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Title:	BOARD, DISPLAY -  DISPLAY BOARD OF PICTURES OF SPRINGFIELD ARMORY SUPERINTENDENTS
Maker/Manufacturer:	SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
Date of Manufacture:	C 1955
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 5568
Measurements:	H: 45 1/2" W: 94 1/8" D: 2 1/8"

Object Description:

DISPLAY BOARD OF PICTURES OF SPRINGFIELD ARMORY SUPERINTENDENTS
Made at Springfield Armory - Contains 40 pictures of past superintendents at SPAR from 1777-1968. Pictures reset into wood board and are enclosed in glass. Two slots empty due to unavailability of pictures. Except for the two unavailable pictures board is complete and in good condition. Labels affixed below picture of each superintendent giving his name, rank, and years assigned to Springfield Armory.
The Commandant's House, Quarters #1, was built 1844-47. The cost was $22,700.
The old quarters for the Superintendent, which stood on the present location of the Museum building (Bldg. 13), was an old wooden building erected about 1815. The cost is unknown. This building was condemned and ordered taken down in 1843.

CHRONOLOGY OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
1777 – Springfield serves as an arsenal and workshop during the Revolutionary War.
1794 – A National Armory is established by federal law at Springfield, Massachusetts.
1801 – The federal government gets the deed to the land at the Armory site.
1815 – Roswell Lee, a colonel, assumes command as civilian superintendent, and declares his belief in a “Grand National Armory.”
1820 – A map of this date shows the Armory to have ten shops and fourteen dwellings. The square already exists.
1823 – The 1823 inspection report notes that the Armory presents ‘a handsome and regular appearance.’”
1824 – Armory Square receives the name “Green” on the map.
1833 – New dwelling houses are begun for the master armorer and paymaster at the west end of the Green. (These Buildings 10 and 17.)
1833 – Roswell Lee, Springfield’s first great superintendent, dies.
1840 – Evaluation of Springfield Armory is $209,161, and a total of 87 buildings: 46 shops, 8 storehouses, 33 dwellings.
1841 – Major James W. Ripley assumes command and remains an active-duty military officer. Ripley begins a drive to improve efficiency at the plant.
1843 – Ripley begins an expansion of grounds prior to his building program.
1845 – Work begins on the Commanding Officer’s Quarters (Building 1). Extensive landscaping begins as well.
1847 – Work begins on the Main Arsenal (Building 13). Building 1 is complete. Grading continues. Plans begin for a permanent fence.
1850 – Most of the major construction and grading have been completed. The fence, some landscaping and some grading remain to be done. The Green becomes “Tower Hill” about this time.
1853 – The inspection report that year takes note of Ripley’s improvements citing a quality of “permancy and architectural perfection” at this site.
1854 – Ripley departs.
1864 – The iron fence is completed, the last of the Ripley projects. Tower Hill becomes “Union Square” either this year or the next.
1875 – The main gate is moved from its original location to the corner of State and Byers Street.
1876 – The gun display from the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia is shipped to Springfield Armory, now called the National Armory.
1877-1882 – During this period the Master Armorer’s Quarters are moved to their present location. Monument is emplaced south of the Paymaster’s Quarters.
1895 – Building 17, the Paymaster’s Quarters, is moved away from its location south of the Main Arsenal.
1897 – Water-powered elevator is installed in the Main Arsenal.
1899 – Union Square, so called as late as 1884, is labeled “Armory Square” on the map.
1902 – Greenhouses appear in gardens associated with the Commanding Officer’s Quarters.
1908 – Gatehouse, Building No. 33, is constructed at State and Byers Streets; Gate No. 2 is now on site of original gatehouse.
1913 – Sprinkler system is installed in Main Arsenal.
1937 – Master Armorer’s Quarters repaired as WPA project. Building 18, Garage, is constructed.
1940 – Loading dock put into tower base, Main Arsenal.
1958 – Greenhouses removed about this time.
1968 – Playing fields cut into grounds near Main Arsenal and Commanding Officer’s Quarters.”

"THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
The gunsmiths sleep where the green grass lies,
Like a sea of jaThey dream of the guns their skilled hands shaped
To secure the forts where Old Glory flew,
They dream of guns that were straight and true,
And they proudly think of the part they played
In the grim crusades of the valiant wars
That the nation won with the guns they made.
The gunsmiths sleep in a realm of peace,
Where each man's glory shines to tell
That his life was rich with a goal achieved,
That he did his work and he did it well,
The gunsmiths dream of a hosts of things;
Of shops where sturdy arms were born,
Of plans for weapons that they made
Where forges blased of a winter morn.
The gunsmiths sleep where the sun shines bright
When autumn's pennants gaily fly;
They know not of the fate that waits
To watch their workshops close and die.
They sleep, untroubled, unaware
That grief has dimmed their forge's glow,
That shadows walk the shops they built;
Ah, who will dare to tell them so?" - Brian F. King, January 24, 1965

"The purpose and cost of the first building erected.
The first permanent building erected at the Arsenal at Springfield was the old powder magazine which was located on the east side of the lot now called Federal Square near the present location of Magazine Street.
This magazine was erected pursuant to an order from the Continental Congress to the Council of Massachusetts Bay. This order was sent some time in the years 1776-77 and the magazine was built in 1782. This building was of stone and the original instructions from Congress called for building to hold 400 barrels of powder.
In later years this magazine was considered to be a menace to near dwelling houses and with the approval of the Secretary of War was taken down in 1842 and the materials contained herein used for purposes of repair and construction. The cap stone of the door to the magazine was inserted in the base of the iron fence near the corner of State and Byers Streets, but was removed when the southwest gate was made and can not now be found. This cap stone had cut thereon these words 'Built by order of Congress 1782.'
The cost of the building is not known."
"A succinct account of the development of the Arsenal, showing the object for which established, the kind of work generally performed and the changes in it made at different dates, so as to show the general manufacturers at different times.
At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, the colonists had but few arms. The first supply had therefore to be collected in great part from individuals, but in the course of time a considerable number of muskets and other war material were purchased in France and brought to this country.
The first move toward providing a place for the making of arms and ammunition was made early in 1776 when General Washington ordered Col. David Mason of Boston to establish a laboratory in New England for the preparation of all kinds of ammunition. This necessarily included facilities for storage.
In the earlier days of the Revolutionary War, a magazine of war material had been established in Brookfield, Mass., and when the question of establishing a permanent depot of supplies and a place for the making of arms and ammunition was discussed, it was natural that Brookfield should have been among the first considered. The matter went so far that in December, 1776, the Council of Massachusetts passed a resolve for the establishment for the magazine at Brookfield in compliance with a request from the Continental Congress. General Washington, however, on hearing of this plan made objections to it and suggested Hartford as a more desirable point to locate the magazine. The selectmen of Hartford are said to have disapproved of this plan and more-over were unwilling to give land for the purpose. When Springfield was approached there was no difficulty in securing the use of 10 acres of land on the 'Hill,' the site of the present Armory.
As it was important that there should be no delay in the manufacture of ammunition for the army, temporary quarters were obtained on Main Street, until more suitable buAfter the Revolutionary War, the workmen employed at the 'Arsenal' were discharged and the depot placed in charge of a storekeeper.
In 1794, the old Arsenal at Springfield was selected by the President of the United States, for development into one of the new National Armories, authorized by the Act of Congress, approved April 2, 1794, for the manufacture and repair of arms.
During the following year, the necessary buildings were erected, tools made and workmen engaged so that the output for year 1795 was 245 muskets. Since that time this Armory has been engaged principally in the manufacture of muskets, rifles and carbines, although various other articles have been fabricated in considerable quantities, such as pistols, sabers, swords, bayonets, intrenching tools, field gun carriages, etc., etc.
The table herewith gives the number of muskets, rifles and carbines manufactured each year since 1795, also the total disbursements for all purposes for each year for same period.
This table shows that the fabrication of small arms at the Armory has proceeded without break since its establishment and that its maximum out was reached in 1864, when for several months the daily output was close to 1000 muskets.
Year No. Muskets, Rifles & Carbines Mfg. Total Funds Expended
1795 245 4495.75
1796 838 15398.25
1797 1028 18863.80
1798 1044 19157.40
1799 4595 84299.23
1800 4862 65488.30
1801 3205 51004.69
1802 4358 30511.41
1803 4775 35085.04
1804 3566 45272.78
1805 3535 47061.99
1806 2018 44295.75
1807 5692 55823.76
1808 5870 103810.92
1809 7670 124049.94
1810 10302 132570.60
1811 12020 120215.50
1812 10140 146750.42
1813 6920 119396.69
1814 9585 102740.98
1815 7279 158495.50
1816 7199 161308.72
1817 13015 158221.74
1818 13000 177696.47
1819 12250 175060.24
1820 13200 181075.97
1821 13000 175200.83
1822 13200 182141.16
1823 14000 181988.01
1824 14000 189251.65
1825 1826 15500 181819.38
1827 14500 179079.27
1828 15500 189298.59
1829 16500 182683.19
1830 16500 190207.95
1831 16500 194318.61
1832 13600 182649.58
1833 12400 182736.73
1834 14000 185504.03
1835 13000 161532.41
1836 13500 187602.54
1837 14500 225605.01
1838 15000 187820.88
1839 10000 128846.69
1840 5967 157847.86
1841 10700 214434.39
1842 9720 156131.92
1843 4690 78816.13
1844 7656 139240.70
1845 12107 173047.24
1846 14265 214324.57
1847 14504 253303.90
1848 15975 227544.21
1849 16237 261475.14
1850 20171 243096.79
1851 23000 271308.33
1852 21800 229633.49
1853 17000 225403.46
1854 13000 160821.33
1855 9505 151743.30
1856 2721 387319.54
1857 5031 361697.85
1858 11198 31036.60
1859 13002 260361.51
1860 9601 233371.69
1861 13803 368185.96
1862 102410 2375421.55
1863 217784 3780719.84
1864 276200 4164236.54
1865 195341 4247998.84
1866 2405 908327.06
1867 25695 968264.27
1868 27848 704492.22
1869 2201 350424.95
1870 46229 644578.50
1871 31992 613542.93
1872 12937 354707.43
1873 10001 283828.74
1874 28532 580432.60
1875 26732 547665.13
1876 15056 309986.54
1877 6910 201685.58
1878 13004 200466.95
1879 21005 1880 20387 376678.30
1881 26528 449477.68
1882 23425 374659.98
1883 33621 444901.65
1884 35136 494491.49
1885 40657 549342.23
1886 39527 508057.21
1887 41106 487724.91
1888 41129 562055.76
1889 41272 555380.56
1890 39739 538062.58
1891 29402 517640.73
1892 27706 585129.91
1893 20769 490517.45
1894 916 447564.02
1895 14492 481985.68
1896 18040 554214.88
1897 31819 532894.07
1898 41588 614555.57
1899 105839 2159617.55
1900 59851 1345730.62
1901 59400 1292046.61
1902 63246 1385425.80
1903 61838 1501767.82
1904 47927 1483441.18
1905 43905 1584990.02
1906 97884 1742632.31
1907 105118 1704278.74
1908 64865 1359477.45
1909 28592 1354008.62
TOTALS: 3078070 $58948700.59
Note - The funds expended at this Armory and given in the above table covers the total expenditure for the various years for all purposes, including purchase of land, erection of buildings, purchase of machinery, and also covers the cost of fabrication of large quantities of articles, in addition to the rifles, muskets and carbines therein enumerated, such as pistols, swords, sabers, bayonets, field gun carriages, etc., etc., also the fabrication of spare parts and accessories and cost of altering and repairing large quantities of arms of various kinds.
It is interesting to note, however, that if we consider the total expenditures given above as being entirely applied to the cost of rifles and muskets fabricated at this Armory, and if we also neglect the present value of the plant and the land which it occupies, the average cost per musket and gun would be $19.15, an amount less than was paid for contract guns during the Civil War." - Springfield Armory document, 1910.

The seed of the Springfield Armory was planted in 1774 when the Massachusetts state committee of safety designated Richard Falley of Westfield as armorer for Massachusetts.
In 1776, Springfield, acting in concert with other towns, payed three local mechanics for twenty guns. Following these actions by the colony and town, the Continental Congress turned to Springfield for its munitions, an action which in time developed the Springfield Armory.
General Washington, on the advice of General Knox, wrote to the Second Continental Congress and expressed his desire that an armory be built as Springfield. On February 20, 1777, the Second Continental Congress established the SpringfiThe Springfield Armory has functioned under three types of government:
1777-1781: - Second Continental Congress
1781-1789: - Articles of Confederation
1789-1790: - Federal Constitution
In 1794, the Third Congress passed a law setting up two national armories and with President Washington selecting the sites.
Not only did the Armory function under the two types of government preceding the Federal Constitution but in a passive way was responsible for some of the colonies signing the Constitution.

SHAYS' REBELLION
"During the war of independence, common danger had produced feelings of sympathy and mutual obligation among the states constituting the American Union; and to this cause was owing, in an eminent degree, the acknowledgement of the authority of Congress to legislate for the nation. The return of peace broke this bond of union; and soon the germs of distrust, want of credit, and civil commotions, began to produce their legitimate fruits. As early as July, 1782, New York declared the general government incapable of furnishing itself with revenue. In February of the following year, congress made an effort to establish permanent and adequate funds throughout the United States; in 1786, the measure was defeated by the opposition of New York.
Meanwhile an insurrection against the state government had taken place in Massachusetts. On the 22d of August, 1786, a convention met at Hatfield to protest against several acts of the legislature. Very soon after a large body of insurgents took possession of the court-houses in Northampton and other counties. Daniel Shays was their leader; and although the general court immediately passed laws for relieving the public burdens, he proceeded with his followers to Springfield, and on the 26th of December took possession of the court-house. He then became so troublesome that four thousand troops, under General Lincoln, were ordered against him. Previous to their march, Shays with eleven hundred men had attacked a body of twelve hundred troops under General Sheppard, but was driven away by a round of musketry. On the 4th of February, General Lincoln suddenly surprised them at Petersham, whence they were driven in great confusion, with the loss of one hundred and fifty prisoners. This terminated the rebellion.
The first efforts toward the formation of a permanent government were rather accidental than otherwise. Virginia recommended a convention of delegates to take into consideration the ineffective regulations concerning commerce, and this call responded to by five other states. In September, 1786, the proposed meeting took place at Annapolis; but, feeling the limited extent of their powers, the delegates made but a few minor arrangements, and then adjourned after recommending to Congress the calling of a National Convention, with authority to adopt measures for the formation of a permanent government. Accordingly, Congress passed a resolution recommending a convention of delegates from all the states to be held at Philadelphia, for the purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to Congress and the several legislatures such alterations and provisions therein as should, when agreed to in Congress, and confirmed by the states, render the Federal constitution adequate to the emergencies of government and the preservation of the Union." - John Frost, LLD, "Illuminated History of North America," 1860.

"In 1786, an uprising, known as Shays' Rebellion, occurred in Western Massachusetts. Captain Daniel Shays, a former officer in the Revolutionary War, led a band of over two thousand disgruntled farmers against Massachusetts. The prime target was the Armory at Springfield. The Shayites were crushed at the Springfield Armory by the Massachusetts militia, but the memory of this 'mob action' lingered on. Massachusetts that had been dragging her feet on the signing of the Constitution swung into line as she realized the need for a central government that could be called on for help in just such an emergency as this.
The First Congress, still frWashington chose Springfield and Harpers Ferry. When Harpers Ferry fell into the hands of the Confederates, the Springfield Armory was the sole national armory until Rock Island was established.
Another side of the effects of Shays' Rebellion was that congress with the approval of the New England states decided to raise a Federal Army to help put down the disturbance. Before these troops could be raised and trained the Massachusetts militia had put down Shays' rebellion. This army was then disbanded except for two artillery companies which were retained as a guard for West Point and the Springfield Armory. Shays' Rebellion was thus responsible for the first augmentation of the Federal Army.
During the Revolutionary War the Springfield Armory became a military supply depot of the first rank. Ordnance equipment was sent to Springfield and the Armory distributed these stores to the whole Eastern and Northern part of the rebelling states.
At the same time the Armory was manufacturing cartridges and by 1778 was able to turn out 7584 cartridges in one month." - Constance Green

"The Man Who Ended A Rebellion. The chubby man who climbed down from his horse and limped into a building at the Continental Arsenal in Springfield at noon on Jan. 27, 1787, wore the epaulets of a general.
His name was Benjamin Lincoln, picked by the government to suppress an uprising of angry farmers from Western Massachusetts, known to history of Shays' Rebellion.
Gen. Lincoln arrived in Springfield the day after Shays' men had attacked the Arsenal and were repulsed by Gen. William Shepard's artillery.
Lincoln didn't let the lame leg, the result of a severe wound at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, or the excess pounds put on in the more leisurely years following the Revolution; stop him from pursuing the rebels.
Letter to Bowdoin. In a letter from headquarters in Springfield, Lincoln wrote to Gov. James Bowdoin on Jan. 28, 1787.
'We arrived here yesterday about noon with one regiment form Suffolk ,one from Essex, one from Middlesex and one from Worcester, with three companies of artillery, a corps of horsemen and a volunteer corps.'
Lincoln reported to the governor that he had discovered Shays had 'taken post at a little village six miles north of this, with his whole force under his immediate command, and that Luke Day hade taken post in West Springfield.'
Daniel Shays, who was also a Revolutionary War hero, serving at Bunker Hill and Saratoga, had gathered his men in the small village of Chicopee, which was still part of Springfield.
Lincoln found the rebels, who were protesting heavy taxes and foreclosures for debt on farms, had men stationed at the bridge over 'the Agawam River,' at the ferryhouse on the west side of the Connecticut River from Springfield.
Although his men had been 'under arms' since one o'clock in the morning, Lincoln ordered them to march at 3 in the afternoon of the 27th.
'We crossed the ice of the river with four pieces of artillery, the light horse and troops of this division under General Shepard moved up the river on the ice with the intention of falling between Shays on the east and Day on the west and prevent a juncture,' Lincoln wrote in his report to Bowdoin.
Lincoln said his troops were told not to fire without orders to prevent bloodshed.
Ferryhouse Guard. 'The moment we showed ourselves upon the river the guard at the ferryhouse turned out and let the pass open to us,' Lincoln wrote.
He explained the insurgents and government troops engaged in a brief skirmish in the village of 'Chickabee,' but the rebels broke off and ran across the fields to escape in woods.
Along with his report, Lincoln sent a partial list of 'some of the most guilty in the county of Berkshire' for government action.
'As soon as our men are refresIn addition to chasing Shays and his men, Lincoln had trouble controlling the nearly 3,000 troops in his own army. On Feb. 2, he ordered three soldiers to be court-martialed and marched through the town of Hadley with signs around their necks 'FOR PLUNDERING!' They had sacked the homes of private citizens.
After more than a week in the field, on a bitter cold and blustery day, Lincoln ordered his troops to arms on a forced march after Shays, who had moved his headquarters from Pelham to Petersham.
On Feb. 9, Lincoln's men, after marching many miles into the teeth of a blinding snowstorm, completely surprised Shays and his men at Petersham, scattering the rebel force and capturing 150.
'Mop Up' Campaign. Lincoln remained in Western Massachusetts, later marching to the Berkshires, in a 'mop up' campaign against the rebels.
The Revolutionary War hero urged the government treat the insurgents fairly, and with compassion. Lincoln himself was having financial problems, and must have had some sympathy for the farmers' cause.
In the spring, following the end of Shays' Rebellion, Lincoln was elected lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. He was later named collector of the Port of Boston.
Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, the man who was awarded Cornwallis' surrender sword at the Battle of Yorktown and who helped put down Shays' Rebellion, died on May 9, 1810, at the age of 77." - Wayne Phaneuf

"AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ERECTING AND REPARING OF ARSENALS AND MAGAZINES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
SEC. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That for the safe keeping of the military stores, there shall be established under the direction of the President of the United States, three or four arsenals with magazines, as he shall judge most expedient, in such places as will best accommodate the different parts of the United States. Either or both of the arsenals heretofore used at Springfield and Carlisle, to be continued as part of the said number, at is discretion: Provided, that none of the said arsenal be erected, until purchases of the land necessary for their accommodation be made with the consent of the legislature of the state, in which the same in intended to be erected.
SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That there shall be established, at each of the aforesaid arsenals, a national armoury, in which shall be employed one superintendent, and one master-armourer (who shall be appointed by the President of the United States) and as many workmen as the Secretary for the department of war shall from time to time, deem necessary, so that the whole number at all the armouries shall not exceed one hundred. And the said superintendents shall each receive as compensation, seventy dollars per month, and the said master-armourers each, fifty dollars per month.
SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That there shall be employed an officer, whose duty it shall be (under the direction of the department of war) to superintend the receiving, safe keeping and distribution of the military stores of the United States, and to call to account all persons, to whom the same may be intrusted: he shall receive for his compensation, at the rate of one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month, and shall be appointed by the President of the United States.
SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That a sum not exceeding fifty-nine thousand dollars, be appropriated for the erecting and repairing of the arsenals and magazines aforesaid, and a sum not exceeding twenty-two thousand eight hundred and sixty-five dollars for defraying the expense of the national armouries, for one year; and the further sum of three hundred and forty thousand dollars, to be applied, under the direction of the President of the United States, in the purchase of arms, ammunition and military stores; which said several sums shall beSEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That an annual account of the expenses of the national armouries be laid before the legislature of the United States, together with an account of the arms made and repaired therein.
APPROVED, April 2, 1794"

"Springfield Armory takes its name from the City of Springfield, Mass., settled in 1636. Due to the presence, in the locality, of gunsmiths, who individually repaired and fabricated muskets or their parts, it was not surprising that, with the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Springfield became one of the sources of supply of firearms. This type of craftsmanship prevailed generally throughout the colonies during the War, and most of the small number of muskets obtained in the country, came from this source.
By 1776, arrangements had been made in Springfield whereby individuals specializing on separate parts were turning out a limited quantity of muskets. It was obviously an impossible task for individuals and small groups scattered throughout the colonies to provide a continuous or large output of muskets, or to repair those which were in service. This led to the plan of establishing one or two large groups of workers, under the control of the colonies, to increase the production of firearms.
Therefore, during the summer of 1776, General Henry Knox of Boston, one of General Washington's most experienced officers, recommended to Congress 'that there be one of more capital laboratories erected at a distance from the seat of war in which shall be prepared large quantities of ordnance stores of every species and denomination.' His recommendations, strongly approved by General Washington, were adopted by the Continental Congress.
Springfield was selected and, with General Washington's approval, plans were made providing for buildings to house personnel and store military supplies. At first buildings were rented on what is now Main Street in Springfield. Work was started at once on the construction of barracks, shop buildings, storehouses, and a powder magazine on the high ground in the rear of the town. A powder mill was also built on Mill River. These were the forerunners of the Hill Shops and the Water Shops of the present Springfield Armory.
The first work at the new depot was the manufacture of cannon(?), and repairs to muskets and other ordnance material. Following the close of the war, provision was made at Springfield for the proper care and storage of Federal property, including muskets and powder. To insure suitable storage against future needs, the Congress adopted a resolution in 1782 for 'establishing good and sufficient magazines for the reception of public ammunitions at Springfield.' This magazine was erected in the most southerly corner of the 'training field,' where it stood for sixty years when, because of the hazard it offered to nearby residences, its use as a magazine was discontinued and the building razed.
On October 21, 1789, General Washington inspected the buildings and stores, and was impressed further with their value as a source of manufacture and a supply of military equipment.
On April 2, 1794, the Congress authorized the establishment, under the President of the United States, of 'three or four arsenals,' and at each of these arsenals 'a national armoury' was to be included. Having been used before for a similar purpose, Springfield was selected as one of the locations. As a result, Springfield Armory, established in 1794, is the oldest manufacturing arsenal among the many production and supply establishments now operated by the Government.
The oldest existing building at the Armory is located in Armory Square and stands on the brow of the hill facing State Street. It was erected in 1797-1808 and was known as the West Arsenal. The imposing iron fence surrounding Armory Square was made from a supply of old iron cannon, some of which had seen service during the Revolutionary War. Work on the fence was begun in 1852 and was completed at the close of the CivilThe Armory has been known by several designations since its establishment as the United States Armory, the National Armory and, since 1892, as the Springfield Armory.
Any story of the city of Springfield would necessarily show the great part the Armory has played in its history and development. No better illustration of this can be cited than the inclusion of the view of the Armory in the Seal of the City, which was adopted when Springfield became a city in 1852. The complete seal pictures the town at the time. In the upper part of the seal, the main arsenal of the Armory appears just as it then was and as it still is today.
The Armory not only gave prominence to the city, but to New England as well, and particularly to the Connecticut Valley; for here at the Armory was begun the fine crafts industry for which this part of our country is so famous. Furthermore, the Armory gained distinction through out the industrial world by being a pioneer in the development and manufacture of interchangeable parts in connection with rifle production, a feature later adopted by industry for all mass production of fabricated articles." - Springfield Armory publication, 1940.

"Se vis pacem, parabellum." ("If you would have peace, first prepare for war.") - Roman Emperor Vespasian, AD 9-97.

"...in every Culture, the technique of war hesitatingly followed the advance of craftsmanship, until at the beginning of the Civilization it suddenly takes the lead, presses all mechanical possibilities at the time relentlessly into its purpose, and under the pressure of military necessity even opens up new domains hitherto unexploited." - Oswald Spengler, THE DECLINE OF THE WEST

"The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed." - Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers

This catalog card is not complete.

SPRINGFIELD ARSENAL: "At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, the colonists had but few arms. The first supply had therefore to be colleted in great part from individuals, but in course of time a considerable number of muskets and other war material were purchased in France and brought to this country.
The first move toward providing a place for the making of arms and ammunition was made early in 1776 when General Washington ordered Col. David Mason of Boston to establish a laboratory in New England for the preparation of all kinds of ammunition. This necessarily included facilities for storage.
In the earlier days of the Revolutionary War, a magazine of war material had been established in Brookfield, Mass., and when the question of establishing a permanent depot of supplies and a place for the making of arms and ammunition was discussed, it was natural that Brookfield should have been among the first considered. The matter went so far that in December, 1776, the Council of Massachusetts passed a resolve for the establishment of the magazine at Brookfield in compliance with a request from the Continental Congress. General Washington, however, on hearing of this plan made objections to it and suggested Hartford as a more desirable point to locate the magazine. The selectmen of Hartford are said to have disapproved of this plan and moreover were unwilling to give land for the purpose. When Springfield was approached there was no difficulty in securing the use of 10 acres of land on the 'Hill,' the site of the present Armory.
As it was important that there should be no delay in the manufacture of ammunition for the army, temporary quarters were obtained on Main Street, until more suitable buildings could be erected on the Hill. The oldest records refer to work being done in this laboratory in April, 1778, at which time some 40 workmen were employed. During 1778=79, the plant was moved to the buildings on the 'Hill' and there during the remainder of the Revolutionary War ammunition was made, cannon cast as well as repaired, gun carriages and other ordnance material fabricated and a general depot of military supplies established for the use of troops serving north of PhiladelAfter the Revolutionary War, the workmen employed at the 'Arsenal' were discharged and the depot placed in charge of a storekeeper." - A succinct account of the development of the Arsenal.

"Springfield is a place more proper than Brookfield with respect to its being situated on the Connecticut River, the great saving of transportation by water to and from any part of Newport, the Sound, New York, or indeed to any part of the Continent....Springfield is preferable to Brookfield in the number of streams which empty themselves in the Connecticut River....Timber is much more easily gotten at Springfield than Brookfield by the facility (of several saw mills already located there). It is transported by means of the river and much charge saved thereby. Shops, Houses and Stores though not very convenient are already gotten and the workmen at work in the various branches which could not be provided at Brookfield without building them which would inevitably have retarded the preparation of Stores, Wagons, Carriages, $c., for some months. Provisions and subsistence is much more cheaply provided at Springfield than Brookfield as the Country is more plentiful. And when the buildings, Magazines &c. shall be erected in a Compleat manner the plain just above Springfield is perhaps one of the most proper Spots in America on every account." - Henry Knox to George Washington, 1777.

"Demobilization. In the summer of 1780, however, came the call for retrenchment. On July 26, the Board of War of the Congress resolved to 'enquire into the state of the department of military stores; with reference to the Congress that one commissary-general of military stores, one deputy commissary-general, and one commissary at Springfield, should be retained in service." - Lt. D.F. Whittlessey, 1920.

Springfield Union News 08/04/1994 - "Oct., 21, 1789: President George Washington pulls into Springfield on a four-horse carriage with a vast entourage. He stayed at Parsons Tavern in Court Square, met town leaders, dined at the inn and viewed what was then called the 'Shops on the Hill' and is now known as the Springfield Armory."
Springfield Shopping News, 10/14/1930 - "FORGOTTEN FACTS ABOUT SPRINGFIELD - The Armory On Main Street - Springfield owes much of its growth and prosperity to the manufacture of firearms and its connection with the industry dates back to Revolutionary days. The town became at first a recruiting post and rendezvous for soldiers. Then because of its inland and central position, at a distance from points subject to attacks from the enemy, it was made a depot for military stores, and a place for repairing arms. The first shops were located on Main Street and the mechanics employed in them lived nearby. There were no public buildings and the 'laboratory' in which cartridges were made was located in a barn in the rear. In April 1778 there were 40 men engaged in making cartridges and their production which began with 7,500 cartridges a week was increased to 15,000 a week. A few cannon were made in these Main Street shops. Gen. Matton of Amherst was ordered to proceed to Springfield and convey a number of cannon to the field of operations in New York State. The General with a small body of men carried out his order and it is recorded that these Springfield cannon 'told at Saratoga.' A few years later after the works were removed to Armory Hill and the act formally establishing the Armory was passed by Congress in April 1794."

Approved April 2, 1794 - Vol. 1, p. 352. An Act to provide for the erecting and repairing of arsenals and magazines, and for other purposes.
"That, for the safe-keeping of the military stores, there shall be established, under the direction of the President of the United States, three or four arsenals with magazines, as he shall judge most expedient, in such places as will best accommodate the different parts of the United States: either, or both, or the arsenals heretofore used at Springfield Sec. 2. That there shall be established at each of the aforesaid arsenals a national armory, in which shall be employed one superintendent and one master Armorer, (who shall be appointed by the President of the United States,) and as many workmen as the Secretary for the Department of War shall, from time to time, deem necessary, so that the whole number at all the armories shall not exceed one hundred. And the said superintendents shall each receive, as compensation, seventy dollars per month, and the said master armorers each fifty dollars per month.
Sec.3. That there shall be employed an officer whose duty it shall be (under the direction of the Department of War) to superintend the receiving, safe-keeping, and distribution of the military stores of the United States, and to call to account all persons to whom the same may be entrusted. He shall receive for his compensation at the rate of one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month, and shall be appointed by the President of the United States.
Sec. 4. That a sum not exceeding fifty-nine thousand dollars be appropriated for the erecting and repairing of the arsenal and magazine aforesaid; and a sum not exceeding twenty-two thousand eight hundred and sixty-five dollars for defraying the expense of the national armories for one year; and the further sum of three hundred and forty thousand dollars, to be applied, under the direction of the President of the United States, in the purchase of small arms, ammunition, and military stores; which said several sums shall be paid out of the duties on imports and tonnage to the end of the present year.
Sec. 5. That an annual account of the expenses of the national armories be laid before the legislature of the United States, together with an account of the arms made and repaired therein."

"Some notion of the appearance of Armory hill may be gleaned from scattered comments. A traveler to Boston in 1795 would have seen an irregular group of frame structures, strung along Boston Road in the vicinity of the first milepost out of Springfield village. After toiling up the steep hill, he would see a two-story red storehouse looming up alongside the road on the northerly side. A few rods farther on stood two one-story frame houses (near the site now occupied by the Middle Arsenal). These were utilized by the Paymaster and the Master Armorer as homes. Just behind this row, appropriately near the center of the federal tract, lay two barracks, of four and six rooms respectively. There were used by turns for quartering soldiers and for manufacturing arms. Both were low, one story buildings, and one seems later to have been used to house workmen. At the rear of the federal tract were ranged a two-story house, a part of the time unused, but occupied at intervals by officers of the garrison stationed in Springfield; one or two smaller dwellings occupied by workmen; a boarding house for employees of the government; and the house erected by Col. Mason for his own use during the Revolution, in 1795 the adobe of the Superintendent. Several hundred paces further along the road, squatted the brick magazine, built by order of the Congress in 1782, at a distance thought adequate to insure safety to other buildings in case of accidental or designed explosion of its contents. On the whole a well arranged group of buildings, but wholly inadequate to meet the future needs of the expanding factory, and subject to maximum fire hazard because of the frame construction, the close juxtaposition of buildings, and the distance from copious supplies of water and from the town fire engine. It is, therefore, not surprising that the same traveler, passing out of Springfield a few years later, would have noted marked changes in the physical aspect of the Armory. One oftions to the establishment was a one-story pay office, put up in 1798 at a cost of $238.83. The return for the quarter ending March 1, 1801 shows the expenditure of $1135.00 for new buildings and repairs, most of which doubtless figured in the rehabilitation of the burnt filing and stocking shop. Perhaps because of suspicion that the fire was of incendiary origin, the Armory officials took up with the Secretary of War the project of fencing the grounds. Although at first discouraged by General Irvine, the Commissary General, who made a visit to Springfield early in August, 1802, on the ground that a wooden fence, such as was contemplated, would not afford additional security, and would be subject to destruction by high winds because of its exposed condition, the project was put through in 1803 and 1804." - Lt. Whittlessey, 1920.

SUPERINTENDENTS AND COMMANDING OFFICERS/SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, 1794-1968.
1. Supt. David Ames, 1794 - Oct. 31, 1802. "Son of John, elder brother of Oliver. Born in 1761, died in Springfield, Mass. in August, 1847. Appointed first superintendent of Springfield Armory by General Washington in 1795, succeeded by Joseph Morgan in 1802. Ames was paid a salary of $840 and issued three rations (total value $993.30) for his services in 1802." - Colonel Robert E. Gardner

"COLONEL DAVID AMES, SR.
Col. David Ames Senior, son of John and Susanna Ames, was born at West Bridgewater, Mass., Feb. 2, 1760.
His father was one of the first Iron manufacturers in New England. Mr. Ames in early life was connected with the manufacture of shovels and guns.
During the Revolutionary War, he held a Commission in the Militia and was occasionally called into service.
In 1794, on account of his services in charge of the manufacture of arms, he was appointed by President Washington to establish and superintend a national armory at Springfield.
After leaving the service of the government, he gave his attention to paper-making. In 1810 he owned the first piano brought to Springfield.
He died Aug. 6, 1847, aged 87 years, 6 months." - Charles Chapin, 1893.

"The art of gunsmithing as typified by the products of the United States Army is maintained upon a plane of excellence which should be a source of gratification to all lovers of firearms.
From the time the United States first undertook the manufacture of small arms, shortly after the war for independence until the present, the output of the U.S. arsenals has stood for the best possible in workmanship and reliability.
This plane of excellence as exemplified in the Springfield was not, however, reached in a day. Searching back through the history of the government manufacture of small arms, there is ample evidence that the greatest of care has always been taken to make the military small arms of the United States safe to use and sure to function. In this connection, a letter written to the Intendent General of the United States Army in 1796, concerning the manufacture of the muskets of the Charleville type - - the first weapons produced by our government for our fighters -- is of interest. The letter was discovered recently in an ancient 'Letters Sent' book at the War Department. The letter, with its original spelling and punctuation follows:
'Philadelphia, Pa.
1st September 1796.
CAPTAIN DAVID AMES
Commanding Springfield Armory
Springfield, Mass.
Sir:
The musket that you sent me is safely arrived. That I might know with certainty its true state and intrinsic value, I caused it to be taken to pieces, and every part examined separately, for it is of the first importance that arms made for the Public shall be perfect in every part. This mode has given occasion for the following observations which I wish you would attend to, and let another gun be made conformably to them and sent to me as soon as convenient. I feel a special and particular interest in the welfare at your manufactory. The observations follow each part. Your barrel weighs five pounds eleven and a half ounces, the standard Charleville but four points ten ounces. Yours is is usually practiced and considered as essential. The stock is spilt in several places, owing probably to forcing the barrel, it is besides too weak and small generally, in the grasp of the hand particularly. Muskets for Soldiers require strength in that part more than any other. The body of the Lock is too short to lock over the fence of the Pan. The Pin and Pan do not sit tight enough, the Pan Bridle is not sufficiently strong. One side of yours is already broken quite through. The side Pins should be case hardened - the slit on the heads not so wide as in yours. Sufficient attention had not been paid to the raising the Trigger on a level with its plate, this hurts the eye and injures the Musket by giving admission to water and dust. The middle and lower bands are not sufficiently strong - more care should be taken in the welding to have them perfectly sound. The Bayonet should be of steel that will bear a Spring Temper, yours will not. It should be full an inch longer not so much tapered. Great care should be taken in welding the socket, in these particulars your is faulty. The same objection lies against your Ramrod, the steel it was made of was no good, or it is not well tempered, this must be remedied in the future. This have I very minutely stated to you the imperfections of the Musket received. To enable you to ascertain the justice of my remarks and to remove the same objections in future, I shall return you the Musket. The next you send me I expect to be perfect. Until then I shall make no report on the subject.
I am sir,
Your most obedient servant,
SAMUEL HODGON
Intendent General, U.S. Army" - The Arms and the Man," 7 June 1919.

