Post by Robert Braun on Jul 6, 2005 7:57:12 GMT -5
There are mentions of cartridges in some accounts relating to the Michigan Terriroty militia. The origins of these cartridges appear to be government sources, and not state or territorial sources. Indeed, it would appear that the U. S. Government retained sole discretion for issuance of cartridge ammunition for U. S. muskets used by the militia.
From where did these cartridges come?
Prior to 1827, the most likely answer was Fort Belle Fontaine, a U. S. Government reservation north of St. Louis. After 1827, a new installation-- the "St. Louis Arsenal" -- apparently assumed the ordnance and munitions needs of the West. The first contracts for cannon shot were let in 1828.
By 1831, there were three small buildings at the St. Louis Arsenal designated as "laboratories" for the purpose of fabricating cartridges. It is not yet clear to me whether or not there were arsenal employees involved in making cartridges, or whether the buildings were used by contractors.
The quantities of cartridges associated with the troops of the BHW indicated that fabrication was stepped up considerably with the onset of the Sauk crisis.
Bob.
From where did these cartridges come?
Prior to 1827, the most likely answer was Fort Belle Fontaine, a U. S. Government reservation north of St. Louis. After 1827, a new installation-- the "St. Louis Arsenal" -- apparently assumed the ordnance and munitions needs of the West. The first contracts for cannon shot were let in 1828.
By 1831, there were three small buildings at the St. Louis Arsenal designated as "laboratories" for the purpose of fabricating cartridges. It is not yet clear to me whether or not there were arsenal employees involved in making cartridges, or whether the buildings were used by contractors.
The quantities of cartridges associated with the troops of the BHW indicated that fabrication was stepped up considerably with the onset of the Sauk crisis.
Bob.