July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
Imprint "Message from the President of the United States, Accompanying Certain Documents, Exhibiting 1. A return of ordnance, arms, and military stores, the property of the United States. 2. Returns of muskets and bayonets fabricated at the armories of the United States, at Springfield, and Harper's ferry, and of the expenditures at those places: And, 3. An estimate of expenditures which may be necessary for fortifications and barracks, for the present year; also, respecting certain other objects, for the consideration of Congress..." 2d February, 1802, 16pp. octavo, signed in type "Th: Jefferson". It reads in part: "...Besides the permanent magazines established at Springfield, West Point, and Harpers Ferry, it is thought one should be established in some point convenient for the States of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Such a point will probably be found near the border of the Carolinas, and some small provision by the Legislature preparatory to the establishment will be necessary for the present year. We find the United States in possession of certain iron mines and works in the county of Berkeley and State of Virginia, purchased, as is presumable, on the idea of establishing works for the fabrication of cannon and other military articles by the public. Whether this method of supplying what may be wanted will be most advisable or that of purchasing at market where competition brings everything to its proper level of price and quality is for the Legislature to decide, and if the latter alternative be preferred, it will rest for their further consideration in what way the subjects of this purchase may be best employed or disposed of..." Fine.
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