I have a question/inquiry regarding Bledsoe's Artillery at the very beginning of the war. I have read/researched some accounts that he acquired a couple of pieces after the capture of the Liberty, Missouri Arsenal (one was abandoned in Lexington, considered to be useless, only to be used by the Union troops during the siege of Lexington in September, 1861). Specifically two 6 pounders, which were captured during the Mexican war and awarded to the Missouri units. I have read that there was also a foundry in Lexington, Missouri, which makes a vague statement that two more cannon were forged there. Does anyone have any information regarding this? Also, my research also implies that one of these 6 pounders were bored out to make it a 12 pounder at this time. This 12 pounder was known as "old Sacramento" since it was captured at the Battle of Sacramento in Mexico. (there was a total of 10 cannon presented to the Missourians, and many of these it appears were known as "old Sacramento". It seems that this specific cannon was latter replaced by a more traditional Napoleon 12 pounder, at Memphis. Somehow, this cannon made it's way to Mobile, where is was found at the end of the war (ironically- where many of the Missourians who fought beside it during 1861 ended up as well).

Any information on Bledsoe’s battery at this time, the odyssey of Old Sacramento and how it moved from Memphis to Mobile, any information on the Foundry in Lexington, and if it truly was used to forge two more cannon and what was the hisotory of these cannon would be greatly appreciated.