"David Ames (1760-1847) became superintendent in 1794. He was an accomplished iron maker, a son of a well-known arms and iron manufacturer, John Ames, Sr. (1738-1803), and was eminently well qualified to assume his position." - Whisker

Letter to Secretary of War - "Springfield, Nov. 28, 1801. Sir: Enclosed is a Return of the Muskets fabricated in the Armory & deposited in the public Arsenals under my care from the time of entering on the duties of my office to this date. Capt. Bryant who had charge of stores prior has no documents to show what number of muskets was received by him from the Superintendent, anterior to my appointment.
By a letter of mine to Col Hodgdon dated 4 Feby 1799 in compliance to his request for that purpose I find the number of muskets made in the factory from the Establishment (as stated by Mr. Ames) to stand thus:
Manufactured in the year:
1795 - 245
1796 - 835
1797 - 1028
1798 - 1044
Total - 3152
Deduct 390 accounted for on my return received by me from Sept. 1, 1798 to Dec. 31, same year. If this statement is a true one, it must be appear there was made in the Factory twenty seven hundred sixty two Muskets from its Establishment to my appointment as storekeeper. In future you expect a monthly return of the Muskets recd by me agreeably to your request. I am sir, with the highest respect, Yr Obet Sert, Jos. Williams." - - D.F. Whittlesey, 1920.

1801 – On January 23, 1801, due to a large fire at the Springfield Armory 500 muskets components and tools were destroyed.

During Ames' tenure the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1799 - Fries Rebellion - President John Adams sent in regular Army troops to put down a tax rebellion in Buck County, Pa., led John Fries.
1800-1805 - Tripoli tan War - President Thomas Jefferson sent the Navy to blockade Tripoli in protest of tribute required to be paid to the pasha. While blockade was successful, a raid against the city failed.

2. Supt. Joseph Morgan - no picture available, Nov. 1, 1802 - Oct. 31, 1805.
"Th
During Morgan's tenure the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1800-1805 - Tripoli tan War - President Thomas Jefferson sent the Navy to blockade Tripoli in protest of tribute required to be paid to the pasha. While blockade was successful, a raid against the city failed.

3. Supt. Benjamin Prescott, Nov. 1, 1805 - Aug. 31, 1813. "Some of the first Armory superintendents, notably Benjamin Prescott began to impose a division of labor on this complicated situation (making a flintlock musket) after about 1805, establishing separate shops for separate operations. Limited physical facilities and dispersed millseats, did not allow for complete or effective division by task....Prescott's initiatives also included the beginnings of comprehensive record-keeping system, organized on a monthly basis by workshop, which helped regulate costs and productivity. Under his charge, Armory musket production nearly tripled to over 10,000 per year in 1812. Yet Armory operations before 1815 had serious policy and organizational problems, as well as sitting difficulties and limited mechanization, which inhibited weapons production." - Michael Raber

Springfield Republican, May 23, 1878 - "Some of the armorers recollect a change of superintendents away back in 1813, with which is connected to a chapter of political history which it is believed has never been made public. Col Benjamin Prescott, and ardent democrat, who is said to have usually carried the local election for his party by having all the armorers vote his way, was superintendent for eight years and in 1813 was forced to resign in consequence of an adverse report made to the secretary of war by Henry Lechler of Baltimore, who had been appointed inspector of the armory for that year. Lechler was then made superintendent, and his first step was to depose all the democratic foremen and put federals in their places. Not having any practical knowledge of the business, and being surrounded by people equally ignorant, everything it is said went wrong under his administration, until one day in early 1815, after Lechler had held the office a little over a year, he was surprised to see his predecessor enter, hand his great coat on the customary peg, draw his old chair before the fire-place, light a cigar and finally take a paper from his pocket and hand it over his shoulder to the superintendent, remarking: 'Here, Lechler, is something for you.' It was his summary discharge. Col. Prescott remained but a few months, only long enough to straighten matters out, and then return to Troy, N.Y., where he had established a profitable business in partnership with his son. He was succeeded by Col. Lee."
"Superintendent Benjamin Prescott (1805-1813) began to organize musket manufacture under these unusual conditions by organizing a division of labor that would establish separate shops for separate operations. The hand and foot operated operation were done at the Hill Shop; the water-powered procedures (by 1815) at the Water Shops included limited milling and slitting of some screws and lock components, boring and grinding and polishing barrels. Trip hammers may have been used this early for hammering and welding iron sheets into rough barrels. Nevertheless, in 1812, the Springfield Armory produced 10,000 muskets. Yet there was no standard for manufacture of muskets and several private manufacturers were producing muskets of variable quality and style of construction...
He had difficulty getting workers to adjust to a piece rate system for wages but his greatest problem was the insistence of the War Department to repair old muskets rather than make new ones. He was so outspoken against the Department he was replaced in 1813." - James Worsham, "The Quest of Inte
"Benjamin Prescott, the third superintendent, was capable of managing any number and all kinds of men; but as he had some 'rough-and-ready' ones deal with, he drew the reins of discipline very close at times. In 1812-1815, the usual license was restricted. Government was at war with England; the State militia as well as the regulars wanted muskets; the men must be ready at their working-hours; boys, even the workmen's sons, must not enter the shops. At this time military enthusiasm was high; the boys caught the spirit; and the Hill boys formed a company of artillery, and paraded with wooden guns and a battery of a dozen lead cannon. One day as Superintendent Prescott was on his way to the Water-shops, driving his horse as was his habit, the boys were having a parade in the street; and seeing 'Old Prescott' driving towards them, one of elder boys cries out, 'Here comes Old Prescott; let's fire at him.' A line was formed on each side of the street, and a half-dozen loaded cannon were placed in front of each rank; the cannon were about five inches long by three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Mr. Prescott, intent upon his business, gave no heed to the hostile display, and rode through the open ranks, and was saluted from right to left with 'twelve guns'; he turned, feeling obliged to return the compliment, which he did by saying, 'Well done, well done, boys." - Albert Harleight Kirkham

"On the very day war was declared, the Secretary of War wrote to the Paymaster
advising the prompt institution of repair work on arms then in store. Having no facilities for this work under his immediate direction Paymaster Chaffee naturally turned to the Superintendent of the Armory, but Prescott refused to participate in the work. An appeal to the Secretary of War resulted in the issue of an order direct to Prescott, but matters dragged on into the following year without accomplishment - the waste of precious months in wartime. In the meantime production of new arms was falling off, owing, in part at least, to circumstances beyond the control of Armory officials, but emphasizing Prescott's refusal to obey his superiors. When the spring campaign was about to begin, an inspector was sent to Springfield with authority to render a decision. This he couched in the form in the form of an order to the Superintendent directing that he put all the men qualified to repairing the best arms in store. Since the existing correspondence drops the matter at this juncture, it is to be presumed that the work was undertaken, but a call from Major General Dearborn and Lewis for 600,000 flintlocks revealed the lamentable fact that so many weapon were not on hand. Three hundred thousand were dispatched to Albany, leaving less than two hundred thousand in store. A $1500.00 loss of a coal house at the Upper Watershops in the following June hampered production still more. Finally the Armory was subjected to a further investigation, which resulted in Prescott's dismissal in favor of Henry Lechler, a gunsmith of Pennsylvania German origin. Prescott was incensed at this turn of affairs, and held a particular grudge against his successor. It is easy to surmise that New England's unfriendliness to the war was reflected in Prescott's reluctance to undertake the rapid repair of arms. Lechler's appointment, moreover, seems clearly to have been dictated by political motives. He was the only civil superintendent from without New England the Armory ever had, but in 1813 Massachusetts had nothing to expect from the dominant group at Washington, whereas Pennsylvania was supporting the war. When he (Prescott) was at last reappointed he removed from the Armory records his share of the correspondence of his term in office. It seems incredible that his avowed reason for this theft, was to prevent the letters from falling 'into unclean hands' could have been his real one, and his letter promising their return could return could easily have been followed with the packet of fulfillment, had he not som
"The payroll for May 1809 lists:
Benjamin Prescott, Superintendent
Andrew Wilson, Master Armorer
Elisha Tobey, Assistant Master Armorer
Joseph Lombard, Assistant Master Armorer
Ethan A. Clary, Overseer Upper Water Shops
John Norman, Overseer Middle Water Shops
Levi P. Dart, Overseer Lower Water Shops
Wilson superseded Robert Orr as Master Armorer Nov., 1808, according to payroll book 8. Orr was retained at a reduced wage, however, for sometime." - D.F. Whittlesey, 1920.

"In 1806 the government had 39,668 muskets with bayonets, 20 fusees and 245 pairs of pistols in storage at Springfield." - James Whisker

"In 1808-11 came the first heavy outlay for public buildings. Early in 1807 the Storekeeper advertised in the local press for proposals for the construction of 'a BRICK STORE', on the public ground at the United States Armory, at Springfield, Mass., one hundred feet in length, thirty-four feet in width, and two stories high. This was the building completed in December of the same year, and called the New Brick Store. Later it received the more dignified appellation of West Arsenal, and with its conversion to use as a barracks, it came to be called 'the Barracks.' Its total cost was $8,000. To make way for it the old storehouse was moved a few yards east, and closer to the road. The new building was at first used for storing and packing arms, and remains in its altered form the oldest landmark among the present group of United States buildings in Springfield. During the Civil War it was amplified by the addition of a third story, and it has been treated to repeated coats of paint - otherwise its external appearance is unchanged. Close upon completion of this building followed (in 1808-1809) the construction of shops on the hill: a two-story brick stocking shop and filing shop on the site of the building now utilized in part by the Small Arms Museum, and a story and a half brick forging shop, used for forging the smaller parts, located near the contemporary stocking shop. The forging shop became the core of the structure now known as the Annex, which in its present form is the product of many alterations and additions. Nearby two small brick shops were put up at about the same time, one of which was used for annealing. In 1811 this group was crowned by a two-story brick office intended for use as an administration building, a function which it has since that year fulfilled. The total cost of this construction work is unknown, but, not less that $40,000.00 had been expended by the end of 1808, and more was required for the operations of the three subsequent years. All the new buildings fronted the square and lay with their rear facades close to the property line of the day, a fact which accounts for their more finished appearance on the quadrangle side, and for their location at unusual angles to State and Federal Streets. Beside roofed buildings, this period witnessed the construction, near the site of the East Arsenal, of the Ordnance Yard, intended for the storage of ball, cannon, and other material which could not be accommodated in the storehouses, and which could withstand the elements without undue depreciation.
By virtue of these developments, storage space was manifolded, suitable housing and equipment were provided for the lighter operations of manufacture, and the fire hazard was greatly reduced. It is a tribute to the foresight of the men who planned them that most of these buildings are still in use, and that where alterations and additions have been required, they have followed the lines of the original plan.
…The mutual aid (Armory and the village of Springfield) thus afforded probably helped to build up friendly relations between the town and armory groups. Another recurrent occasion which tended to break down the barriers, was the celebration of national holidays. In such events, notably the ceremonies connected with Independence Day, the Armory would naturally, because of its national affiliations, tthe celebrations were joined by large numbers of the population, who even went to the Armory grounds to do their part. " - Lt. Whittlessey, 1920

"Building No. 11 - The West Arsenal, oldest surviving building at the Armory, was built in 1807-1808 at a cost of $16,720. It has been used variously as an arsenal, a barracks and, since World War II, as the Officers' Club. Originally two stories in height, the West Arsenal had a third story added during the Civil War.
The nine-bay fasades measure 100'; the three-bay ends are 34' across. Two-foot-thick brick walls support a slate-covered gabled roof. A modern addition, 11'x15', mars the southeast end. The roofed one-story porches along the facades are later additions not inharmonious with the original construction. The original round-arched center doorway with stone architrave is visible on the south facade. The windows have stone lintels and sills and are furnished with eight-over-eight-light double-hung wooden sash. The gables have semi-elliptical windows. The interiors have open plans, later lightly partitioned. Single rows of wooded posts set at 8' on center supply intermediate support for the first and second floor beams. West Arsenal is the only structurally unaltered building (except for the addition of the third floor) of the Federal style at Armory Square."

During Prescott's tenure the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1810 - Troops seize territory in Western Florida held by Spain.
1811 - Battle of Tippecanoe - Governor of Indiana Territory, William H. Harrison, with the regular Army and militia, defeated the Shawnees.
1812-1815 - War of 1812 - Battle of New Orleans. Although a peace settlement had been reached in December of 1814 (Treaty of Ghent), the British stipulated that hostilities would not cease until word of the settlement had reached Washington. Therefore, technically, the Battle of New Orleans was not fought after the war ended. Jackson's victory in New Orleans legitimized the Louisiana purchase in the eyes of the international community, particularly the British who had never acknowledged it. Had the British won at New Orleans, they would have stayed there as the Treaty of Ghent purposely avoided any reference to the Louisiana Purchase.
1812-1814 - Creek War - Creeks were allied with the British in the War of 1812. In 1813 they attacked and burned Ft. Mims. Andrew Jackson pursued the Creeks and on March 27, 1814, Jackson's army defeated them at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

4. Supt. Henry Lechler - profile only, Sept. 1, 1813 - Jan. 15, 1815. "...His name was Henry Lechler, and from the viewpoint of New Englanders inside the armory, everything was wrong with him. First of all, he was not from Massachusetts, not even from New England. Worse, he was a Pennsylvania German with a funny accent. Worse even than that, he was an old-style gunsmith with a dark suspicion of the new techniques of mass production the armory had so laboriously developed since its founding. He believes in one-at-a-time handcrafted musket making. But perhaps worse of all, like his state, he was a Republican and therefore in favor of the war against England.
He had one supreme virtue in the eyes of the Madison administration, which was desperate for weapons: he was willing to promptly and eagerly obey Washington's orders to produce muskets. But Lechler encountered several serious problems. In the armory and in the tLechler blundered into the most serious error of all when he rewarded Benjamin Moor's efforts on his behalf by naming Moor master armorer of the armory. This was always one of the most coveted positions among the armorers and there were many men already on staff who felt qualified for it. To name an outsider to that post was certain to raise a clamor, and Lechler was soon besieged by an intransient staff. He now encountered nothing but hostility - even open contempt - from the New Englanders who surrounded him, especially Paymaster Chaffee's clerk, who seemed to go out of his way to be deliberately insubordinate. Superintendent Lechler asked Paymaster Chaffee to dismiss the clerk, but this served only to highlight once again the continued spilt in armory authority - especially when Chaffee refused.
The hostile staff and the iron shortage combined to delay Lechler's attempt to increase musket production. So, on April 13, 1813, with the war with England already ten months old, the new secretary of war, John Armstrong, sent a man named Callender Irvine with full authority to take any action that would get the armory producing again. Close on Irvine's arrival came an order from Generals Dearborn and Lewis for 600,000 flintlocks. But the Springfield Armory could ship only 300,000, holding another 200,000 in reserve.
In the end, primarily because of the shortage of iron, even the combined efforts of Irvine and Lechler were unable to get full production rolling in the armory. When, in October 1813, some ore was obtained to resume manufacturing, Lechler was unable to get anyone to bring it from Boston. A Boston teamster finally carted some three thousand pounds to the armory, but only with a guarantee of a return load. But one wagonload of ore could not have been much help for an armory needing to make enough muskets for an entire army....
On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent formally ended the war between Britain and the United States. Had it not been for the loss of young lives on both sides, as one American historian has pointed out, 'it would be easy to dismiss the entire war as a great farce compounded of stupidity, incompetence and brag.'
By January 1815, a few months after the war ended, ex-superintendent Lechler was on his way back to Pennsylvania." - William Hallahan

"On 4 September 1813, President James Madison removed Prescott and appointed Henry Lechler of Pennsylvania in his stead. Lechler was a practical gunsmith who first appears in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1797, advertising that he had opened a gunshop on Main Street. He claimed to have apprenticed in Lancaster, although we have not noted him on tax lists there, and we do not know with whom he apprenticed although there were many gunsmiths in that city. He purchased a house on 1 November 1798 from the estate of George Hoover on York Street, Carlisle. He paid taxes in that town in 1798, 1808 and 1814. He advertised that he was leaving the area and disposing of his property on 2 December 1813. By October 1817 he announced his return to Carlisle, opening a 'gun factory.' The last we located him is on a tax list dated 1829, which noted that he was a gunsmith and justice of the peace. The 1820 tax list gave no indication where he had died or moved away. There is no estate inventory or will on file in the county court house. We do not know what contacts he may have made, perhaps at Carlisle Arsenal, that led to his brief appointment as superintendent at Springfield, nor do we know what his qualifications may have been for that post other than that he was a practical gunsmith and manufacturer of Kentucky long rifles in a cottage industry environment.
Lechler inherited a substantial task for the armorom England. Prices were rising, but the budget had not been proportionally increased. Lechler made one fateful decision that caused the armorers to loathe him. He discontinued the practice of issuing rations.
Lechler was the first (and only) person to superintend Springfield Armory who was not a native of New England. He was treated as an outsider, just as was New England native John Hall at Harper's Ferry a decade later. Many men, including the paymaster's clerk, retained their loyalty to Prescott. Lechler demanded that Chaffee discharge his clerk for gross insubordination, meaning personal disrespect. Chaffee refused and an open feud broke. Reluctant, if not disloyal, workmen failed to follow orders to increase production, subverting Lechler's best efforts. The War Department sent three workmen from Harper's Ferry to assist in increasing production, but they made little impact." - Whisker

"During the War of 1812, the U.S. Armory, being a government post often saw soldiers quartered in the barracks and houses. The dwelling house were ordinarily occupied by armorers, but at short notice word that soldiers were coming, they moved out and the soldiers took over. A portion of the ground now occupied by the long storehouse was then used as a graveyard and soldiers were often buried there in full military regalia. During the 1840s, while foundations were being dug for the long storehouse off Pearl St., the remains of 12 soldiers dressed in full regimentals were uncovered." - Chris L. Dvarecka

During Lechler's tenure the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1812-1815 - War of 1812 - Battle of New Orleans. Although a peace settlement had been reached in December of 1814 (Treaty of Ghent), the British stipulated that hostilities would not cease until word of the settlement had reached Washington. Therefore, technically, the Battle of New Orleans was not fought after the war ended. Jackson's victory in New Orleans legitimized the Louisiana purchase in the eyes of the international community, particularly the British who had never acknowledged it. Had the British won at New Orleans, they would have stayed there as the Treaty of Ghent purposely avoided any reference to the Louisiana Purchase.
1812-1814 - Creek War - Creeks were allied with the British in the War of 1812. In 1813 they attacked and burned Ft. Mims. Andrew Jackson pursued the Creeks and on March 27, 1814, Jackson's army defeated them at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

5. Supt. Benjamin Prescott, Jan. 16, 1815 - May, 31, 1815 - "To replace him (Lechler), a new secretary of war, William H. Crawford, made a strange choice. That same month, he reappointed former superintendent Benjamin Prescott, who was now operating a factory in Waterford, New York. From the beginning, Prescott himself treated his recovery of the superintendent's chair as an interim appointment, telling Crawford that he would not remain 'any length of time at the head.' In fact, he held it for just ninety days. The Springfield Armory historian, Derwent Whittlesey, says flatly that Prescott reminating material might have been in those files and why someone in the War Department arranged to let him get it.
There may have been one other reason for Prescott's brief return as superintendent. One of his first acts was fire Master Armorer Benjamin Moor, the man who had contributed to Prescott's downfall and Lechler's appointment. Moor returned to the Allegheny Arsenal in Pittsburgh, where he became master armorer. Later, he returned to Harpers Ferry, to play a significant role in the turbulent events that were to take place there." - William Hallahan

"I find that the Musket's manufactured since Septr 1813 (the date of Lechler's appointment) have been principally from materials left on hand at the time. Only six pattern muskets have been made wholly from new materials. Owing to neglect in repairing (illegible word) the Machinery at the different water works have been much injured. Stock has not been provided to keep up the different branches of course continual interference & delay has taken place. The irregularity with which the business has been conducted has drove many of the best workmen from the Factory to seek employment otherwhere but nothing Sir, is wanting but funds and a Competent Superintendent to manage the business to place this Establishment upon a responsible & useful footing." - Prescott.

6. LTC Roswell Lee, Jan. 1, 1815 - Aug. 25, 1833.
"I hope to retain my rank in the line of the Army, as it would greatly assist me in performing the duties of Superintendent, being enabled to hold in check any Officer who would probably be stationed at that post for the protection of the property in charge of the Superintendent. Heretofore difficulty has arisen on this account." - Lee.

"After experiencing the inconveniences and noticing the immense expense of frequently changing the model of muskets in this establishment, I have come to the conclusion that it is better to adhere to a uniform pattern than to be frequently changing, although the model may not be the most perfect." - Lee

Letter from Lee from Sacketts Harbor to Senior Officer of Ordnance, Washington, dated May 8th 1815 - "Sir. I have received orders from the War Department to repair to Springfield and take charge of the U.S. Armory at that place. I shall obey the order as soon as I can obtain funds sufficient to defray the expense of the journey. Whether I shall be able to leave here previous to the arrival of the Pay Master or before I receive cash from home is uncertain. I shall however make no unnecessary delay of entering on those duties. But suppose it will be some three or four weeks before I shall arrive at Springfield.
I hope to retain my rank in the line of the Army, as it would greatly assist me in performing the duties of Superintendent, being enabled to hold in check any Officer who would probably be stationed at that post for the protection of the property in charge of sd. Superintendent. Heretofore difficulty has arisen on this account."

"COL. ROSWELL LEE.
Col. Roswell Lee was born October 16, 1777, at Canaan, Columbia County, N.Y. He entered the military of the United States and was appointed Major, Mar. 3, 1815 in the 25th Regiment of Infantry, transferred in the following May to 37th United States Infantry; appointed lieutenant colonel Sept. 21, 1813; was stationed at Groton, Conn.; had command of Fort Griswold in the War of 1812, and at its close was discharged at Sackett's Harbor, N.Y. He came to Springfield in 1815 and was appointed superintendent of the U.S. Armory June 2, 1815, and remained in office until his death in 1833.
Col. Lee was a prominent Mason, the Roswell Lee Lodge being named in his honor. He was alHe married at Hampden, Conn., Dec. 20, 1804 to Phebe Potter. She died Dec. 1, 1869, aged 86 years. He died Aug. 25, 1833 in the 56th year of his age. Children: five sons, two daughters. Now living (1893) Mrs. Eliza Phebe Wetmore, relict of John G. Wetmore of Winsted, Conn." - Chapin

"When newly appointed superintendent Lieutenant Colonel Rosewell Lee arrived at Springfield Armory following the War of 1812, he found his recently rural workforce 'working at their own pace.' Historian David F. Hawke notes that the armory workforce, like many in the developing New England economy, 'came to work with hard liquor in their lunchpails. When bored they left their work benches to gamble at cards, roughhouse or simply idle the time away in idle talk.' Colonel Lee discharged over a dozen shiftless employees in his first hours at the armory, and then established the parameters of a more modern factory work structure." - Joseph Bilby

Letter from B. Prescott to Lee from Cohoes Ville Water Vliet, dated July 12, 1815 - "Dear Sir. I have in my possession copies of the sd orders as well as many other papers which belong to your Office & shall be returned. I did not close sd papers should fall into unclean hands."

Letter from Lee to James Prince, Esq. dated 14 June 1817 - "Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of writing & requesting your influence to induce the President of the U. States to pay a visit to this Establishment. I am anxious for this not only because I should be highly gratified to have an opportunity to pay my respect to his Excellency but I think he would be gratified, and probably his visit would be beneficial to the Establishment and this section of the United States."

"Letter from Lee to Col. Decius Wadsworth, dated 1 July 1817 - "Dear Sir,
The President of the U. States was here on the 24th ult. He visited the Armory with a numerous escort and attendants. The works were in the most complete order I could put them. He expressed himself highly pleased and said in answer to Mr. Howard 'the works are in perfect order, every thing is as I could wish.' After remaining in town about five hours he left here for New London."

"The Armory as a fully effective agency of production, efficient in organization and operation, had to await the coming in 1815 or Roswell Lee, at the time of his appointment to the Superintendency, a Colonel of Infantry. Lee with his army-trained sense of discipline added to his Connecticut upbringing, softened by an awareness of personal values and rendered approachable by great personal charm, was as ready to exact the utmost from the men under him as he was quick to perceive the injustices and stupidities that had hampered their work in the past." - Constance Green

"He (Lee) is credited with introducing the atmosphere that enabled Thomas Blanchard to create the all-important eccentric lathe - an event of considerable significance. Blanchard, an employee of the armory, as a gifted inventor whose numerous discoveries during his lifetime included a machine to mass-produce tacks, an apple-parer, another machine that cut and folded enveloped, and a process for bending large timbers. While working at the Springfield Armory in 1819, he invented an eccentric lathe for making gunstocks that were previously made by hand, one at a time. Gunstock production leaped, costs fell, output increased - from 7,279 muskets in 1815, the year Lee arrived, to 16,500 in 1833, his last year in office. Annual musket output per man jumped from 35.2 to 63.8. Widely used all over the world today, Blanchard's eccentric lathe is considered one of the great inventions of the Industrial Revolution.
The effort of creating a national armory of international stature had taken its physical toll on Roswell Lee, and, in August 1833, while packing for vacation, Lee died in his home. He left behind a thriving national armory, reasonable harmony among the staff, and many friends, admirers, and boosters in Springfield who genuinely mourned his passing." - William J. Hallahan

Springfield Union New
"From June 1815 to August 1833, Roswell Lee, Armory superintendent, worked toward what one historian called 'the most systematic efforts to combine available technology with cost controls, plant-wide accounting, and plant-wide work rules....He oversaw the introduction of significant innovations in mechanizing barrel making and stock making, in milling small parts, in controlling the quality and price of critical raw materials and fuels, and in developing gages for inspection of finished arms.'
He added the fourth waterpower site 1817, building a higher dam in the Upper Water Shops. Lee set foremen over half dozen functionally defined Armory branches who were responsible for procuring supplies from the master armorer or his assistants and responsible for managing their areas of responsibilities. He established regular shop hours of ten hours a day. And with a scarcity of skilled artificers in the expanding New England economy, Lee had to keep high wages for his skilled labor force.
By 1830 Lee had about 250 Armory workers and was able to produce muskets at a rate 60 per cent greater than at the start of the War of 1812. This was greater than any manufacturer in the small arms industry which included Harpers Ferry and the six private industries. Thanks to Lee's organization foundation, by 1849 the Springfield Armory could make muskets with interchangeable parts in both quantity and quality." - James Worsham, "The Quest of Interchangeability of Parts in American Small Arms. Unpublished dissertation.

"Lee was a six-footer, dignified and placid in demeanor. Old armorers exhibited great respect and affection of Colonel Lee, while his administration was recognized by armory experts as able and aggressive. Lee removed the blockhouse and red storehouses to the 'eastern square,' rebuilt the north shops burned in 1824, and put up the east arsenal and south shop as well as the middle arsenal, that faces Olivet church. Lee lived on the site of the present large arsenal.
Once or twice during the administration of Colonel Lee his vigor carried him to debatable lengths. It was a source of anxiety to him that the armorers spent so much of their earnings for rum, and his goal in checking the practice precipitated quite a scene in 1816. The old Toddy road to Japhet Chapin's tavern (Cabotville) was named for obvious reasons, and Lee did not reduce the travel along this route as materially as he had hoped. He discharged two workmen, Novel and Charter, who were found wrestling in the midst of a ring of armorers. There was a liberty pole in the centre of the ground that had been erected by the subscription of the workmen, and here the friends of the discharged men gathered and passed around the bottles. 'If we can't have any liberty,' they said, 'we won't have any liberty pole,' and an axe was laid at its root. Clerk Wolcott, then the colonel himself, then Master Armorer Foot, with some out-of-town officials, hastened to the scene. The pole was saved, and the little 'rum rebellion' had a good effect all around, and a better understanding prevailed. Toddy road did not lose its name for some years, however." - Constance Greene

"U.S. Armory Springfield March 25th 1819.
Col. Decius Wadsworth
Ordnance Department
Washington (City)
Sir:
Reports are in circulation that some of the U.S. troops are to be stationed at this place. If this is the case it is certainly necessary that Barracks should be Erected, as there is no building now suitable for Soldiers except a small Block or Guard house which will possibly accommodate twenty Men. It this is to be a Station for any portion of the Army it is necessary they should be placed distinct from the Armory, & for this purpose, I am of opinion that it would be well to be purchase a tract of land Southerly of the Bost road, where there is a very Eligible situation for such an Establishment. My opinion is that the Ar
Letter from Lee to Capt. J. Morton, Ordnance Dept., Washington, D.C., dated Oct. 9th, 1815 - "Dear Sir. The duties of my present station are far more arduous and difficult than the command of a regiment, even in time of war, but as I have begun in the past I am determined to preserve and do the best I can for the Establishment. Firmly relying on the justice of my Government to protect and defend me in what I consider indispensable duty. Much firmness, patience, discretion and judgment is necessary to overcome the prejudices and improper habits that have crept into the Armory; but from the experiments I have made there is reason to believe I shall succeed."

Order from Lee dated March 8th 1816 - "From and after the 15th day of April 1816 no Rum, Gin, Brandy, Whiskey, or ardent spirits of any kind will be suffered to be carried in or about the public work shops at this place, and the Master Armorer Assistants, Foremen & Inspectors are directed to see that this regulation is strictly adhered to."

Letter from Lee to Mr. Levi Dart, dated October 10, 1816 - "Sir. I wish from you an answer to the following questions:
First. Do you understand the regulations relative to the use of ardent spirits in or about the public work shops.
Second. Did you yesterday participate with the whole of your Shop's company in violating these regulations.
Thirdly. Who is the person that furnished and brought the spirits drank yesterday at the lower water shops.
Your answer to the above is requested soon as convenient."

Letter from Lee to Mr. Elam Chaffee dated June 15th, 1816 - "Sir. You are required to observe the regulations relative to horses, Cattle, Sheep & Hogs running at large & feeding on that part of the Public Ground on which the Arsenals are situated. In my opinion, you, more than any other person, transgress in this particular. Your cow is running & feeding on this ground every evening and morning."

Letter from Lee to Senior Officer of Ordnance, dated October 26th, 1816 - "Sir. On account of the extreme drought, we have not been able to finish as many arms as usual. We have, however a large number of the various parts on hand, and as the late rains have furnished us with a good supply of water we shall now be able to complete the muskets very fast. It is said by the oldest inhabitants that so cold and dry a summer has not been known here for 30 years and I hope it may not be for 30 years to come."

Letter from Lee to Col. Decius Wadsworth dated December 24th, 1816 - "Dear Sir. I have no other object in view than to place this establishment on a footing most respectable….And had not this better be accomplished previous to the establishment of one i.e. an Armory beyond the Mountains? Lest the nest Armory swallow up all that is necessary and proper for the old ones….
This place with the additions I propose will not contain as much shop room as the works at the Ferry & you will find the Arms made at the latter cost considerably more than those made at the former, and your own judgment will decide at which place the Arms have the preference in point of workmanship, and which is the most eligible stand for A GRAND NATIONAL ARMORY.
I herewith forward your plan with the additions which I propose & although the expense may amount to $1700 I presume there is not a member of Congress who understands the situation of the works that will not vote for the appropriation"

Letter from Lee to James Prince, Esq dated June 14th 1817. "Dear Sir - I take the liberty of writing & requesting your influence to induce the President of the U. States to pay a visit to this Establishment. I am anxious for this not only because I should be highly gratified to have an opportunity to pay my respect to his Excellency but I think he would be gratified, and probably his visit would be beneficial to the Establishment and this section of the United States."

Letter from Lee to Col. Decius Wadsworth, dated July 1st, 1817 - "De
Letter from Lee to Geo. Bomford, Ordnance Office, dated Aug. 14, 1817.
"Dear Sir. In reviewing and examining the expenses & every circumstances within my reach relative to the Armory, I have made the following calculations.
Whole amount of the expenses of the Armory from 1795 to 1816, inclusive $1,632,984.
Amount of purchase money, buildings &c $150,000.
Amount of stock and parts of work on had Dec. 30, 1816 $66,534.
The two latter sums make $216543 which deducted from the first sum leaves $1416450, the amount expended exclusive of the capital. The number of arms manufactured in 115544. Carbines is equal to 13000 new Muskets, making 128544 Muskets, by this number I divide 1416450 by which I find the actual expense of each new Musket to be $11.20 cents 9 ¼ mls. If you require interest on the Capital it will amount to 75 cents on the Muskets. This brings the cost of the Muskets to $11 96/100 nearly. The expense of proving and inspecting Contract Muskets is at least 40 cents each at this time and was formerly much more; making contract arms at the present price $14.40 $2.44 more than their cost here, and I will hazard the assertion they are not of as good quality by 8 per cent after the most critical inspection.
A fair calculation of the cost of the Musket now at this place, including interest on the Capital is $12.50.
To this subject I have given that attention which gives me full confidence that I am correct in my computations."

"An administration building thirty-four by forty-four feet and two stories high, to contain offices for the Superintendent, Paymaster, and Master Armorer, and a chapel for religious services, was conceived during the summer of 1815, although not built until four years had passed. It has even since remained the official headquarters of the Armory, and now, much remodeled, contains the main entrance and the principal offices of the establishment." - - D.F. Whittlesey, 1920.

"Ordnance Office April 2d 1819.
Lieut. Col. Lee
Sir:
Your letter of March 25th has been received. Nothing had been heard by me before of any Intention to station Troops at or near the Armory. It is presumed nothing beyond a Recruiting Rendezvous is contemplated, which of course will produce no Interference with the Business of the Armory.
Decius Wadsworth
Col. of Ordnance."

Letter from Samuel Lathrop from Washington to Col. Lee dated 1 January 1821 - "Dear Sir. You will be pleased to accept my thanks for your favor, inclosing the report of Major Dallaby. It contains much useful information in relation to our national armory and many things which were new to me….
I last week dined with the President & during the evening he introduced with me a conversation in relation with the Armory at Springfield. His opinions on the utility and importance of that Establishment, on its good management, & of the character of its officers as well as the men generally were such as I wished them to be….
A bill has been introduced into the House by Mr. Pickney of South Carolina, the object of which is to restore to the State jurisdiction over certain military posts in order to prevent the citizens from resorting there for the purpose of dueling. This bill is general applying to all Statesmen which have made cessions to the U.S. without retaining concurrent jurisdiction….This I take it, would be contrary to the wishes of the gentlemen concerned in the Armory at Springfield….upon a conference with Mr. Pickney he has consented that the bill should be so modified, as to restore jurisdiction to the States only for the purpose of the prevention and punishment of crimes and misdemeanors, & for the collection of debts. This modification, I
Letter from Major C.J. Nourse, dated 13 June 1825 to Col. Lee. "Sir. The Secretary of War has just arrived here on his way to Boston & intends visiting the Armoury tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock if that hour will be convenient to you."

Letter from Col. Bomford, Ordnance Dept, Washington D.C., to Col. Lee dated 2 November 1825. "Sir. It is conceived that the public service at the National Armories, would be much benefited. It is therefore proposed to assign to you, the direction of the Armory at Harpers Ferry, and to Mr. Stubblefield the direction of the Armory at Springfield.
I am aware that this proposition may be unpleasant to you, on account of the inconvenience to which it may subject yourself and family, and I would not willingly make it but from a full conviction of its great importance to the public interests. The Harpers Ferry Armory needs your services. They will there be more advantageous to the public interests, that at your present Stations. The Armory at Springfield is now so well organized, that your continued service there is less essential to its prosperous management than formerly. And it is but justice on this occasion to state, that the present highly improved condition of that Armory, is, by this Dept., attributed solely to the energetic zeal and fidelity with which its affairs have been administered since they have been confided to you. And it is with a well grounded hope that like improvement of the Harpers Ferry Armory, will be affected by the measures now proposed.
Your presence here during a part of the approaching session of Congress will be necessary to aid in the business respecting a Western Armory. By being stationed at Harpers Ferry your attendance here, will be more convenient."

Letter from William Wade, Washington, D.C. , to Roswell Lee dated 24 November 1825 and marked "Private." "Dear Sir. A communication from the office yesterday may surprise you not a little, if you have not received previous notice of it from Mr. S. The matter was communicated to him, verbally, some weeks ago, by Col. B and he appeared not unwilling to accede to it.
The fact is, reports of mismanagement at Harpers Ferry, reach the Dept. through so many channels, that some notice of them is indispensable. An enquiry, or a transfer was proposed, the latter was chosen by Mr. S. And under all the circumstances of the case, I am of opinion that this course will be found to be the best.
It is not supposed that an enquiry would result in establishing fraud, or intentional mal-practice. No doubt is entertained here, of the good intentions which animate the authorities at Harpers Ferry. But it is believed, that practices prejudicial to the public interests prevail there which require a firm and vigorous course of measures to correct. There is reason to believe, that the course of things there, are controlled by an unseen and irresponsible influence which cramps the energies of the Supt., who is much entwined, as to be unable to extricate himself, except by cutting loose altogether. It requires a strength of nerve and character, which, in the dispensations of a wise providence, has not fallen to his lot, to effectively control the discordant materials which are collected at that establishment.
I see no remedy but that proposed, and only regret that it may be disagreeable to you. I am aware that you may with much reason ask why should I be incommoded, besay, let us each bear the ills that befall us. True, but how is the evil to be remedied? Order an investigation and let its consequences follow. This will, and of necessity must be done, if your objections to the other alternative shall be insuperable.
Mr. Weatherhead's appointment was made on the 15th inst. from which date he is entitled to all the emoluments of it. Notice of the appointment was delayed because I wished to get up something a little descent in the way of parchment. The former loose practice, of a simple notice by letter, is I think, deficient in respect to the officer appointed."

Letter(On November 1, 1826, Col. Lee turns over the charge of the Armory to the Master Armorer, Joseph Weatherhead, including the property, except that in charge of the Military Storekeeper. Weatherhead to remain in charge until relieved by Stubblefield or some other duly authorized person.
Letter from Weatherhead to Halbach & Brothers, Nov. 16, states that Lee left for Harper's Ferry Nov. 6, 1826.)

