Lincoln’s attempt to expedite the creation of a mortar fleet was emblematic of his desire to provide the military with the latest, most lethal weapons. In keeping with his long-standing interest in things mechanical, he studied weaponry as well as strategy, and during the first two years of his administration became in effect a one-man research-and-development branch of the War Department in addition to its main strategist. But the chief of army ordnance, General James W. Ripley (known as “Ripley Van Winkle”), proved obstinate and recalcitrant. Trying to get the unimaginative, cantankerous Ripley to adopt technological innovations was as difficult as it was to get McClellan or Buell to attack the enemy.
Source: Abraham Lincoln ∶ A Life ▫𓂃