The XV-inch Dahlgren guns, shown here inside the turret of the USS Passaic, were monsters with massively heavy ammunition. The charge alone weighed 35 pounds! (Harper’s Weekly)
[Engagement of Federal fleet with Confederate ironclads and shore batteries at Howlett’s, June 21, 1864.]
Letter from Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, to Commander Lynch, U. S. Navy.
U. S. S. Osceola,
Off City Point, James River, June 21, 1864.
Dear Captain: Be pleased to send to this place with all dispatch the following articles, viz, 200 XV-inch shells, 150 35-pounds plain chamber charges to be put in new cylinders, 500 5-second fuzes.
Our ironclads are having a smart time of it with the rebel ironclads and a fort, said to be formidable, unmasked to-day. Yours, very truly,
J[ohn]. M. B. Clitz,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Commander Dominick Lynch,
Comdg. U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence, Hampton Roads, Virginia.1
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