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Re: Old Sacramento
In Response To: Old Sacramento ()

Mr. Caudle:
The book "Wilson's Creek" by William Piston and Richard Hatcher does not mention a cannon of the nine pounder size, nor does it mention it by the name "Old Sacremento". Although this gun is not mentioned, the book is not conclusive as it does not give the size of any cannon. However, in the book "Pea Ridge" by William Shea and Earl Hess, mention is made of a gun used by Bledsoe's Missouri Battery as a twelve pounder gun called "Sacramento". It may appear that the gun you seek information on is actually of the 12 pound size and not a 9 pounder. The 9 pounder field gun, although it was in the federal artillery list, was an unpopular size. It proved to close to both the 6 poundwer and the 12 pounder in field trials and was discarded. Only a few were made about 1840 to 1845 with only two examples remaining today, both located in the State of New York. The confederates made a few also, with only one surviving today.
My index card file of Confederate batteries also does not list a 9 pounder field gun for Bledsoe's battery. Please be aware that there was a second battery called Bledsoe's battery, to confuse the issue. The first was commanded by Capt. Hiram Bledsoe, formed in spring 1861 and is the one you mentioned. Lieut. Charles Higgins acted as battery commander in place of Capt. Bledsoe, and long served in the Army of Tennessee. The second battery was commanded by Capt. Joe Bledsoe and was formed in spring 1862, too late for Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge. This battery was later commanded by Capt. Richard Collins and also does not list a 9 pounder field gun.
Be certain which Bledsoe's battery you read about.
Hope it helps,
Ron

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