Lot of three draft LSs, all written in an unknown hand, one signed “S. Coult,” the other signed “Saml. Coult,” both three sides on two adjoining pages, both bearing heavy corrections by Colt. First letter is dated September 30, 1834 and reads, in part, “When I took passage at Quebeck for St. Johns…the wind was adds my prospect being good for a quick passage & I having no money that I could send to you I thought I would not write until I arrived here when I commenced any lectours so that I mint [sic] send you some money but going to the great length of my long passage during which time it was impossible to send a letter to you, I improve the first opportunaty [sic] of writing…before I commenced my lectours mearly [sic] to let you know where I am…My prospects in this place are very flattering there being now sickness here & I have letters of introduction to a number of most influential citizens here.” Towards the end of the letter Colt writes about his firearms development crossing out several passages. “Hence the goodness…to make…a small riffle [sic]…with a barril [sic] that will just chamber a large…buck shot when rifled without a puch & let me…a pair of small pocket pistol out of the little end of the barril [sic] that will carry six charges each. I want them to be as small as possible & no longer than the first pair he made tell him to exercise the best of his judgement in putting the lock together. I hope that he has already finished the shot gun bolster Pistol & Rifle that I ordered before I left & described in my letter from Montryal [sic] if they are finished…take charge of them…but…don’t let them be seen by anybody. If Peousson cannot find a good rifle barril [sic] in Baltimore I wish you would write to W. W. Tryon…for one.” Fourth page of letter is another letter written to Mr. Molker of St. John’s and dated October 30, 1834. Last letter is written from Montreal and dated July 19, 1834 and reads, in part, “I think that alarm will subside if it doesn’t…those who have patronized me are much pleased with my entertainment. I shall remain here as long as I am well patronized…I sent $50 to Mr. Wm. tryon…for a rifle barrel & one dozen precision missiles & requested him to forward them to you in Baltimore…I want Mr. Pearson to cut enough off 7 or 8 inches from the small end of the rifle barrel…& make a pistol of it to carry 6 charges.” From 1832 to 1836, Colt traveled throughout America as Doctor Coult, giving demonstrations of the newly discovered nitrous oxide – laughing gas. In very good condition, with light overall toning, show-through from text on reverse, aforementioned crossed out passages and storage folds. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
