By the time General Robert Edward Lee wrote the following request concerning artillery in December of 1862 he had a fair appreciation of what worked and what was a debit in operations.

Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia
December 5, 1862

Hon. Secretary of War, Richmond:

Sir:

During the past campaign I have felt, in every battle, the advantages that the enemy possessed over us in their artillery. This arose in part from their possessing more experienced artillerists and better prepared ammunition, but consisted chiefly in better guns. These advantages, I am happy to state, are gradually diminishing. Our artillerists are greatly improving, our ammunition is more carefully prepared, and the efficiency of our batteries increased by guns captured from the enemy. I am greatly in need of longer range smooth-bore guns, and propose that, if metal cannot otherwise be procured, a portion, if not all, of our 6-pounder smoothbores (Bronze), and, if necessary a part of our 12-pounder howitzers, be recast into 12-pounder Napoleons. The best guns for field service, in my opinion, are the 12-pounder Napoleans, the 10-pounder Parrots, and the approved 3-inch rifles. Batteries composed of such guns would simplify our ammunition, give us less metal to transport, and longer and more accurate range of fire. I urgently recommend to the department the consideration of this subject, and that measures be immediately taken to improve our field artillery. The contest between our 6-pounder smoothbores and the 12-pounder Napoleans of the enemy is very unequal, and, in addition, is very discouraging to our artillerists.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R.E. Lee, General

From ORA, Ser. 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 1046-47