Career US Army officer (1802-1882) who served as the 6th Chief of Ordnance. ALS signed “Geo. D. Ramsey, Bt. Major,” five pages three sheets, 7 x 8.5, December 8, 1851. Handwritten letter to Colonel John Mercier, setting the record straight on use of mortars at the Battle of Monterey. In part: "I have now before me a letter without signature, addressed to the Hon. Sec'y of War, circulated with the view of obtaining the signatures of officers of Artillery and purporting to be from 'the members of the Regiments of Artillery.' As this letter or memorial has reference to matters of interest connected with the artillery service, it has, doubtless, come under your observation; and I therefore deem it unnecessary to transcribe it at large—but beg to refer you to the following paragraph, viz:— 'And in the first year of the War at Monterey, a Mortar was used by our ordnance officer, but was afterwards given to and more efficiently used by an Artillery officer.' As I deem the paragraph, quoted, invidious to me and withal a perversion of facts, I have to request, as it has become necessary to indicate myself against injurious imputations, that you will at your earliest convenience, as a matter of justice to me, answer the following interrogatories viz:…Were you not on the evening preceding the attack on Monterey, as Chief of Art'y, directed by the Commanding General to take charge of the Mortar and to place it in a position to be designated by the Chief of Engineers?…Did I not serve with the Mortars at your instance; and was not the Service rendered by me in this connection exclusively your request?…Were you not present during the whole of the time the Mortars was used by me; and was not the Mortar as efficiently secured as it could have been without a platform, and the nature of the ground and the remoteness of the object fired at admitted of?…Was not the fire or the Mortar, in its first position, directed at what is commonly called the 'black fort,' and did this fort present a front, to the best of your recollection, exceeding 100 yards…was not Webster's battery of 12 prs and 24 Howitzers removed from near the Mortar and for the reason that the fort attended to was beyond the effective range of his guns?…Were you not ordered, and at your suggestion, to remove the Mortar to a more eligible position; and did not the Comd'g Genl. direct you to take position in the redoubt first captured from the enemy and in close proximity to Monterey; and was not this movement attempted but thwarted owing to the darkness of the night and the desertion of the guides; and did I not continue with you during all this time under your immediate orders?" In fine condition.
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