[CIVIL WAR]. Letter from engineer A. H. EMERY to James T. AMES about weapon testing and production.

Willards Hotel, 6 March 1863.

4 pages, on bifolium, 5 x 8 in., heavy vertical crease. Addressed to James T. Ames.

In full: "Dear Sir: Capt Wise has nothing to direct in regard to Dahlgren's experiments and could not give me a pass to see them, and referred me to Dahlgren, who said he could not let any person see my experiments nor could he let me see yours. I told him we were interested together. This was new to him and he said he did not feel authorized to treat the matter in that light without instructions from you, and he wished you to write him about it. / He wants also that a statement be made to him of the might of the shot, the quantity of pounds it desired they should be fired with, what they should be fired against, and in what the merits of the shot exist. What is expected of them and in what consists their superiority over other shot. / I enclose a half sheet on which I suggest some things which I think it would be well to write him in that respect. I think it is in accordance with the plan he proposed all inventors sending shot for experiment to adopt. / I have had two or three interviews with Mr. Knop and have in my possession an assignment from him giving me full & free use of his (Rodman's) pat. for manufacturing Ordnance &c, at such places as I desire, upon satisfactory terms. I had an interview yesterday with Col. Magruder & Capt. Benton about the shot. We did not get through the consideration of it and I cannot say anything definite yet about it. I also showed Capt. Benton the plan of casting guns which I hope to introduce. He seemed much pleased with it. I have not yet showed it Col Magruder but expect to show it to him and to Capt Wise today, and also to Knop. Capt. Benton thinks Knop will do all he can to help me succeed. I showed the results of my experiments to Capt. Wise when he stated that thought I must succeed with the shot. Please write to me at once enclosing the desired letter to Capt Dahlgren, which I will hand to him, as the targets are delayed until he gets it. They are very busy at the yard getting off things for the attack of Charleston, so they cannot give us as much attention as otherwise. Respectfully yours, A. H. Emery. / P. S. When do you come to W. again?"

Accompanied by 7 3/4 x 3 in. manuscript chart enclosure recording results for various types of projectiles, including weight, elevation, charge, range, and time of flight.