Letter from William Wade to Col. Lee dated 11 November 1831. Evidently Wade did not know that Lee was a Mason. "My Dear Sir. I perceive you had a little political commotion in your good Town, among the Anti-masonics, American System men &c with your new candidate, Mr. Lathrop, between them. As I am something of an Anti- myself I would be glad to hear what estimate is made of the strength of the party who will vote for Mr. L. This State, will I have no doubt, adhere to Genl. Jackson; and this part of it will insist on having Judge Wilkins a candidate for Vice President."
.
"In 1820 there were 246 employees and the population of Springfield was a little less than 4000, so that one-quarter of the inhabitants were dependent upon the armory for their income." - Springfield Republican, 2/26/1910

"In 1821 Congress in one of its periodic fits of economy, abolished the Ordnance Department, merging its functions with those of Artillery. The results were less adverse than might have been expected, because artillery officers on ordnance duty were subject directly thru their own hierarchy to the Secretary of War, and because the personnel remained unchanged. Nevertheless, the plan worked poorly, and in 1832 the Department was reestablished on the basis of 1815." - Whittlesey

Note - In the copies of outgoing letters the heading "U.S. Armory" disappears between June 4-10, 1830, and the heading "Springfield Armory" substituted therefore.

"By 1830 Lee had about 250 Armory workers and was able to produce muskets at a rate 60 per cent greater than at the start of the War of 1812. This was greater than any manufacturer in the small arms industry which included Harpers Ferry and the six private armories. Thanks to Lee's organization foundation, by 1849 the Springfield Armory could make muskets with interchangeable parts in both quantity and quality." - James Worsham

"Early Religious Services at the Armory - Nothing better proven the position of the Armory as social institution than the startling fact that, with a single exception, every denomination which established itself in Springfield between the original planting of the settlement and 1850, was the direct outgrowth of the Armory community.
Methodists and Baptists made attempts to organize congregations at Water Shops. In 1811, the Baptists met occasionally for prayer, and in 1821 they managed to finance a small building which was located near the Upper Water Shops. While the Baptists were progressing, the Methodists near Upper Water Shops organized, and in 1815 a society connected with the Tolland, Conn. circuit reorganized under the ministry of William Marsh. In 1819 Armory Hill was added to the Water Shops sphere of influence and the minister preached alternately in Armory Chapel and at Methodist homes in the vicinity of the Upper Shops. A new building was erected in 1844, and they abandoned the Water Shops church.
The cradle of EpisThe first meeting of the Universalist Church in Springfield was held in 1827 in a chapel on the Armory grounds in the office building called Government Chapel, and subsequently in Beacon Hall, in Gunn's Block, at the corner of State and Walnut Streets.
St. Michael's Cathedral is the outgrowth of meetings held in 1846 by the Roman Catholics of the town. For a few months they used Military Hall for their services, and early in 1847 they bought the then unoccupied Baptist Church building at the corner of Maple and Mulberry Streets, moving it down to Union Street where they christened it St. Benedict's." - Burleski

"Rum Rebellion. - It was a source of anxiety to him (Lee) that the armorers spent so much of their earnings for rum, and his zeal in checking this practice caused quite a scene in 1816. The old Toddy Road was named for obvious reasons and Lee did not reduce the 'travel' along this road as much as he had hoped.
He discharged two workmen who were found wrestling publicly in the midst of a circle of fellow workmen. There was a liberty pole in the center of the ground where the incident occurred that had been erected by the subscription of the workmen, and here the friends of the discharged men gathered to protest the firings.
A rum bottle quickly made the rounds and the city went up, 'If we can't have any liberty, we won't have any liberty pole,' and an axe was put to work on the pole. Clerk Wolcott, then the colonel himself, then Master Armorer Foot with some out-of-town officials hastened to the scene.
The pole was saved, and the little 'rum rebellion' was ended. It had a good effect all around, however, and greater understanding prevailed. Toddy Road did not lose its name for some years though." - Chris Dvarecka

"Letter from J. Weatherhead to LTC George Talcott dated 26 August 1833 - "Sir. It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of Col Lee which took place about 7 O'clock last evening. His funeral will be attended tomorrow at 4 o'clock. Due arrangements will made to sympathize with the bereaved family, and render out testimonial of respect to a faithful officer and valued citizen.
I much regret your absence at this time, and I shall expect you to communicate officially the news of his decease to the proper department." (Letter probably sent to Talcott who had been temporarily in charge of the Armory since about Aug. 12th.)

See, ROSWELL LEE AND THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, 1815-1833, by Stephen C. Small, Ph.D. The Gun Report, 1998.

During Lee's tenure the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1817-1818 - First Seminole War - Andrew Jackson marched into the Spanish colony in Florida and destroyed Spanish forts while capturing two British citizens and several Seminole chiefs.
In 1819, John Quincy Adams negotiated a treaty with Spain whereby Spain ceded all its territory east of the Mississippi to the United States.
1823 - Arikara "War" - The Arikara (Rees) Indians went on the warpath against fur traders on the upper Missouri River. U.S. Army destroyed may Arikara villages. This was the first Army expedition against American Plains Indians.
1831 - Soldier's from Fort Monroe were called in to quell a slave rebellion led by Nat Turner.
1831-1832 - Marines land off Falklands to free three ships seized by Argentine colonists.
1832 - Black Hawk War - Illinois militia and U.S. troops destroyed Back Hawk warriors on August 2, 1832 at the mouth of the Bad Axe River.
1833 - Marines land in Buenos Aires to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.

7. LIn 1844, Bomford ordered the building of a Columbiad on a wrought-iron built-up principle. The 'Peacemaker' was one of the largest guns in service at that time. Installed aboard the U.S.S. Princeton, it was readied for a demonstration before the new Secretary of the Navy, Abel P. Upshur, and President Tyler himself. On the third drill round, the gun burst, smashing a piece of wrought-iron breech into Upshur's chest, killing him and nearly getting the President.
Bomford's Columbiad was not a success, and it remained for the technology of a later date to perfect a successful wrought-iron cannon.
Colonel Bomford, aging, retired the following year. In his stead, his subordinate, Talcott, was appointed Chief of Ordnance. With Colonel Bomford having laid the foundations of a Columbiad shell-gun fortress system girding the nation's coast, Talcott was in a position to profit. He profited not from the six private armories, but from another means.
With the contracts of muskets and small arms, and the new Mississippi Rifles made by Whitney, were not renewed, the six private armories were distressed. One of these armorers, Asa Holman Waters, later published (1878) a most interesting document titled 'Gunmaking in Sutton & Millbury.' In this privately printed book he described the situation under Talcott's regime: 'Since the gunmakers had large capital invested in equipment of no use in anything but arms manufacture, they were distressed. They asked General George Talcott (he was later brevet brigadier), of Ordnance, why their contracts were ended. He replied, 'It was done in obedience to instructions from the Honorable the Secretary of War.' This honorable secretary was Wilkins of Pennsylvania, who soon after retired from office, and when asked why he issued the order, said 'he did not know he had; that Talcott sent in so many papers it was as much as he could do to sign them; he had no time to read them.'
The condition of things at the department appears to be that while honorable secretaries were coming and going every few months, Talcott remained there in permanence; had been there for many years, and had become a perfect autocrat in the office. The only use he had for honorable secretaries was to sign his papers, and if any complaint arose, his uniform reply was, 'Done in obedience to instructions from the Honorable Secretary of War,' thus making the Secretary a scapegoat for all his sins. But a terrible retribution came at last.
When President Polk came into power (1846), he appointed as Secretary of War a lawyer from New Orleans by the name of Conrad, whose knowledge of war office business was confined chiefly to the 'code and pistols for two.' He took the customary round of visiting the armories and arsenals, and wherever he went he noticed vast stacks and pyramids of cannon balls. On his return he sent a simple order to (now) General Talcott, to issue no more contracts for cannon ball.
Not long after, among the papers sent in for him to sign, he happened to notice a new contract for cannon ball. He writes to Talcott to know why it was issued. Talcott replies in his usual style, 'done in obedience to instructions, etc.' Conrad answers that 'so far as being done in obedience, it was in disobedience to instructions, etc.' Talcott, in rpon most favorable terms; that he had become very rich; was the owner of large blocks in Washington, where he was living in the style of an eastern nabob.
The mystery of the discontinuance of the private armories was now revealed. The moneys intended for their support found their outlet chiefly through this channel.
General Scott with his high sense of honor, was greatly shocked that a government official so high in position, a graduate of West Point, a brigadier general in the Army, and Chief of the Ordnance Department, should be found guilty of such corrupt embezzlement. His sentence was terribly severe, almost without precedent. In brief, it was that General Talcott should be removed from the office of Chief of Ordnance, be deprived of his commission of brigadier general, his name erased from the roll of Army officers, and be sent in disgrace out of Washington....
Historically, the succeeding Chiefs of Ordnance who followed Talcott were a little better....
Oddly, General Talcott's buying of excessively large amounts of cannon balls from his Richmond foundry contributed to the improvement in Virginia's ordnance production during the Civil War. For war was now coming; even during the 1850's few doubted it." - William B. Edwards

"Ordnance Chief and General George Talcott was determined to break the armory system of government small arms contracting in the early 1850s. Initially, it was thought that Talcott was trying to terminate the use of political patronage that have favored eight private armories the use of political patronage that have favored eight private armories all over potential contractors. It may be noted that only two contracts had been let south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Few had been offered in Pennsylvania since the Federal Period despite the existence of a considerable arms industry. No contract had been let in the Midwest or West. Instead, the favored private armories were primarily clustered in the Connecticut Valley as Felicia Johnson Deyrup showed in her excellent book. The most prominent of the private armories were: Asa Waters of Millbury, Massachusetts; Simeon North, Middletown, Connecticut; Nathan Starr of the same address; Henry Derringer of Philadelphia; and Lemuel Pomeroy of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Eli Whitney of New Haven. However, it was discovered at his court martial on a different charge that Talcott was a crook who had no such higher purpose in mind. Talcott was broken in rank and dismissed from the service. Meanwhile, the eight private armories, their armorers and machinists suffered enormously. Talcott's policy, however, had prevented private construction of the models of 1855." - Hartzler, Yantz, Whisker

"July 8, 1851. Brig. Gen'l George Talcott, U.S.A., Colonel of Ordnance/Chief of the Ordnance Bureau/was this day/Dismissed from the Service.
First appointed 2d Lieut. 25th Infy July 10, 1813."

During Talcott's tenure the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1833 - Marines land in Buenos Aires to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.

8. Supt. John Robb, Nov. 1, 1833 - April 15, 1841.
"John Robb was born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 3, 1792. He enlisted in the United States Army in April 1813, as sergeant in the Seventh Infantry. He was appointed by Gen. Andrew Jackson in general orders at New Orleans, as ensign in Seventh Infantry, Dec. 22, 1815 months, 22 days." - Chapin

Letter from Col. Bomford, Ordnance Dept., Washington City, to LTC Talcott, dated 10 October 1833. "Sir. The president of the U. States has appointed John Robb Esq. Superintendent of the Springfield Armory, vice, Col. R. Lee deceased. Mr. Robb will leave here for his station on the 21st inst."

"John Robb had been with Jackson in the War of 1812, and latter served as chief clerk in the War Department. His appointment, therefore, was openly political, and had no reference to either his knowledge of guns of manufactories." - Whittlesey

"John Robb, who after a brief interregnum succeeded Lee as Superintendent of the Armory, was universally recognized as a political appointee. A staunch Jackson man, he had been a clerk in the War Department and had therefore a vague familiarity with the demands his new office put upon him, but he had neither knowledge of manufacturing nor tact as an administrator and obviously felt at liberty to maintain his authority upon no basis other than political favor. His lack of insight and his whole attitude toward his responsibilities as Superintendent was demonstrated sharply, soon after he undertook his new duties, in his designation of Elizur Bates as Master Armorer. Bates was politically persona grata to the Administration in Washington but as a mechanic was in no way qualified for a post which assumed even greater importance at a time when a Superintendent was in charge who himself knew little about fabricating guns. The furor which followed this appointment led in time to Bates' dismissal and the appointment of a thoroughly competent man, Thomas Warner....
Mere speculation may have no part in factual history, but it is a matter of some interest to consider the possible effects of a different course of action on the part of the Ordnance Department. Had Robb's management of the Armory been even fractionally as efficient as that of Lee, the developments of arms-making there might well have been so effective as to outstrip the work of private manufacturers." - Constance Green

Letter from John P. Eldridge to President Jackson dated 4 February 1834. "To the President of the United States. In compliance with the wishes of your political friends in that vicinity, I herewith enclose to you a brief and accurate statement of the course of conduct pursued by the Rev. John Robb, since he has been appointed Superintendent of the Springfield (U.S.) Armory, Mass. The friends of the administration in the section of our country, be assured, Sir, had no desire to trouble the Government in regard to their trials and difficulties, and would not now do so, had not longer forbearance, in their opinion, ceased to be a virtue, and the political disasters to the friends of the present administration consequent upon Mr. Robb's management of the Springfield Armory, become quite discouraging and disheartening. The party who have struggled so long and suffered political opponents so much, in sustaining the administration, stands humble and mortified before, since almost every act and movement of Mr. Robb goes directly to encourage their efforts and increase their strength. His conduct and measures have made the Republican party feel that the Government is not only dishonored, but that public interest in abused and suffering, and will continue to suffer essentiWithout further remarks, I will detail to you, Sir, some of the official acts of Mr. Robb, that have rendered him so obnoxious to our trust and best friends in New England. Mr. R. commenced upon the duties of his new station on the 1st of November last - he found two gentlemen employed as clerks in his office, who had been some years in the employ of his predecessor, one of whom (Mr. Wm. Walcott is a decided and uncompromising opponent of your administration, and the other (Capt. E. Warner, and officer in the late War) an inflexible and ardent friend both of yourself and your administration - a gentleman of superior talents and unblemished reputation. One of his (Mr. R's) first acts, without possible knowing his worth or capability, was to notify the last named gentleman, that his service in the Armory were no longer required, for the only reason he had wished to put his son in his place - while he retained, and yet retains in his office, Mr. Wolcott an open opponent of the administration. His next movement was to recommend to the Secretary of War, and urge the appointment of Mr. E. Bates to the place of Master Armorer, the second officer in the establishment, who was an ordinary workman at the Blacksmithing business and who is well known throughout that whole community, as entirely and wholly unfit and incompetent to perform the duties of the place, and who did not even know the names or uses, as can be abundantly proved, of the several component parts of a musket - and this too, while there were suitable and competent persons at hand. The Master Armorer is entitled to one clerk, and the next measure of Mr. Robb was to discharge the gentleman who had for some years been employed as Master Armorer's clerk, without assigning the lease reason or pretext. The name of this gentleman is Mr. E.A. Clary, who was a Lieut. in the late war, and who uniformly has been a fearless an inflexible Republican - an ardent and constant friend and supporter of your administration. He has a large and dependent family, and is new in this City asking for some employment honorably to support them. The gentleman who Mr. Robb caused to succeed Mr. Clary is Mr. Lewis Foster, Jr. an acquaintance and friend of Duff Green, and one of the most violent and headstrong nullifiers in New England. The next movement in order was the filling the office of Inspector in the U.S. Armory made vacant by the resignation of an efficient political friend, Mr. John Newbury. This place Mr. R. filled by appointing Mr. John C. Stebbins - an open and most vindictive libeler of your honorable self, and a patron and subscriber to that vehicle of defamation and abuse, the National Journal, as long as it was published - although there were several worthy political friends who wished for the place.
In addition to the facts stated above, there have been many other changes and shifts in the more important places of the Armory establishment, which, in the opinion of those of your political friends located in the immediate vicinity of the Armory, and who are very qualified to judge, instead of being useful or necessary to the public interest or to the establishment, will demean and injure both.
I cannot close this communication without adding that Messrs. Warner and Clary, the two clerks who have been discharged, in consequence of the able and efficient support which they have always given to your administration, had rendered themselves somewhat obnoxious to that portion of the New England aristocracy located in Springfield, and that it is confidently believed by our friends that they were dismissed from the public employment in consequence of representations made by some of the leading opposition in that section, the moment they found they could approach or influence Mr. Robb - I ought also to say, Sir, that in relation to the administration paper published at Springfield, and the only one for many miles around, Mr. Robb's constant conduct has been most injudiciouseretofore enjoyed the benefits resulting from the Government printing for that establishment. Mr. Robb, however, for reasons unknown, does not patronize this paper but on the contrary has bestowed jobs of public printing to a considerable amount upon one of the most bitter assailants of your administration, the Editor of the Hamden Journal - notwithstanding his office is located about a mile distant from the Armory.
I might add much to what I have already said, but as my object is to give a plain; unvarnished statement of facts, upon the truth of which I am willing to stake my reputation, I will say that in the opinion of your most intelligent friends in our section, the design and effect of the operations of Mr. Robb, as relates to the future cannot be mistaken - and that the taunts and exultations of the opposition, evince that they calculate to distract and destroy energy and concert of your political friends, through the ostensible friendship of Mr. Robb, more effectually than they could hope to do by an open and undisguised partisan of their own."

Robb's response to above letter written to Caleb Rice, dated 12 February 1834 - "Dear Sir. The copy of a paper signed by a certain John B. Eldridge, addressed to the President, preferring charges against me, has been transmitted by the Dept. Among other things the writer states that I discharged the Master Armorer's Clerk, E.A. Clary. With this man I never had any communication, either official or otherwise, and knew nothing of his leaving Springfield, until two or three day after he had gone.
I understand that he absconded to avoid imprisonment upon a civil process, placed in your hands for service. Will you have the goodness to furnish me with your certificate of all the facts, in relation to this matter, so that I will repel this foul slander upon my character."

Letter to Robb from Col. Bomford, Washington City, dated 24 February 1834. "Sir. Your communication of the 15th February, containing the statement and documents in relation to charges preferred against you by John B. Eldridge Esqr., after having been examined by the President, has been returned to this department with the following endorsement, viz: 'Mr. Robb's papers. - The reply to the charges made by Mr. Eldridge, fully refuted by Mr. Robb, and his conduct approved as set forth in the within testimonials."

"On 1 May 1834, the President (Jackson) ordered that new muskets of various designs be tested and patterns built. Springfield thus assigned two 'able mechanics' to work full time and for an indefinite period of time on making pattern arms. Colonel Bomford budgeted $1950 for development, and recommended that 'the most skillful and indeed scientific mechanics' be put to work. For the year 1834, Springfield Armory received $12,295,14 for permanent improvements and $171,889.41 for the manufacture of arms. It fabricated 14,000 muskets at an average cost of $11.05, 14,706 screwdrivers at 8 cents each, 22,063 wipers at $.125 each, 1458 ball-screws at 15 cents each, 2032 spring vises at 30 cents each, and 15,400 flint caps at one cent each. The military storekeeper issued 1800 pounds of gunpowder at 4004 pounds of lead to prove gun barrels. On 31 December 1833 it had on hand components valued at $84,112.22 and unwrought materials worth $41,889.12. At the end of 1834 it had components on hand valued at $90,770.42 and raw materials valued at $47,839.79." - Whisker

"1834. At the United States Armory the residence of the paymaster and master armorer were going up as well as a new factory building at the Water Shops." - Constance Greene

Some sort of rank by courtesy seems to have been instituted about 1839, for correspondence of that year between the armories refers to Major Moor, Master Armorer at Harpers Ferry, and the two superintendents, Robb and Lucas address each other as Colonel. Outs
Letter from Col. Bomford, Washington City, to Supt. Robb, dated 3 April 1841. "Sir: The President having directed that the Armories shall be placed, provisionally, in charge of Officers of the Ordnance Corps, and, that the function of the present superintendents shall cease on the 15th inst. Maj. J.W. Ripley has been designated to take charge of the Armory at Springfield, and he is instructed to proceed there in order to enter on his duties on the day above named.
You are requested to make the necessary arrangements for transferring the charge of the Armory to Maj. Ripley, with such memoranda as may be necessary for his information in the immediate prosecution of the business, and with abstracts of outstanding debts, &c as required by the 45th Article of the Ordnance Regulations. Should Major Ripley not be present to take charge on the 15th inst. the charge of the Armory will devolve on the Master Armorer, agreeably to the provisions of Article 24 of the Ordnance Regulations."

"A picturesque outlay in paint transformed the buildings on the hill to 'ordnance colour,' which may be assumed to be the distinctive salmon shade still retained by the older buildings in Armory square - a decided architectural asset, in their setting of green or white according to the season with the contrast of blue sky.
An appraisal of the United States property in Springfield in 1840 set the figure of $209,161,00 for lands and buildings. The buildings numbered eighty-five, of which forty-six were shops, eight were storehouses, twenty-one were quarters paying rent, and the remaining ten were quarters furnished rent free to the officials." - Whittlesey

During Robb's tenure the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1835-1836 - Marines land in Peru to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.
1835-1842 - Second Seminole War - U.S. troops sent in to remove Seminoles from Florida. Chief Osceola and tribe retreated into Everglades where they successfully eluded U.S. Army for seven years.
1839 - Forces land in Sumatra and bombed towns to protect U.S. lives and property after attacks on U.S. ships.

9. Major James W. Ripley, Ord. Dept., April 16, 1841 - Aug. 16, 1854.
"General J.W. Ripley was born in Windham, Conn., Dec. 10, 1794. He graduated at West Point U.S. Military Academy in 1814, entered the artillery arm, and served in the second war with Great Britain, being at the defense of Sackett Harbor. He became battalion quartermaster of artillery in 1816; first quartermaster in 1818. Was in the Seminole War at the seizure of Pensacola and the capture of San Carlos de Barrancas, and was commissioner for running the boundary line of the Florida Indian reservations in 1823-24. He became captain in 1823; was in command at Charleston harbor during threatened South Carolina nullification times in 1832-33 and was major in 1838. He was superintendent of the Springfield Armory from April 16, 1841 to August 16, 1854; was chief of ordnance in the Department of the Pacific in 1855-57, and was colonel and chief of ordnance, U.S.A., which position he held until his retirement in 1863. He received the brevet of brigadier general U.S.A. in July 1861, and in August was promoted to the full rank. In March, 1865, he received the brevet of major general, U.S.A., for long and faithful service. From his retirement until his death he was inspector of the armament of fortifications on the New England coast.
He died Hartford, Conn., March 16, 1870 in the 76th year of his age.
General Ripley came to Springfield from Augusta, Me., and remained here from 1841 until President Franklin Pierce's term commenced in 1853 (he having been elected in 1852) when the government of the Armory was changed to a civil superintendency by the decision of Congress. It was during his (Ripley's) administration that Charles Stearns took sides with those who were in favor of civil government at the Armory, in opposition to those who were of the
Order from War Department, signed by I.G. Spencer, 1 October 1842. "The Office of the Superintendents of the Armories at Springfield and at Harpers Ferry have been abolished, the duties heretofore imposed by law on the Superintendent of the Armory at Harper's Ferry will be performed by Major H.R. Craig of the Ordnance Corps, and those of the Superintendent of the Armory at Springfield, will be performed by Major J.W. Ripley of the same Corps."

Letter from Ripley to Col. Bomford, dated April 17th 1841. "Sir. I arrived at this place on the evening of the 15th inst. and on the following day entered on the discharge of the duties assigned to me by your instructions of the 2nd of April."

"Major James W. Ripley who came in April 1841 to take charge under executive order, pending Congressional approval the following year, had been previously in command of the United States arsenal in Kennebec, Maine. Although arsenals at this time were not manufacturing units but served chiefly as depots for storage of arms, minor repairs of muskets were also part of the regular function. Ripley therefore as an Ordnance Officer was not only versed in care of arms but had some manufacturing knowledge as well. His military background supplemented a native inflexibility of attitude, and, where he thought he saw his duty, nor hell nor high water could turn him from any course of action he had determined upon. Perhaps rather strangely his chief interest apparently laid less in promoting efficient methods of manufacturing firearms and in improvement of the models than in consolidation and elaboration of the Armory property and plant.
The protracted feud between him and a group of Springfield citizens which soon arose and lasted off and on in varying degrees of bitterness through his thirteen years incumbency at the Armory originated primarily in his vigorous measures to acquire more land for the United States and to rebuild and expand the plant. In 1840 the United States property in Springfield included eighty-five buildings, forty-six of them shops, eight storehouse and the rest dwellings. By 1848 Ripley had expended about $22,000 for additional real estate. The enormous improvement in the physical appearance of the buildings and grounds, the removal of dilapidated structures, erection of new, the grading and planting of tress on Armory Square, and finally the beginning of the decorative iron fencing about the government property, all stand as testimony to their originator's sense of dignity and style. But the honest utilitarian critic of Ripley's regime, as well as political opponents mostly inspired by personal animosity, could content that his expenditures were ill-directed, toward external show rather than manufacturing achievement. Still before he had pushed manufacture to its utmost efficiency in the last six years of his incumbency, Ripley could point to $893,101 spent on fabrication and repair of small arms in contrast to $265,238 spent on plant. Moreover output was to increase and cost per arm shrink during his superintendency, and there is no reason to believe that all of this advance was due to the directive skill of Master Armorer and Master Mechanic alone." - Constance Green

"Armory Fence - In 1842, Colonel J.W. Ripley suggested to the War Department that the Armory grounds be enclosed by a suitable fence. Congress gave favorable consideration to the plan but funds were low and the Government was economizing wherever it could. The Government had on hand hundreds of old cannons which were being replaced by bronze cannons and the officers of the Ordnance Department suggested using them for the Armory fence. Hundreds of them were shipped to Springfield and in 1852 the work gazine Street was demolished and the stone used in its construction formed the base of the fence." - Burleski

"If the wealth of nations is based upon the industrial energies of their peoples, the power and independence of a nation is no less dependent upon a healthy condition of its military institutions, and on the excellence of the arms which it places in the hands of its soldiers." - Essay on the Modern Improvements in Fire-Arms, Military Review, July, 1852.

"Col. Ripley felt sure the government would not appropriate the money to build a fence, but Maj. Ingersoll hit upon the plan for collecting material themselves for its manufacture. Accordingly a lot of condemned cannon and waste iron was contributed by the various arsenals, and operations were begun. Christopher Briggs of this city made the patterns for the fence, and the castings were turned out at the Alger foundry in South Boston. The fence was started at the entrance on Federal street, and was run out to State street and down State to the lower corner. When this portion had been built the supply of iron gave out, and nothing further was done until some years later, when an appropriation was obtained from the government to complete it, and the rest of the castings were gotten out by the Ames company of Chicopee. The foundation of the fence is of sandstone, and this came from the East Longmeadow quarry that was hired for three years and worked under the direction of the armory. The foundation extends eight feet below the surface, and contains about 100,000 square feet of stone. The fence cost $10. a foot, or about $70,000 for the whole and this Maj. Ingersoll thought was only about one-third what it would have cost under a government contract. Along State street the government owns eight feet outside the fence; it also own the whole of Pearl street to the grounds opposite, from Byers to Federal; and the whole of Byers street from Frost to Pearl.
The only attack ever made upon the fence, so far as is known, was by a runaway horse, who went through it on State street a few rods below Federal, smashing about a dozen pickets. The horse had become frightened by some object, and plunged ahead blindly, without any purpose except to put himself as far as possible from the cause of his fright, but if he had deliberately planned an onslaught on the fence he could not have been more successful, although he gave up the ghost about as soon as he went through. The incident made quite a little stir, and a good many people gathered about to inspect the shattered fence, supposed to be so strong. This incident occurred some time in the 60's."

"The selection of a new Chief of Ordnance was not a difficult task. The man in line, both by virtue of seniority and long, honest, and efficient service, was Lieutenant Colonel James Wolfe Ripley. A native of Connecticut, born in 1776, he was graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and commissioned a second Lieutenant in 1814. Ripley served two tours of duty in Florida. The first was with Major General Andrew Jackson in the Indian Wars, and the second was with Colonel James Gadsden while surveying Indian reservations. Jackson, Gadsden, and the territorial governor, William Pope Duval, commended the young officer for his efficient and able service.
During the South Carolina nullification controversy of 1832, Ripley was ordered to accompany Major General Winfield Scott to Charleston to prepare the defense of the harbor fortifications. His work was done well, and 'his gentlemanly deportment won...esteem and respeDuring the next decade, Ripley held several important ordnance posts. His capable services were rewarded with a promotion to major in 1838, and an appointment as superintendent of the United States Armory at Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1841. At Springfield he instituted rigid work rules, increased the size and cleanliness of both the grounds and the armory, and cut the cost of the musket from $17.50 to $8.75 by the end of his tenure in 1854. 'Springfield Armory,' wrote Colonel George W. Cullum many years later, 'is truly Ripley's monument.'
Between 1854 and 1860, Ripley serve as commander of the Watertown Arsenal in Massachusetts, Chief of Ordnance of the Pacific Department and Inspector of Arsenals. In June of 1860, Secretary of War John B. Floyd detailed Ripley to go abroad, first to Japan and then to Europe, to examine arsenals and arms fabrication.
While in transit to Europe, Ripley heard of the rebellion of the Southern states, and returned at once to the United States. Ripley immediately moved to Washington and checked in at Willard's Hotel on April 20, 1861, probably to be on hand in the likely event that Chief of Ordnance Craig would be removed. The Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, had consulted Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, the Commanding General of the Army, as to Craig's status, and both agreed that Craig was not suited to head a wartime bureau. Further, Scott pointed out, Ripley, the senior ordnance staff member, was close at hand, and was a most capable officer. Cameron complete with the request of Scott, and on the pretext of Craig's illness, a minor ailment for which he had taken a few days' rest, ordered Ripley to take charge of the Ordnance Bureau 'during the feeble health of its chief.' The following day, April 21, 1861, Lieutenant Colonel Ripley, Acting Chief of the Ordnance Bureau, ramrod-straight, white-haired, and fierce-eyed, climbed the stairs and entered the dark, musty hall of the Winder Building to assume his new duties. He had been deferent - even humble - but he must have felt some pride in taking the position he had earned with forty-seven years of faithful and efficient service.
Ripley has since been called incompetent. He was not. There was nothing in his past to indicate that he lacked the qualities to head an important military bureau. On the contrary, he had moved with utmost dispatch and efficiency in every responsible position he had held. Ripley stepped into the office of Chief of Ordnance at a difficult time and, all things considered, did a reasonably good job by any standards of measurement of the day. In the areas where he failed, these shortcomings resulted from his lack of imagination, his reluctance to change, and his lifelong habit of obeying the law, letter and spirit." - Carl L. Davis

"Our biggest headache was a want for adequate weapons. I was a big advocate of the modern repeating rifle, the Henry rifle, by far the best weapon for the infantry because of its accuracy and rapid rate of fire. But the chief of army ordnance, James Wolfe Ripley, a white-haired, ruddy-faced old solider with a bad temper and a constitutional aversion to change, insisted on arming our men with old smoothbore muskets, which were inaccurate beyond fifty yards. Mule-headed as they come, Ripley dismissed gun manufacturers and inventors with a curt, 'han't got time.'
So they all came to me. I was interested in guns, especially the new-fangled ones, and made it a policy to hear the inventors out. Soon so many new guns leaned against the wall of my office that it looked like an ordnance bureau." - Abraham Lincoln, May 23, 1861

"By the beginning of the Civil War, many inventors of breechloaders, of varying merit, were clamoring for Government orders. Though almost any arm that would work was purchased, the outstanding systems of the period - the Henry and Spencer - after being tested in 1861 by the Army and thofore made are favorable so far as the limited trials went, but they do not go farther than to suggest or recommend the procurement of a sufficient number to place in the hands of troops in the field for trial. Indeed, it is impossible, except when arms are defective in principle, to decide with confidence in advance of such practical trials, on their value, or otherwise, as military weapons. I regard the weight of the arms with the loaded magazine as objectionable, and also the requirement of a special ammunition rendering it impossible to use the arms with ordinary cartridges, or with powder and ball. It remains to be shown by practical trial what will be the effect on the cartridges in the magazine, or carrying them on horseback, when they will be exposed to being crushed or marred, possibly to such an extent as to interfere with their free passage into the barrel; and whether they will be safe for transportation with the fulminate in the cartridge; also what will be the effect on the spiral spring of long use and exposure in the field. I do not discover any important advantage of these arms over several other breech-loaders, as the rapidity of fire of these latter is sufficiently great for useful purposes without the objection to increased weights from the charges in the arm itself, while the multiplication of arms and ammunition of different kinds and patterns and working on different principles is decidedly objectionable, and should, in my opinion, be stopped by the refusal to introduce any more, unless upon the most full and complete evidence of their great superiority.
In view of the foregoing, of the very high prices asked for these arms, and of the fact that the Government is already pledged on orders and contracts for nearly 73,000 breech-loading rifles and carbines, to the amount of two and a quarter million of dollars. I do not consider it advisable to entertain either of the proposition for purchasing these arms. Respectfully your obedient servant, Jas. W. Ripley, Brigadier-General.

"The weapon of the American soldier has been, is now, and always will be the muzzle-loading rifle musket." - Ripley

"If the gun business were left to General Ripley, the government would get no guns." - Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott

"A splendid iron fence, 8 feet 8 inches high, has been erected on the Southern and Western sides of the Government grounds on the Hill, which adds much to the elegant appearance of the whole establishment, and tends to make it still more a matter of local pride, and still more in consonance with the character of a national institution. The improvement of the grounds, like much of that which has been affected in the operations of the works themselves, has been accomplished by Col. Ripley, the late military superintendent." - J.G. Holland.

"James Wolfe Ripley retired to his native Connecticut and settled in Hartford to write his memoirs. Born the same year the Springfield Armory was created by Congress and, in retirement, living but a few miles south of it, he died on March 17, 1870. His memoirs, appearing in 1881, declared, 'There has been nothing remarkable in my life, nor do I intend to make it appear otherwise.'" - William H. Hallahan

"OLD DAYS IN THE ARMORY. Some Verses Brought to Light from an Old War Department Report. One would scarce expect to find any mirthful reaIt seems that in 1842 charges were preferred against Maj. J.W. Ripley then in charge of the Springfield Armory, for discriminate discharges the petitioners contended he was making of employees at the armory, and one clause in the charges and specifications alleged that he was guilty of discharging competent workmen for nothing more than subscribing for the 'Independent Democrat,' a newspaper published here at that time, and one that was opposed to the administration. The United States district attorney was Robert Rantoul, and the petition was signed by Joseph Lombard, Jonathan Bangs, Calvin Shattuck, Joel Brown, Charles Stearns, S.O. Russell, Ithamer Goodman, John B. Kirkman, et. al,. and the president of the court of inquiry was Maj. Gen. John E. Wool, afterward in command of the United States army.
When the Independent Democrat became possessed of the fact that that sheet was so odious to the major, and that his men were prohibited from reading it, the editor set his facetious quill to running, and the following was the result of its work: - 'MACHINE POETRY. Our 'Improved patent double cylinder poetical grindstone' having become rusty for want of use, we set our office devil at work to repair it. While carelessly adjusting the self-acting crank, the machine suddenly started with great velocity, frightening the little imp out of his wits. Before the 'irresistible check-lever' could be applied, and the machine stopped, it had 'ground out' and fairly 'varsified' the following: -
ARMY ORDERS
Attention armorers, I say,
Look to the right and dress
And hear my orders and obey,
Or you shall soon number less.

For I'm a major, you will find,
Born to command and sway
The freedom of the will and mind
Of all who here shall stay.

You shall observe what may be said,
And never open your chops,
Else I will cut off every head
And lock up all the shops.

Then, first, your smoking now must cease,
As all such fumes as those
Do very much disturb my peace
When passing through my nose.

The reason is, my nose, like jut,
Projects as much as you know,
That smoke condenses into smut,
It has so far to go.

You have in freedom's cradle rocked,
Like those on pleasant waves,
But you shall have your wages dock'd
And fare like other slaves.

So then, like slaves, your are forbid
To speak, or read, or write,
Unless you do it somewhere hid
In darkest shades of night.

You shall, as slaves, be like them fed;
Hence, you shall buy no meat,
Although your children cry for bread,
Or something else to eat.

Like slaves, you shall not leave your work;
If any thus be seen,
Their heads will come off in a jerk,
By way of 'guillotine.'

Like slaves, your homes and masters shift,
Just when and where I say,
And whom I please shall go adrift
Nor longer here shall stay.

Again, as slaves work in a squad
With one to turn the screw,
And drive the wretches with a rod,
So I shall deal with you. - Per Order of Major Bullfrog. February 16, 1842.'" - Springfield Republican, November 29, 1891.

Springfield Union-News, 08/04/1994 - "1847: President James K. Polk is the first to visit Springfield by train, arriving in a luxury car. But Jeremy Warnier of the Union House Hotel is not impressed. He turns the president away for lack of beds."

FORGOTTEN FACTS ABOUT SPRINGFIELD - Jefferson Davis Removed Col. Ripley. Soon after Col. J.W. Ripley was made superintendent of the Armory in 1841 there was a loud clamor for his removal. He was a strict disciplinarian and the Armory was run with military precision. The following year the armorers sent a In 1854 Congress without warning reversed its decision and decreed that a civilian superintendent should be appointed to have charge of the Springfield Armory. With that authority Jefferson Davis, then secretary of war, removed Col. Ripley. Master Armorer E. S. Allin was temporarily placed in charge of the Armory but the civilian rule was short lived. The following year Gen. James S. Whitney was appointed superintendent and a military officer has been in charge of the Armory ever since." - Springfield Shopping News, 16 December 1931.

