Soldier in the Texas Revolution, a Texas Ranger, a US marshal, and a brigadier general in the army of the Confederate States during the American Civil War (1811–1862). A collection of four ALSs, all signed “Ben McCulloch,” all to Connecticut arms maker Samuel Colt.
Letter 1 – one page, 7.75 x 9.75 lightly-lined, dated New York, September 24, 1859. In full: “Your draft for eighteen hundred & eighty five dollars & sixty two cents came to hand by Major Marcy & was duly receipted for & c & c. I find from the letter written by you to Judge Rose that I have been charged with my proportional part of the money expended by Rose & myself for expenses. By reference to the contract or agreement you will find that the other stockholders were to pay our expenses. I shall remain here until Monday & would be glad to have a statement of the monies expended…and the amount of each Item, so as to enable to settle with the party to whom I have sold one half my share. Your early attention to this matter is urged.”
Letter 2 – one page, 8 x 9.75, Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company letterhead, Hartford, dated July 9, 1860. McCulloch advises Colt that the Governor of Alabama has authorized him to undertake the purchase of 300 pistols. In full: “I am authorised by the Gov of Ala to purchase 300 pistols. Please send me your prices for the Navy and new model Army size with appendages & when the latter can be delivered. I will be some days at the St. Nicholas Hotel N. York & will return the last of this week or the first of next. I am sorry you were not at home, please let me hear from you soon.”
Letter 3 – one lightly-lined page, 5 x 8, dated Richmond, Virginia, April 2, 1861. In full: “If consistent with your views & interest you will confer a favour on the Rangers of my state by telegraphing your agent in N Orleans to close the contract on the conditions of the ordinance of the convention, in the event of my not being able to otherwise raise the funds to pay for the Pistols. The Rangers will take the field immediately & cannot do well without them. I leave in the morning for N Orleans & will be there by the 4th & will stop at the St. Charles Hotel.”
Letter 4 – one lightly-lined page, 5 x 8, dated New Orleans, April 16, 1861. In full: “The pistols has all arrived & I have made the proper documents and left them with your agent Kitrige & Folsom, who will send you a copy, if it is not satisfactory, I will make it so. Much obliged for the carbine, will show it to the Gov & see what he thinks of buing [sic] 10000. I am off for Texas where I will be delighted to see you, write me at Austin City Texas for the present.”
Intersecting folds to first two letters, pencil notation to top of letter #3, and a partial separation along central horizontal fold to letter #4, otherwise fine condition.
This remarkable set of letters sent by Benjamin McCulloch to Connecticut gun maker Samuel Colt offers an extraordinary glimpse into how the Confederate Army endeavored to arm itself as the tensions between Southern and Northern states erupted into armed conflict.
When the Civil War broke out, McCulloch turned his attention to securing the weapons necessary to defend the nascent Confederacy. Put simply, more arms were needed, and as quickly as possible. Concerned about an outstanding order of pistols, McCulloch told Colt point blank: “The Rangers will take the field immediately & cannot do well without them.”
While McCulloch wrote with urgency, the need for arms was not for a lack of foresight on Southerners’ part. Over a year before Fort Sumter set in motion the mass secession of Southern states, governors and state legislators were laying the groundwork for their defensive strategy. As part of his state’s preparations, Alabama Governor Andrew B. Moore authorized McCulloch to procure 300 pistols as relayed to Colt in the July 9, 1860, letter to the gun manufacturer.
The concluding document is perhaps the most remarkable. Signed three days after hostilities ceased at Fort Sumter, and one day following Congress’ formal declaration of war, the Confederate officer confirmed the arrival of one of the last arms shipments received before the Northern prohibition went into effect. Union authorities soon condemned Colt before Congress as evidence surfaced about the kinds of transactions documented in these letters. Appearing in Washington, Colt was steadfast in his defense, maintaining that shipments to the Southern states ceased once a state of war had been officially declared. An intriguing interrelated set of letters with outstanding Colt association. The Robert Davis Collection, read more about Robert Davis. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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