Discusses Problems with Pistol Barrels and Proving
Document 1799Believes that Mr. Dana's claims about the proof of the pistol barrels is unnecessarily severe because the caliber of the pistol is smaller than the Charlottesville musket. Discusses size of proof balls. Warns that proofs were unfinished and barrels are rough when ordered which causes a reduction and weakening. Speculates about other reasons for miscalculations. The pistol making in Philadelphia is of smaller caliber than in Connecticut.
No human transcription currently available for this document.
This transcription was generated by machine using Anthropic's Claude Code (model sonnet 4.6). It may contain errors or inaccuracies. Please verify against the document image. Learn more about our generative AI methodology.
Philadelphia 29th Janry 1798.
Sir
In consequence of the presentment of your Draft on me dated the 1st instt for $350 Dollars in favour of Messrs Evans & Selby and by them and a subsequent endorsement made payable to Messrs Drake & Commegys of this City, I immediately called on Mr Simmons the Accountant to know the State of your Accounts, as he had undertaken their adjustment; the result of my enquiries you will learn by the enclosed Statement of your Account, and by the other which the Accountant informs me he has sent to you. It is plain, according to your apprehensions signified in your letter that accompanied your Draft that there is a mistake somewhere & of course your Draft could not be honoured. It is possible some of your Accounts and vouchers may not have got to hand, but in whatever shape any mistake may have arisen, you will have it in your power by perusing the two Statements, you will [undecipherable: be able?] to set all right. You will recollect that Leonard Davis's receipt admitted in the enclosed Statement, is not a perfect Document, and that in answer to a former letter on that Subject you promised to obtain such an one as Requested, let it be done, and sent in your next communication. Also a special order on Mr Simmons, to pay me the balance due you on his adjustment of your Accounts. Your letter to that effect, he does not deem sufficient.
The sooner you attend to this business the better, as it is desirable to have it closed while the business is fresh in all our memories. I am very sorry that your Draft under circumstances could not be honored.
I am Sir
Your most Obedient Servant
Major C. Langham. Samuel Hodgdon.
Type
Author's Letterbook Copy
Description
Believes that Mr. Dana's claims about the proof of the pistol barrels is unnecessarily severe because the caliber of the pistol is smaller than the Charlottesville musket. Discusses size of proof balls. Warns that proofs were unfinished and barrels are rough when ordered which causes a reduction and weakening. Speculates about other reasons for miscalculations. The pistol making in Philadelphia is of smaller caliber than in Connecticut.
Date
07/18/1799
Author
Recipient
Sent from
Philadelphia
Repository
Document number
1799071828055
Page start
506
Notable persons
James McHenry
Samuel Hodgdon
Mr. Dana
Notable locations
Philadelphia
Springfield
Connecticut
Notable items
Pistol Barrels
Charlottesville Musket
Proof Ball
Pistols
Powder
Mandrils
Stamps