"In 1850 there were 474 employees, with a total population of 4,000." - Springfield Republican, 2/26/1910

"BUILDING NO. 1 - ….the Commanding Officer's Quarters was built under Major Ripley's direction in 1845-46 to replace the earlier structure on the site of the present Building No. 13. When in 1846 the controversies in which the aggressive Ripley had become embroiled resulted in the institution of a military court of inquiry to investigate his conduct, one of the 13 changes related to his construction of such elaborate quarters.
An excellent example of the Greek revival style, Ripley's 'palace' is a two-storied brick house 50'x44', with a 52'x27' service ell parallel with the three-bayed entrance façade. The hipped roof of the main block is surmounted by a brick cupola supported on the interior partitions, which are also constructed of brick. The generous scale allows for two west drawing rooms, 18'x 21'; a vestibule, 10 ½' - wide hall and square study in the center; and 16 ½' x 18 reception room, stair hall, and dining room 16 ½' x 18 ½', in the east portion of the main block. The first floor ceiling height is approximately 14'. The interior trim is extremely simple, the only enrichment of the plaster cornices consisting of a band of guttae in the hall. The plan of the second floor is essentially similar to the first floor layout. The first-floor mantelpieces are later replacements dating from about 1900. The second-floor mantelpiece is original simple marble examples. The original six-over-six-light cupola windows have been altered to one-over-one-light sash. The paneled wooden roof parapets were removed about 1870, when an iron snow rail was substituted. A bay window was added to the dining room. The rectangular transcom of the main entrance was altered to an elliptical fanlight, and the sidelights and transom fitted with leaded glass about 1900. Around 1870 the most conspicuous exterior alteration occurred, when the original style Doric entrance portico, Doric west porch, and ell porch were removed and the present delicate cast-iron porches were built." - Tom Wallace

"Building No. 13 - The Main Arsenal, probably the best known of the Armory buildings, was begun in mid-1847 and completed three years later at a cost of $86,066. It is a featured motif on the official seal of the City of Springfield, adopted two years after the Main Arsenal was completed. During the Civil War, the building was the scene of an abortive sabotage attempt by Confederate agents, who placed a bomb in the tower.
The imposing scale of Main Arsenal grandly dominates the west end of the parade field. The architectural character is more formal and unified than that of any other building considered, not even excepting the Commanding Officer's quarters. The 2 1/2" thick brick walls are strongly articulated by first floor piers and, above a string course, two-story high pilasters. The Main Arsenal's 15 bay facades measure 199' across with a massive tower 24x30' facing the parade field and a pedimented pavilion 12'x69' on the west side. The ends of tchitraves and flat lintels. A wooden panel parapet surmount the roof. The only significant exterior alteration, except for the addition of two cement loading docks and a fire escape, has been the removal of the wooden one-story tetrastyle Greek Doric portico from the west pavilion. The structural system of the open plan interior is supported by cast-iron Doric columns 13' on center throughout the basement and remarkable light cross-plan cast-iron post 13' on center on the first and second floors. The third floor is completely unobstructed. The most remarkable feature of the interior is the magnificent visually unsupported open wooden stairway which spirals in a sweeping curve 121 risers to the uppermost chamber of the tower.
The Main Arsenal was used as a storehouse until the late nineteen fifties. From that period on, until the Springfield Armory closed, it was used for banquets, seminars, dances, and various social functions.
During this period, a rest room for ladies was constructed as well as a very fine projection booth. Training films were shown in the building for the benefit of Armory employees.
Parties too large to be held in the officer's club were held in Bldg. #13, as it was considered ideal for some of the large dinner dances that were held at the Springfield Armory.
In short, the main floor was refurbished so that it would serve as an area to hold large official or social gatherings at the Springfield Armory." - Tom Wallace

1852 - THE ARMORY AT SPRINGFIELD
"SPRINGFIELD.
The Connecticut river flows through the State of Massachusetts, from North to South, on a line about half way between the middle of the State and its western boundary. The valley through which the river flows, which perhaps the stream itself had formed, is broad and fertile, and it presents, in the summer months of the year, one widely extended scene of inexpressible verdure and beauty. The river meanders through a region of broad and luxuriant meadows which are overflowed and enriched by an annual inundation. These meadows extend sometimes for miles on either side of the stream, and are adorned here and there with rural villages, built wherever there is a little elevation of land - sufficient to render human habitations secure. The broad and beautiful valley is bounded on either hand by an elevated and undulating country, with streams, mills, farms, villages, forests, and now and then a towering mountain, to vary and embellish the landscape. In some cases a sort of spur or projection from the upland country projects into the valley forming a mountain summit there, from which the most significant views are obtained of the beauty and fertility of the surrounding scene.
There are three principal towns upon the banks of the Connecticut within the Massachusetts lines. Greenfield on the north - where the river enters into Massachusetts from between New Hampshire and Vermont - Northampton at the centre, and Springfield on the south. These towns are all built at points where the upland approaches near to the river. Thus at Springfield the land rises by gentle ascent from near the bank of the stream to a spacious and beautiful plain which overlooks the valley. The town is built upon this declivity. It is so enveloped in trees that from a distance it appears simply like a grove with cupolas and spires rising about the masses of forest foliage; but to one within it, it presents everywhere most enchanting pictures of rural elegance and beauty. The streets are avenues of trees. The houses are surrounded by gardens, and so enveloped in shrubbery that in many cases they reveal themselves iazza, through some little vista which opens for a moment and then closes again as he passes along. At one point, in ascending from the river to the plain above, the tourist stops involuntarily to admire the view, which opens on either side, along a winding and beautiful street which here crosses his way. It is called Chestnut-street on the right hand, and Maple-street on the left-the two portions receiving their several names form the trees with which they are respectively adorned. The branches of the trees meet in a dense and unbroken mass of foliage over the middle of the street, and the sidewalk presents very precisely the appearance and expression of an alley in the gardens of Versailles.
THE ARMORY GROUNDS.
On reaching the summit of the arsenal, the visitor finds himself upon an extended plain, with the streets of beautiful rural residences on every hand, and the centre a vast public square occupied and surrounded by the buildings of the Armory. Those buildings are spacious and elegant in their construction, and are arranged in a very picturesque and symmetrical manner within the square, and along the streets which surround it. The grounds are shaded with trees; the dwellings are adorned with gardens and shrubbery. Broad and neatly-kept walks, some graveled, others paved, extend across the green or along the line of the buildings, opening charming vistas in every direction. All is quiet and still. Here and there a solitary pedestrian is seen moving at a distance upon the sidewalk, or disappearing among the trees at the end of an avenue; and perhaps the carriage of some party of strangers stands waiting at a gate. The visitor who comes upon this scene on a calm summer morning, is enchanted by the rural beauty that surrounds him, and by the air of silence and repose which reigns over it all. He hears the distant barking of a dog, the voices of children at play, or the subdued thundering of the railway-train crossing the river over its wooden viaduct, far down the valley - and other similar rural sounds coming from a distance through the calm morning air - but all around him and near him is still. Can it be possible, he asks, that such of scene of tranquility and loveliness can be the outward form and embodiment of a vast machinery incessantly employed in the production of engines of carnage and death!
It is, however, after all, perhaps, scarcely proper to call the arms that are manufactured by the American government, and stored in their various arsenals, as engines of carnage and destruction. They ought, perhaps, to be considered rather as instruments of security and peace; for their destination is, as would seem, not to be employed in active service in the performance of the function for which they are so carefully prepared; but to be consigned, when once finished, to eternal quiescence and repose. They protect by their existence, and not by their action; but necessary that the instruments themselves should be fitted for their work in the surest and most perfect manner. And thus we have the very singular and extraordinary operation going on, of manufacturing with the greatest care, and with the highest possible degree of scientific and mechanical skill, a vast system of machinery, which when completed, all parties concerned most sincerely hope and believe will, in a great majority of cases, remain in their depositories undisturbed forever. They fulfill their vast function by their simple existence - and thus, though in the highest degree useful, are never to be used.
THE BUILDINGS.
The general appearance of the buildings of the Armory is represented in the engraving placed at the head of this article. The point from which the view is taken is on the eastern side of the square - that is, the side most remote from the town. The level and extended landscape seen in the distance, over the tops of the buildings is the Connecticut valley - the town of Springfield lying concealed on the slope of the hill, between the buildings and the river. The middle building in the foreground, marked by the cupola upon the top of it, is called the Office. It contains the various counting-rooms necessary for transacting the general business of the Armory, and is, as it were, the seat and centre of the power by which the whole machinery of the establishment is regulated. North and south of it, and in a line with it, are two shops, called the North and South Milling Shops, where, in the several stories, long ranges of workmen are found, each of his own bench, and before his own window, at work upon the special operation whatever it may be, which is assigned to him. On the left of the picture is a building with the end toward the observer, two stories high in one part, and one story in every other part. The higher portion - which in the view is the portion nearest the observer - forms the Stocking Shop, as it is called; that is the shop where the Stocks are made for the muskets, and fitted to the locks and barrels. The lower portion is the Blacksmith's Shop. The Blacksmith's Shop is filled with small forges, at which the parts of the lock are forged. Beyond the Blacksmith's Shops, and in a line with it, and forming, together with the Stocking Shop and the Blacksmith's Shop, the northern side of the square are several dwelling houses occupied as the quarters of certain officers of the Armory. The residence of the Commanding Officer, however, is not among them. His house stands on the west side of the square, opposite to the end of the avenue which is seen opening directly before the observer in the view. It occupies a very delightful and commanding situation on the brow of the hill, having a view of the Armory grounds and buildings upon one side, and overlooking the town and the valley of the Connecticut on the other.
A little to the south of the entrance to the Commanding Officer's house stands a large edifice, called the New Arsenal. It is the building with the large square tower-seen in the view in the middle distance, and near the centre of the picture. This building is used for the storage of the muskets during the interval that elapses from the finishing of them to the time when they are sent away to the various permanent arsenals established by the government in different parts of the country, or issued to the troops. Besides this new edifice there are two or three other buildings which are used for the storage of finished muskets called the Old Arsenals. They stand in a line on the south side of the square, and may be seen on the left hand, in the view. These buildings altogether will contain about five hundred thousand muskets. The New Arsenals, alone, is intended to contain three hundred thousand.
THE WATER SHOPS.
Such is the general arrangement of the Arsenal buildings, 'on the Hill.' But it is only the lighter work that is done here. The heavy operations, such as rolling, welding, grinding, &c, are all performed by the water-power. The stream which the Ordnance Department of the United States has pressed into its service to do this work, is a rivulet that meanders through a winding and romantic valley about half a mile south of the town. On this stream are three falls, situated at a distance of perhaps half a mile from each other. At each of these falls there is a dam, a bridge, and a group of shops. They are called respectively the Upper, Middle and Lower Water Shops. The valley in which these establishments are situated is extremely verdant and beautiful. The banks of the stream are adorned sometimes with green, grassy slopes, and sometimes with masses of shrubbery and foliage descending to the water. The road winds gracefully form one point of view to another, opening at every turn some new and attractive prospect. The shops and all the hydraulic works are very neatly and very substantially constructed, and are kept in the most powerful order; so that the scene, as it presents itself to the party of visitorsCONCLUSION.
As was stated at the commencement of the article, it is only a small part of the hundreds of thousands of muskets manufactured, that are destined ever to be used. Some portion of the whole number are served out to the Army, and are employed in Indian warfare, others are destined to arm garrisons, in various fortresses and military posts where they are never called to any other service than to figure in peaceful drilling and parades. By far the greater portion, however, are sent away to various parts of the country to be stored in the national arsenals where they lie, and are to lie, as we hope, forever, undisturbed, in the midst of scenes of rural beauty and continued peace. The flowers bloom and the birds sing unmolested around the silent and solitary depository where these terrible instruments of carnage and destruction unconsciously and forever repose." - "The Armory at Springfield," by Jacob Abbott. "HARPERS FERRY MONTHLY MAGAZINE," July 1852.

President Polk visited Springfield June 28, 1847, and left for Boston the following morning. He stopped at the Union House.

Letter from George Dwight and Wm. Stone to Ripley dated September 26, 1853 shows the Federal Square was vacant at that time, requests use of it for National Horse exhibition.

"The War Department sent a commission to Springfield which met intermittently at the armory between August 1 through 22 October 1853. A local newspaper reported that the discharges and turnover rates had been significantly greater under military governance than under the civilian superintendency. The newspaper did not attempt to discover that reasons for the discharges, however. And a Congressional investigating committee, although favorably disposed to the changeover form military to civilian superintendency, found no fault with Ripley's administration. It also found that working conditions generally improved at Springfield while wages were driven down more rapidly, and working conditions more oppressive, in private armories. It also found that military control of armories was more in keeping with American traditions than civilian management. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis pointed out that, among the members of the investigating committee, one man was a prospective superintendent and that six of nine witnesses heard were candidates for positions. Both Congress and Ordnance were deluged with petitions from workmen whose pay had been docked for spoiled and shoddy work and waste of government property. These deductions had been made according to well-established armory regulations. Some workmen claimed that arms were being made with defective parts and in other ways of a lower quality than had the case at an earlier time. Ripley responding by sending affidavits from eleven arms inspectors and attesting to the quality of arms being produced.
Some Congressmen and Senators considered closing the armories selling of their buildings and equipment, and turning all arms making over to private contractors. A few others thought to close the two existing armories and starting over by opening a new armory in the West. Secretary of War Davis, himself a West Point graduate, used all his influence to defuse the situation. While he would have liked to have had an armory built in the deep south, he was certainly opposed to closing the two existing armories.
Amos B. Morrill, later an important gunsmith employed by Samuel Colt, charged that Superintendent Ripley had purchased a significant quantity of inferior steel. Morrill charged that not only could he not complete his assigned tasks with such metal, his employer insisted on charging the ruined product against his piece-rate pay. When he protested, Ripley discharged him. Diminished quality, safety and reliability could be the only results of products constructed of such metal.
The last complaint lodged against the military administration was that government could (Whatever merits these many charges may have had, with some being far more important than others, and some were quite trivial, Ripley had provided overall excellence. We must consider the voicing of these charges as being largely politically motivated. We must also note that there is no document similar to The National Armories written in defense of Ripley, or against any other superintendency. The document is probably the most thorough and documented assault on any governmental operation in the decades before the Civil War.
Ripley took what he must have known to be a parting shot in his final appearance before the board. 'The attempt to break down the present system originated with those who have, under it, been excluded from work or deprived of jobs or contracts at the Armories, by which under the former one (administration) they have produced. They have succeeded in enlisting in their cause persons interested, directly or indirectly, in private manufactories of arms, and whose interests are opposed to an economical manufacture of the same by the Government; others who like to see the question of a change agitated simply as a matter of excitement, and some also who go with them from honest sympathy with what they believe to be wrongs inflicted by an officer of the Army, and who have not taken the trouble to investigate the matter so far as to find out whether the wrongs are real or imaginary.... Revengeful feelings, self-interest, or mistaken sympathy constitute the true motives which have led to this agitation of the subject of a change in the management of the Armories.... A civil superintendent must be more under the influence of the dominant political party than an Army officer detailed for duty without regard to his political opinions.... The essential difference in this aspect between a civil and a military superintendent, in my judgment, is that the former must be, as he has been, controlled by the operatives of the Armory, while the latter always will control them, as he always has...." - James B. Whisker

"A new volume of JACOB ABBOTT'S popular juvenile series, describing a visit of MARCO PAUL to the Springfield Armory, is published by Harper and Brothers. It contains an interesting account of the various processes in the manufacture of muskets at that establishment, with incidental notices of many objects of curiosity to the traveler on Connecticut River. The flowing style of this volume, as well as multiplicity of facts which it sets forth, makes it one of the most appropriate works of the season for juvenile readers." - SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, Harper's, Volume 7, Issue 39. August 1853.

Letter from Ripley to E.S. Allin dated 15 August 1854 - "Sir: I am instruction (under the date of the 12th inst. received last evening) by the Colonel of Ordnance, under the direction of the Secretary of War, in execution of that part of the Act approved August 5, 1854, which repeals all laws authorizing 'the appointment of Military Officers to superintend the operations at the National Armories', to place this Armory in your charge, as Master Armorer thereof, turning over to you all the books, papers & property pertaining thereto, which are in my possession as Commanding Officer thereof.
In obedience to these instructions I hereby relinquish the command of this Armory & commit the establishment to your charge, together with all official books, papers and property pertaining thereto, which are at the time in my possession as commanding officer. The statement of the account due at the time and the abstract of the same request by Art. 37 Ord. Reg. 1852 will be prepared and handled to you as soon as possible."

War Department, Special Orders No. 115, dated 23 April
Ripley to Ordnance Office, dated 24 April 1861 - "I hereby assume charge of the Ordnance Department in pursuance of the above order."

Between 1854 and 1860, Ripley served as commander of the Watertown Arsenal in Massachusetts, Chief of Ordnance of the Pacific Department, and Inspector of Arsenals. In June of 1860, Secretary of War John B. Floyd detailed Ripley to go abroad, first to Japan and then to Europe.
While in transit in Europe, Ripley heard of the rebellion of the Southern states, and returned at once to the United States. Ripley immediately moved to Washington and checked in at Willard's Hotel on April 20, 1861, probably to be on hand in the likely event that Chief of Ordnance Craig would be removed. The Secretary of War, Simon Cameron, had consulted Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, the Commanding General of the Army, as to Craig's status, and both agreed that Craig was not suited to head a wartime bureau. Further, Scott pointed out, Ripley, the senior ordnance staff member, was close at hand, and was a most capable officer. Cameron complied with the request of Scott, and on the pretext of Craig's illness, a minor aliment for which he had taken a few days' rest, ordered Ripley to take charge of the Ordnance Bureau 'during the feeble health of its chief.' The following day, April 24, 1861, Lieutenant Colonel Ripley, Acting Chief of the Ordnance Bureau, ramrod-straight, white-haired, and fierce-eyed, climbed the stairs and entered the dark, musty hall of the Winder Building to assume his new duties. He had been deferent - even humble - but he must have felt some pride in taking the position he had earned with forty-seven years of faithful and efficient service." - Carl L. Davis

“When Ripley arrived in Springfield in 1841, one of the reports that he made was that the Commanding Officer’s quarters were in need of expensive repairs. In 1845 work on Quarters #1 was started and work on this fine old edifice was completed in 1846. Stearns had erected some buildings at the Springfield Armory that were subsequently torn down by Colonel Ripley. Stearns took this as an affront to his character and ill feelings between these two grew. After Quarters #1 was completed Stearns made an official complaint to Washington that the new home built for the Commanding Officer was an example of the extravagance and wastefulness of Ripley. Ripley was court martial and one of the charges was that he had been extravagant in building Quarters #1. He was found not guilty of all charges and was in fact commended for the excellent job done in building Quarters #1 by the board.
Another interesting project was initiated by Ripley in this same period. This was the building of the large ornamental iron fence that surrounds Armory Square. The townspeople became so incensed with Ripley over the firing of favored political hack that there were attempts to start fires at the Armory. Ripley stated, ‘I suggest the erection of a high and permanent fence.’ Adducing as his reason for making the request and temper and disposition of the rabble …’it being such as to excite still stronger feelings then have heretofore been entertained for the safety of the public property at the post.’
Ripley had antagonized the people of Springfield by his reforms of some of the abuses that were going at the Armory. In December 1842 and January 1943 there were three fires at the Armory and the townspeople refused to help extinguish them. They had formerly helped fight fires as the Armory. Two of the fires were said to be set off by irresponsible rabble. A fence was built of boards and pickets to protect the property.
Although Ripley built the fence he considered it an eyesore and wished to replace it with an ornamental iron fence. The expense would be prohibitive so it was decided to use the scrap iron in possession of the government On August 16, 1847 leased issued a convenient quarry, and immediately commenced drawing from it materials for the foundation and base of the wall. It was not until May 1852 that the patterns of the pickets and gates were approved. Then the work was rushed with all possible speed. The casting was done by Cyrus Alger & Co., founders of Boston, Mass. at a charge of three cents a pound, payment being made at the rate of three on one half cents. All in old cannon and other condemned castings of the Ordnance Department which had been assembled at Portsmouth, Newport and New London. By the end of the fiscal year 1853 the fence along the whole length of State Street of Armory Square was completed. The Main Entrance at that time was just below the crest of the hill on State Street. Owing to a later regarding of the street, the main entrance had to be closed, but the gates are still in place. Before completion of the fence on Byers Street, the War Department had been overtaken by a new fit of legislation men and the remainder of the fencing had to be postponed until subsequent administration.
Whitney, Ripley’s successor, undertook the job of finishing the fence in June of 1855. His only change in Ripley’s plan was the contract for casting the fence was transferred from Alger to the Ames Manufacturing Co. of Chicopee. The contract for the quarry had expired and Whitney preferred regular contractors to bring in the store. . A. S. Dwelly of Longmeadow supplied the store for this part of the fence. The Federal St. side was finished in fiscal year 1856 and in the three following years stone was hauled and castings were made for much of the remainder. Actual construction was forced to await completion of roadways in Byers and Pearl Streets. Byers St. was fenced in by 1860, but it was left to Whitney successor’s to complete the Pearl St. side, thus enclosing the principal square with the enduring and dignified cordon which still surrounds it.
The Main Arsenal, as imposing three-story structure, was erected in 1846-1850 (Bldg. #13.) The Main Arsenal was patterned after the British East India Warehouse on the London Docks.
The various quarters were built as follows: Number 1, Commanding Officer’s in 1845-1846; Number 2, 1894; Number 3, 1898; Number 4, 1836; Numbers 5 and 6, 1870; quarters for Ordnance Storekeeper and Paymaster, 1833; - the main portion of which is now Quarters Number 17, the rear portion forming the present Quarters Number 7; Number 8, 1838; Number 9, 1836; Number 10, 1833; used for many years as a hospital, now Officer’s quarters; Number 11, Officer’s Club and Non-Commissioned Officers quarters; Number 12, 1880, guardhouse – now Officer’s quarters.” – Tom Wallace, U.S. Army Curator.

"National Armory, Springfield, Mass., March 17 1870, ORDERS. Out of respect for the memory of General J.W. Ripley, late Chief of Ordnance, U.S. Army, and for his distinguished services as Commandant of this Armory, the Workshops will be closed To-Morrow Afternoon - the time appointed for his Funeral.
During the day the Flag will be at half-mast, and the Arsenal Bell will be tolled as the procession moves from the church to the grave. J.G. BENTON/Bvt. Col. Comd'g."

During Ripley's tenure, 1841-1854, the United Sates was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1835-1842 - Second Seminole War - U.S. troops sent in to remove Seminoles from Florida. Chief Osceola and tribe retreated into Everglades where they successfully eluded U.S. Army for seven years.
1842 - Dorr's Rebellion - State militia called out to quell popular uprising in Rhode Island led by Thomas Wilson Dorr.
1846-1847 - Mexican War
1848-1855- Cayuse War - U.S. troops and militiamen from Oregon Territory were called in to suppress Cayuse Indians.
1852-1853 - Marines landed in Buenos Aires to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.
1853-1854 - Forces landed at G
10. General James S. Whitney, Oct. 19, 1854 - Mar. 1, 1860. "The reversion to civilian control at the Armory might have been even more disastrous to the public interest than the Ordnance Department feared, had the new Superintendent, James S. Whitney, not been a man of unexpectedly high character. As a political appointee he might well have proved to be another John Robb. A Springfield newspaper set forth the view of the opposition when Whitney arrived in October 1844: 'It cannot be pretended that he has any peculiar fitness for the post, beyond that of be a leading supporter of the administration in Massachusetts, and one of the earliest here to publicly endorse the Nebraska iniquity. To this, we suppose he owes his selection. And it is not unjust to predict that his appointment will inaugurate at the armory just that system of political corruption which is and will ever be the great evil of the civil superintendence....'
But fortunately Whitney, though neither a manufacturers nor a solider by training, had both judgment and tact and displayed at once a determination to serve the government as honestly and effectively as possible. In this he was greatly abetted by the retention of Master Armorer of Erskine S. Allin, an appointee of Ripley's, who had held that office since 1848 and who was to give his services to the Armory for another twenty-five years....In March Whitney resigned the Superintendency to become the Collector of the Port of Boston...." - Constance Green

"1854-1855 - "The Executive, following the policy of crippling the United State Armories had discharged 257 armorers in Springfield, leaving only the superintendent, paymaster, master armorer, a clerk and 7 watchman….Dr. Chaffee introduced a resolution in the House to the effect that so much of the Armory Bill providing for the expenses of the War Department proper, including arsenals, armories….., armament and fortifications, without references to army operations be passed. Objection was made and leave was not granted and so Congress adjourned without making the regular appropriations. An extra session was immediately called, the Kansas Proviso was voted down, and the supplied granted.
The Armorers out of work may have looked upon Dr. Chaffee's action with narrowness, but as a public act the Springfield Congressman stood on firm ground." - Constance Greene

"Among Ripley's shattered schemes was the completion of the Armory tract and its inclosure with suitable fences. Whitney undertook to continue with the fence in June of 1855. His only alteration if Ripley's arrangements lay in the transfer of the contract for casting from Alger to the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee. The move was in every way desirable, but it seems to have been prompted by personal friendship, rather than by business principles. James T. Ames, head of the concern, remained throughout Whitney's term of office, his confidential business adviser. The contract for a quarry have expired, Whitney preferred to have the stone furnished by the regular purveyors; A.S. Dwelly of Longmeadow was the recipient of orders for this part of the fence. The Federal Street side was completed during the fiscal year 1856, and in the three years following, stone was hauled and the castings made for much of the remainder. Actual construction was forced to await completion of roadways in Byers and Pearl Streets. The former was fenced by the middle of 1860, but it was left to Whitney's successor to complete the Pearl Street side, thus enclosing the principal square with the enduring and dignified cordon which still surrounds it." - Whittlesey

President Pierce visited Springfield and the Armory in October 1856.

"Gen. James S. Whitney was a genial, social man, who had pleasant face, and a kind word for every person. Under his administration the imposing iron fence commenced by Col. Ripley was finished, and the Water-Shops improved at the expense of many hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"Our gun (the M1855 rifle-musket)... the execution of which is due chiefly to the mechanical Department of the Armory I have no doubt is the best of its kind ever made in the world." - Whitney to Col. Craig, July 18, 1857.

"Whitney, James S. - Lowell, Mass. Colonel of Ordnance, Superintendent of Springfield Armory, October 19, 1854, to March 1, 1860. Granted patent on machine guns, February 3, 1885. (#311,551)." - Colonel Robert E. Gardner

"During the period immediately before the inauguration of President Lincoln, activity at the armory was at its lowest ebb. For a considerable time there were but about 250 men employed, both there and at the Watershops, and only about 100 guns a day were turned out. Just before the war broke out, it seemed to be the policy of the secretary of war to ship to the South all the arms that were stored in the arsenal. This policy looked treasonable to the people here, there was some consultation as to how it might be partially evaded. It was decided to place in charge of the packing of the guns for shipment, the slowest and most awkward workmen employed, and so by a policy of delay a considerable shipment of arms was delayed until after the opening of hostilities. This the authorities at Washington under Buchanan did not like and sent word several times, asking when those arms would be ready for shipment. The word came back that they were still being packed. But in spite of subterfuges, great quantities of arms were secured for the use of the confederate soldiers, and teams were for a time busy night and day carrying guns to the freight cars for loading." - Springfield Republican, March 27, 1898.

Letter from Whitney to Col. Craig dated 1 May 1855 - "Sir. In view of the adoption of a new model for small arms the manufacture of the present model will be discontinued at the end of the present month. From parts already finished and in progress three hundred muskets may be assembled, and the remaining parts reserved to provide for future supplies for repairs."

Letter from Whitney to Col. Craig, dated 12 October 1857 - "Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a manual of directions relative to the manner of assembling, cleaning & care of the U.S. Rifle Musket.
The drawings, or plates, are the last work done by Albert D. Allin, a young man of great promise, only son of Master Armorer E.S. Allin, of this Armory, who deceased on the 26th ultimo. The directions for use are due to his Father. A melancholy interest will attach to this work at this Armory - as we deem it to be very creditable to the young man (who was but 21 years of age) & a work which he was pursuing with great, perhaps too great industry at the time he was arrested with sickness."

Telegram from Whitney to Craig dated 10 August 1858 - "The Armory has all the cannon in this City. City Authorities ask us to Fire salute when President replies to Westover over Atlantic Telegraph. Have I permission to Fire?"
Telegram from Capt. Maynadier, Ordnance Dept., to Whitney dated 10 March 1858. "Yes."

Letter from Craig to Whitney dated 20 November 1858 - "Sir. By direction of the Secretary of War, the rifling of muskets will be suspended for the present.
This restriction will not apply to the arms to be rifled for issue to the State of Virginia."

Letter from Craig to Whitney dated 30 November 1858 explains that the above order does not apply to the Model 1855, but only to alterations of smoothbores.

Letter from Craig to Whitney dated 31 December 1859 - "Sir: The Secretary of War (Floyd) having directed the distribution of 65,000 Percussion and 40,000 altered Muskets Cal..69 from Springfield Armory to five of our Southern Arsenals, you will please make preparation for their issue in parcels most convenient for the Quarter Mstrs. Dept. You will hereafter be notified of the points of destination and the number of arms for each.
The Arms should be cleaned, oiled and carefully packed, but will not require Tin lined Boxes."

Letter from James Whitney to President James Buchanan dated 1 March 1In doing so, I desire to express my profound gratitude that I have been permitted to occupy the post of Superintendent, so long under your Administration; and that I am now to be honorably discharged. I desire to add, that I leave this post, as I believe, in a prosperous condition; - That is, there is System, and economy in the business; and peace, order, and satisfaction, among the operatives.
The Office of Superintendent, is not purely a political one, but mainly in its duties, relating to the management of a Manufacturing establishment. Therefore I beg to express the hope, that while no one not a friend of your administration will receive the appointment, at the same time special regard may be had to the business capacity of the appointee. Having no doubt of the wisdom of your ultimate selection of the man."

"March 1, 1860. Genl. James S. Whitney, having been appointed collector of the Port of Boston, has resigned his post as Supt. of the U.S. Armory; - And E.S. Allin, Master Armorer, has been put in charge of the same until a permanent appointment."

Richmond Daily Dispatch, January 1, 1861 - "Considerable excitement exists in consequence of the reports that the muskets removed from the Springfield Armory have been distributed over the South. Mr. Whitney, Collector of this port, late Superintendent of the Armory at Springfield, returned from there to-night, having been there, it is supposed, with reference to the report from Washington that twenty thousand muskets have recently been taken from the Armory and sold to Virginia."

Richmond Daily Dispatch, January 7, 1861 - "Telegraphic News. [Reported for the Richmond Dispatch.] From Washington. Washington, Jan. 5.
--On inquiry at the proper quarter, it has been ascertained that before June last, it being found that the arms at the several arsenals were not proportionately distributed, and that the Southern arsenals were quite deficient in those supplies, a distribution was made for equalization only, and for no other object. They were principally drawn from the Springfield armory, and the arsenals at Watervilet, N. Y, and Water-town, Mass. The secession troubles, it is known, had not then commenced. After the distribution was completed, there remained a preponderance of arms at the North."

Richmond Daily Dispatch, January 28, 1861 - "Local matters. The State Armory. --Repairs, alterations and additions are now being made to the Armory, in order to fit it for the reception of the machinery and implements which Messrs. J. R. Anderson & Co., have contracted to put therein, (save the barrel-rolling machine,) sufficient to fabricate 5,000 muskets per annum, at a cost of $156,590,40. The Armory, by the terms of the contract, is to go into operation on the 1st of December, 1861. The officers who formerly had quarters there, have long since been compelled to remove from the building. The workmen will have the privilege of using the Patterson in the Government armories, in making muskets for the State, a privilege that, to some extent, expedites work and guarantees its quality. About $380,000 will be required "to put the ball in motion," manufacturing 10,000 per annum for two years. The appropriation for that purpose being only $320,000, the sale of a portion of the large number of worthless smooth-bored muskets owned by the State was necessary. Mr. Selmon Adams, of the Springfield Armory ? , is Master Armorer. Besides his knowledge and experience, he will be aided by that of Mr. Jas. H. Burton, a native of the State, and late Master Armorer at Enfield, England, who has been engaged by Messrs. Anderson & Co. The arms mostly to be manufactured are muskets, conforming in their interior to those of the United States, and in its exterior to the Enfield mus
Richmond Daily Dispatch, February 22, 1861 - "The Virginia model musket.
--The Commissioners appointed for arming the State found it necessary, before ordering the machinery for the armory, to prepare a model of the arm to be manufactured at the Virginia works.--After consulting the principal ordnance officers of the army, and learning from the War Department, through the Hon. James M. Mason, the usage of European armies, and after a course of experiments with muzzle and breech-loading arms at the Virginia Military Institute, conducted by Major Colston, the Commissioners determined to adhere to the muzzle- loading rifled musket for infantry of the line. In this conclusion, they follow the example of the American and European armies, and the advice of all the military men whom they consulted.
Having determined the character of the arm, and its general conformity to the British and American regulation muskets, it became necessary to settle its details. In doing this, the Commissioners consulted the Master Armorer, Mr. Salmon Adams, and requested Mr. Burton's opinion of the relative merits of the British and American muskets. After a careful examination and comparison of an Enfield musket, brought over by himself, and a United States rifled musket made at Harper's Ferry, he made a report to the Commissioners, containing numerous valuable suggestions, which, with the approbation of Mr. Adams, were adopted. The result was, a musket conforming in its interior to the United States musket, and in its exterior to the Enfield musket, with some changes for the better from both.
By permission of those in authority, the model musket was made at the Government works at Springfield, by Mr. Adams, who arrived in Richmond with the arm a few days since, and on Tuesday last exhibited it to the Senate and House Committee on Military Affairs, who were highly pleased with it as a weapon of offence and defence. We saw the musket ourselves, and regard it in all respects as the most perfect weapon of the kind in existence. To show the extreme sensitiveness of our Northern neighbors, we may mention a fact that we gleaned at the time — viz: that after the musket was made, by permission, as a model, they were unwilling to let it go, and would have laid an embargo on its transshipment thither if a position of the kind would have been at all tenable. Mr. Adams, the Master Armorer here, has made himself obnoxious to the Black Republicans by aiding the shipment of arms South by parties desiring them, an operation which he performed to such an extent that it raised the Republican ire. The following description of the model musket will give some idea of its superiority as a fire-arm:
Stock — Conforms very nearly to the Enfield stock. An alteration is made in the shape of the butt, at the point where the toe of the butt plate rests.
Barrel — Length 40 inches, same as the "U.S."--Exterior form same as the Enfield; barrel to weigh 4 oz. more than the Enfield; this additional weight to be distributed from the lower band to the muzzle; barrel to be browned.
Tip for Stock — Material, brass, same as the Enfield.
Rod Spring — Same as the Enfield.
Lock — Same as the Enfield, except the comb of the hammer, which will be less, both vertically and horizontally.
Bands — Convex adjustable screw bands, after the style of the Enfield.
Butt Plate — Material, brass. Lateral and longitudinal curvatures will vary slightly from the Enfield. One curve from the heel to the toe will be observed, in order to facilitate the manufacture.
Butt Screws — Same as the "U.S."
Side and Tang Screws — Will vary a little from the Enfield.
Ramred — Same length as the "U. S." Diameter of body, 24 inches; head countersunk so as to accommodate the shape of theBayonet — Form of blade same as the Enfield; socket same as the "U. S."
Leaf Sight — Same as the "U. S."

The entire number of arms made at the Armory at the end of 1854 was 629,660.

During Whitney's tenure, 1854-1860, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1855 - Marines landed in Fiji and fought skirmishes and burnt villages.
1855 - Forces land in Montevideo, Uruguay to protect U.S. lives and property during Civil War.
1855-1858 - Third Seminole War - After Florida became a state in 1845, minor skirmished continued with the Seminoles as the government tried to push them West. There was no real peace between the Seminoles and the U.S. government until 1939.
1855-1858 - Yakima War - Indians finally defeated at the Battle of Four Lakes, near Spokane, in September 1858.
Here was the first recorded use of the Springfield M1855 rifle-musket. At the Battle of Four Lakes, 1000 Indians charged 500 soldiers. The soldiers were picking them off at ranges of 500 to 600 yards. The Indians never got close enough to fire their bows and arrows or smoothbore muskets. Not a single soldier was harmed. The rifle-musket had begun to revolutionize warfare although no one really appreciated it at the time.
1855-1856 - Wakarusa War, Pottawotomie Massacre - Federal troops called in to quell fighting between proslavery and antislavery forces in Missouri and Kansas.
1856 - Marines deployed to Canton, China after an unprovoked attack on American ship. U.S. destroyed four Chinese forts.
1857-1858 - Utah War (Mormon War) - Federal troops called in to install a new non-Mormon government in Utah.
1858 - Warships land in Uruguay to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.
1858 - Marines land in Waia Island, Fiji to avenge the murder of two American traders.
1859 - Two hundred soldiers cross the Rio Grande in pursuit of the Mexican bandit Cortina.
1859 - John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry - U.S. Marines, led by Colonel Robert E. Lee, regained possession of Harpers Ferry on October 18, 1859.
1860-1865 - Apache and Navaho War - Both tribes went on warpath in 1860. In 1864, Colonel "Kit" Carson, led the First New Mexico Volunteers in a campaign against the tribes. In 1865, the Navahos surrendered, but the Apaches retreated to the mountains.

11. Colonel I.H. Wright - no picture available, June 27, 1860 - April, 25, 1861 -
Letter from Col. Wright to Col. Craig, Ordnance Bureau, Washington, D.C., dated 18 April 1861. "The Hon. Stephen C. Bemis, Mayor of Springfield, has this morning called upon me and represented that great apprehension exists in the city that the Armory may be attacked by evil-disposed persons, for the purposes of destroying the machinery and buildings, and thus weakening the government by preventing the manufacture of arms. He also represents that in his opinion a military force should be stationed on the hill, and at the water shops, in order to prevent such an attack.
Upon this representation, I have doubled the force of watchman upon the grounds and buildings, and provided arms to be ready for use upon the first alarm, and the subject of a military guard is respectfully laid before for the consideration of the Departments."

