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some for sixteen.
They were nearly all completed at this time, and the work upon them had been done exclusively by negro slaves.
In most cases they were mounted with their full complement of guns, varying in caliber, from thirty-two to sixty-four pounds. The land around Richmond consists of hills and valleys, and the batteries were planted on the most elevated and commanding points.
The heaviest of these commanded the turnpikes and railroads which formed the approaches from Manassas and Fredericksburg.
After visiting the batteries, Webster went with Campbell to the ordnance department, where he was introduced to several persons who had charge of the ordnance stores, and from whom he elicited much valuable information.
Among other things, he was informed by the Colonel in charge, that the “Bermuda,” an English vessel which had recently run the blockade, had brought over for the Confederate government twelve thousand Enfield rifles, a large supply of cavalry swords and a number of rifled cannon; and that, upon trial, the rifled cannon were found to be more accurate than any of their brass pieces.
On the following day Webster concluded to make another inspection of the earth-works around the city.
He went alone and on foot this time, as he desired to make some notes and calculations, which he was unable to do in the presence of others without running an unnecessary risk.
It was a fine, brisk morning,
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