Collection Search

Paul J. Semmes archive regarding buying arms and military equipment [decimalized .01-.14]

14 copies of documents and letters, most in the hand of Paul J. Semmes about his efforts as agent to buy arms for the state of Georgia before the war. Contracts with Parrot for guns and DuPont for gunpowder.

GLC00508

to Joseph E. Brown

Writes to the Governor of Georgia enclosing a contract made with Charles Hugh of Pittsburgh for six eight inch Columbiads, 300 solid shot, and 1500 shells. Advises that the guns will be inspected by a member of the U.S. ordnance corps. Informs that...

GLC00508.02

[Contract with Robert P. Parrott for rifles, projectiles & lead]

Semmes's retained copy. Contract with Parrott of the Cold Springs Foundry in West Point, New York for 16 rifle cannons, 3500 "Dyer" solid shot, 4000 "Dyer" case or shrapnel shot, 500 canister shot, and 100,000 pounds of lead. Lists the...

GLC00508.04

to Joseph E. Brown

Semmes's retained copy. Writes to the Governor of Georgia enclosing a copy of a letter to the Secretary of War and to Major Wayne (not present), the newly appointed Adjutant General of Georgia. The letters concern an attempt to purchase tents from...

GLC00508.05

to Augustus Viele

Semmes's retained copy. Writes to Viele in West Troy, New York. Insists that Governor Brown and the State of Georgia will only make payments for the cannons produced by Viele's foundry according to the terms of the contract. Advises that Mr. Kemble...

GLC00508.07

[Estimates of camp & garrison equipage for 10,000 men]

List of estimated costs of equipment for 7,500 Infantry, 1,500 Cavalry, and 1000 Artillery according to United States standards. Not in Semmes's hand but with additions by him. Includes items such as knapsacks, bedsacks, hatchets, camp kettles...

GLC00508.08

to Colonel H.C. Wayne

Semmes's retained copy. Encloses letters (not present) from Augustus Viele, Mr. Kemble, Captain J. G. Britons, and E.J. Dupont de Nemours & Co in Wilmington, Delaware. The letters concern the inspection of gun carriages and the shipment of powder...

GLC00508.10

to Joseph E. Brown

Marked copy but possibly a draft as it contains cross outs. Writes to the Governor of Georgia concerning the purchase of cannons from Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia. Encloses a contract (not present; possibly GLC00503) made with Mr. J.R...

GLC00508.12

[Bill from E.J. Dupont de Nemours & Co. for the state of Georgia]

Bill for Governor Joseph E. Brown of Georgia for cannon, muskets, cartridges and other munitions. Totals $8452.12.

GLC00508.14

[Contract with Tredegar Iron Works]

Semmes's autograph retained copy, marked as a copy. Contract with Joseph R. Anderson, owner of Tredegar Iron Works, in preparation for war. Semmes was acting as agent for the State of Georgia. Orders six 18 pounder cannons, 1500 rounds of solid...

GLC00503

to Alfred Pleasanton

Custer writes to his commanding officer to report that he has complied with his orders to send 800-1000 men. He notes that this will leave him in command of two batteries of Horse Artillery without support. He explains that he would rather see those...

GLC00614

to James B. McPherson or John A. Logan

Also addressed to John A. Logan, commander of the 15th corps, Army of the Tennessee. Sherman explains his own position and the positions and plans of the divisions under the command of John McAllister Schofield, Oliver O. Howard, and George H. Thomas...

GLC00607

to Paul J. Semmes

Informs that the General Assembly has passed a bill appropriating one million dollars to buy arms for Georgia and that Governor Joseph E. Brown requests his help in carrying this out. Asks Semmes to go to New York or wherever he needs to in order to...

GLC00572.16

to Joseph E. Brown

Retained copy, docketed by Semmes. Semmes writes to the Governor of Georgia enclosing a contract (not present; probably GLC00508.04) for the purchase of rifle cannon, projectiles, and lead. Discusses the pros and cons of different types of guns...