"In June, 1860, John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, appointed Col. I.H. Wright superintendent of the Armory. He was surrounded by Southern friends and naturally excited the suspicion of loyal people. It would not have been a difficult thing to blow up the Armory. No one suspected Wright himself, but he had men about him quite capable of it. In 1864 an attempt was actually made, but the infernal machine deposited in the main arsenal was discovered in time to prevent an explosion. Wright had been here but a few weeks when a self-constituted committee of citizens watched the Armory closely in order to frustrate the design of any Southern agents or spies." - Constance Greene

"Treason Armed by the Government: Astounding Develleston to be taken possession of by a South Carolina military force. And we now desire to call public attention to another and more startling development, which we make upon unquestionable authority.
The citizens of our town have noticed, with some considerable remark, the possession of government teams, which during the last spring and summer, and also quite recently, have been engaged in transporting from the U.S. Armory to the railroad freight station, an unusual quantity of boxes of muskets marked for southern distribution. Recent events have led us to an inquiry into the matter, and we find that during the year 1860, there have been removed from the armory in the city, and deposited for safe keeping in other arsenals of the United States, 135,430 government arms as follows:
Texas arsenal. 500
Charleston, S.C. 15000
Mt. Vernon, Ala. 15000
Augusta, Ga. 20000
Fayetteville, N.C. 25000
Baton Rouge, La 30000
Benecia, Cal. 7000
St. Louis, Mo. 2530
New York (sold south) 20400
Total 135430
It should be understood that this removal of arms which we now disclose has nothing to do with the distribution which is occasionally made to the several states of the quota to which each state is entitled for its own militia. For that object there have been issued to the states during the year as follows:
New York 92
Massachusetts 800
Vermont 150
Connecticut 240
Maine 380
Illinois 80
Alabama 150
Tennessee 380
Georgia 122
Louisiana 185
Total 2489
But the removal of which we now speak is entirely arbitrary, and at the will of the secretary of war. He has this power of removal from one place of deposit to another in order that the U.S. troops may be more readily supplied in case of emergency. No other honest purpose would justify the expense of such a removal from an arsenal where there is no danger, to points where treason or negro insurrection might make them positively dangerous to the peace of the country; and where in fact there were no U.S. troops - not even to protect them from decay. What became of the 15000 deposited in Charleston we have already seen. They are as carefully guarded as the $870,000 bonds in the Treasury; and we shall have just as good an account of them.
It will be seen, then, that from the Springfield armory alone there have been sent to points where treason had made its appointments 125,000 muskets; and not one single musket to any U.S. arsenal in a northern state, except 20,080 to New York. But what of New York? These, like those from Troy, were not to remain in New York, but are sold to the traitors for the paltry sum of $2.50 each! If anything was needed to arouse our people to the frightful treachery over which they have been sleeping, let them ponder on this statement!
We have only disclosed what has been done by the war department at the Springfield Arm
"Meanwhile the secrets of the Armory were being laid before the South. In September, 1860, Secretary of War Floyd gave notice that two military men from Georgia were being sent by the state legislature 'to procure statistical information as to the cost of erecting an Armory and a foundry for the manufacture of arms & c in that State. "During their stay in Springfield, I shall be pleased if you will show them the establishment under your superintendence, and give them the opportunity of obtaining the information they are seeking.' (Floyd to Wright, Sept. 10, 1860). The following month the Master Armorer's clerk resigned to become Master Armorer at the Virginia State Arsenal in Richmond. In December an application of 'J.H. Buxton, late of Enfield, Eng., now of Virginia State Armory' to be allowed free access to the drawings, machinery, tools, & c. at Springfield Armory was favorably endorsed by the Secretary of War. So many instructions form the Secretary of War direct to the chief of the Armory hand not been given in any previous decade of the institution's history, as Floyd issued within the year preceding the secession of South Carolina. From the direction in which all these straws indubitably point, it seems fair to conclude that the southern leaders were making every effort to be ready for war following secession, and that the North was both guileless and helpless to oppose such activity.
It was not until February, 1861, that brakes were set upon this headlong descent into the chasm of national military unpreparedness. Then, at last, the Chief of Ordnance addressed a confidential communication to the superintendent at Springfield, directing that only the new model rifle musket (M1855) be in future fabricated, and that the work be pressed as actively as possible. At the same time 'all permissions heretofore granted for furnishing to States or individual drawings, or models of machinery or of Arms are for the present suspended, and none of the articles prepared in whole or in part, under those permissions will be allowed to be removed from the Armory without further instructions from this Office. A caution was added to enforce this restriction as quietly as possible, and to report on projects which had been undertaken along these lines. (Craig to Wright, Feb. 4, 1861, in S.A.C.F. Note that this was the date of the organization of the Confederate government at Montgomery. See Hosmer, J.K. "The Appeals to Arms,' p 19. New York & London, Harper, 1907.) To this Wright responded that the normal output for the plant was 800 guns a month, which could, by an addition appropriation, be increased to 1200. A few days later he received orders to make the necessary increase in the force, 'the demands rendering it necessary.'" - Whittlesey

Letter from Secretary of War John Floyd to I.H. Wright, dated 10 September 1860 - "Sir: This note will be handed to you by General Ira B. Foster and Captain John W. Anderson, who have been appointed by the legislature of Georgia, to procure statistical information as to the cost of erecting an Armory and a foundry for the manufacture of arms &c in that State.
During their stay in Springfield, I shall be pleased if you will show them the establishment under your superintendence, and give them every opportunity of obtaining the information they are seeking."

Letter from Col. Craig to E.S. Allin, dated 30 June 1860 - "Sir: I have to inform you that Col. Isaac H. Wright of Mass: has been appointed Superintendent of Springfield Armory.
Upon his presenting himself, for that purpose, you will turn over to him the Armory, now in your charge, and having done so you will resume your duties as Master Armorer."

Letter from Wm. Maynadier to I.H. Wright, dated 4 December 1860 - "Sir. Appended hereto you will receive a copy of a request, preferred by G.W. Randolph to the SecretaEndorsed as ff: Wishes Mr. J.H. Buxton (Burton), late of Enfield, Eng. now of Virginia State Armory, be allowed free access to the drawings, machinery, tools, &c. at Springfield Armory."

Letter from Col. Craig, Washington City, to I.H. Wright, dated 7 January 1861 - "Sir: I have to inform you that I have this day resumed charge at this Office….
P.S. Please report any orders you may have received from this War Department, verbal or written, other than through this Office, previous to the 31st. ulto."

Letter from Col. Craig, Washington City, to I.H. Wright, dated 4 February 1861 - "Confidential. Sir: You will please restrict the operations of the Springfield Armory immediately, to the fabrication of the new model Rifle Muskets, which work you will press actively, and to the necessary fabrication and repairs of the Armory Machinery &c.
All permissions heretofore granted for furnishing to States of individuals Drawings, or Models of Machinery or of Arms are for the present suspended, and none of the Articles prepared in whole or in part, under these permissions will be allowed to be removed from the Armory without farther instructions from this Office.
This restriction should be enforced as quietly as it can be done, and you are requested to inform me, what matters had been undertaken under the permissions alluded to."

Letter from Col. Craig, Washington City, to I.H. Wright, dated 9 February 1861 - "Sir: The demands rendering it necessary, you will immediately increase your force in such a manner as to enable you to make 1200 Rifle Muskets per month."

Richmond Daily Dispatch, March 1, 1861 - "The Army bill. --The army bill of this session contains but few changes from the usual bills of this character. For the manufacture of arms, at armories, $360,000 are appropriated: for Springfield (Mass.) armory, $60,000; and for Harper's Ferry armory, $64,000 are appropriated. Appropriations are also made for all of the Northern inland forts, and for Forts Calhoun, Taylor and Jefferson, on the Southern coast."

"The Armory establishment - buildings and grounds - is now under a strong and strict guard, day and night, to prevent any mischief which treason might attempt to execute, by incendiarism or other diabolism, upon the great interests now centered there. A force of 50 men is on constant duty, and all egresses to the grounds, except by persons belonging to the establishment, or on known business, is forbidden. At present this duty is performed by men from the shops, but they will be relieved by a body of men organized and detached for this special service. The armorers will also probably be organized into companies, and armed and drilled for prompt local action in any emergency." - Springfield Republican, 22 April 1861.

During Wright's tenure the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1860-1865 - Apache and Navaho War - Both tribes went on warpath in 1860. In 1864, Colonel "Kit" Carson, led the First New Mexico Volunteers in a campaign against the tribes. In 1865, the Navahos surrendered, but the Apaches retreated to the mountains.
1861-1865 - American Civil War

12. Captain George Dwight, April 25, 1861 - Aug. 21, 1861.
"Captain George Dwight superseded Col. Wright as superintendent of the Armory in the Spring of 1861. The time had now come for the expression of substantial patriotism and the sons of Springfield fought their party conditions in their own cause. The War Department, just before the storm of Fort Sumter, ordered away from Springfield a lot of guns, an act that aroused a deep feeling of resentment. Dr. C.C. Chaffee was consulted as to the best plan to pursue, and intimated that 'it would take a long time to pack those guns properly.' The hint was taken. The slowest workmen were detailed to
"HON. GEORGE DWIGHT.
Hon. George Dwight, son of James Scutt and Mary (Sanford) Dwight was born May 25, 1812. At nineteen he was employed in his father's store on the corner of Main & State Streets. He held various political and civic positions in connection with the State Legislature, Fire Department, and after his resignation from Homer, Foot & Co., in 1854 became interested in the development of the Springfield Gas Light Company. In 1835 the Springfield Light Infantry was organized. Mr. Dwight was chosen Lieutenant, first Brigade, Fourth Div., Mass. Volunteer Militia and the same year elected captain, commissioned Sept. 24, 1836, discharged April 20, 1838.
He was superintendent of the U.S. Armory from April 23 to August 20, 1861, being superseded by Capt. A.B. Dyer, by an act of Congress the government of the Armory having been changed from civil to military rule. He remained an assistant from Sept. 1861 until Mar. 9, 1862.
He died Jan. 30, 1882." - Charles Chapin

Letter from Ripley to Dwight, dated 1 May 1861 - "Sir: To expedite the manufacture of muskets at the Armory, it is necessary to increase the number of working hours, per day, as much as possible. With this object in view, will it be preferable to work by day-light only, commencing as early and working as late as possible? Or will the introduction of gas into the shops, so as to work day and night, with reliefs of operatives, be a more advisable plan? In the latter case, if you find it preferable report to this Office, to what extent gas may be profitably introduced, and take the requisite preliminary measures for having it done. If the night work, with reliefs, should be attended with difficulties so as to make that plan unadvisable, then adopt the method of working every moment that day light will admit, paying day's wages in an increased proportion according to working hours.
In either case report to this Office your views on the subject and what you may have done, or design to do in the matter."

Richmond Daily Dispatch, May 8, 1861 - "Arms for the South. --Even before a hint of secession on the part of certain Southern States, the authorities of those of the North began a systematic course of robbery, in the way of seizing on arms previously paid for, showing they were neither loath to sell or steal. While the heinousness of allowing any means of defence to reach the South has been duly impressed on the people of that region, they have retailed with peculiar gusto and feelings of apparent satisfaction the abundance of their resources in arms and war implements, and boasted of their ability to obtain any quantity desired from foreign countries. It was very patriotic to invoke the aid of foreign bayonets to pierce the breasts of their Southern brethren, (!) but very treasonable in the latter to wish to oppose the unpleasant operation. In proof of the madness that rules the hour "up North," we subjoin two paragraphs from Black Republican papers which concern this latitude. They read as follows:
"The Ames' Manufacturing Company at Chicopee, Mass., several months since contracted for the manufacture and delivery of machinery for an armory at Richmond. Some portions of it, said to be of little consequence, have been delivered, but the rest will be withheld, and the resources of the establishment tendered to the Government."
"Salmon Adams, the agent for the Virginia secessionists for the purchasing of arms at the North, whose appearance in Springfield ? , Mass., on Friday caused such indignation and alarm, left town the same evening. Finding that he met with a cool reception, so different from his expectation, he took the evening express train South. At Windsor Locks he was recognized by a ? Springfield man, and seen to go to the stove in the station, taken package of papers from his pocket, light a match and burn them."

During Dwight's tenure 1861 - American Civil War

"The destruction of the Harper's Ferry Armory left the Springfield Arsenal the main resource of the government for a time. Superintendent Dwight was turning out 3500 muskets per month, some of the department running a full 24 hours. The large arsenal emptied arms, was fitted up for a workshop, and the new fence about the Armory was completed in the Autumn. The material was secured form condemned cannon.
Supt. Dwight was superseded by Capt. A.B. Dyer, U.S.A., in August, 1861, in accordance with a vote of Congress for a military man was superintendent. Capt. Dyer held his position until 1864." - Constance Greene

13. Captain Alexander B. Dyer, Ord. Dept., Aug. 25, 1861 - Oct. 27, 1864.
'When Dyer took charge of the armory in August of 1861 its capacity was about forty arms per day. He immediately set out to expand the works by hiring new men, building new buildings, and ordering new equipment. All of these things took a considerable amount of time, because Dyer was competing with local arms producers.
By the summer of 1862, the plant's capacity had doubled, but the greatest increase was yet to come. In November of 1862 the Chief of Ordnance informed the Secretary of War that the capacity of the armory had risen to 200,000 rifle muskets per year. This figure, though apparently accurate, is somewhat misleading. It was based on the daily production capacity multiplied by the number of work days. The total production of the armory for the period ending June 30, 1862 was about 110,000 rifle muskets, which in itself was a very impressive figure. The figure for the following year was almost 220,000.
In September of 1863, Dyer was asked to prepare estimates of what new equipment, how many men, and how much space was needed to expand the production of the armory to 500 rifle muskets per ten hour day. Dyer submitted his assessment quickly and it was accepted; the money was appropriated and the expansion made. By 1864, when the new facilities were available, the armory, working a double shift, could produce more than a thousand arms each day - 300,000 per year.
Shortages of labor, coal, and occasionally of iron, caused vexation. The natural aging of stocks became impossible, and kiln aged wood had to be used. Though no serious plots by Confederates or their sympathizers were uncovered, sabotage to the armory was always a possibility and a constant worry to Dyer and the chief of ordnance. The destruction of one building, in which some part of the gun was made, might cause considerable delay in the production. It was in part this fear, together with the need for great numbers of arms, which led Ripley and his successors to suggest that another armory be built, located at Rock Island, Illinois. Congress approved the new armory in 1864, but it did not become operational before the close of war. The Springfield Armory remained until the end of the war the only public manufactory of small arms.
During this period, the Armory set a standard of efficiency and economy seldom matched by any factory prior to that time. Labor was subdivided and specialized even more than it had been before the war. At a time when American industry was becoming increasingly dirty and dangerous, the armory's machinery and facilities were exceptionally clean and safe. Figures on production and cost were so carefully kept that Major Dyer could give an accurate accounting on the efficiency of the night shift as compared with the day shift; he could also give the difference in production costs for both the armory and for individual pieces of the muskets between the two shifts. At the end of the war, the Chief of Ordnance, who by that time was Dyer himself, could inform the Secretary of War that the Springfield rifle musket produced at the armory had cost the American people an average of 11.97 each.
Under Dyer's leadership and management, the Springfield works became the largest armory to in the world in both total producti
"Springfield Armory, August 21, 1861, Orders No. 1 - I. In compliance with instructions from the War Department, the undersigned assumes command of this armory. II. Mr. George Dwight late civil superintendent is retained in the employ of the United States. He will have general supervision of all the operations of the Armory, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. III. Until otherwise ordered existing rules and regulations for this Armory will be strictly observed." - s/A.B. Dyer

"Springfield Armory, August 31, 1861, Orders No. 3. - During the Month of September work will commence at 6. am. and continue until 5 1/2 PM allowing one hour for dinner (form 12 to 1).
Night work will commence at 6.PM and continue until 5. AM allowing half an hour for lunch (from 12 to 12 1/2).
Ten hours will constitute a day's work, and no extra allowance will be paid for night work.
The day and night hands will alternate monthly, or otherwise as the business of the Armory may require." - s/A.B. Dyer

"Springfield Armory, September 2nd, 1861, Orders No. 4 - The practice of loitering in the privies and read newspapers must be stopped. Any workman found violating this order will be discharged." - s/A.B. Dyer

"Springfield Armory, October 12th, 1861, Orders No. 6 - On an after Monday the 14th instant and until further orders working hours at the Armory are established as follows:
Day Work - From 6 1/2 am to 12 pm and from 1:00 pm to 6 p,. Night Work - From 6 1/2 pm to 12 pm and from 12 1/2 am until 5 1/2am." - s/A.B. Dyer

"Springfield Armory, October 31st, 1861, Orders No. 8 - I. It is highly important that the production of arms at this Armory shall be increased as much as possible. To this end the Master Armorer will as far as practicable anticipate the wants of the Armory by making timely acquisitions of Machinery and materials to be used in the fabrication of Muskets. He will enter all of his requisitions of Muskets. He will enter all of his requisitions in a book to be laid before the Commanding Officer.
II. The foreman of each shop will keep a requisition book in which all tools, materials & c. required for his shop will be entered. There requisitions will be signed by the foreman, and if approved by the Master Armorer will be laid before the Commanding Officer for his orders.
The Commanding Officers' Clerk and the Head Builder (Mr. Lord) will each keep a requisition book.
All books, stationary, office furniture & c. required for the officers of the Armory will be entered in that of the former, and all building materials and forage for the public horses in those of the latter.
III. Each individual who is required by these regulations to keep a requisition book will also keep an expenditure book, in which he will enter the public property which is expended or consumed under his direction. Showing the quantity of each article which has been consumed and how it has been applied.
The quarterly abstracts of materials expended and consumed will be made from their books.
IV. All public property which is in the charge of the Mil. Store Keeper must be issued by him, or by an authorized agent upon proper acquisitions.
V. All bills of materials delivered at the Work Shops will be certified by the foreman of the Shops in which they are received, and transmitted to the office for settlement. The foremen will be held strictly accountable for the property.
VI. Each foreman or person authorized to receive public properties will keep a memorandum book in which he will enter all property received by him, stating when and from whom it is received. These books will be sent to the Commanding Officer every Saturday afternoon and on the last day of every month for only in the 'book of orders.'
VII. Foremen will keep accounts with the workmen under him, charging each individual with allVIII. As far as practicable iron and steel for muskets will be cut into proper lengths for making the particular parts and paid to the workmen by pieces. The cost of cutting a piece for each part will be ascertained and a corresponding reduction made in the price paid for forging it. Suitable presies for storing iron and steel will be made for the forging shops.
IX. No purchase of any kind whatever, or order involving the expenditure of public money will be made except with the written sanction of the Commanding Officer.
X. Forage purchased by the United States is not to be fed except to the public horses. Should the hay which is made upon the Armory ground be more than sufficient for the public horses, the surplus, or a portion of may be fed to the Cows belong to personnel authorized to keep them, and to the horse of the Paymaster and Mil. Store Keeper. All orders for materials, property of any kind, or work will be entered in the book of 'Articles Ordered.'
XI. Whenever additional workmen are required in any shop, the foremen will report the fact to the Master Armorer who will report same to the Commanding Officer. The Commanding Officer must be kept informed of the number and kind of workmen who are needed at the Armory.
XII. The foreman of the forging shop will make requisition for, and expend all coal for the Water Shops, and the foreman of the Machine Shop for all other Coal used.' - s/A.B. Dyer

"Springfield Armory, November 11th, 1861, Orders No. 10 - The careless manner in which some of the inspections have been made at this Armory, makes it necessary for the Commanding Officer to direct, that each inspector will be held strictly responsible for his work.
Should any work fabricated or turned in by Contractors, and accepted by an inspector, be found deficient in material or workmanship, the money value of the same will be charged to the Inspector." - s/A.B. Dyer

"Springfield Armory, Nov. 21, 1861, Orders No. 11 - ...VIII. The out door watch will be divided into two reliefs and each relief will stand post two hours at a time. The watch off post will stay at the Guard Room. The Chief Watchman (Mr. Newell) will post each relief and relieve the morning watch. The post relief will be posted at sun-set, and the morning watch will be relieved immediately after the bell rings for work. No change in the watch in front of the Commanding Officers Quarters is intended to be made." - s/A.B. Dyer

Springfield Armory, Nov. 22, 1861, Orders No. 12. "To preserve and protect the property in the vicinity of the Armory, as much as the Armory from fin. Two companies will be organized by the workmen employed in the hill and two companies at the Water Shop to serve as follows:
Company No 1 will be composed of those workmen who are employed in the day time and their duty shall be to attend with the fire engineer. Firs that occur in the night time Company No. 2 will be composed of those who are employed during the night whose duty shall be to attend in like manner fires that occur in the day time.
All fires that occur in the hill will be promptly attended, and all delinquencies reported. These workmen who may be engaged at work at the time will not leave the shops without special order from the Commanding Officer. The same rule will be observed by the two companies at the Water Shops.
The engines will not be taken beyond the above prescribed limits except by permission.
The workmen may select from their number other officers.
No person in the employment of the government at this Armory will be exempt from duty in case of fire upon the public grounds.
The foreman of each company shall report promptly in case any repairs are needed on the engines. Here and this same will be made at the public expense.
All violations of good order and efficiency will be reported and the subject dismissed." s/A.B. Dyer
Springfield Armory, Feb. 1, 1862, Orders No. 16. "The Watchman at the gates will admit no person into the Armory grounds, who desire employment, except between the hours of 3:45 and 4:00 PM."

Springfield Armory, July 3, 1862, Orders No. 23 - "I. The shops of this Armory will be closed tomorrow in honor of the day and national salute of thirty four guns at meridian.
The Commanding Officer regrets that the security of the service at this time will not admit of a longer suspension of work than one day, and he thinks that the workmen seeing with him the importance of a full resumption of work on the morning of the fifth will be prompt in returning to work on that day.
II. A full watch will be kept on duty here and at the Water Shop day and night on the 4th.
III. The officers of the fire companies will examine the fire engines this afternoon and satisfy themselves that the machines are in good order for immediate service." - s/A.B. Dyer

Springfield Armory, August 16, 1862, Orders No. 25 - "The following orders have been received at this Armory, viz.
'War Department
Adjutant General's Office
Washington. August 13, 1862.
To the Commanding Officer
Springfield Armory
Springfield, Mass.
Sir,
The Secretary of War directs that the oath of allegiance be immediately taken by all Officers and employees in the Armories and Arsenals of the United States.
You will please report when this is done by your Command.
I am Sir, Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt.
E. T. Townsend
Asst. Adjutant General.'
With a view to carrying out this order the Master Armorer will cause each Foreman to prepare without delay and hand in to the Commanding Officer a full lost of workmen employed under them. And heretofore until otherwise ordered, no one will be employed at the Armory until he shall have taken the oath of allegiance.
When a foreman wishes to employ a may he will send him with a note to the Commanding Officer in order that the prescribed oath might be administered to him." - s/A.B. Dyer

Springfield Armory, August 15, 1863, Orders No. 45 - "The President of the United States having designated to-morrow as a day of thanksgiving, the Work Shops of this Armory will accordingly be closed." - s/A.B. Dyer

Springfield Armory, September 12, 1864, Orders No. 70 ' "The undersigned in relinquishing the command of the Springfield Armory tenders his sincere thanks to the officers and employees for the hearty cooperation and the efficient and faithful support which he received during the whole time he exercised command.
If his administration of the affairs at the Armory has been successful, the success is mainly due to them.
He will cease to feel a deep interest in the armory and in those connected with it who he has been so agreeably associated." - s/A.B. Dyer

"SPRINGFIELD NEWS AND COMMENT. BUSY WAR DAYS AT THE ARMORY. EXPERIENCES IN EXCITING TIMES. The Burden on Capt Dyer, the Commanding Officer - A Company Organized for Production - Arms Returned From the War. Interest in mustering troops for the front absorbed attention in Springfield during the stirring times of the civil war, and to a certain extent the importance of operations at the national armory here were overshadowed. As from other cities, men were pressing to the front to risk their lives, and the equipment of the arms they were to use was of less consequence. So when the armory force was increased until 3000 men were enrolled, and the huge shops were kept humming night and day, it seemed no remarkable thing to the citizens, whose attention was called in other directions. Yet here was the center of ordnance activity. Arms were not only made here, but equipment for other factories were gathered here, inspected and hurried to the front. There was a limit to the manufacture of even rifles, so the brunt of the work was put on the making of barrels and stocks, while the small parts were lot out to contractors all over the country. There was no time for red tape and the formality that now protects the treasury from imposition. Bids were received for large contThe man on whom the burden of providing the northern armies with arms, Capt. A.B. Dyer, came from the South and took the office under the most trying circumstances, for the department was then again put under military rule. Some of the old armory men remember the night Capt. Dyer appeared at the Massoit House and strode through the corridors, a broad-brimmed straw hat on his head. His greeting to Superintendent Dwight, whom he relieved was most cordial and at once set at rest any fear of sensitiveness or embarrassment. Tall, broad-shouldered and rugged, Capt. Dyer paid little attention the details of dress, but might easily pass for a civil engineer in his surveying suit, rather than a West Point graduate. A sturdy face looked over his blond and unkempt beard, however, and the men soon learned that there was a strong man at the helm. The responsibility thrown on his shoulders was no small burden. It was no time for small things, there was pressing demand for great results. To complicate the pressure for rapid production of arms was the radical changes needed in adopting the breech-loading firearm, and new forms of cartridges. And yet military precision was not lost, nor were the tests of inspection and less vigorous. A small army of men at the Water-Shops in double file squinting through gun barrels was one of the most striking pictures of the busy factories. At the main armory too, work had to be conducted under difficulties, for some of the buildings were being raised, and about the offices all was confusion.
Many remember with interest the evening picture 30 years ago, when streams of men with dinner-pails poured out after their day's work, and were met by the incoming night force. The brilliantly lighted buildings, with the hum of machinery and other evidences of activity under the greatest pressure made a striking picture, but people were used to unusual things in these days. In the center of the grounds stood the huge staff from which the garrison flag floated every day, and inspired many a workman with as patriotic impulse to his duty as it ever cold on a battle-field. Men were at a fever-heat and one armorer, crazed by the excitement, rushed from the shop and cut down the flag, asserting it was a confederate emblem and it was his duty to destroy it. Newcomers in Springfield who see the stately tread of uniformed and armed sentinels at the gate in this dull time of peace naturally try to imagine how large a garrison was needed to protect the place in war times. But the war department could spare no men for display then. There were guards on the grounds, but they were armed with unpretentious revolvers and had no uniforms. One paraded in front of Capt Dyer's house, and late one evening, Mrs. Dyer asked him to take a message to her husband who was in another part of the grounds. He protested that it would be a violation of orders, but she persisted and taking his revolver stood guard while he went on the errand.
Among the armory mechanics, however, two companies were organized for protection in case of emergency, and they were regularly drilled. Occasionally, especially when threats of invasion by copperheads and New York roughs were floating in the air, the men were called out on parade, and once made an impressive show of force through the streets with Capt Slocum at their head on horseback. When the New York riots were in progress it was reported that a gang was to arrive by train one night to attack that armory. Scouts were sent to the depot, and the guard spent the night under arms in the main arsenal. Capt Dyer planted cannon to guard every approach, sighted the guns himself and watched the night through with the men. Arms were sent to each of the officer's houses, and orders were issued that in caseng of shell made to resemble a huge lump of coal, and it was supposed that such missiles were to be smuggled into the boilers to blow up the shops. The burning of part of a building one night was thought to be incendiary, but more likely sparks form the milling machines started the blaze.
When the war was over the warm appreciation which Springfield people felt toward Capt Dyer was expressed by the presentation of a beautiful silver service. A supper was given at the Brewer homestead on Maple Street, and Chester W. Chapin made the formal presentation, to which Capt Dyer, them promoted, made a fitting reply, displaying the modesty of his sterling nature. The work of the armory was not confined to making weapons, for during the four years condemned rifles were being consistently received to be repaired or broken up into junk. When the war ended thousands of these discarded arms came in, many of them loaded to the muzzle, while on the stocks and barrels men who had carried them through long marches had cut their initials or some appropriate emblem. In the stocks of some were letters, while carefully concealed in one was a daguerreotype. One building was filled with these weapons that seen service, and it took two months to take each to pieces. But their use was over, and the force of men gradually reduced until now less than 150 rifles are made a day against 1000 then, still the Springfield armory is the chief ordnance center, and would be so continued in case of war."

Letter from Ripley to Dyer, dated 23 December 1861. "Sir. I desire to take measures, at once, to lay in a stock of files, steel, and all other articles, for which we usually depend on importation from abroad, sufficient for two years' supply for the operations of the Armory, or as near that quantity as you can get. This you must do quietly, and without saying anything about it."

"To preserve order on the Armory grounds today, a suitable number of special policemen will be employed by the government. The fireworks may be safely witnessed without fear of rowdy rudeness." - Springfield Daily Republican, July 4, 1862.

"The question of ordnance is one for discussion in every drawing-room and in all polite circles." - New York Times, 1863

"The weapon of the American soldier has been, is now, and always will be the muzzle-loading rifle musket." - James Wolfe Ripley

"If the gun business were left to General Ripley, the government would get no guns." - Assistant Secretary of War Thomas A. Scott, 1863.

"A few accidental minor fires were the only threat to the armory until 1864 when a saboteur gained entry and planted an 'infernal machine' in the tower of the main building. The scheme was discovered and the bomb disarmed. Thus the unknown southern agent went down in history along with Daniel Shays as the only two violent threats to the establishment's record of security." - "Western Mass. and the Arms Supply in the Civil War, by Father Peter G. Loughan. Also see, Alexander Dyer, Supt. of Springfield Armory to Gen. Ramsay, Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D.C. Springfield, Mass. June 21 1864, Letters to the Chief of Ordnance. Alexander Dyer, Supt. of Springfield Armory, to Gen. Ramsay, Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D.C., Springfield, Mass., July 4, 1864, Letters to the Chief of Ordnance.

"A stranger came up to the gate of the U.S. armory, on Sunday last, and by permission of Mr. George H. Bugbee, the gate-keeper, he entered the guard house and sat down. Engaging in conversation he expressed his opinions about the war and finally uttered strong secession doctrines, hoping that the southerners would whip Lincoln's armies and gain their independence. This was too much for the Mr. Bugbee to endure patiently; so he seized the impudent traitor by the neck and jerked him about six feet, following him with a vigorous kick which landed him outside the door, and on his tur
"One of the passengers on the 5 1/4 o'clock express train from Boston to this city, was Major Granby of the confederate states army, who has been rusticating at Fort Warren during the summer, and is now on his way South on parole. He is a very tall man, some 25 or 30 years of age, and wore a veritable suit of 'secech' gray." - Springfield Republican, July 31, 1862.

Letter from General Ripley to Commanding Officer Springfield Armory dated 9/9/1862 and marked "Confidential." "There is reason to believe that there is an organized design a foot for the destruction of the Armouries, Arsenals and Magazines of the United States. You will, therefore, use the strictest vigilance to guard against malicious destruction, and the utmost precaution to prevent accidental injury or loss, at the post under your charge, by fire or any other means."

"There were some alarms on the Hill from reports of the doings of confederate spies, and the story has been often told of the bomb which was left by some suspicious looking people in the arsenal tower. The mysterious package was sawed in two, found to contain powder, and the incident caused great uneasiness. At one time 100 men were detained to drill in the arsenal for the protection of the government property, and they slept on the gun boxes. The building near the Federal Street entrance was destroyed by fire in 1864, and some believed that this was done by a confederate emissary, but there seems to be reason to think that there was no foundation for the idea. Occasionally threats of invasion from copperheads and New York roughs filled the air, and once the men were called out to make a show of their strength in the streets. At the time of the New York riots there were rumors that a gang was to arrive one night to attack the armory. Scouts were sent to the station and the guards spent the night with their arms at the arsenal. Maj. Dyer planted guns to guard every approach, sighted them himself and spent the night watching with his men. Arms were sent to each of the officer's houses, and word was passed about that in case of attack the women were to be sent to Maj. Dyer's house for protection. Maj. Dyer seemed disappointed when daylight came and there had been no attack. When Lee surrendered the activities at the armory began to slacken a bit....
Maj Dyer seems to have made a most favorable impression on the Springfield people. When the war was over he was presented with a silver service, and entertained with a supper at the Brewer homestead on Maple Street. The old armorers speak of him as a man who kept the work up to a high standard, yet managed to retain the sympathies of the men. Some of them remember the night when the major made his first appearance at the Massasoit house strolling through the corridors with a broad-brimmed straw hat on his head. His greeting to Superintendent Dwight, whom he relieved, was so cordial that all embarrassment disappeared. Tall, broad-shouldered and rugged, Maj Dyer paid but little attention to dress, and had the appearance more of a civil engineer in a surveying suit than of a West Point graduate. A sturdy face looked over his blond and rather unkempt beard, and the men soon found out that there was a strong man at the head of affairs. The responsibilities thrown on his shoulder were great. It was no time for small things, for great results must be had." - Springfield Republican, March 27, 1898.

"Because the Ordnance Department was limited in size and restricted by law, its officers could receive few promotions. Rank was disproportionately low for command responsibility. James G. Benton, a captain, commanded the Washington Arsenal, succeeding George D. Ramsay, a major; this responsibility certainly dictated a higher rank for its head. Alexander B. Dwyer, while directing the Springfield Armory, the largest arms manufactory in the world, and commanding its 3,000 men, held the rank of captain most of the time, and never rose aRipley, in his annual report of 1862, pointed out the difficulty which ordnance officers faced. 'The ordnance officers,' he wrote, 'whose duties….arduous and useful, and whose professional acquirements, if reputable, demand liberal education and severe studies, has but little opportunity of public distinction, and none for promotion but such as comes in the regular course of casualties in his own corps.'" - Carl L. Davis


"General Alexander B. Dyer, who had been appointed chief of ordnance of the U.S. Army in September, 1864, was accused of awarding contracts for rifle projectiles to favored manufacturers from whom he received kickbacks. It was also charged that he ordered the manufacture of his own invention, the Dyer projectile, despite its alleged inferiority to other shells, again for reasons of private gain. The joint committee recommended the removal of General Dyer from office, but he was fully exonerated by the court of inquiry and retained his post until his death in 1874." - Henry Adams

"George Dwight of this city was put in charge of the armory soon after the inauguration of Lincoln. He was succeeded in the fall of 1861 by Capt. A.B. Dyer of Virginia, afterward made Maj. Dyer. Beginning at the outbreak of hostilities, the production of the armory was steadily increased, until it was a full 1000 guns a day. It took until the fall of 1863 before the shops were able to turn out this quantity. In the early part of the war the government was forced to buy heavily of arms abroad, and to place large orders with private contractors, but in the latter half of the war the armory here was able practically to supply the need. The destruction of the armory at Harper's Ferry threw all the work on this plant. The production of the army by years was as follows: 1861, 13,802; 1862, 102,410; 1863, 217,783; 1864, 276,830; 1865, 195,241. The largest monthly production is thought by one of the men then working at the armory to have been in December, 1864, when 28,000 guns were turned out....
The great influx of men from all the surrounding country gave Springfield the greatest impetus in its history. Business of all kinds flourished. To provide for all the men were at work in the shops taxed the capacities of the city. The businesses of taking boarders flourished then as never before. The Rockingham and the Eagle, the two old hotels on the Hill were jammed from garret to cellar. The greater part of the men could not be taken care of on the Hill, so they had to live nearer the center of the town. A bus ran to and from the watershops every day. The trains from Chicopee and Holyoke were crowded with passengers who lived in those cities and worked there. Mechanics and farmers came in from Longmeadow, Wilbraham and all the surrounding towns. Some drove their own horses, for others a wagon was made into a common carrier, and some men who could not afford the luxuries of riding walked many miles every day. This great influx of population did not immediately result in any great extension of buildings on the Hill, but it led to that in due time. One of the men who lived there speaks of the Florence street region as a pasture, and of the whole district between Walnut street and Eastern avenue as a mullein plain, and Thompson street as pine woods. There were so much uncertainty about the continuance of the war that people hesitated about engaging in extensive building operations at once. But the boom finally struck the Hill, and one of the armorers can remember when the real estate value struck the region about the Watershops and lots on Florence street sold for $125 each.
The work at the Armory was at that time of course, done entirely in the buildings on the west side of Federal street. The office was in the early part of the war period a separate building, and later joined to the two wings of the main building running parallel with Federal street. The south wing was used for theOne of the great subjects of interest during the war was the question as to who should enlist in the army. Rallies were held about the city, at which there was much patriotic talk, and which many of the armorers attended. Some of them enlisted early in the war, and later others were drafted. Some of these paid for their substitutes, and at one time a kind of club agreement was made by which those who joined contributed certain amounts of money to secure substitutes for any members who might be drafted. Such a club existed among the men in Ward 4, and the men who organized it secured about $10,000 as a general fund with which to pay substitutes. Of course, all through the war, the interest of the men in the struggle was intense. There were a few men among the workmen whose sympathies were distinctly with the South. Some of these were in the group of men that came from Harper's Ferry. When the arsenal at that place was destroyed a considerable part of the men came North and went to work in this city. The greater part of these were loyal to the Union. But there were some among them who came more for the sake of employment than from sympathy with the North. Some of the loyal southerners have remained in the city, and they or their families are here at present time. Then there was a certain amount of southern sympathy on the part of the old 'copper-heads.' These discordant elements had, however, to keep pretty quiet, as feelings ran too high to permit such southern talk." - Springfield Republican, March 27, 1898.

