505
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE 'LAMAR
tion of many in the United States- of the effect-novelty of attack has some times upon the nerves.- the first when the British troops effected a landing near Baltimore during the late war with Great Britain, the Militia although accustomed to all varieties of fire works, and previously warned by their officers of the appearance, and effect, of the Congreve rocket could not bring themselves to staf!d before its shower- the other in which General Jackson, used artillery with great effect against the Indians- upon which they broke, decTaring they could stand any fire than that from a waggon.- As signal rockets from neighbouring posts and detachments they are invaluable- and with the proposed addition to the armory (which can be transported to another site) they can be made by the artisans, - when procured.- The necessary supply of fixed ammunition of all kinds has doubt- less suggested itself to the mind of the Honorable secretary of ·war, as a necessary and healthful auxiliary when alacrity of fire is required, and indeed in no case am I aware that it is deemed objec- tionable, a few charges have been made, for the pieces now at the Arsenal, which can be exhibited if required.- but the difficulty arises in our power to manufacture them.-with a steam Engine of a moderate power we should be able to accomplish the turning of the Sabot for which the turners here require thirty cents each, for about 10 to 12½ cents, we could turn moulds for our rockets if required (the metal is already in the West belonging to the Repub- lic) cut our tin and form canisters and decrease the expenses of the armory, more than one half, by using machinery for polishing &c &c-I am informed that such an Engine as we should require, could be purchased in the United States, for less than five hundred dollars. The latter three subjects have been frequently urged, first to my predecessor in the Department of War, and also whilest holding the Station You so honorably fill- attribute my repetition of it to my zeal in the cause for which we are all naturally solicitous I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Your obt Servt
Geo W. Hockley
Col of Ordnance
[Endorsed]
Copy Ordnance Report 28th l\Iarch 1839 referred to in the ordinance report.
No. 1156
1839 Mar. 29, LEAGUE, ANDREWS & COMPANY, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IRABEAU] B[UONAPARTE] LAMAR, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Sending an overcoat presented by Peter Wilson, of Baltimore, a partner of the firm. N. S. 1 p.
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