Military officer (1780–1848) who served in the ordnance department during the War of 1812, best known as an inventor and designer of weapons and defensive installations. ALS signed “G. Bomford,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, May 26, 1817. Letter to James Madison. In part: “The inclosed contract has been made out and blanks left for inserting the name of the contractor, the total no. of gun stocks, (not exceeding twelve thousand pr. annum), the number at each delivery, and the corresponding times of payment—and should it meet your convenience it is desired that after the first delivery and inspection, that not more than four inspections pr annum should be required.” Affixed to a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition, with a couple small edge tears and bit of paper loss to right edge. Ultimately, a Virginian man named Abraham Eddins won the contract, agreeing to produce 12,000 musket stocks out of walnut at a cost of 25 cents each. Madison, having just left the presidency in March, helped to provide the lumber for their production from trees on his estate. With the War of 1812 still in mind, the United States needed to stockpile arms to provide for the defense of the still-new nation. RR Auction COA.
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