From the Fayetteville (N. C.) Observer |
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December 9, 1861 |
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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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