This interesting pair of 1854 letters actually represent related cross correspondence between Remington Co. H.K. Crain (Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D.C.) and Davis, who was Secretary of War at the time. I n the first letter (on two sides of a single sheet), dated February 28, 1854 and written from Remington to Craig, the arms manufacturer writes, in part: “ As we understand from the decisions on our recent applications, for a continuance of our contract for rifles that no more are to be made except at the National Armories. And as we are desirous of employing our work, tools and machinery. We would like to do any other work for your department which may be required…Permit us to say without intending in the least degree to claim any right any imployment [sic] that we think the manner in which we executed all our orders for your department is such as has established for us a character for skill as workmen and fidelity as contractors, which will authorize you to trust any work to us with confidence as its being well done. We may remark likewise that we were the first to introduce the successful manufacture of steel barrels for Carbines andRifles…Trusting that you will present our application favorably to the Secretary of War…” The letter has been signed “E. Remington & Sons” in black ink. Both the letter and signature are secretarially inscribed. Col. Craig, upon receiving Remington’s letter, in turn writes a one-page letter to Jefferson Davis, March 13, 1854, stating in part: “In accordance with the understanding which I acquired in our conversation of this morning,I submit for your perusal a letter from the Messrs. Remington which among other matters claims credit or having been the first to have engaged and having been successful in the manufacture of Steel Rifle Barrels for our military arms and also, that the Government has benefited by their enterprising spirit and labor…” The letter is signed “H.K. Craig) in black ink. Davis responds to the Colonel by writing his reply at the end of Craig’s original letter. Davis writes, in full: “If it should be found necessary to make further contracts for the manufacture of rifles, it would be in my opinion be advisable and proper to give the Messrs. Remington due credit for the advantages they have conferred.” His recommendation is signed “Jefferson Davis” in black ink. Remington and Sons, the name of which was changed Remington Arms in 1920, was one of the top firearms manufacturers during the 19th century, responsible for many important innovations within the industry. The company also produced the first commercial typewriter in 1873. Henry Knob Craig fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican war and was brevetted Brigadier General during the Civil War. Davis, of course, would become the President of the Southern confederacy during the Civil War, after which he would be confined in Fortress Monroe for two years before being eventually released n 1867. An outstanding pair of letters linking one of America’s top industrialists of the 19th century with one of the central figures of the Civil War. The Remington letter exhibits normal mailing folds as well as some slight foxing along those fold lines. In addition the first side of the sheet has been professionally reinforced with a thin linen lining. Excellent appearance overall. The second letter exhibits normal mailing folds, with one of the folds having been professionally reinforced, as well as two thick vertical stripes of light discoloration (not affecting either of the signatures) as a result of the reinforcement, otherwise in fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