GLC00572.19

to Joseph E. Brown

Semmes's retained copy. Semmes writes to the Governor of Georgia enclosing a contract for the purchase of gun carriages and implements, battery wagons and implements, and other army supplies. Docketed by Semmes's on verso.

GLC00572.20

to Paul J. Semmes

Augustus Viele notes difficulty of finding credit for shipments of munitions to the South because of the impending war. He states, "... much excitement exists in our section in regard to the Manufacture & Shipment of Munitions of War, to the Southern...

GLC00572.23

[Collection of Henry Vanaernam, field and staff, 154th regiment, New York, infantry]

Surgeon in the 154th NY Volunteers, Surgeon in Chief. Describes Confederate resistance and the shelling of Atlanta just before its fall. Both written in pencil.

GLC00653.05

to James Birdseye McPherson

Ransom, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, 17th Corps, writes from "50 Rods from Enemies Works" to McPherson, commander of the 17th Corps during the Battle of Vicksburg. Writes "am holding position but suffering awfully... terrible loss-...

GLC00538

to George Washington

Mentions that he has received General Washington's letter of 5 September, regarding repairs of arms. Declares that each brigade's own armorers have been performing the repairs to the best of their ability, and that that is the only option, since...

GLC02437.01589

to George Washington

Contributes his thoughts on what to do with the "poor unfortunate invalid regiment." Declares that his ideas stem both from compassion for the soldiers and from "what I conceive to be the good of the service." Discusses physical examinations of the...

GLC02437.01657

to George Washington

Discusses the difficulty of a building project on Constitution Island, possibly an ordnance magazine and barracks. Encloses a "representation" from Major Chevalier de Villefranche, involved in the construction project. Knox's retained draft.

GLC02437.10045

Detail of guards in and about West Point

List of guards, broken down by department (such as sappers and miners and artillery). On verso is a "Detail of the despatched parties from the 2d Connt. Regiment," with the clerical signature of Heman Swift.

GLC02437.01578

Memorandum of stores with the laboratory

Return of artillery stores, such as knives, scrapers, and hammers. Price signs as lieutenant of artillery.

GLC02437.01602

List of stores on board the Hope in the river

List of artillery stores, including tools and supplies.

GLC02437.01612

to Henry Knox

Written from "War Office." Writes, "I have Sent for the German Armourers and will forward - them to you with the necessary Tools - If I can obtain any considerable number I think we had better send to Mr. [possibly Richard] Cranch who is now...

GLC02437.01619

Return of ordnance stores deliver for Stony Point

Return of stores dated 13 October 1782 and 31 January 1783 declared by Captain [likely Ephraim] Fenno, and by John Smith. Richard Frothingham, Field Commissary of Military Stores, signs on 20 March 1783.

GLC02437.01660

[Return of ordnance and stores in the Northern Department]

Three charts describing the ordnance of the Northern Department. The first page features a return of ordnance sent to West Point from Albany. The second page features a return of "Musquets, Cartridges, Flints & Sundries" delivered in the Northern...

GLC02437.01672

Return of cartridges in the 9th Massa Regiment commanded by Majr Leml Trescott

Lists cartridges from the 9th Massachusetts. Countersigned by Major Lemuel Trescott.

GLC02437.01690

Return of the boards & plank issued for the use of the artillery barracks antecedent to the last order

Return listing boards and planks, sorted according to who ordered their delivery and the date of delivery.

GLC02437.01720

to Henry Knox

Is honored to report that the two cannons entrusted to him will be ready for delivery by next Wednesday. Will soon be going away for some weeks and wishes he could be present to see them sent off, but hopes they will meet with Knox's approval....

GLC02437.01733

[Certificate for Andrew Billings Esq. for engravings for two pieces of cannon]

Written and signed for Knox by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Writes, "This is to certify that, in consequence of orders from His Excellency the Commander in Chief, Andrew Billings Esq. has engraved certain devices upon two pieces of cannon...

GLC02437.01746

Report of the ordnance at the different posts and park of artillery

Chart of ordnance at Fort Clinton and nearby fortifications on the Hudson River. Artillery has been dismounted, spiked and "stoped with stones."

