"Was there a Whitworth rifle at the Battle of Raymond?" I, personally, don't believe so, but am willing to be convinced.

"Did it burst and was it abandoned by the Confederates?" One Confederate gun is reported to have "burst." Obviously I don't think it was a Whitworth (none present). I don't believe anyone claims the burst gun (whatever it was) was abandoned.

"Just what are the facts?" (and) "What, if any, are the original sources for the facts?" Most of the facts and sources as are available have been developed in this thread. Are the facts sufficient and satisfactory? no, not in my opinion.

"It seems to me that the answers to the above questions is very important to unraveling the facts about Whitworths in the Vicksburg campaign." I can only agree!

John