"Because the Ordnance Department was limited in size and restricted by law, its officers could receive few promotions. Rank was disproportionately low for command responsibility. James G. Benton, a captain, commanded the Washington Arsenal, succeeding George D. Ramsay, a major; this responsibility certainly dictated a higher rank for its head. Alexander B. Dwyer, while directing the Springfield Armory, the largest arms manufactory in the world, and commanding its 3,000 men, held the rank of captain most of the time, and never rose above major. Yet, his command in both size and responsibility would have called for at least the rank of brigadier general if he had been in the field.
Ripley, in his annual report of 1862, pointed out the difficulty which ordnance officers faced. 'The ordnance officers,' he wrote, 'whose duties….arduous and useful, and whose professional acquirements, if reputable, demand liberal education and severe studies, has but little opportunity of public distinction, and none for promotion but such as comes in the regular course of casualties in his own corps.'" - Carl L. Davis


"The year 1864 marked the high tide of the arsenal and at that time about 1000 muskets were turned out daily. Of the total population of 20,000 there were 3000 armory employees, so that still approximately a quarter of the income of the city was derived from the federal appropriations. In that year some 240,000 were turned out an $4,250,000 was spent in wages and new buildings." - Springfield Republican, 2/26/1910

During Dyer's tenure, 1861-1864, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1860-1865 - Apache and Navaho War - Both tribes went on warpath in 1860. In 1864, Colonel "Kit" Carson, led the First New Mexico Volunteers in a campaign against the tribes. In 1865, the Navahos surrendered, but the Apaches retreated to the mountains.
1861-1865 - American Civil War
1862-1864 - Sand Creek 1864 - Anderson's Raid - band of Confederate irregulars led by Williams, and included Cole Younger, Jesse and Frank James, killed 24 unarmed Union soldiers, then held off three companies of Union troops.

14. Major T.T.S. Laidley, Ord. Dept., Oct. 27, 1864 - May 14, 1866. "1. Theodore Thadeus Sobieski Laidley. Born in (West) Virginia in 1822, Laidley graduated from the US Military Academy, West Point, in 1842 and was posted immediately to the Ordnance Department. Author of the Ordnance Manual of 1861, commandant of Frankford Arsenal (1862-64), then Springfield Armory (1864-66), where he oversaw production of Joslyn and Allin metallic-cartridge rifle-musket conversions, Laidley is best known as the designer and co-patentee with C.A. Emery of the Laidley-Emery rotating-block action rifle (US no. 54,743 of May 1866). Designer of 'Tompion for Fire Arms' (patented in 1868) and a centrefire cartridge (US no. 140,144 of 1871), Laidley resigned his commission in 1880 and died in Florida in 1886. His 'TTSL' marks will also be found on firearms and accessories accepted on behalf of the Federal and US Armies in the period 1864-66. 2. Laidley-Emery rifle. Similar externally to the Remington Rolling Block, but with an additional locking bar pivoted on the hammer axis-pin, this was patented in 1866 by Major Theodore T.S. Laidley and Charles A. Emery, respectively the commandant and a 'machinist' of Springfield Armory. The prototype carbine was submitted to trials in 1865 by 'M.Y. Chick of New York', camouflaging its origins, but it failed to impress. Although a few additional guns were made at Springfield, the Allin conversion system was preferred, owing to the ease with which existing rifle-muskets could be altered. Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company made a few Laidley-Emery rifles in the late 1860s, but rights were acquired by the Whitney Arms Company c.1871. Whitney made military-style rifles and carbines alongside sporting guns until 1882, when the lapse of patents granted to Joseph Rider allowed copies of the simpler Remington-type rolling block to be submitted." - Walter

Springfield Armory, October 28, 1864, Orders No. 74 - "In obedience to the orders of the Secy of War the undersigned has assumed the command of this armory.
All existing order & regulations will continue in force till revoke of modified in orders." - s/T.T.S. Laidley

Springfield Armory, November 26, 1864, Orders No. 75 - "A Board of Survey to consist of Lt. W.S. Smoot, Mil Store Keeper E. Ingersoll and Master Armorer E.S. Allin will meet to-day to examine into the origin of the fire which occurred in the office this morning and the extent of damage.
The Board will report in writing." - s/T.T.S. Laidley

"Theodore Laidley, an ordnance officer in the U.S. Army, commanded Frankford Arsenal and Springfield Armory during his career. Service in Springfield inspired him to develop a radial-breech system which avoided problems which had been identified in the earliest Remingtons. A prototype Laidley was made in the Armory in January 1865, followed by several others, and a .50 caliber rimfire 'Carbine No. 33' was tested by the U.S. Army in April. Submitted by 'M.Y. Chick' of New York (camouflaging Laidley's participation), the gun had a two-piece stock with a short forend held by a single band. Its destruction in the overload-charge test was ascribed by Laidley to bad workmanship, but it reappeared only to be photographed at the conclusion of the trials.
U.S. patent 54,743 was granted to Laidley and Charles Emery in May 1866 to protect a radial-breech system with additional locking bars pivoting on the hammer-axis pin. Several Laidley guns were tested in the Spring of 1866, when the purchase of 50 (together with the Remington, Peabody and Sharps desig
FORGOTTEN FACT ABOUT SPRINGFIELD: ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP THE ARSENAL - In 1864, when Col. Laidley was commandant of the Armory, an attempt was made to blow up the arsenal by means of an infernal machine.
Just as dusk two men appeared at the Arsenal and asked permission to ascend to the top of the tower to get a view. The arsenal keeper, being suspicious of the men, tried to dissuade them from going up but they told him they had come a long way just to get the famous view and he finally let them go up. They soon came down and left the building. A short time later the night watchman going his rounds found near the big clock in the tower a bundle wrapped in newspapers. Opening it he found it to be an iron box filled with powder and fitted with a fuse. From marks on the papers it was evident that the men had come from Canada but they were never apprehended." - Springfield Shopping News, 2/23/32.

"LOCAL ARMORY ONCE TARGET OF WAR PLOT - Armed Forces Day Visitors Will See Tower Spies Tried to Blow Up. Visitors to the Springfield Armory Armed Forces Open House on the 18th, will be walking in the footsteps of history when they enter the Main Arsenal for a look at the electronic machines of today.
Completed prior to the Civil War, the Main Arsenal played its part in the War Between the States when it became the target for a Confederate plot.
Historic records at the local Army Ordnance Installation reveal that the curtain of the drama went up, just about sundown of a day during the Civil War. A watchman employed by the Springfield Armory admitted two bearded visitors to the grounds who requested that they be allowed to visit the tower of the main arsenal in order that they might get a view of the city of Springfield.
The watchman, accustomed as he was to similar requests from visitors was ready to agree to the request when he noticed that one of the strangers carried a package wrapped in newspaper under his arm.
In seeking the identity of the package he was told that it contained personal belongings. Satisfied with the explanation, the watchman allowed the strangers' access to the Main Arsenal.
Within a matter of fifteen minutes, the visitors left the Main Arsenal. The watchman becoming suspicious observed that the package was not longer in the possession of the strangers. A quick trip to the tower and an equally hurried check of the premises, resulted in the finding of the package, still in its newspaper wrapping, at the base of the tower.
The wrappings were taken off and a home-made bomb was found.
The newspaper enclosing the bomb was found to have a Confederate masthead."

"In 1864, when Colonel Laidley was commandant of the Armory, an attempt was made to blow up the Armory by means of an infernal machine. Just at dusk, two men appeared at the Arsenal and asked permission to ascend to the top of the tower to get the view. The Arsenal Keeper, being suspicious of the men, tried to dissuade them from going up but they told him that they had come a long way just to get the famous view and he finally let them go up. They soon came down and left the building. A short time later, the night watchman, going his rounds, found near the big clock in the tower a bundle wrapped in newspapers. Opening it, he found it to be an iron box filled with powder and fitted with a fuze. From marks on the papers, it was evident that the men had come from Canada, but they were never apprehended." - Burleski

Springfield Armory, November 28, 1864, Orders No. 78 - "Under no circumstances will the wooden spittoons used in any of the shops or offices be filled with sawdust or other combustible material. The policemen will have all such as contained sawdust secured at once." - Maj. T.T.S. Laidley

SpringfielNo visitors will be permitted to enter the gate after dark unless to visit some of the families, and if not known, they will be accompanied by a watchman." - Maj. T.T.S. Laidley.

Springfield Armory, Dec. 9, 1864 - "Orders. OLIVER BELCHER, for carrying Cotton Waste to the privies in violation of orders, is hereby discharged from employment at this Armory."

National Armory, Springfield, April 15th, 1865 - Orders. As a token of respect to the late President Abraham Lincoln, the shops will be closed tomorrow and the operations of the Armory will be suspended.
A salute of thirteen guns will be fired at dawn of day and a single gun every half hour till sunset, when a salute of thirty-six guns will be fired." - T.T.S. Laidley/Major Of Ordnance/Comdg.

During Laidley's tenure, 1864-1866, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1861-1865 - American Civil War
1865 - General Sheridan was dispatched to the Mexican border with 50,000 men to threaten Maximilian's government and its sponsor, Napoleon III. Finally in 1867, the French withdrew their forces. The Mexicans defeated Maximilian.
1865 - Troops went ashore in Panama, Columbia to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.
1865-1868 - Sioux War - Sioux successfully harassed soldiers leading to a treaty stipulating Army abandon all forts on the Bozeman trail.
1866 - Marines land at Newchwang, China to seize and punish Chinese for assaulting the American consul.
1866 - Fetterman's Massacre - 82 man force under the command of Captain William Judd Fetterman was massacred outside of Ft. Kearny on December 21, 1866 by a band of Sioux Indians.

15. Major James Benton, Ord. Dept., June 14, 1866 - Aug. 23, 1881.
Springfield Republican - September 14, 1881 - "AN OFFICIAL TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF COL. BENTON - The order of Brig.-Gen. Benet, chief of ordnance, announcing the death of Col. Benton was received at the armory last night, and in compliance with it the armory flag will be placed at half-staff to-day, as will those at each ordnance establishment in the country on the day after the receipt of the order, and the officers of the department will wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days. After giving the main items of Col. Benton's professional history the order goes on to say: -
'In the death of Col. Benton, the department of the Army lost an officer of the greatest merit, whose reputation extends beyond the seas, and whose official and personal character is held dear even by thousands personally, unknown to him. Forty years of invaluable public service, touching every branch of the military profession, have left for his memory a record without blemish. He was a man of the highest professional attainments, of inventive and mechanical ingenuity, of great artistic and literary accomplishment, of sound judgment and unwearied industry, and who possessed, in a marked degree, all the kindly and manly virtues that adorn and illustrate the gentleman and Christian. Too much cannot be said of one so noble and so pure, so unselfish and disinterested, so gentle in his life and yet so strong in his convictions, so good a man and so admirable an officer.
During his long and continuous service he filled many most important and responsible positions, and in the performance of his duties he was so eminently successful as to enjoy the entire confidence and approval of the department. The distinction gained while in command of the national armory has been recognized both here and abroad, and his scientific and practical labors have left their impress on the present and future of that grand manufacturing establishment. After 15 years of service in their midst, and of social intercourse as a friend and neighbor, the citizens of Springfield testified their sincere love and respectTo those of use whose privilege it was to know the working of that noble heart now still in the silence of the grave, his death brings with it
bitter grief, but how irreparable the loss and how bitter the trial to those who mourn his every day absence from a loving home. The grave has never closed on a better man or a more noble character.
The young, now starting where he began, should study the lessons taught by his beautiful life, and in the years to come endeavor to imitate his many virtues and follow his most excellent example. On the death roll of the ordnance department there stands recorded no brighter name, nor one on which memory will linger with more love and admiration than that of Benton."

Springfield Republican, April 20, 1867 - "ARMORY NEWS - The Waterspout steam fire engine was out yesterday for another trial, which proved an interesting one. The machine was stationed at a point where she was compelled to suck her water through 56 feet of hose and up a rise of 20 feet. She found it hard work, but was nevertheless able to force it afterward, through 200 of hose and throw a horizontal stream 174 feet and 3 inches. The engine was then returned to her house, whence she played through the same length, overcoming the same rise by forcing instead of sucking, and easily playing nine feet further than before. The result was decidedly favorable to the latter plan. - The Armory guard had a squad drill on the grounds Thursday evening, and will come out for company drill on Federal Square at 4 o'clock this afternoon. They will have the Armory band for music, and as this is their first public appearance, there will doubtless be a large number of spectators. The guard's drill hall in the east arsenal building has recently been newly planked, and the hall is now everything that could be desired. - The newest thing at the armory is a base-ball club, which was organized last night, with men enough for two full nines. It includes several experienced players, and will doubtless render a good account of itself. - An effort to form a boat club among the armorers has failed of its object."
There is a man in Springfield who has lived here nineteen years, yet he has never visited the armory. It is singular how people slight objects of interest within a stone's throw of their houses and go hundreds of miles to see others really less interesting."

National Armory, June 30th, 1866, Orders No. 100 - "In obedience to instructions from the War Department, half hour guns will be fired sunrise to one o'clock Pm of Monday the 2nd proxing, in respect to the memory of the late Bvt. Lieut. General Winfield Scott. The flag will be displayed at half mast during the day." - s/J.B. Benton.

U.S. ARMORY. Springfield, Mass., July 30, 1868. Order. The following Order having been received from the Headquarters of the Army, is published for the information all concerned, viz: -
'General Orders
No. 46
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Adjutant General's Office.
Washington, July 15, 1868.
The following orders, received from the War Department, are published for the government of all concerned: -
Congress having enacted, June 25, 1868, 'that Eight Hours shall constitute a Day's Work for all Laborers, Workmen and Mechanics now employed or who may be hereafter employed, by or on behalf of the Government of the United States, and that all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act be, and the same are hereby, repealed' -
All Officers of the Army, and other in the military service, having civilian laborers, workmen and mechanics under their charge, will be governed accordingly.
The hours should be so regulated as to agree as far as possible with the hours established in civil work in each locality.
Watchman, Clerks, Messengers and others, whose time may be necessary at any or all hours, are not considered embraced within the terms of the law.
In cases of great necessity, as in military operations, where men are on extra duty, they must perform the necessExtra hours of men on extra duty pay will be required only in case of urgent public necessity.
E.D. Townsend, Ass't Adj't Gen'l.'
Person at this Armory doing the duty of 'Watchmen, Clerks and Messengers,' being considered exempt by the above Order from the operation of the Eight Hour Law, will continue to perform their duties the same as under the ten-hour system.
Policemen, Oilers and Shop Tenders, being now only required to work Eight Hours per day, will not receive the extra fifteen cents allowed under the ten-hour system for extra services." - J.G. BENTON/Bvt. Col., Comd'g.

"National Armory, Springfield, Mass., March 17 1870, ORDERS. Out of respect for the memory of General J.W. Ripley, late Chief of Ordnance, U.S. Army, and for his distinguished services as Commandant of this Armory, the Workshops will be closed To-Morrow Afternoon - the time appointed for his Funeral.
During the day the Flag will be at half-mast, and the Arsenal Bell will be tolled as the procession moves from the church to the grave. J.G. BENTON/Bvt. Col. Comd'g."

Letter from J.G. Benton to A.B. Dyer dated June 30, 1870.
"Sir,
I would respectfully recommend that the Main entrance to the Armory grounds be made at the corner of Byers & State, as by so doing the steep ascent to the present entrance may be avoided. For this purpose I would recommend that the gate on Federal Street opposite to the Office building which is no longer necessary where it is, be taken down & put up at the point indicated. The cost of removal with the two extra corner posts, (illegible) & c, to make a gate like that at the corner of Pearl & Byers St. will be about $750. I have included this sum under the head of Repairs and Improvements in my estimate for the next quarter and waiting for your authority to apply accordingly." - Benton

"NATIONAL ARMORY, SPRINGFIELD, MASS., APRIL 25, 1872. ORDERS. Hereafter no Strolling Bands, Circus Companies, or like organizations will be admitted within the Armory enclosure during working hours. Gate keepers will enforce this Order. J.G. BENTON, MAJ. ORD. COMD'G.

"Building No. 5&6 - In 1870 this building, a double officers' quarters, was built at the southwest corner of the Parade. Its cost was $22,000.
The duplex officers' quarters terminating the southwest row of building facing the Parade is the only departure from the somewhat austere architecture of the whole complex, a grace note, so to speak, which lightens the severity of Armory Square. Designed in the French Second Empire manner without the florid excesses of that style, it is a duplex brick three-storied house with a slate mansard roof. The main block measure 46'x46' with a service ell 26' x 30'. A spacious, balustrated front porch with copper roof spans the three-bayed entrance facade facing southwest. Side-hall plans are mirrored on either side of the party wall, with three rooms."

"Building No. 12 - The small Guard House was built in 1880 at a cost of $2,500. It also served as an Officers' Quarters.
A one-story brick building with three-bay front measuring 35' across and 24' deep, it is aligned between West Arsenal and Middle Arsenal. The slate-covered double-pitched roof has stepped gable ends of ornamental brick work. There is a small entrance porch facing the Parade. Although built late, this building is consonant with the general architectural character of the total complex and materially contributes to the feeling of enclosure along the south line of the Parade."

Springfield Republican, April 17, 1868 - "Gov Chamberlain of Maine, whose graphic, eloquent story of the close of the war was such a delight to the City Hall audience of Wednesday night, spent yesterday morning in visiting the armory, and in calling on his old comrade and commander, Gen Barnes, who is still seriously ill at his residence. He left for Rhode Island on his way home, in the afternoon."

Springfield Republican, May 23, 1878 - "Young Trask Springfieldt of the large arsenal."

Springfield Republican, May 23, 1878 - "The new 1000-yard range at the water-shops, to be used in testing the Springfield rifles, will probably be ready for use on Saturday. The target is on the island, and the range extends diagonally across the pond, the men talking their position on the east side near the Wilbraham road. Messrs. Hare, Cranston, Bruce and Myron and T.F. Bull, the armorers who have without any particular pains attained a remarkable precision in firing, will probably not go to Creedmore to take part in the matches this week, as was expected, since they cannot well be spared from the armory, and they have not had special training for the contest over long ranges. If they do not go now, however, they will probably go down next September, as they are very anxious to have a bout with the fellows who make so much fuss about their exploits at Creedmore."

Springfield Republican, June 24, 1878 - "Maj. Edward Ingersoll came to the armory in this city 37 years ago this month, and with possibly two or three exceptions, among them Foreman L.C. Allin, who was born on public ground, had been there longer than anybody now connected with it. Since that time the appearance of the ground has been entirely changed. Of the present buildings, only one or two of the houses had then been put up. Federal street for a good while longer ran close up to the site of the long buildings at the east side of the square in which the offices are located, and another street ran up into the square from State street near the former entrance to the square from that street, directly south of the large arsenal. The iron fence was put up much later, the iron being collected at the various navy yards in the country at Maj. Ingersoll's suggestion, and the stone quarried at a year hired in Longmeadow for the purpose by the government. There were then no walks in the grounds, and of course they presented none of their present beautiful park-like appearance. The widely-famed beauty of Springfield owes a great deal to the improvements at the armory, where, indeed, perhaps more has been done in years past than in any other part of the city."

Springfield Republican, September 2, 1881 - "Capt. John E. Greer is temporarily in charge of the armory, and the work goes on as usual. Col. Benton's office is draped, crape is twined around the door and stands of small arms are placed at the sides of his old desk, The system requires that there should be three ordnance colonels, and, as Col. Benton's death leaves but two, the vacancy will be filled by an examination held by these two, Cols. T.S. Laidley and Julian McAllister. A lieutenant-colonel will be promoted, and under officers moved up accordingly, a major becoming a lieutenant-colonel, a captain and so on, but all must first pass an examination. The senior officers in the ordnance department who will be examined for promotion are Maj. D.W. Flager, Capt. G.W. McKee and Lieut. D.A. Lyle. An inventory of the property here will be taken soon, in anticipation of the change in management....
Benton park is still in the rough, though there is good promise of
Springfield Republican, November 22, 1894 - "A SPRINGFIELD ARMORY SUIT. It Was Brought Against Col Benton in 1880 and is Now Before the Court at Boston. William S. Smoot in December, 1880, brought a suit against Col Benton, commandant of the United States Armory in this city, to recover damages for an alleged infringement by the United States government of a patent granted the plantiff for a cartridge ejector used on the Springfield rifle. Since the suit was brought it has come up at intervals for hearings in the United States circuit court, but no disposition of the case has ever been made. Since the beginning of the litigation Benton has died, as has also S.W. Porter, the master armorer, who was made defendant in Col Benton's place.
Smoot's death followed that of Porter and both District-Attorney Sanger, who represented the government and Hicks, the government's expert, have died. Recently a bill of revivor was filed against Porter's widow, whereup A.P. Browne, special counsel for the government, filed a motion to dismiss on the grounds that Porter having died, the suit was abated. Yesterday Judge Colt at Boston gave a hearing on the motion to dismiss and granted a continuance, pending which W.A. Hayes, counsel for Charles Head, administrator of Smoot's will, filed a brief setting forth his reasons for having the case continued."

1/5/1966 - Letter from Mrs. Maxine (Plummer) Wills, a descendant of Colonel James Benton, inquiring about the disposition of the Museum. "Am writing in regard to the Item in the Dec. 12th issue of the 'Springfield Republican' - stating the Defense Department plans to close the Armory.
I am a descendant of Col. James Gilchrist Benton - founder of the Armory & Commandant for 15 years. Col. James Gilchrist Benton's father and my, great, great grandfather Luther Benton were sons of J. William & Cynthia Benton (who kept the tavern in Lebanon, N.H. where General Lafayette stopped on his last trip to America.
If there are no known direct survivors of Col. Benton, I am concerned about your plans for the disposing of his famous small arms, etc.
Lebanon (N.H.) has an 'Historical Society' and I would like to see Col. James Gilchrist Benton's treasures come back to his native town & state to be preserved.
Hope to hear from you soon in regard to this matter."
Reply from Curator Tomas J. Wallace, dated 18 January 1966 - "We do not know at this time what disposition may be made of the museum. It may stay in Springfield.
As you know, Col. Benton established the museum in 1871 with the approval of the Chief of Ordnance. His foresight in establishing a firearms museum in this early period has given the Armory Museum a tremendous lead over firearms museums that were established at a later period.
I would like to thank you very much for your interest and concern in this matter."

Post Order 27, September 13, 1879, announces the death of Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin. "He was born in Enfield, Conn., Feb. 3, 1809; entered the Shops of the Armory, June, 1829; was foreman at the Water Shops in 1842; Clerk in the Ordnance Storekeeper's Office, 1847; Master Armorer, 1848; acting Supt. in 1857."

The entire number of arms made at the Armory at the close of 1878 was 1,751,341.

During Benton's tenure, 1866-1881, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1865-1868 - Sioux War - Sioux successfully harassed soldiers leading to a treaty stipulating Army abandon all forts on the Bozeman trail.
1866 - Marines land at Newchwang, China to seize and punish Chinese for assaulting the American consul.
1866 - Fetterman's Massacre - 82 man force under the command of Captain William Judd Fetterman was massacred outside of Ft. Kearny on December 21, 1866 by a band of Sioux Indians.
1867 - Wagon Box Fight -First recorded use of the Springfield Trapdoor conversion.
1867 - Marines land and occupied Managua and Leon, Nicaragua.
1868 - Marines land at Montevideo, Uruguay to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.
1871 - Marines captured five Korean forts after a surveying party was attacked.
1871-1873 - Apache War - Led by George Crook, American troops in New Mexico and Arizona territories set out to destroy the Apaches. A tentative peace was reached in 1873, but Indians soon claimed the whites were not abiding by the agreements.
1872-1873 - Modoc War - band of Modoc Indians left reservation in Oregon to reclaim ancestral lands in Northern California. Modus, after killing General Edward R.S. Canby, were forced to retreat in May of 1873.
1974 - Landing party of 150 maintained order in Hawaii after election of new king.
1874-1875 - Red River Indian Campaign - many Indians were leaving the reservations in parts of Oklahoma and Texas. Under the command of General William T. Sherman, American infantry and cavalry began a policy of harassment never allowing the Indians to settle on any land not reserved for them. By 1875, there were no free Indians left on the southern plains.
1876-1877 - Sioux War - Prospectors were infringing Sioux reservations in the Black Hills. The U.S. government ordered the Sioux out of the area but they refused to go. A series of battles, including the one at Little Big Horn, concluded with Crazy Horse's defeat and surrender in 1877.
1876-1886 - Apache War - Apaches escaped reservation life and found sanctuary in Mexico from where they could stage attacks on settlers in Texas. Troops led by General George Crook and Nelson Miles pursued the Indians until 1886 when Geronimo finally surrendered.
1877 - Nez Perce War - When gold was discovered in western Idaho, U.S. troops moved to dislodge the Nez Perce Indians from the land the U.S. government had ceded to them. The Indians were pursued into Montana where on October 5, 1877, Chief Joseph surrendered.

Springfield Republican, September 3, 1896 - DEATH OF LIEUT JAMES W. BENTON. The Result of an Attack of Heart Disease While Swimming. A message was received yesterday afternoon by Mrs. Dr. W.N. Suter at her home, 205 State street, bearing the sad news of the sudden death yesterday morning at Hot Springs, Ark., of her brother, Lieut. James W. Benton, who was a resident of this city during his boyhood. The message was brief, saying simply that Lieut. Benton had died of heart disease while swimming. Up to late last evening no particulars had been received. Liet. Benton was a son of the late Col. James G. Benton, who was for many years in command of the armory. He was born at the Washington arsenal January 24, 1864, and was therefore in his 33rd year. As a boy he attended the Worthington street school, going from there to St. Paul's school at Concord, N.H. He then returned to this city and attended the high school for a year.
Col. Benton died on August 25, 1881, and two days later James, or as he was always known, 'Jim' Benton went to West Point and passed his entrance examinations. He entered the institution in September. Upon his graduation he was assigned to the 9th cavalry, with which regiment he served continuously up to the time of his death. He was first sent to Fort McKinney, Wy., and served there until 1890. From the fort he went to Pine Ridge agency and took park in the fight against the Indians at Wounded Knee, his regiment rescuing the 7th from a perilous position. He then went to Fort Robinson, Neb., staying there till the following June when his...."

16. LTC Buffington, Ord. Dept., Oct. 3, 1881 - Feb. 2, 1892. Springfield Republican, December 29, 1897 - "'Fair Play,' who was formerly employed at the armory, writes: - 'Ituch doings outrageous, not to be endured. Hence, this is the origin of that complained of restrictive order. This is the story in a nutshell of what 'A Citizen' complains of as a flagrant breach of fair treatment to civilians by Col. Buffington. A permit had to be obtained at the commandant's office by all visitors to the tower or shops, and then for a visitor to abuse said privilege kindly granted must be considered a breach of trust on his part, as all must see. What reasonable person can blame Col Buffington for his order? What is there praiseworthy in his successor rescinding that order? - pray tell, who can."

"...Family Life at the Springfield Armory - When the Buffingtons arrived at the Springfield Armory in 1881, they brought with them their young daughter Adeline. Two years later, a second daughter, Eliza, was born to the Buffingtons. The austere and punctilious Buffingtons was to soften and warm to his new daughter. She was a bright and lively child, and, as she grew, she made numerous friends among the children of the other officers. The Buffingtons provided moral and religious training as a means of insulating the children from the corruptions of the adult world.
The Buffingtons were typical of many upper middle-class families of the period. As a benevolent patriarch, Buffington demonstrated deferential respect for his wife and a tender, if somewhat formal, affection for his two daughters. He prided himself on being a good father. Through his professional duties were very demanding and frequently time-intensive, on several occasions he went on extended leaves of absence in order to take his family on vacation. In July 1887, the Buffingtons went for a two-month holiday to a resort in the mountains of Georgia. In an interview with a reporter from the Springfield Daily Republican, Buffington said that he hoped to find dry air and the rest that he needed.
For the most part, the duties of superintendent left little time for relaxation. However, one diversion that Buffington enjoyed at Springfield was trout fishing. On Tuesday in May 1890, a young farmer named Brown accompanied Buffington to an old millpond in Brimfield. The two men set up in the vicinity of one of the brooks that flowed into the pond. Although a rainstorm swept through the area, the two men remained oblivious to the pelting rain and continued to fish. By the time the 'sou'wester' broke, Buffington had caught eight large trout, the largest weighing one pound, ten ounces. When Mr. Brown and the colonel quit for the day, they had caught fifty trout.
During these absences Buffington was not reluctant to leave a subordinate officer in charge of the armory. However, the large decisions were delayed until his return from leave. When the Buffingtons went on vacation in 1890, he left Captain Clifford, an acting commander in his absence. Coincidentally, that was the week that contractors were bidding on supplying the armory with its annual supply of coal. After the bidders submitted their documents, they were disappointed to find that no decision would be made until Buffington returned the following week.
In addition to their personal family, the Buffingtons had an extended army family. The Buffingtons took on the role of mentors, guidance coThe army family extended to all the commissioned officers at the armory, bachelor or married. Officers' wives were an important part of this army family. The main role of keeping officers' wives socially engaged fell upon Mrs. Buffington. Thus, she played a substantial roll in the lives of the officers and their families. Much of the work that she immersed both herself and the other women involved various volunteer charities around the city. This sense of the army being an extended family was pervasive among many of the women married to officers in the late-nineteenth century. Women and children were not only a part of the army, but the army became a part of them.
Discipline, Dissipation, and Alcohol at Springfield - Among the challenges that Buffington had to struggle with were morale and social problems among workers and soldiers. As early as 1816, Roswell Lee attempted to reduce the flow of workmen down to 'old Toddy Road.' He issued a set of twenty-three regulations for the armory. These regulations prohibited scuffling, playing, fighting, gambling, drawing lotteries, drinking ardent spirits, and making any indecent or unnecessary noise during working hours.
Early attempts to curb the consumption of alcohol among workers and soldiers were not too successful. Drinking continued and was not only limited to workers. In some cases, it was encouraged by armory officials. In 1883, Moses King wrote about earlier practices at the armory: 'According to the fashions of the day, there arose many quarrels; for intoxicating drink was used by every one, high and low, rich and poor - all drank. The workmen were allowed to carry bottles or jugs of rum into the shops, where, properly labeled, they stood on a ledge or shelf just above the washing-place, which was a long sink or trough; and often officials, coming into the workshops upon business, would walk up to the array of jugs, select their favorite 'rum,' take a good respectable drink, deposit a Spanish quarter by the side of the jug, and then go about their business.
The Springfield Armory was not alone in having problems with alcohol abuse in the workplace. Sometimes, efforts to curb drinking turned violent. At the Harper's Ferry Armory, the superintendent, Thomas Dunn, attempted to enforce strict rules forbidding the use of alcohol by workmen. Shortly after he imposed his strict anti-alcohol policy, Dunn was murdered by a disgruntled employee.
Buffington approached the problem of alcohol abuse as an enforcement of individual responsibility. He believed that a man's word should be his bond and that an oath sworn was an obligation. An example of Buffington's unique approach to misconduct and alcohol abuse occurred in the fall of 1886. On the evening of September 15, 1886, Sergeant James Foy, a member of the detachment of armory soldiers was found lying on the road near the main arsenal. He was described in a written deposition as being in 'a beastly state of intoxication to the disgrace of himself and the Detachment.' Foy had been on a pass, gotten quite drunk, and had attempted to walk back to his headquarters on post. Having failed in the attempt, he lay where the guard found him.
The punishment that Buffington selected for the offending sergeant was unique and reflective of the Superintendent's strong belief in personal honor. The following statement was published as Post Order No. 23 and dated September 17, 1886. It read: 'For this cause (the charges against Foy), and by reason of his offer to pledge himself to entirely abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks while on duty at the armory, charges will not be preferred against him. The pledge he will duly execute is hereby accepted.'
A few days after these orders were published, Sergeant Foy made his pledge as he stood in front of the detachment of soldiers (as it stood at attention in formation). He sworeOn occasion, Buffington's zeal in correcting the moral transgressions of his soldiers and workmen was overly intrusive, even if it was well intentioned. For example, he did not want his men living with women of 'loose character.' Nor were his men able under army regulation to marry without his approval. In October 1889, he received a response (through a subordinate) to the local police marshal. Addressed to Col. A.R. Buffington, it read: 'Sir, Some days ago, Sergt. Charles requested me to ascertain whether one Joseph Weitzler was married or not from the report of the officer detailed to secure the information, I came to the conclusion that Weitzler was not married, but was living unlawfully with a woman of loose character, and I so informed Sergt. Charles: I also directed the officers of that beat to learn the facts, and if possible secure evidence of unlawful cohabitation: as a result the officers now say they have received information from a reliable source that Weitzler is actually married to the woman....Weitzler's story, as told to the people who live in the house with the woman supposed to be his wife, is that he was married quietly because he did not want Col. Buffington to know of the fact.
The outcome of this investigation and its impact on hapless private Weitzler is not recorded. Cooperation between military and civil authorities, on such a personal matter, was not unusual for that time. Buffington probably felt that it was well within his prerogative to discipline workers and soldiers who strayed morally. A discharge or transfer was most likely Weitzler's fate. This example aside, Buffington was generally liked by the post detachment of soldiers." - Stephen C. Small, Ph.D. - "Adelbert R. Buffington and the Springfield Armory, 1881-1892." THE GUN REPORT, September, 1999. See, ADELBERT R. BUFFINGTON AND THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1881-1892 by Stephen C. Small, Ph.D. The Gun Report, September, 1999.

Springfield Republican, 1 February 1892 - Employees at the United States armory are expressing in various forms their appreciation of Col. Buffington's work here and regret at his departure. Some have signed resolutions but the employees in the milling department, 120 in all, held a mass-meeting after work Saturday and adopted a formal expression drawn up by P.H.M. Brooks, the foreman. The men particularly appreciate the fact that Col Buffington has kept the work so even that they have been busy all the year, instead of using an extra force a part of the time as some have done. This resolution was adopted by the milling department: - 'We, the employees of the milling department national armory, having received uniform courtesy from Col. A.R. Buffington also full employment for the year with regular and prompt payment for the same since he commanded this post, and believing that Springfield has been greatly benefited by the large amount of additional work that he had brought to this city, also that he has been instrumental in causing three large workshops to be built, thereby adding to the permanency of this armory, therefore,
Resolved, That we sincerely regret his departure from this post.'
The armory workmen on the Hill supplement the resolutions of the workers at the Watershops in regard to the departure of Col. Buffington with a testimonial, signed by 155 men, including practically all the men in the departments where it was circulated. The signers desire to have it understood that it was originated spontaneously among the workmen. This is the testimonial: -
'We, the undersigned, employees at the United States armory, desire in this way to express our kind regards for Col. A.R. Buffington and our appreciation of his ablA paper expressing similar sentiments was circulated at the Watershops and received 97 signatures."

Springfield Republican, 3 February 1892 - "A VOICE FROM THE ARMORY - Expressing the Regret of the Armorers at Col. Buffington's Departure. To the Editor of the Republican: - I may say I voice the real opinion and feeling of nearly 500 men at the armory, in what I shall say in this letter. The statement has gone out broadcast within two or three days that Col. Buffington is very unpopular with his men, and that it is with gladness and rejoicing that they learn he is to be transferred to another post. Now, the reverse is the truth. It is with exceeding regret the armorers are confronted with the fact that they are in a few days to pass from under his command to that of a stranger. I find scarcely a workman who does not feel that he is to lose in Col. Buffington a true friend to his interest as an employee of the government. If a testimonial paper were to be passed around among the armorers to sign, stating their regrets because of the retirement of Col. Buffington from the post, and of their high regard and appreciation of him, it would be signed gladly by the whole force of 500 men, with hardly an exception. Well, it is also true, that the city is to lose one who has been a real benefit to our business community. Col. Buffington has managed nearly the whole 10 years he has been stationed here, to keep the works running regularly throughout each fiscal year, which cannot be said of the 10 previous years. When he assumed command here he found that the men, from year to year, had to be idle for weeks and months, because the works had been rushed so the first two-thirds of each fiscal year, as to use most of the yearly appropriation. The merchants surely, were not benefited by this, and it used up most, if not all, of the men's savings, and was a very serious injury to them. This matter Col. Buffington gave his first attention to, and changed it at once, so the men have had regular work every day through each year since, bringing order out of confusion. This, while being a blessing to each armorer, was also a godsend to our merchants and real estate men. Also, the colonel established regular pay days, the 15th of each month; this was a benefit to business men as well as to the armorers. Further, I might name the over $300,000 brought into this city by way of the three new armory workshops, almost wholly through the sagacity and perseverance of the commandant. Further, the colonel has every year he has been in command here worked hard to keep up the annual $400,000, which some commandants would not have done. I might go on speaking of many other matters that would be still more credible to the colonel if my limits would permit; but enough has been said to show that Col Buffington has proved himself a very efficient manager of the government works; and has won the esteem and good will of nearly every man employed in the armory. It will be the wish of his men here that he may prosper in his new command, and have the great esteem of his men at Rock Island as he has had here. - Justice, Springfield, January 30, 1892."

Springfield Republican, 12 July 1922 - "FORMER ARMORY COMMANDANT DIES AT MADISON, N.J. - Brig-Gen. Buffington Performed Important Service for Federal Government as Ordnance Chief. The death Monday night of Brig-Gen. Adelbert Rinaldo Buffington , 85, United States Army, retired, removes an accomplished and able former officer who performed important service for the federal government and was influential in the life of Springfield as commandant of the Armory here from October 8, 1881, to February 2, 1892. Gen. Buffington died at his home at 28 Grove Street, Madison, N.J., a week after his wife, who was proGen. Buffington retired from active service November 22, 1901, after serving as chief of ordnance at Washington since April 5, 1899. His accomplishments at the Armory here were both as an executive and administrator and as a technician. The plant was enlarged by the addition of a number of buildings, under his command, and he was the first to put into effect working methods which enabled operations to be kept up the year around. As an inventor, he perfected many improvements in light armament, in the development of the magazine rifle and in artillery gun carriages while here and while commandant of the Rock Island (Ill.) arsenal, where he went from Springfield.
With Brig-Gen. Crozier, who also held the office of chief of ordnance later, Gen Buffington invented the disappearing rifle in use in the coast defense. He performed important experimental which led to the change in the Springfield rifle from the old .45-caliber to the modern .30-caliber magazine type. He also developed the modern sight for army rifles. At the local Armory, he first introduced gas forging furnaces and originated the nitre and manganese method for bluing the steel surfaces of small arms. The Rock Island arsenal was up largely under Gen. Buffington's command, from 1892-1897.
Brevetted for 'Meritorious Services." - Gen. Buffington was born at Wheeling, W. Va., then a part of Virginia, November 22, 1837, and was educated in the schools there. He was graduated from the United States Military academy at West Point with the commission of second lieutenant of ordnance, May 6, 1861. His promotion to captain was on March 3, 1863. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted major 'for faithful and meritorious services' in the ordnance department, and received his full majority June 23, 1874.
He was appointed lieutenant-colonel June 1, 1881, and he held this rank when he came to Springfield, being made colonel February 28, 1889. He was succeeded as commandant at the armory here by Col. Alfred Mordecai. His promotion to brigadier-general came when he was selected as chief of ordnance.
Gen Buffington was married to Eliza Alston White of Charleston, S.C. May 1, 1873. He was unconscious at the time of her death last week and passed away without knowing of it. They are survived by two children, Eliza and Adelbert. Funeral services for Gen. Buffington will be held at the home at Madison at 2:15 this afternoon. The body will be cremated and the remains taken to the national cemetery at Arlington, Va. for burial.
Col. Thale L. Ames present commandant of the armory stated yesterday that he had had the privilege of meeting Gen. Buffington during the latter's term as chief of ordnance. He spoke highly of Gen. Buffington's work in the improvement of the Springfield rifle to make it one of the most effective weapons of its class in the world."

