department to try it, and report its merits.

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