STATE OF VIRGINIA SEEKING ARMS FROM SAMUEL COLT, JANUARY 1860.


Autograph Letter Signed ("Wm H. Richardson, A Gen'l") to Samuel Colt seeking arms to "be procured as speedily as necessary," 1 p, 4to, Adjutant Generals Office, Richmond, VA, January 26, 1860, some chipping and tears at folds, and along edges."In the extraordinary call for arms of all descriptions growing out of the occurences at Harpers ferry in October last, the state is in want of some description of arms for immediate use." Writing for the State of Virginia, in his official capacity as Adjutant General, William H. Richardson requests the purchase or trade of guns from Samuel Colt with some urgency. South Carolina had voted for secession on December 20 previous, and by May of 1861, Richmond would become the capital of the Confederacy. An important and fascinating look at Southern maneuvering in the run up to war.