![Lot 8029 [Samuel Colt] Benjamin McCulloch Autograph Letter Signed on the Purchase of](https://cdn.rrauction.com/auction/720/3501081_1.jpg)
ALS signed “Ben McCulloch,” one page, 8 x 10, Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company letterhead, July 9, 1860. Handwritten letter from McCulloch to Samuel Colt, advising him 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.” In fine condition.
McCulloch followed up this letter with another (not included) dated from New Orleans on April 16, 1861, roughly three months after Alabama seceded from the Union on January 11, 1861. In the letter, he affirms the receipt of guns, which were procured for Texan forces: ‘The pistols has all arrived & I have made the proper documents and left them with your agent Kittrige & 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 buying 1000. I am off for Texas where I will be delighted to see you, write me at Austin City Texas for the present.’
Dated just six months before Alabama’s secession, this letter is a powerful document of the pre-war build-up among Southern states, as they explored acquiring modern arms directly from Colt. The Model 1860 Army had only recently entered production, making this one of the earliest surviving references to Southern interest in the revolver that would see widespread use on both sides of the conflict.