GLC02437.01757

Report of the ordnance at the different posts & park of artillery on West Point

Signed by a J. George, likely John George, a Captain-Lieutenant of Artillery from Massachusetts. Return lists ordnance stores broken down by location. Similar in content to GLC02437.01757.

GLC02437.01763

to Henry Knox

Sarcastic letter written by Major General Gates to Major General Knox. Says "Chess is intirely at a Stand here; I have many challenges, but no Troops to Act; when a convenient Opportunity Offers, I shall be Obliged to you for the peices that are...

GLC02437.01764

Return of the men in the Masstts. Corps of Artillery whos time of service expt. in Decr.-Jany. Insuing

Return of 15 named men, broken down by company. Signed by Samuel Cooper, Adjutant, and countersigned by a Lieutenant Burbeck.

GLC02437.01772

[Provision return for three soldiers employed in the ordinance department]

Return signed by Captain Thomas Patten of the Artillery Artificers (3 men named) and countersigned "By order of the Comdt", S. [Samuel] Shaw, Aide-de-Camp. Note on verso signed by D. S. [possibly Dudley] Mercer.

GLC02437.01778

Army Rations issued to men in Ordance Departmt.

"Provision Return for one Man Drafted from the Invalid Regt. Capt. Rileys Company now employed in the ordinance Dept. for four Days is four Rations." Directed to Commissary Forsyth, possibly James Forsyth, Commissary at West Point. Return is signed...

GLC02437.01786

[Ordnance return for an artillery park and other posts in the West Point vicinity]

Lists artillery numbers for several forts in vicinity surrounding West Point.

GLC02437.10067

to Andrew Billings

Discusses cannon Major Billings recently engraved. Remarks that he has received news that Billings did a good job engraving the cannons. Gives Billings instructions regarding delivery and billing of the cannon.

GLC02437.10068

[Return of military stores brought from Burlington to West Point]

Lists ordnance and stores brought from Burlington, New Jersey to West Point, New York for use of the 2nd Regiment of Artillery.

GLC02437.10510

[Return of ordnance and stores at Stony Point and Verplanks Point]

Includes Quarter master's stores. Noted to Major General Henry Knox at West Point, New York. Fenno signs as Capt Lieut Commt Artillery.

GLC02437.10511

to Henry Knox

Bushnell signs as Captain, Sappers and Miners. Gives his account of a situation involving Captain Lieutenant Taulman and Kirkpatrick. The two soldiers disobeyed his orders concerning their baggage and he had to arrest them. Refer to GLC02437.01788...

GLC02437.10514

[Return]

Return for ordnance and military stores available, received and delivered for the month of August 1782 at Fishkill, New York. Items listed by type, weight and ammunition. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.10702

[Return]

Return for ordnance and military stores at the north and south redoubts. Items listed by type and location. Two black and white bust engravings of Jackson included.

GLC02437.10704

[Address of artillery artificers to Henry Knox]

Petition given to Major General Knox on behalf of the artillery artificers at West Point to be delivered to General Washington. They were angry after "having found our Selves intitled by the General Orders, to draw some Weekly pay rest Verry much...

GLC02437.01948

to George Washington

Written by Major General Knox to General Washington. Reports to Washington that he had to relieve the company of artillery under Captain Lieutenant Ephraim Fenno at Kings Ferry, due to problems with ordnance returns. Replaced Fenno's unit with the...

GLC02437.02019

to Henry Knox

Requests a lock for the door to the stores of ammunition and provisions.

GLC02437.01837

[Provision return for the men belonging to the Ordnance Department]

Lists men by regiment and company with issued rations. Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with an endorsement by Dudley Mercer.

GLC02437.01859

[Army Rations issued to Prisoners & Artificers]

States return for a man from the "3 Rigt. [sic] of Artillery." Countersigned by Samuel Shaw with an endorsement signed by Samuel Fullerton on verso.

GLC02437.01904

to Henry Knox

Discusses the casting of new artillery, namely howitzers.

GLC02437.01917