"KING'S HANDBOOK OF SPRINGFIELD (1884)
UNITED STATES ARMORY
THE ARSENALS, WATER-SHOPS, SUPERINTENDENTS, ARMS, STATISTICS, AND ANECDOTES
General George Washington, passing through Springfield in October, 1789, on his way to Boston - on public business - saw, and probably approved of, the present site of the United States Armory. 'The establishment of this Armory was by Act of Congress, passed in April 1795; and in 1795 the work commenced with about forty hands.' The first deed of land to the United States, after the passage of the above Act, was recorded 1795. The United States Government had previously purchased land upon the 'Hill'; and where the Water-Shops are not situated suitable buildings were constructed, and work upon small-arms fairly commenced in 1795. Before it was decided by the authorities which of the three places then being considered - Hartford, Springfield, and West Springfield -w as the most desirable site for the manufacture of such ammunition, muskets, appendages, accoutrements, as might be wanted by the United States Government, the inhabitants of West Springfield decidedly objected to h Armory located within their borders; and for a good reason: the most skillful mechanics in those days were discharged soldiers, deserters from the British regulars, and foreign troops who had been under British authority, - mercenaries, - all of whom were lawless and unprincipled, who defied all control; and the good people of West Springfield, most of them farmers, had visions of robbed hen roosts, ravaged gardens, depredations committed on Sundays while they were, or would like to be, peacefully at church. Where the Water-shops now stand, there stood, previous to 1809, a powder-mill, which from accident blew up, and, the land being clear, the 'upper Water-shops' were constructed; buildings erected both sides of Mill River, in which was to be executed the work requiring water-power. Previous to the completion of the 'upper Water-Shops,' the operations forging, drilling, boring, grinding, and polishing were done by hand. From time to time, as circumstances demanded, land, buildings, and machinery had been added, till the United-States Armory of 1883 ahs a world-renowned reputation, which has been earned for it by the efficiency of its successive superintendents and commandants, civil and military, their high morally, socially, and politically, not only in this immediate community, but over the whole country; by the skill, genius, hard work mentally and physically, and loyalty of the artificers and artisans employed; and by the liberality displayed by the government in its fostering, favoring, and sometimes partiality to, this branch of its War Department.
Arsenals - 'Beautiful of situation' indeed, can be said of the city of Springfield; and, the Main Arsenal having been erected upon almost the highest point of land within the limits of the city, the view from its top, or bell-deck, is in many respects surpassed by few, if any, in New England. Before the late civil war, there were four arsenals which were used solely from the storage of small-arms and their appendages, - three, the Middle, East, and West Arsenals, facing and but a few feet from State Street; and the new, or Main Arsenal, upon the brow of the hill which overlooks the city. In 1860, during the superintendency of Capt. George Dwight, the Middle Arsenal was converted into a workshop. This building is situated upon the highest point of land in Springfield; being 159 1/2 feet above the average level of the Connecticut River, and the 199 1/2 feet above tide-water. Later, when Major A.B. Dyer was commandant, the East and West Arsenals were also used as workshops. The Main Arsenal, which was built during the superintendency of Col. James W. Ripley, and under his personal supervision, was copied to some considerable extent from the East-India House in London, England. It was begun in 1846, and finished a few years later. The building is 200 feet long by 70 wide, three stories high, with a storage capacity of about 300,000 arms, - 100,000 upon each floor. It is impossible to describe the impression which is made upon one's mind at the first view of the interior, where
'From floor to ceiling,
Like a huge organ rise the burnished arms.'
As you enter the door, and pass down the 'aisle' to the lower or south end of the room, 50,000 stands of arms are brought into view; retrace your steps, and by walking to the upper or north end, another 50,000 are seen; and from their peculiar arrangement in racks, or stanchions, it requires no vivid imagination to see before you one hundred regiments of infantry in brigade or division columns. In 1864 Col. T.T.S. Laidley commandant, an attempt was probably made to destroy the Main Arsenal by means of an infernal machine. Two men, just at night, asked permission to ascent the stairs to the top of the tower. The arsenal-keeper, at that time suspicious of every stranger who entered its doors, endeavored to dissuade them from the undertaking; it would be a long, tedious ascent; it was late, and not much could be seen in the then almost twilight; in fact, it would not pay for the trouble. The strangers had a ready answer tield Arsenal when we are once in the building? Pooh! Of course we take any amount of trouble, so as not to return home and say, 'Yes, in Springfield we visited the Armory, went through its workshops, saw the muskets in the arsenal, but did not think it worth the trouble to climb to the top of the tower.' No, we will go up, then we will be satisfied.' And up went the arsenal-keeper and the two strangers. They stay upon the top was short; and with, 'It is late, gentlemen: it is growing dark,' the keeper hurried his visitors down the stairs to the ground floor. A watchman, whose duty it was to ascent to the top deck every night before closing, found a bundle near the clock, enveloped in a newspaper. The bundle was taken down to the lower floor, and examined enough to know it was something dangerous, and then handed over to the proper authorities. The next day it was found to be made of iron covered with some substance which made the whole appear like a lump of anthracite coal, had the fuse, was hollow, and filled with some substance unknown. With proper caution it was sawn through (this operation was done with the machine immersed in water), and the filling proved to be powder. What is left of this curiosity is now in the museum, which is in a room near the commandant's office. From a pencil memorandum found upon a piece of paper with the bundle, deciphered with the aid of a magnifying-glass, a clue was obtained form which it appeared that the strangers had come from Canada to the States.
Varieties and Qualities of Small-Arms - From 1795, in which the United States Government made their first musket, to the present time, there have been fabricated form twelve to fifteen different kinds, or models, of small-arms at the Springfield Armory: such as, the King's Arms, the Queen's Arm, the French Model, the 1822, 1840, and 1842 models, all of which were 'flint-lock' guns; the 1847; the 1855, or Maynard Primer Model, which was the first rifled gun made by the Government; the 1862 and the 1865, or Springfield Model, these last two being percussion-lock, and all thus far enumerated models being muzzle-loading; the 1873 breech-loading guns, etc., etc. The King's and Queen's Arm each had a large bore or caliber; the barrel was long, and the arm completed was heavy and clumsy. The French Model had a small caliber, short barrel, light stock, and for those days, 1795-1809, was a handsome fire-arm. At the commencement of this century, the United States were at peace with the world in general; and having no particular or immediate use for the arms they were then making, and finding that if not disposed of, - the accumulation in 1809 would have been about 53,000, - they would have to stop the manufacture of them, and not being disposed to do this, used to from their stores; and the Indians were the purchasers in most instances. The first model made was the French: a large number of these were in use; in fact, the French furnished most of the small-arms used by the army through the war with England. The King's and Queen's Arm were much in vogue, had a good reputation, and there were plenty of them scattered through the States, being often sold at auction in large and small quantities. The Indians were first persuaded to trade for the French Model, but soon their demand was 'Small gun no good: big gun, big noise; big bullet; no boy's gun for Indian.' And thereafter they would buy only those of larger caliber; the King's Arm or the Queen's Arm was the gun for them. The 1822 model was the first American gun, and was at the time superior to any foreign arm. The 1840 model was the musket used in the Polk or Mexican war. The 1855, or Maynard Primer Model, was used with good results by the 'regular army' on the western and north-western frontier in engagements with the Indians. Of this model, when the late war began, only about 40,000 had been made; and, as many of these had been distributed to the army, what remained in store were in use early in 1861, so that until the 1862 modrd's machine for turning irregular forms was introduced into the Armory in 1820, during Col. Roswell Lee's administration. An 'old Armorer' distinctly remembers the following circumstance, he being at the time a fellow-boarder remembers the following circumstance, he being at the time a fellow-boarder with Mr. Blanchard: 'One Sunday we particularly noticed Mr. Blanchard for he had in his hands a musket which he seemed to be meditating upon. The meditation was nothing new; for he was a man who said but few words, a man who communed with himself, or, rather, did a great deal of head or brain work in a quiet way. But now he had something in his hands upon which his thoughts seemed to rest, and this was uncommon. The gun was turned over and over; it was looked at from tip to breech; evidently he was thinking hard; after a long time thought became words, 'I believe that I can turn a stock like this,; and eventually he did.' The first machine made to turn irregular forms was constructed and put into operation at the Upper Water-shops; shoe-lasts were the things produced. The next machine was made for the purpose of turning the stock for a musket, and proved to be just what was to be expected from the first experiment, and just what was wanted for that time, and also - which was not then thought of - the forerunner of all machines, models, or forms which are now used to make every component part of a gun 'interchangeable.'
The number of arms made at the close of the year 1854 was 629,660; whole number made at the end of the 1878, 1,751,341. The grand total, including rifles, pistols, musketoons, carbines, cadet arms, etc., is now not far from 2,000,000. In 1795 there were from 40 to 50 men employed; and - what is significant in these days of steam - it was said, 'The water privileges already owned by the United-States Government will warrant the extension to 30,000 stands annually'; the privileges alluded to being what were then, and for almost a half-century after, called, 'the Upper, Middle, and Lower Water-shops.' In 1836 there were 260 men employed, and 13,500 guns made; and at the close of the year there were 170,000 on hand stored in the arsenals. In 1864 there were 3,400 men employed, and 276,200 arms manufactured. It was this year that the production was brought to 1,000 per day, twenty hours of the twenty-four being the hours of labor: day and night the 'works' were running, and some months of this year the pay-roll amounted to the sum of $200,000. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, about 1,000 guns per month was the production; three months after, the number was increased to 3,000 per month; and gradually the number was increased till, as before noticed, in 1864 the product for a day's work was 1,000. and many days the same number were boxed and shipped to the quartermaster of the army in different parts of the country; each box containing 20 muskets complete, that is, with bayonets, ramrods, screw-drivers, tompions, spring vises, etc.
A large amount of money has been expended by the Government, from 1795 til the present time, for land-improvements, buildings, machinery for the manufacturing of machinery, tools, small-arms, and their necessary appendages, accoutrements, repairs, etc. The whole amount will exceed $32,500,000, of which probably $26,225,000 was for manufacturing purposes; the balance, $6,225,000 being expended for land, buildings, improvements, etc.
Superintendents. - David Ames, the first superintendent was a resident but not a native of Springfield; a distinguished man in many respects; a pioneer in paper-manufacturing, and on had fairly commenced his second term of office, when it became necessary to select a suitable successor to Col. Lee. There were many aspirants: politics ruled, favoritism rules, the army ruled, the navy ruled, etc. But Old Hickory was equal to the occasion: 'I will appoint a man to that position whom I know, - a man above reproach; a man of integrity; a man I respect; a man that is capable, and just the one for that situation"; and he appointed John Robb, a Methodist minister, who proved to be all that Gen. Jackson had asserted of him. It is said that he was a chaplain in the army, and was at the battle of New Orleans. Lieut-Col. James W. Ripley was a thorough, practical, energetic officer, under whose administration the Armory, as regards its efficiency, received an impetus so wholesome and judicious, that its results will be perceived as long as fire-arms are manufactured. The Main Arsenal, the superintendent's house, and the long storehouse were erected, the iron fence around the grounds commenced, the grounds beautified and otherwise improved, during his administration. E.S. Allin, acting superintendent, was a native of Springfield, a good citizen, well known in the community, and master armorer for more than a quarter of a century, Gen. James S. Whitney was a genial, social man, who had a pleasant face, and a kind word for every person. Under his administration the imposing iron fence commenced by Col. Ripley was finished, and the Water-shops improved at the expense of many hundreds of thousands of dollars. Capt. George Dwight was a native of Springfield; a man who had a host of friends, and not one enemy; who was directly or indirectly connected with almost every public improvement to the town or city; prominent in local military organizations, and especially in the fire department. As a citizen, as a man who has filled many important offices of honor and trust, his memory will 'always be green' in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Capt. A.B. Dyer was appointed from the Ordnance Department as commandant. Without doubt, no superintendent before or since came so near to the hearts of the employees, especially the subordinate civil officers. With almost unlimited power and means, his whole energy and force were directed to one object, and that was to give promptly to the armies in the field all the fire-arms they needed. He was determined, also, that the arms should be of the best model, best material, and of better workmanship than ever before. Cols. T.S. Laidley and James G. Benton, graduates of West Point of the class of 1842, with Rosecrans, Doubleday of 'Sumter fame,' Pope, Longstreet, and Johnson, were two highly accomplished ordnance officers, whose reputation is not confined to the United States, foreign countries acknowledging their great ability in matters pertaining to small arms and ordnance. Col. Laidley is living, Col. Benton died Aug. 23, 1881; by his death, Springfield lost a beloved citizen, and the Ordnance Corps one of its eminent members. Col. I.H. Wright held office only ten months, and had no opportunity to show the executive or constructive ability which the Government and the public expected from one whose prestige was unexceptional. Capt. C.C. Chaffee was a young gallant ordnancThe Present Officers are: Lieut.-Col. A.R. Buffington, commanding; Capt. Frank Heath, Capt. James C. Ayres, Lieut. W.M. Metcalfe, assistants. Col. Buffington has the reputation of being an efficient officer, a rigid disciplinarian, and of excellent executive ability. He is assisted by three members of the Ordnance-corps.
Reminiscences, Facts and Anecdotes. - After the Armory was established, for a number of years the parts of arms which were to be carried to and from the Water-shops were conveyed in a wheelbarrow. The wheeler, an employee of Government, lived on public grounds, so as to be near at hand when required from service. Walnut Street, now one of the main avenues of the city, was in those days merely a lane. The 'Old Armorers' made for themselves beautiful homes on Walnut, State, Main and other streets in the town; and in the records of the town, of the churches, of benevolent and educational institutions, appear the names of many of them whose memory will be always dear to their descendants, and to the institutions of the city in which they were first in good works, deeds, and counsel. It is not surprising that these men became attached to the town, the Armory, and to the homes they had made for themselves. Many of them commenced working in and about the Armory when only 13 years of age; and they not only made homes in and about Springfield for themselves, but induced others, either relatives or acquaintances, to come here, and take up their residence. Whilst digging for the foundation of the long storehouse which stands upon the terrace overlooking Pearl and Worthington Streets, the remains of 12 or more soldiers dressed in regimentals were uncovered. During the 1812 war, the United States Armory being a Government post, the United-States soldiers were often quartered in the barracks and in the dwelling-houses which were on 'public ground.' The houses were commonly occupied by Armorers; but, at a short notice that soldiers were coming, they moved out, and the soldiers moved in, and they remained in these comfortable quarters a longer or shorter time, 'according to orders.' A portion of the grounds now occupied by the storehouse was then used as a graveyard; and soldiers were often buried there, and buried too, in their uniforms. 'In the last war of 1812, a part of a regiment of infantry which had been quarters in the barracks was ordered away; and they left in the hospital one of their comrades, a drummer, very sick with typhus-fever; the man had a young son who staid with him. The drummer died, and the Armorers left their work to go with his body to the grave; and all wept as they saw the poor drummer covered with earth, and his young son sobbing over his father's grave.' The first quarter of the century witnessed many exciting, curious, and laughable scenes and incidents between the superintendents and the employees, among the workmen themselves, and between the workmen and the townspeople. According to the fashions of those days, there arose many quarrels, for intoxicating drink was used by every one, high and low, rich and poor, - all drank. The workmen were allowed to carry their bottles or jugs of rum into the shops, where, properly labeled, they stood on a ledge or shelf just above the washing place, which was a long sink or trough; and often officials, coming into the workshop upon business, would walk up to the array of jugs, select their favorite 'rum,' take a good respectable drink, deposit a pistareen or a Spanish quarter by the side of the jug, and then go about their business. Benjamin Prescott, third superintendent, was capable of managing any number and all kinds of men; but as he had some 'rough-and-ready' ones to deal with, he drew the reins of discipline very close at times. In 1812-1815; the State militia as well as the regulars wants muskets; the men must be ready ang towards them, one of the elder boys cried out, 'Here comes old Prescott: let's fire at him.' A line was formed on each side of the street, and a half-dozen loaded lead cannon were placed in front of each rank; the cannon were about five inches long, by three-quarters of inch diameter. Mr. Prescott, intent upon his business, gave no heed to the hostile display, and rode through the open ranks, and was saluted from right and left with 'twelve guns'; he turned, feeling obliged to return the compliment, which he did by saying, 'Well done, well done, boys.' It was probably during his administration that the following incident occurred. The United States Congress had made appropriations for erecting a suitable dwelling for the Armory superintendent, who personally saw that the work should be done according to his wishes, and, what was of more consequence to see, that the appropriation should not be exceeded. The sides as well as the top of the house were to be shingled; and when it was near completion, the carpenter notified the superintendent that there were not enough shingles to finish: 'It is all done but part of one side of the house, and that needs about a half of a bundle more of shingles.' Uncles Sam was rather penurious in those days, and no one knew it better than the superintendent. For him there was no more money except by an appropriation, no appropriation until Congress convened. There was a short whispered conference with a carpenter. A few days after, the house was completed: a lumber-dealer in the town was 'out' a bundle of shingles, Uncle Sam 'in' the same, said bundle of shingles disappearing from the lumber-dealer's yard one uncommonly dark night.
Uncle Sam, - U.S., - U.S.A., - how many minds have been mystified by the cabalistic letters U.S.! Many years ago there were two ne'er-do-wells to be seen almost every pleasant day lounging along and about the streets of Springfield. One pleasant day it was noticed that Joe had lost his companion: Jake had disappeared, and Joe was alone. It was not at all Joe's mind to loaf alone, and he tried to find something to do. When it was known that he was willing to earn his daily bread, a place was found for him in the Armory, where soon he was earning $25 a month. Four or five years passed away; and one pleasant summer's evening, as Joe, well dressed, was walking down Main Street, he saw coming towards him his old companion. 'Why Jake, is that you? Where have you been? Where did you come from? What are you?' - 'Hold on, Joe; hold on! don't you dress better than you use to> Where did you get those good clothes?' - 'Why, Jake, don't you know? ain't you heard? I've worked fro Uncle Sam for ever so long; 25 dollars a month, Jake, 25 dollars a month.' - 'Uncle Same! Uncle Sam! I didn't know that you had a Uncle Sam. Joe, Joe, for old acquaintance sake, you just ask your Uncle Sam if he won't hire me.'
Fires have been of frequent occurrence. A coal-house upon the Hill accidentally took fire, and thousands of bushels of charcoal burned for two or three days. Water thrown upon the outside of the coal served only to intensify the heat in the centre of the burning mass, and the coal was all destroyed. Some time afterwards, a coal-house at the Middle Water-shops was burned, but most of the coal was saved. The coal house was situated over the river, or dam. The ignited coal was thrown into the river, where it floated down the stream, and was afterwards drawn ashore; the partially burned coal was raked to some distance from the burning building, spread out upon the ground, water put on it, and most of it saved in fair condition.
'18Henry Lechler, fourth superintendent, was a German, impetuous, irritable, capable in small affairs, in managing a small number of men, but failing in execution when great results were expected from great effort on the part of the chief. 'I have seen him, his coat-tails streaming behind him straight out, riding, like Jehu from the Hill to the Watershops, - he always rode on horseback: he would enter the shop, and go to the forger, or tool-maker, as the case might be, and producing a piece of steel from one of his pockets, say six inches long by three-quarters of an inch square, would give the steel to the workman, saying, 'Cast-steel is scarce: you must be careful how you use it.' On an occasion when there was quite a demand for cast-steel, on account of tools to be made, and the supply had given out, he said, 'No cast-steel?' I will take my horse and cutter, and go to Boston, and I'll bring back cast-steel enough to last one while;' and, sure enough, Superintendent Lechler drove down to Boston and returned with a good supply of the necessary material in his cutter.' It appears that there was quite a scramble for office, even in those early days of the Union; and Benjamin Prescott, after eight years of service, was obliged to give place to Henry Lechler, who remained in office one year and three months, when Prescott received his second commission from Government. He brought the new of his appointment and the requisite paper to Springfield, walked up to the Armory, entered the well-known room, - it was in the month of January, 1815, - took down Superintendent Lechler's greatcoat from its peg, hung his own in its stead, and, having lighted his cigar, drew his old familiar arm-chair to the blazing wood-fire, and waited for his predecessor' appearance. Mr. Lechler soon entered the room; and the new superintendent, without quitting his arm-chair, or even looking away from the fire, handed - over his shoulder - the 'document' to Mr. Lechler, who, after reading it, rushed out of the office into the workshops with the words 'Men, I am no more! Men, I am no more!' However, he peaceably resigned his powers to Mr. Prescott.
At this time the workmen, some of them at least, were rough and lawless: they could not forget their old camp habits, and foraged in all directions. One Sunday quite a number of them, about 20, started upon one of their expeditions, the 'objective point' being a particular watermelon-bed in the vicinity of Longmeadow. The good people of the town were at church; but the news was soon conveyed to the town constable, for watchful eyes had been for many days and nights upon that melon-patch. The constable soon had a posse at his command: the watermelon-bed was surrounded; the depredators were captured, and in a short time safely imprisoned in Colton's tavern. Most, if not all, were barefoot. When the meeting was done, the people by twos and threes went to the tavern 'to have a look at the rascals.; After the people had seen, the boys and girls had seen, probably almost every inhabitant of Longmeadow had seen the robbers, the landlady thought that she would have a peep at them. One of the number had only four toes on one of his feet: the great toe had been lost by some accident or otherwise. The landlady, with spectacles on the end of her nose, after looking over the crowd, happened to eThe Corner Tavern was a famous place for the workmen to frequent, where they would tell stories, drink their toddy, and pass their leisure time. In the war of 1812, a company of infantry was recruited in Boston to serve on the Lakes. Every man was tall, strong, and physically well qualified for the service. Upon arriving at headquarters, by some hocus-pocus they were drafted into the marine corps, and served through the war. When pretty well scarred, - for they had made their marks, and in return were pretty well marked by scars from gun-shot and saber wounds, - they one, by one, what there was left of the company, made their way back to Boston. As most if not all of them walked the whole distance from Buffalo to Boston, they would naturally go through Springfield, as it was the most directly traveled route. One of these naval heroes chanced to enter the bar-room of the Corner Tavern one forenoon at just the time when quite a number of men were taking their toddy. His story was soon told, his scars shown, and then they treated; one treated, another and another and another treat: the veteran drank his rum every time, and was happy. 'How are you going to get to Boston?' asked one. 'Walk.' - 'What! walk all the way? It's a hundred miles, almost.' - 'Well, that makes no difference: folks are very good, just the same as you are; I'll get along.' - 'Come, boys, pass the hat for the old fellow.' The hat was passed; and a little more than $2 in silver was raised, and handed to him. He was overcome. Food, drink, and lodging, had been given him freely; but money, hard cash, - this was something, and demanded gratitude, in words at least. 'My friends, I - I - thank you; and, my friends, I thank God for every thing, for all his mercies; I - I - thank God for every thing, - for every thing, every thing. My friends, for every thing I thank God, - for every thing, my friends, - except bread - I can buy that now of the baker.
Another time, a seedy, impecunious individual walked into the bar-room seated himself in a chair by the fire, and seemed to be occupied solely in resting. The usual time brought the workmen for their forenoon's trip of bitters, toddy, or rum. After a while they noticed the stranger, who, when he saw their curiosity was aroused, took a newspaper from the table, - not many newspapers in those days, - and read in a distinct voice, 'Advertisement. Lost where it was dropped, an empty bag with a cheese in it; never was missed till it was gone. Run away from the subscriber, a little boy about the size of a man; he rode away a two-year-old heifer, natural pacer, easy to trot; had a white streak on her fore-shoulder behind. Whoever will find the same boy, return him where no man will ever find him, shall receive 20 shillings out of his own pocket. Signed, John Knockemdown when I catch 'em. Springfield Hill, 1829.' After reading, he put the paper upon the table, and awaited developments. Soon one man, then another, then another, till a half-dozen or more, took the paper, and looked for the strange advertisement, but it was never found. 'Finally,' says out narrator, 'I took up the newspaper, and looked it all through, and I couldn't find it; so I says to the man, 'You just tell me where that advertisement is, and I'll treat.; The stranger agreed, and took his rum; and he drank a tumbler just about full of grog. 'Now', says I, again taking up the paper, 'where did you find it?' He took off his hat, and just tapped his head, and nodded to me, as much as to say, 'In my own head, there's where I found it.'
In Gen. Jackson's time, politics were red-hot; only two parties, Whigs and Democrats; the Democrats were sometimes, especially if they were Armorers, called 'administration men.' The Fourth of July was the great day of the year. The Whigs oh board fence, the Democrats had their feast with tables set under the cover, but upon the ground, and the tables were but a short distance from the cannon outside the walls; the only signal given was the clapping of hands after the toast was given. One Fourth the rain came down without cessation all through the day; but the dinner, the speeches, all came off regularly notwithstanding. The 'toucher-off' of the cannon, on account of the rain, had an assistant, whose duty was to hold an umbrella over the priming. In the intervals, between the toasts, the gunners had recourse to the punch, which was furnished without stint. From punch to argument, for argument to controversy, was the result; and soon there was a confusion of words, as well as ideas, upon the subject, 'Does the king of England, or the King of France, entertain the kindliest feelings towards the United States?' As the dispute grew quite warm, each advocate had his followers: some were for Louis Philippe, and some for William the Fourth. It was getting to be serious business, when loud shouting and clapping of hands from the dinner-table announced a toast. The powder-man ran, and in his haste deposited a liberal allowance of gun-powder in, on, and about the touch-hole; the toucher-off ran, with his iron red-hot, and his assistant, who just then was having rather the best of the argument; and with his eagerness to cover the priming with the umbrella, and his unwillingness to stop disputing, he did not calculate distances very close, when - pough - fizz - bang! and away went the umbrella, 20 feet into the air, and when it came down, alas!, it was an umbrella no more; only a stick and a few places of rattan.
A pleasant walk of ten minutes, or thereabouts, up State Street, for its junction with Main Street, passing through the gate at the southern corner of 'Public Grounds,' by the uniformed guard at the gate-house, up a short, sharp hill, and you are upon the plateau, upon and around which most of the buildings connected with the United States Armory, such as the arsenals, storehouses, workshops, offices, officers' quarters, etc., are situated. Keeping to the right, you pass the officers' quarters, etc., are situated. Keeping to the right, you pass the officers' quarters, the barracks, the guard-house, the middle arsenal, and the east arsenal, all upon the south-east side of Union Square. Thence due northerly by a long brick building, occupied by the ordnance storekeeper, the general offices, the milling department, etc. Along the north side of the square, and also fronting Federal Street, is a long, irregular brick building, in which are the machine, stocking, filing, polishing, carpenters', and paint 'shops.' Across Federal Street, looking east, outside the iron fence, is the long, low, wood building of the experimental department. There are now about four hundred men employed, making one hundred and twenty 'breech-loaders' each working-day. During working hours, most of these buildings are open to the public. Passes can be obtained by application to the proper authority in the general office. Continuing your walk, now almost due west, you pass the fire-department building; while away to the left is seen the storehouse, - nine hundred feet long, - one end of which contains the government stables. Upon your right is l having almost completed the circuit of Union Square. The arsenal is capable, with its basement , of storing nearly half a million stand of arms. A long, but comparatively easy, ascent of its tower, and you are where Thomson might have written, -
'Meantime you gain the height, from whose fair brow
The bursting prospect spreads immense around;
And snatch o'er hill and dale, and wood and lawn,
And verdant field, and darkening heath between,
And villages embosom'd soft in trees,
And spiry towns ,by surging columns mark'd
Of household smoke, your eye excursive roams.'
It is impossible to estimate what proportion of the growth in population or wealth of Springfield is due to the establishment of the United States Armory within its limits. Indirectly, without doubt, it was the chief cause of its growth and prosperity: other factors have, in later times, played an important part in making Springfield what it is to-day, - an enterprising, thrifty, prosperous inland city. A complete history of Springfield is something yet to be written; and when this is accomplished, com amore, the United-States Armory will occupy the front rank in its chapters relating to religion, politics, mechanics, and many local and physical improvements." - Albert Harleigh Keikham

King's Handbook of Springfield, 1884 - "The United-States Armory Grounds have been acquired by purchase at various times since Congress (in 1794) established the national manufactory in Springfield. The main portion of the grounds on which the Arsenal and various shops and officers' houses stand was bought in 1801, and Federal Square, northward, in 1812, or the town of Springfield; both these tracts being then known as the 'training-fields' of the militia. The slope of the hill south-westward from the rear of the Arsenal to Byers Street, north-westward from behind the long sheds to Pearl Street, was added in Col. Ripley's administration, by separate purchases from various citizens. Union or Armory Square, lying like a court-yard between the shops and quarters, is laid out with walks, and handsomely set with various forest-trees, and the slopes are likewise planted; the western corner, on Pearl and Byers Streets, being the favorite resort of birds all summer. The tasteful landscape gardening and skill in forestry displayed in these plantations are due principally to Major Edward Ingersoll, under direction of the several superintendents and commanding officers who have succeeded each other during his almost 42 years' service as paymaster, from which he was retired in 1882. The square with it various shops, and the Arsenal tower for its rivaled general view of the city and surrounding country, are objects of especial interest to every visitor in the city. The public are permitted to enter, under certain restrictions, tobacco and dogs being altogether forbidden; and an air of military surveillance rather oppresses the common citizen as he walks through. Federal Street, on the north, divides these principle grounds from Federal Square, which is now closed to the public; although it was formerly opened to them, for a variety of purposes, by the late Col. Benton, whose liberal and friendly participation in the life of the city will long be remembered. Base-ball games were played therein, and in the winter skating-ponds were formed for the safe pleasure of the children of the vicinity. The first horse-show ever held in this country - and those who managed it think the best one ever held - took place on Federal Square in 1853. The square formerly contained the storehouses, the block-house and magazine of the Armory, and likewise a schoolhouse where the children of those who dwelt on federal territory were taught. The last o….Benton Park, which borders Federal Square on the south-east, and extends from Oak to Federal Streets, is the fortunate result of joint action by the Federal Government and the city; the co-operation of the government having been obtained by Col. J.G. Benton, commandant of the Armory for 15 years, who died, before the work was completed, in the fall of 1881, and whose memory, the grateful city preserves by attaching his name to this refreshing spot. The fence around Federal Square was set back on all sides, in Federal, Lincoln, Magazine, and State Streets; the city, on its part, discontinued a road on the north side of the fine row of elms which then divided State Street; the whole space was then graded, turfed, and provided with a fountain; and the generosity of a citizen placed seats therein. Benton Park possesses and interesting monument in the 'Boston Stone,' so-called, which stands at the south-west corner, enclosed by a stone curbing. This stone, which is adorned with Masonic emblems, and bears the marks of the bullets of Gen. Lincoln's troops when they dispersed the Shays' rioters in January, 1787, was erected in 1763 by Joseph Wait, a Brookfield merchant, - who had lost his way at this point in a fearful snowstorm, - 'for the benefit of travelers,' as the inscription states. To judge by a motto inscribed above, - 'Virtus est sua merces,' - Mr. Wait was skeptical of human gratitude."

Springfield
During Buffington's tenure, 1881-1892, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1889 - Marines landed in Hawaii after civil unrest.
1890-1891 - Sioux War - The Sioux began to practice a new mystical religion that alarmed U.S. agents from the Department of Interior. The military was called in and on December 29, 1890 the U.S. 7th Cavalry defeated the Sioux at Wounded Knee where over 200 Indian, men, women and children were massacred. Minor skirmishes continued until the Sioux surrendered on January 16, 1891.
1891 - Marines landed at Valparaiso, Chile to protect American lives and property after civil unrest.

Death of Thomas Warner - Letter from Asa Waters to Boston Herald dated 18 February 1885 - "To the Editor of the Herald: High honor and the thanks of the nation are due to the late Thomas Warner for bringing the American interchange system, after long years of struggle, to a triumphant issue in 1842. In doing this he had the aid of many inventors and skilled mechanics, with whom, in all fairness and justice he should share the honor.
A Springfield dispatch says: 'Thomas Warner who has the honor of first putting into practical operation the mechanical idea of interchangeable parts, died today in this city at the 92d year of his age. He was born here and in a long term of years at the National Armory in this city carried out his famous scheme about 1842.'
Beyond question, it had its birth in the United States armories; had a slow growth of about 23 years - from September 6th, 1819, (the date of Blanchard's patent) to its culmination in 1842 in Springfield under the regime of Thomas Warner.
When in 1840, the war department decided to change the National Arms from flint to percussion, orders were given to the Springfield Armory to get out a new model with parts so uniform as to be interchangeable. This was at first pronounced impossible, especially of the lock. But, through the indomitable perseverance, skill and contrivances of Thomas Warner, and others, the feat was finally accomplished in 1842, and glorious triumph it was for American mechanics."

17. Colonel Alfred Mordecai, Ord. Dept., Feb. 2, 1892 - Feb.. 21, 1898.

Springfield Republican 2 February 1892 - "COL MORDECAI ARRIVES IN TOWN. And Will Present His Compliments to Col. Buffington at the ity.
Col. Mordecai arrived on the 1030 train from New York city last evening and quickly retired after a luncheon. He is a slender, short, but compactly built man, erect, but with the artificial stiffness in walk characteristic of some military officers. His face is an attractive one, and his smile particularly sunny. He might readily pass for a doctor or college professor, and the scholarly lines of the thin face are certainly unmistakable. High side whiskers of gray rather closely cut and the hard trimmed beard ending in the French point certainly do not detract from the military appearance of the man. Col. Mordecai belongs to the military family, for his father graduated at the head of his class from West Point in 1823, and resigned from the ordnance service in 1861 after being brevetted major for services in the Mexican war, and became a railway engineer in Mexico. From 1867 until his death in 1887, he was connected with the Pennsylvania canal company. Col Mordecai, the son, who is now to take command at the armory, has been for five years in charge of the arsenal of the fort on Governor's Island."

Springfield Republican, 3 February 1892 - "The armory has its 21st commandant. Col. Buffington formally turned over all the property of the government yesterday afternoon to his successor, Col. Mordecai. In the morning Col. Buffington sent down his carriage to the Massasoit of Col. Mordecai, who was taken around the armory buildings, and in the afternoon the transfer of command was made. Col. Mordecai at once granted himself, as post commander, a week's leave of absence, and left in the evening for a vacation."

Springfield Republican 12 July, 1896 - "COL MORDECAI TO REMAIN HERE. So He Says Himself and so Says Gen Flager - No Significance in Col. Farley's Visit - It has been rumored of late that Col. Mordecai, the commandant at the armory, is to be transferred to some other field of duty, possibly at Watervliet, as the commanding officer at that place is about to retire. The rumor has also named Col. Farley of Frankford arsenal at Philadelphia as Col Mordecai's successor, and, according to the rumor, Col Farley has already been here to look over the ground. How much reliance can be placed in the rumor can be judged form the statement of Col. Mordecai and from a dispatch from The Republican's special correspondent in Washington, which reads: 'Gen Flager assures me that no change has been made in the Springfield armory and that none is in contemplation.' This seems to settle the matter for the present at least.
Col. Mordecai himself says that there is absolutely no truth in the rumor. If he is to be removed from the Springfield Armory, of which as yet he had not received the slightest hint, it would be very unlikely that he would be transferred to Watervliet. So far as Col. Farley is concerned, Col Mordecai recently received a visit from Col. and Mrs. Farley, who were on there way from Philadelphia to Newport, where they are to spend the summer, and took advantage of the opportunity to look over the armory. Col. Mordecai says that the rumor undoubtedly arose from some dissatisfied armorer. If there is any one of sufficient influence working to get him removed fro
Springfield Republican, December 27, 1897 - 'A Citizen,' writes: 'One good thing, at least, Col Mordecai had sense enough to do when first he came to Springfield, and that was to revoke an order of his predecessor that forbade children to ascent the Armory tower, even though accompanied by parents or guardians. Such an order was very humiliating to the intelligent people of this vicinity in case friends, with boys and girls, came to see Springfield and its beauties. The idea of being informed officially that they would be allowed to enjoy the fine view from the tower, but that the children in their company could not! And yet these children would be allowed to visit freely all our public buildings at the national capital. A more nonsensical and dictatorial order than the one referred to given by the predecessor of Col Mordecai could hardly be imagined. If the truth were known, that little boom on his behalf might not prove quite so popular."

