Enclosed Application on Behalf of Colonel Bull
Document 1798Advises for appointment of John Bull as superintendent at Harpers Ferry.
No human transcription currently available for this document.
This transcription was generated by machine using Anthropic's Claude Code (a mix of sonnet and opus models). It may contain errors or inaccuracies. Please verify against the document image. Learn more about our generative AI methodology.
[Received from State Dep't. Nov. 21 [undecipherable] R.P.O. 401310.]
Philadelphia June 30th 1795
Sir
As I understand it is in contemplation to appoint a Superintendent of the Armoury about to be established at Harpers ferry. I beg leave to recommend Colt. John Bull as a person well qualified for the appointment. He resided many years on Lands adjoining the purchase of the United States for a National Armoury, has a very general acquaintance & is much respected in that Neighbourhood. —
he is well acquainted with Mechanics, particularly in the erection of Mills & Water Works, having been much engaged therein, and at the advanced in life & exceeding Active, possesses a strong Mind, & well acquainted with Mankind, and happy in a Commanding, and at the same time an engaging Influence. Colt. Bull is now disengaged from any particular concerns that might interfere with the duties of the appointment should he be so happy as to receive it. He wrote me in April that if in the new appointments of Superintendants in building Fortifications, or other public employment he could be useful, he would chearfully engage therein, and at the same time that he requested application might be made, he desired me not to forget mentioning [underline: his former Public Services.]
Colt. Bull was active in the Revolutionary War particularly in constructing & Superintending the Works at olas Island Fort, and Red Bank. — he was useful in the Militia Corps, and sustained great loss from his attachment to the public Cause. — he now resides at Northumberland Pennsylva— nia, but would be in immediate readiness to take the Superintendance of the Arsenal at Harpers Ferry.
I should esteem myself Honored in communicating any Letter to him, being with great Respect
Yrs most Obt &
Most Hble Servt
[undecipherable]
Honorable
Secretary at War
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Description
Advises for appointment of John Bull as superintendent at Harpers Ferry.
Date
06/30/1798
Author
Recipient
Sent from
Philadelphia
Document number
1798063040201
Page start
3
Note
This document is enclosed in Nourse to McHenry, 06/30/1798.
Notable persons
James McHenry
Joseph Nourse
Col John Bull
Notable locations
Philadelphia
Harpers Ferry
Mud Island Fort
Red Bank
Northumberland
Pennsylvania

