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Lessons from the late war in artillery (Federal Ordnance dept.)

- The superior range of rifled artillery is of use in controlling the opening of the engagement.
- Once battle is joined, the utility of a rifled gun over a smoothbore gun is primarily in defeat of enemy artillery rather than in action against enemy troops.
- The smoothbore gun is to be preferred for close action as it can discharge cannister far more efficiently (being both faster to load and with a greater volume of cannister for a given gun weight), thus making it a defensive asset.
- Artillery may not operate unsupported due to the risk of an enemy infantry assault.
- Sharpshooter fire may risk gunners, but is not a risk sufficient to cause guns to be withdrawn from the main line.
- Indirect fire is highly inaccurate.
- Gun handiness and speed of reloading is paramount.
- A means of firing cannister from rifled guns is desired.
- If achievable, a grand battery would render assaults impractical.
- Massive siege guns are desired to overcome forts.