Head-Quarters Department of the Cumberland,

                                                                                    Chattanooga, Tenn.   Jany 7, 1864

 

Dear Sir:

                        I received your favor of the 18^th Dbr. a day or two since. In answer to your inquiry as to the relative advantages of the breech loading over the Springfield or Enfield Rifle I will say that for war service I consider either the Sharps, or Spencer rifle is better in all respects for they are both simple in their construction and are not liable to get put out of order, & are as strong as the Springfield or Enfield Rifle. In some respects I prefer  the Spencer Rifle to the Sharps, although I regard the Sharps rifle as a most excellent weapon. I have never seen any other breech loading musket or rifle that I would put into the hands of troops.

 

                                                                        Yours Respectfully

                                                                                    Geo. H. Thomas

                                                                                    Maj Genl. Vols.

SOURCES