Secretary of the [U.S.] Navy: "Americans are adepts in the use of the rifle and the musket from their boyhood . . . their aim is as fatal as that of the trained soldier.""

"Americans are adepts in the use of the rifle and the musket from their boyhood, and when thrown into the field, no matter how suddenly, they are skilful, and their aim is as fatal as that of the trained soldier."--J.C. Dobbin, Report Of The Secretary Of The Navy, Navy Department, Dec. 1, 1856. [House Of Representatives. 34th Congress, 3d Session. Ex. Doc. No.1. Message From The President Of The United States To The Two Houses Of Congress, At The Commencment Of The Third Session Of The Thirty-Fourth Congress. Volume II. Washington: Cornelius Wendell, Printer. 1856. Pg. 411]

Also See:

U.S. Secretary of the Navy J.C. Dobbin; “an American finds himself instinctively at home with fire-arms. . . . are adepts in the use of the rifle and the musket from their boyhood, and when thrown into the field, no matter how suddenly, they are skilful, and their aim is as fatal as that of the trained soldier.”, Dec. 1, 1856