Letter from Virginia Adjutant General William H. Richardson to Mississippi John J. Pettus; December 12, 1860

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Letter from Virginia Adjutant General William H. Richardson to Mississippi John J. Pettus; December 12, 1860

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People

Grimer?, Unknown Hurst, William Richardson Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Smith, T. H.

Military Units

United States. Army

Organizations and Businesses

Arsenals Confederate States of America. War Department Harpers Ferry Armory (U.S.)Military Board Military education Military education--Virginia Military Institute Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )United States. Adjutant-General's Office United States. Army. Ordnance Department

Occupations

Commissioners Superintendents

Places

Lexington (Va.)Richmond (Va.)Rockbridge County (Va.)Virginia Washington (Penn.)

Page 1

[seal]

Adjutant Generals Office
Richmond V^a De^c 12 1860

Sir

Col Grimer? called to see upon his return from your State, and requested that I would inform you in regard to a recent purchase of Arms for this State from [?].

Early in November the Commissioner who had been entrusted with the purchase of arms, learned that there were 10000 stands of [?] original smooth bore Army muskets for sale by [?] Gov at Harpers ferry Arsenal, and determined [?] [?] purchase them. I accompaned one of the Commissioners who was [directed?] by the Board for that purpose, to the Secretary of War but we found that the rumor was unfounded and that Mr. [?] had no authority to sell them.

We found in the Arsenal at Washington, a considerable number of allowed percussion musket for sale at $2 50 per stand—handsome & excellent Arms, @ 5000 of these were purchased for the State at $2 50 A number remain for sale, and if you are in want of muskets I think the opportunity is worthy of your attention. In case of a purchase, it would be adviseable to send on an officer of experience to select them, and if desired, the same officer this State who was sent upon me [?] since could accompany him from here.

The Secretary of War is a true Son of the South and will do all he can—but the Chief of Ordnance Dep^t is a Black Republican.

Page 2

Any information in regard to the predictability of procuring Arms. & the character of such as were offered to our Commissioners may be obtained of the Chairman T. H. Smith Superintendent of The
V^a Military Institute—Lexington Rockbridge Co —

If any service can be rendered here, it is at your Excellencys Command

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully Your obs^v
W.^m H. Richardson Ag Gen

His Excellency
J. J.Pettus
Governor of Mississippi