Springfield Republican, February 13, 1898 - MORDECAI IS TRANSFERRED. TO COMMAND AT WATERVLIET, N.Y. RELIEVED BY COL. ISAAC ARNOLD. Who Is Now in Command At Watervliet - Order Issued by Secretary Alger Yesterday. From Our Special Correspondent. Washington, D.C., Saturday, February 12. - From Our Special Correspondent. Washington, D.C., Saturday, February 12. Official announcement was made in the army orders to-day of the transfer of Col. Mordecai from Springfield to Watervliet. The order was received just before the close of the department, but was issued by Secretary Alger before departing for Fortress Monroe this morning. The text of the order is as follows: 'By direction of the secretary of war, the following changes in the station of officers of the ordnance department are ordered: - Lieut-Col Isaac Arnold, Jr., is relieved from the command of Watervliet arsenal, West Troy, N.Y., and will proceed to Springfield armory, Springfield, Mass., and relieve Col Alfred Mordecai from the command of that armory.
Col. Mordecai, upon being thus relieved, will proceed to Watervliet arsenal, West Troy, N.Y., and assume command of that arsenal.'
The decision of Secretary Alger to issue the order was reached after consultation with those familiar with the situation at Springfield and was in accordance with the promise made him last spring, that Col Mordecai should be transferred if the facts stated regarding his administration of the arsenal could be sustained. The more recent announcement, that the secretary proposed to visit Springfield before making (illegible)...'Washington Thursday I understood that orders relieving him had been issued, but I did not feel at liberty to speak of it until it was made public officially.' Mr. Gillett further said, on being asked what connection he had with the removal, 'I do not know that there is any impropriety now in my stating that early last summer I urged the secretary of war to transfer Col Mordecai to some other post. I believed then that in so doing I was representing the almost unanimous wish of the people of Springfield and was also acting for the decided advantage of the United States government. I thought then that I satisfied the secretary of war of the justice and propriety of my request and I think he then decided to make the change and that the long delay has arisen from complications in the department and from the secretary's serious illness, and I have never doubted the result. I do not think, as a rule, congressmen ought to try to interfere in military matters or in army appointments, and for this reason I have maintained great reticence about this matter until recently I learned that ordinance officers knew and spoke of my interposition and since then I have not hesitated to avow that I had urged the removal. I feel that the circumstance fully justified my action. An army officer has, of course, no vested right in any particular post; his rank and salary continue wherevCol Mordecai's Career - Col Mordecai had had no notice whatever of the change yesterday, and was inclined in the afternoon to doubt the statement. He held this opinion, he said, because he had been assured personally by Gen Alger, during his visit to Washington in December, that the secretary would himself come to that city and make an investigation of the charges against him. Nothing of the sort had been done and he did not believe that Secretary Alger would go back on his word.
Col Alfred Mordecai was born in Pennsylvania 58 years ago, though his family was southern in origin, his father being a native of North Carolina. Appointed by the president a cadet at the military academy in 1857, he graduated four years later, ninth in a class of 34 members, containing many that have since been distinguished; among them may be mentioned Gen Flagler, the present chief of ordinance, and the noted cavalry leader, Gen. George A. Custer. Immediately on leaving the academy Lieut Mordecai was assigned to the duty that occupied so many young graduates at the breaking out of war that of drilling recruits, but was shortly advanced in rank as acting assistant adjutant-general of a brigade, participated in the first battle of Bull Run. During the next two years he served as an instructor in mathematics at the military academy and as inspector of ordinance at its foundry across the Hudson. He returned to the field in June, 1863, and as chief ordinance officer of the department of the South, participated in the operations against Charlestown, the descent upon Morris Island, the bombardment of Fort Sumter and the siege of Fort Wagner, receiving the brevet of major for his gallant and meritorious services at the latter. Col Mordecai's service in the field during the rest of the war was extensive and of much value, he being successively chief ordinance officer of the army of the Tennessee, of the army of the Ohio, and finally of the army of the Cumberland, where his efforts to prepare Gen. Thomas's command for the campaign around Nashville were crowned with success that the energy and ability he brought to bear warranted. This was recognized by a brevet lieutenant-colonel for 'distinguished services in the...(rest illegible).
Mordecai should be transferred of the facts stated regarding his administration of the arsenal could be sustained. The more recent announcement, that the secretary proposed to visit Springfield before making the change, was not of a definite character, and he never expressed a willingness to Representative Gillett to fix a date when the latter inquired regarding the subject.
Gen. Flager, the chief of ordinance, has not at any time favored the transfer, but when finally forced to the point of accepting it from his official superior, he recommended that Col. Mordecai be transferred to Watervliet, which is one of the most important posts under the war department. The gun foundry at Watervliet is the second largest institution of its kind in the world and the amount expended there in the manufacture of heavy ordnance is much larger than the amount at the disposition of Col Mordecai at Springfield. Gen Flager, in his reports to the secretary of war, has insisted that Col Mordecai had rendered valuable services at Springfield in improving the type of weapon produced, while at the same time reducing the cost of manufacture to 60 per cent of the former cost. Secretary Alger himself appreciates the services of Col Mordecai, as shown by his transfer to such an important post as that of Watervliet, but he finally decided to yield to the wishes of prominent citizens in favor of a change.
Col. Arnold, who goes to Springfield, is considered at the war department the next best qualified to Col Mordecai in point of technical ability, and it is hoped that his relations with the people of Springfield will be more cordial that those of the retiring commandant. TheSecretary Alger left town early this morning for Fortress Monroe before the order for the transfer of Col Mordecai had been promulgated. The secretary had been very ill for several weeks and has been obliged to postpone several proposed interviews with Representative Gillett regarding armory matters. The secretary was in good spirits this morning and expressed the opinion that he would be in good health after a short stay at Fortress Monroe. He walked from his carriage to the train without assistance. The determination to transfer Col Mordecai was reached a day or two ago, and the fact was communicated to Representative Gillett, but the secretary did not issue formal instructions in the matter until this morning. Reports that he contemplated doing so have been afloat from time to time during the winter, based upon his assurances to the Springfield people who were dissatisfied with Col Mordecai last spring.
Congressman Gillett's Position - Congressman Gillett arrived in town yesterday afternoon, having come from Boston, where he addressed the Reform club Friday evening. When asked if the report of Col Mordecai's removal was true, he replied, 'I suppose it is. Before I left (illegible)...
...prepare Gen Thomas's command for the campaign around Nashville were crowned with the success that the energy and ability be brought to bear warranted. This was recognized by a brevet of lieutenant-colonel 'for distinguished services in the field.' Since the war Col Mordecai had been on two occasions head of the department of ordnance at the military academy, has been on various boards, including those for determining a new cavalry equipment and for testing rifle cannon, but more especially on the important board of ordnance and fortification, of which Gen. Schofield is president, and on which Col Mordecai represented the ordnance department. His principal commands have been those of the Fort Leavenworth, Watervliet and New York arsenals. His commission as colonel in the ordnance department dates from January 1891. He has had charge of the Springfield Arsenal for six years."

Springfield Republican, February 13, 1898 - "It is now best for the dead past to bury its dead. Whatever of good Col Mordecai has accomplished here will remain and any mistakes he has made will pass into history. His successor will not turn back the clock of time by returning to outworn methods and patriarchal conditions which the demands of modern business, even in the government employ, no longer countenance. While great bitterness grew out of Col Mordecai's thorough reorganization, it is only fair to him to say, now that this is completed, that little friction has existed of late, the men are earning as good wages as ever, and the whole machine has readjusted itself. The armory well bears comparison with other large manufacturing establishments outside of government ground. 'He is a good man for the government,' say business men of the region most competent to pass judgment. With more robust health, great native diplomacy and mastery of the art of dealing with his fellows, the retiring commandant might have brought about the same radical changes and yet kept in more cordial fellowship with the local environment. The failure to do this must be credited to temperamental shortcomings and not to any lack of purpose to discharge wisely all the duties of the Springfield assignment."

"ALFRED MORDECAI COMMANDANT OF THE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY by Neil B. Yetwin. Although a number of Jews had already settled in Springfield before the Civil War, it waGeneral Mordecai was born June 30, 1840 in Philadelphia. His grandfather, Jacob Mordecai, was an educator and Bible scholar who was once a business partner of Haym Salomon, the well-known patriot financier of the American Revolution. His father, Major Alfred Mordecai (1804-1887) enjoyed a distinguished military career that set the stage for the son. Graduating first in his class at West Point, Alfred Senior commanded arsenals at Pennsylvania, Washington and New York, authored several pioneer works on the use of ordnance and experiments with gunpowder, and was twice sent to Europe by the U.S. Government to study arms systems and production.
Alfred Mordecai Jr. entered the U.S. Military Academy in 1857, graduating just in time to see action during the Civil War. He joined the staff of Col. O.O. Howard, who commanded a brigade at the first Battle of Bull Run. In his written report, Col. Howard lauded 'the ready and fearless manner in which my aides, Lieutenants Buel and Mordecai assisted me.'
From August, 1861 to June, 1862, Mordecai acted as a mathematics instructor at West Point, followed by a stint as Inspector of Ordnance at the academy's foundry. In June, 1863 he became Acting Chief of Ordnance with the Department of the South; laboring day and night under fire, he directed the arming, equipping and manning of the batteries erected on Folly Island of operations against Fort Wagner, Gregg and Sumter. The Chief of Artillery, Brigadier-General J.W. Turner, attributed the speedy completion of the batteries to Mordecai's 'untiring industry, energy and ability....'
A second Brigadier-General, I. Vogdes, added that 'the energy, perseverance and knowledge displayed by this officer are deserving of the highest praise.' Mordecai was promoted to Major on September 7, 1863 for 'gallant and meritorious services.'
Mordecai directed the ordnance operations at Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Memphis over the next two years and was subsequently brevetted Lieutenant Colonel in March 1865 for 'distinguished services in the field and faithful and meritorious services in the Ordnance Department during the rebellion.'
From 1865 to 1892 Mordecai performed a variety of duties, including ordnance instructor and election to West Point's Academic Board, the youngest person ever to sit in that prestigious group. After more commands in Illinois, Kansas and Massachusetts, he finally came to Springfield in February, 1892 to command the Armory. Until the end of his command here in February, 1898 he saw to the improvement of field and siege gun carriages, the construction of magazine rifles and carbines, and applying the latest technical improvements to the Armory's existing production systems, making the arsenal the equal to its counterparts in Europe.
Following more tours of duty at Watervliet (where his father commanded before him) and Benicia, California, Mordecai retired on January 20, 1904 after forty years of service. He continued to volunteer his services, experience and knowledge to the Army until his death in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 1920. He was survived by his second wife (his first died in 1885) and two daughters, both of whom married army officers.
Those who knew and wrote of Brigadier-General Alfred Mordecai inevitably mention his knowledge, strong character, generous nature, and loyalty to his country. But the Jewish community of Springfield might do well to recall with pride that at a time when so much confusion and struggle greeted their uprooted European brethren, a fellow Jew commanded one of America's most important military arsenals." - Jewish Weekly, July 24, 1986

Special Order 35, 1894. June 19, 1894, announces the death of Master Armorer Samuel W. Porter, stating that "he has been Master Armorer since 1879. He died Jun
During Mordecai's tenure, 1892-1898, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1894 - Marines landed at Bluefields, Nicaragua to protect U.S. lives and property during Civil War.

18. LTC Isaac Arnold Jr., Ord. Dept., Feb. 21, 1898 - May 29, 1899. Springfield Republican - February 13, 1898 - The New Commandant's History. Many of the older citizens will remember that the new commandant, Lieut-Col Isaac Arnold, was stationed at the armory for three years in the early 70's. He was a very popular man - somewhat brusque in his manners, and decided, but with a way of making friends. When he left this city the armorers gathered and presented him with a remembrance. Lieut-Col Arnold has had a number of stations since he was here. He has a wife and two daughters and a son, the daughters having visited here at the home of Maj. Rexford. His sister was the wife of John Ingersoll, son of the late Maj John Ingersoll of this city. He has been an efficient and popular commandant and his transfer from Watervliet will be greatly regretted not only by that post, but by the citizens of Watervliet and of Troy, who esteem him highly and recognize his worth as a military commanding officer and a genial gentleman. He has been in command at the arsenal there for five years, and in that time has supervised some of the most important work ever turned out at the government factory. Lieut-Col Arnold has a long and distinguished military career. He was born in Haddam, Ct., about 54 years ago. Graduating from West Point in 1862, he was at once detailed to active service with the army of the Potomac and served from July, 1862, to the latter part of December, 1863, in the 4th United States artillery. He participated in the battles of Chantilly, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was transferred to the ordnance corps, and was stationed at the Washington arsenal, until placed in command at the St. Louis arsenal, whence he was sent to the Springfield (Ill.) arsenal. There he armed 20,000 100-day men and was transferred to Hiltonhead, S.C., being made chief ordnance officer of the department of the North and serving as such to the close of the war. Since then he has been in command of many of the most important military stations in the country - San Antonio (Tex.) arsenal, Benicia (Cal.) arsenal, Indianapolis (Ind.) arsenal, Fortress Monroe, Columbia, Tenn., and Watervliet. At Columbia he built all the present complete and imposing government buildings, and under his administration at Watervliet most extensive and important improvements have been made and some of the heaviest guns ever fashioned have been turned out. Lieut-Col Arnold is a member of Griswold Grand Army post and of the Troy club and he and his wife and daughters are social favorites."

Springfield Republican - February 13, 1898 - "Lieut Col Isaac Arnold, Jr. who is to come from Watervliet arsenal to succeed Col Mordecai in command of the Springfield armory, ought to readily adapt himself to the local conditions. He is of New England birth, the son of Samuel Arnold, a native of Haddam, Ct. who was educated at the old Westfield academy and was a representative from Connecticut in the 35th Congress. The son lived as a boy in Middletown, Ct., and received his appointment to West Point from that state. Early in the war he was 2d lieutenant in the 2d artillery, but was transferred to the ordnance department about a year later, and received the brevet of captain March 13, 1865, 'for faithful and meritorious service during the war.' He became captain in the ordnance service March 7, 1867, major May 29, 1879, and now holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was located at the Springfield armory for three years in the early '70's, and was much liked here. He is an officer of ability and will be expected to quickly master the special technic' of the new arm now being made here. Lieut-Col Arnold is approachable, somewhat rough-and-ready in his manners, and withal a great devotee of the rod and gun. It is no
Springfield Republican - February 18, 1898 - "Lieut-Col. Arnold will in all probability assume command of the armory about March 1. He received official notification of his transfer last Monday. By these orders Col Arnold is relieved from duty at the Watervliet arsenal, and until the arrival of Col Mordecai the post will be in command of Maj John G. Butler. Col Arnold will come to this city with considerable reluctance, not because of his duties at the armory, but because of the many pleasant social ties he must sever at Troy. Under his command the Watervliet arsenal has become of one of the finest posts in the East. It is particularly attractive in summer, and the golf links, lawn tennis court and grounds are extremely beautiful in warm weather.
The flag at the United States arsenal building was placed at half-staff yesterday in honor of the victims of the Maine accident, whose burial services were held in Havana."

Springfield Republican - May 5, 1898 - "SPANISH SPIES SUSPECTED. Guard at Armory and Watershops to Prevent Damage by Suspicious Characters. There have been a large number of reports, more or less serious, of the presence of Spanish spies in the city trying to do harm to the armory. If they were all true the city would be in a state of siege. As it is, it is possible that there may be some one in town, and it may be entirely imagination. The civil authorities have not been notified of anything of the kind, but those at the armory have several times, on the possibility that they may be something in the stories, a watch is being kept, especially at the Watershops. At the armory proper the guards have been doubled, not entirely on account of these rumors, but on general principles, and still further precautions may be taken soon at the Watershops.
According to the stories, four Spaniards got on at Montreal and come down on a Saturday train. They were suspicious looking characters, and the trainmen thought that they would bear watching. Then two nights this week a special officer has seen three men loitering about in the vicinity of the Watershops and has reported it to the armory officials. Another report was brought in yesterday by a man, who was evidently much excited because he had seen a Spaniard, but seem to have no sound reason for his fright. There is not much danger that any harm will be done to the shops. A few machines might possibly be broken, but any one who tries to do any harm will have his work cut out for him. The machine shop at the armory will run 18 hours a day, beginning to-day."

Springfield Republican - May 15, 1898 - "IN AND ABOUT SPRINGFIELD. THE ARMORY AND ITS ENEMIES. FEARS OF SPIES NOW AND IN PAST. The History of the Big Iron Fence About the Grounds. 'Look out for Spanish spies!' This is the admonition that comes to the officers of the armory almost every day, together with the story of some suspicious person or incident in the neighborhood. Somebody saw a man taking notes and making a diagram of the grounds; another saw one who was evidently pacing distances, and making places in the soil, while a third noticed a suspicious group after dark who seemed to be plotting mischief. Things like these, which would pass unnoticed in ordinary times, have put all the sentries and watchmen on the qui vive. The suggestion of a spying Spanish carries with it an idea of villainy and trickery that makes the cold creeps steal up and down a fellow's backbone and stirs his imagination to something of the same activity as that of the pioneer who an Indian in every bush as he picked his way at night through the forest. Certain it is that every guard has a keen eye and ear for all this is going on about him in these troublous times. A detail of soldiers, accompanied by several watchmen, are sent over to the Watershops each night, and the grounds on the Hill are carefully patrolled. So far people have been allowed to pass in and out as they please during the day, provided they can answer The presence of United States soldiers at the armory adds greatly to the impressiveness of that institution. Some of them are detailed each day for sentry duty are dressed up in uniform, while the rest wear old clothes and are assigned to various work about the buildings and grounds. Just now a good many are kept busy moving arms and packing them in boxes ready for shipment. Ten men are now appointed for sentry duty each day. A sentry paces back and forth for two hours and is then relieved and goes off for four hours; he has to go one four times during the day, thus doing duty eight hours out of the 24. In ordinary times a man has acted as sentry only one day in the week, but now he has to go on much more frequently. Soldiers were first brought to the armory in 1877. There was delay in getting the armory appropriation from Congress that year, and the shops had to shut down for some months and all the men were laid off. There had always been opposition to the bringing of soldiers here, but it was thought best to do so then, in order that guard duty might be performed without special expense to the government and the property receive better protection from depredation. Accordingly a detachment of 30 men was ordered on from Rock Island and began duty the 1st of July. They were big lusty fellows, most of them, and some had seen active service in fighting the Indians. Barracks were fitted up for them, and a detachment has been kept here ever since, the number being increased and cut down at different times, according to the needs of the place. The detachment now numbers 35, and is in charge of Capt. C. W. Whipple.
Just before the war broke out in 1861 there was a big scare at the armory, and for a long time the grounds were guarded with the greatest vigilance. The incident which caused this furor was the visit of a spark from an emery-wheel. Later in the year, after Col. Laidley became the commandant, there was some ground for supposing that an enemy did visit the place with destructive purposes. Just at nightfall two strangers asked permission to ascend to the tower of the main arsenal. The keeper felt a little suspicious and tried to dissuade them; he told them that they would be able to see but little in the twilight, and that the ascent was a tiresome one, and on the whole not worth the trouble. They would not listen, however, to such objections as these. 'The idea,' they exclaimed, 'of coming to Springfield and visiting its famous arsenal and then going away without climbing the tower! Of course we want to go up.' So up they went the keeper will them. But he made their stay as short as possible and then hurried them back downstairs. After they left a watchman went up and found a bundle near the clock, wrapped up in a newspaper. This bundle was found to contain a bomb. It was made of iron and was covered with a substance that made it appear like a lump of anthracite coal. It had a fuse attached. It was placed under water and sawed open was found to contain powder. The location of the armory in this city doubtless had a good deal to do with the organization of the company known as the Home guard, which was organized for local protection and included a good many armorers. The company was known later as the Union guard, and went into active service as Co A of the 46th regiment.
The only really attempt that was ever really made to capture the armory was during Shays's rebellion. There were no gun shops on the grounds at that time, but two wooden buildings had been built on the brow of the hill not far from the present arsenal, and a good many military supplies were repaired and kept in store there. Gen William Shepard was stationed there with 1200 men to defend the arsenal. Capt Shays marched in from Wilbraham over Boston road to make the attack. He had a force about equal to that of Gen Shepard. He had written a letter to Luke Day, an insurgent leadracks that night, and the insurgents pressed forward up the hill. Still hoping to avoid bloodshed, Gen Shepard ordered a discharge of cannon over their heads. This had no effect, however, and when they had arrived within 50 rods of his battery he trained his cannon upon the center of their column and fired. One round was sufficient. The men fled in great disorder and did not stop until they reached Ludlow. Three of the insurgents were killed and one wounded and these were carried into a private dwelling-house which stood about opposite the present site of Olivet church. It is related that Capt Shays sent a messenger late at night, under a flag of truce, asking Gen Shepard to give up the bodies of five of his men who had been killed in the engagement, to which request the general answered: 'Present Gen Shepard's compliments to Capt. Shays and inform him with that at this time he cannot furnish him with five deal rebels, he having no more than four, and one of these not quite dead; but if Capt Shays will please to attack him again, Gen Shepard will engage to furnish him as many dead as he shall desire.' A graphic account of this battle is said to have been published in a novel called 'The Insurgents,' which was written in the early part of the century and is not thought to out of print.
The tall iron fence that encloses the armory grounds and shuts out intruders has quite an interesting history. Its construction was due to the efforts of Maj. Ingersoll, who came here with Maj. J. W. Ripley, when the latter took command in 1841. Col Ripley felt sure that the government would not appropriate the money to build such a fence as they desired the reason given for this move, but it was felt that the real object was to punish the workmen for having dared to petition Congress. When the shops started up the following spring, the old workmen as a rule were not taken back, but new ones were hired in their places. Many who applied and were rejected were unable to get any substantial reason for it, and the cry of 'military despotism' arose with renewed intensity. The indignation was great and one morning people arose to find Maj Ripley hanged in effigy from a tree which stood at the corner of State and Federal streets. Another morning a large flag floated from the same place, bearing the inscription 'Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.' Crowds would collect in front of the Hill stores every night, and would express their feelings by discharging rockets and jollying the guards and officers of the armory. Some would amuse themselves by pelting stones at the buildings, and windows were smashed out, sash and all. Two buildings were burned at this time, the one known as the old barracks and a barn near the middle Watershops, and these were supposed to have been set on fire. These fires were the signal for a huge crowd to gather, and altogether the Hill was a very lively place for a long time.
The effect produced by inaugurating military control can be fully understood only by a knowledge of the peculiar conditions. Under the military regime which has since prevailed radical changes have not been without their reactionary effects, but in the old days the workmen were virtually masters of the armory. Most of them served the government for life, accumulated fortunes, and had a great deal of influence. The Hill was an important center of the town, and a prosperous community was built up. Col Roswell Lee, who acted as superintendent for 17 years, beginning in 1815, favored the policy of retaining a workman permanently, and built up thereby a high grade of efficiency. When Col Lee died, President Jackson appointed John Robb tolong as the work was acceptable nothing was said as to the time it should be done. In the summer months the men used to plan to do the work in the morning, and late in the afternoon as much as possible, resting in the hot part of the day. Work was paid for according to a tariff, as now, but the tariff was so high that a man could earn a good day's pay in five hours. Some of the men owned farms outside and would come in early in the morning, do their day's work, and then go back and put in most of the day in the hayfield. A man would sometimes do two months' work in one, go away for a month's vacation, and on his return turn in his work and draw his pay. When one got into the armory it was thought he had sinecure which lasted for life, and a man sometimes sold his place for as high a sum as $300.
The shops were the scene of a good many funny and exciting events in those days. Everybody drank and the men were allowed to carry in liquor. They set their jugs up in a row on a shelf and later would take them and go down 'Toddy road' (now Armory Street), which led to Japhet Chapin's tavern, and reduce the liquor from a spring near the roadside, eating their luncheon under a big tree. Whenever a new man came in he was expected to treat the whole crowd. One fellow refused to do so, whereupon he was court-martialed and fined a gallon of New England rum. He was stubborn, however, and still refused to bring in the liquor, and the men took his vise and tools away from him and would not let him work. When he appealed to the superintendent, the latter told him with the utmost gravity that if he was going to work in the armory he must expect to comply with the regulations that were in force. If one were to write a history of the combats that have taken place at the armory, it would not do to omit mention of the famous wrestling matches that use to take place there. This was a favorite pastime, and whenever a match could be made a ring was formed, and was suspended until the match was over.
....there was a big scare at the armory, and for a long time the grounds were guarded with the greatest vigilance. The incident which caused this furor was the visit of a man named Salmon Adams to the city after an absence in the South. Adams had lived here for many years, was a blacksmith by trade, and had been connected with the armory more or less in Col. Ripley's time. He was a democrat in politics and an intense partisan, and when trouble arose between the North and South became one of the most rampant copperheads. He is spoken of as a man of singular appearance; small in stature and intensely active in body and mind, and with a look about him which gave rise to distrust. Shortly before the breaking out of hostilities Adams, with singular indiscretion, came back to this city, took observations at the armory, and made attempts to purchase machinery at the Ames shops in Chicopee and elsewhere. Word was passed around at once that he was a confederate spy, and a storm of indignation gathered. All night long a mob searched for him, but without success, as he had been warned of this danger, by friends and had made an escape in season to save his neck from the halter. The city was quivering with emotion all night, and the loyalty of more than one prominent citizen was called in question. One man belonged to a southern family, another had married a southern wife, and quite a number were thought to have secession sympathies. Whispers of treachery were borne in on every breeze, and suspicion was silenced only by satisfactory evidence of loyalty. It is not probable that Adams was planning injury to the armory, but there was felt to be no question but that he came here in the interests of the confederates. He went into the Tredegar iron works at Richmond, which served as the confederate armory, and was A good-sized force turned out to guard the armory each night after the incident. There were only two entrances to the grounds then, one on Federal street and the other on State st, now closed. Inside there were the North and South shops with offices between. Around these buildings guards were placed who patrolled back and forth, armed with revolvers, each man keeping within site of his neighbor. Capt. George Dwight was then in charge of the armory, but he was succeeded in a short time by Maj. A.B. Dyer, who remained in command during most of the war. The scare occasioned by the Adams affair passed away after a little and the large force on guard at night was no longer maintained, although the grounds were closed to the public all through the war. At the time of the New York riots another scare arose and a force was put on to guard the grounds night and day. Telegraphic communications was cut off and all sorts of rumors were set flying in regard to threatened attacks by copperheads or confederates. A story was started one night that a body of rebel troops was marching up the valley to capture the armory. Scouts were sent out and cannon were planted to guard every approach. Maj Dyer remained with the guard all night, but no enemy appeared. After this, however, there was a good deal of care taken. When this scare arose workmen volunteered for guard duty at first, but an appropriation was secured after a little, and regular men were employed for the purpose. A supply of arms was placed in each of the officers' houses, and orders were given that the women, in case attack were made, should be placed under protection in Maj Dyer's house. A guard used to pace back and forth regularly in front of Maj Dyer's, and it is related that on one occasion Mrs. Dyer wished him to go to the shops late in the evening to carry a message to her husband. He protested, stating that his orders would not allow him to desert his post, but she persisted, and settled the matter by taking his revolver and standing guard while he went on the errand.
The burning of the polishing shop in July 1864, caused a good deal of excitement, as a report was started and spread all over the country, stating that the fire had been set by an emissary of the confederation. It is pretty certain, however, that it started in some greasy cotton which had collected overhead and was ignited by....
Ingersoll, who came here with Maj J.W. Ripley, when the latter took command in 1841. Col. Ripley felt sure that the government would not appropriate the money to build such a fence as they desired, but Maj. Ingersoll hit upon the plan of collecting material themselves for its manufacture. Accordingly, a lot of condemned cannon and waste iron was contributed by the various arsenals, and operation were begun. Christopher Briggs of this city made the patterns for the fence and the castings were turned out at the Alger foundry in South Boston. The fence was started at the entrance on Federal street, and was run out to State street and down state to the lower corner. When this portion had been built the supply of iron gave out, and nothing further was done until some years later, when an appropriation was obtained from the government to complete it, and the rest of the castings were gotten out by the Ames company of Chicopee. The foundation of the fence is of sandstone, and this came from the East Longmeadow quarry that was hired for three years and worked under the direction of the armory. The foundation extends eight feet below the surface and contains about 100,000 square feet of stone. The fence cost $10 a foot, or about $70,000 for the whole, and this Maj Ingersoll thought was only about one-third what it would have cost under a government contract. Along State street the government owns eight feet outside the fence; it also owns the whole of Pearl Street to the grounds opposite, from Byers to Federal; and the whole of Byers street from Frost to Pearl.
The only attack ever made upon the fence, so far is known, Most of the troubles at the armory have been due to internal dissensions rather that to attacks of foes from without. The most bitter feeling which has even been known in the history of the institution was during the period which followed the establishment of military rule in 1841, under the command of Maj J.W. Ripley. Upon the accession of Gen Harrison to the presidency, the new secretary of war, John Bell, took the responsibility of placing the armories here and at Harper's Ferry under the charge of the ordnance board, although the position of superintendent was one properly in the gift of the president. Maj Ripley at once inaugurated a radical change of system which was very distasteful to those who had worked for so long under the free and easy conditions of a civil regime. Men whom he did not like were discharged and the utmost regularity in time and methods of was enforced. The resistance to this move, both at the armory and in the community generally were very great. The placing of a body of citizen mechanics under military authority was felt to be intolerable, and was regarded with alarm by many people who thought they saw in the results attending the rise of a popular military here a tendency which might work destruction to popular government. No authority had as yet been given by Congress for the change, but as soon as that convened in December a provision was introduced placing the armories under the permanent control of the ordnance board. A citizens' meeting was called in the Springfield town hall, at which resolutions were passed in favor of civil control, and a committee was chosen to go to Washington and have a conference with the president and members of Congress. The House and Senate appointed a conference committee, and the matter was finally settled the following June in favor of the board of ordnance. Shortly after this decision was made men began to be discharged at the armory, and in a few months the entire force of workmen was dismissed, and the shops shut down for the winter. The need for general repairs....(illegible)
...to omit mention of the famous wrestling matches that used to take place there. This was a favorite pastime, and whenever, a match could be made a ring was formed and work was suspended until the question of muscle was decided, when the defeated party was obliged to treat the company. Col. Lee was anxious to put a stop to this practice, and one day discharged a workman for engaging in it. The man then went for some whisky and called his comrades together around the old flag pole for their accustomed treat. While they were enjoying somebody suggested that as they no longer had their liberties, a liberty pole was out of place and a man was sent for an ax with which to cut it down. The master armorer came up and remonstrated, but the man with the ax told him to look out for his legs as he could not tell where he should strike next. Finally Col. Lee appeared on the scene and by making concessions succeeded in saving the liberty pole from destruction. This is only an instance of what used to take place in the old rollicking life on the Hill. The old armorer represented a unique type that is now extinct. He was the center of a distinct class of our population and held many an important office."

Letter from Springfield Armory CO, Isaac Arnold to Mr. J.F. Cranston, 51 Armory St, Springfield: "Dear Sir: - Please call at my office as soon as convenient. Gen. Flage
Letter from Springfield Armory CO, Isaac Arnold to Major General Joseph Wheeler at the Tampa Bay Hotel, Tampa, Fla., dated June 7, 1898 - "My Dear General Wheeler, - I have had no order to make you a sword, but have made three swords for General Officers, and have sent two of them to the Ordnance Office, Washington, D.C. I suppose one of them was made for you, and has been overlooked in that Office. I am sorry you have experienced any trouble in getting the sword.
Your telegram of the 6th inst., was answered by my Ordnance Storekeeper yesterday, so that I think you are now on the right track to secure a speedy solution of the problem. We have no belts. I think you will have to get one from Warnock's, 304th Avenue, New York City, or other dealers.
Please accept my congratulations and best wishes for your future success."

Springfield Republican - September 3, 1898 - "Golf links are being laid out in the United States armory grounds under the direction of Col Arnold. They will be located in the space west of the arsenal, the lower hole being on the bluff just above the lower gate. A force of the armory workmen are spending odd moments on the job."

"Proceedings of a Board of Survey, convened at Springfield Armory, Mass., November 29, 1898, by virtue of the following order:
Springfield Armory, Mass.,
November 28, 1898.
Post Orders/No. 82.
Extract.
1. A Board of Survey to consist of Major D.W. Taylor, Ord. Dept. (he being the only available officer present for such duty) will convene at this Post to-morrow, the 29th inst., at 10 A.M., or as soon thereafter as practicable to investigate and ascertain the cause of the deficiency of the following articles of Quartermaster's property, for which Major W.H. Rexford, A.A.Q.M. is responsible, and to fix the responsibility therefor: -
Articles.
26 Bed Sheets
3 Campaign Hats
1 pair Woolen Mittens
1 Shoe File
By order of Lieut. Col. ISAAC ARNOLD, Jr.:
(signed) T.C. DICKSON/Post Adjutant
Springfield Armory, Mass./November 29th, 1898.
The Board convened in compliance with the above order, - present, Major D.W. Taylor, Ord. Dept. The Quartermaster at the Armory, Lieut. T.O. Dickson, Ord. Dept. appeared and stated that on examining the property for which Major W.H. Rexford, A.A.Q.M. is responsible, he found the following articles missing, viz:
26 Bed Sheets
3 Campaign Hats
1 pair Woolen Mittens
1 Shoe File
and that diligent search failed to discover their whereabouts.
Charles B. Zinck, Quartermaster's Clerk at the Armory, appeared and submitted an affidavit which is hereto appended marked A.
The Board endeavored by conversation and inquiry to gain some further information concerning this property, but failed.
From the evidence adduced, and from the Board's knowledge of the premises where the articles in question were kept, and of the methods adopted in caring for, and issuing property, the Board is of the opinion that the article in question, with the exception of the shoe file, were properly cared for, and that their loss was due to unavoidable pressure imposed upon the Quartermaster's Department at the Armory by reason of the existence of War, and insufficient clerical force, and recommends that Major W.H. Rexford, A.A.Q.M. be authorized to drop from his (illegible), the following articles:
26 Bed Sheets - 8 Campaign Hats - and 1 pair of Woolen Mittens.
Concerning the Shoe File, the Board can find no one connected with the Armory who has any knowledge of it whatsoever, and the Board is forced to the conclusion that said Shoe File has existed for many years only as an entry upon the Quartermaster's return, and is unable to fix any responsibility therefor.
D.W. Taylor/Major Ord. Dept. U.S.A. (Only Member of the Board.)
'A' - Personally appeared before me, Mr. Hiram W. Bell, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hampden and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this twenty-night day of November, Eighteen hundred and niHeretofore, all sheets often being condemned by an Inspector have been used for such purposes, and these missing sheets have been used by mistake, on supposition that they were condemned, as no Inspector has been here since February, 1892.
That during the War with Spain, my duties were so onerous and my time so fully occupied in other work, that it was impossible for me to personally attend to receiving, issuing and caring for the stores and clothing of the Quartermaster's Department, and that enlisted men of the Ordnance Detachment were, on several occasions, detailed to perform those duties. That in December, 1897, I counted the property on hand and found it to be correct, and as the store room is kept locked at all times, the following articles now short, namely, - three campaign hats, one pair of woolen mittens, property of the United States, for which Major W.H. Rexford, is responsible, were, to the best of my knowledge, stolen by the enlisted men detailed to care for said, some of whom has since deserted. - Signed Charles B. Zinck/Quartermaster Clerk. Sworn to and subscribe before me this 29th day of November. Hiram W. Bell.

Springfield Republican, November 6, 1898 - "The antique weather vane on the middle arsenal on the United States armory grounds was taken from its lofty position yesterday to be regilded. The vane is probably the only one of its kind in existence and has been on the arsenal for more than 60 years. It represents a great American eagle in the act of flying off with an army rifle. It is make almost entirely of wood, and from long exposure to the elements has lost most of its original gilt. It will be put back in place in a few days. - Several minor improvements are under way about the armory grounds. Contractor Lane yesterday began work on the drive east of the warehouse. The Lincoln-street improvement is well under way. New sewer manholes are being placed about the grounds and sewer drainage is being arranged for the large bicycle tent on the east side of Federal street."

Springfield Republican - November 17, 1901 - DEATH OF LIEUT-COL ARNOLD. STRICKEN WHILE OUT HUNTING. Was Near Pittsburg Shooting Quail - His Record in the Service - His Command of the Armory Here. Lieut-Col Isaac Arnold, who was in command of the United States armory in this city from February 21, 1898 until May 20, 1899, after which he took command of the Allegheny (Pa.) arsenal, died Tuesday while hunting quail 15 miles from Pittsburg. Col. Arnold had gone into country with his orderly, Frederick Winter, and dropped dead just as he was preparing to go home. Heart disease is believed to have been the cause.
Called to this city, where he had already served as assistant ordnance officer from October, 1869 to May, 1871, shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish war, Lieut-Col Arnold became a well-known figure during the 15 months that he remained. He was a bluff, hearty type of man, good-natured, beloved by his workmen, democratic and easily approachable. He was an ardent fisherman and hunter, and it will be noticed that he died while engaged in one of these two sports, to which he was most devoted. He was independent and had good executive ability, and bore well the great pressure during the rush times during the Spanish war. When he succeeded Col Mordecai in command of the armory only 140 rifles were being turned out daily, but under him a daily output of 400 reached. From here he was transferred to the Allegheny arnd Ruth, the latter having recently married a Mr. Nicholson of Philadelphia.
Lieut-Col Arnold had a creditable career in the service of the government, holding a number of important positions. He was born in Haddam, Ct. in 1840, and was appointed to the military academy from Connecticut, graduating June 17, 1862. The same day he was made a 2d lieutenant, and assigned to battery F. He joined battery K, 4th artillery, at Harrison's Landing in Virginia, and served in the army of the Potomac until after the battle of Chancellorsville, and was wounded at the latter place. He was transferred to the ordnance corps April 27, 1863, but did not receive notice of transfer until after the battle of Chancellorsville. Having been promoted to 1st lieutenant April 27, 1863, he served at Washington arsenal, District of Columbia, until January 1, 1864, when he was transferred to the arsenal at St. Louis, Mo. From that point he was detached in the spring of 1864, and sent to Springfield, Ill., to arm the 100-day men. After three or four months he was relieved of his duty and ordered to Hilton Head, S.C., where he served as a chief ordnance officer of the South until the close of the war. March 13, 1865, he was brevetted captain 'for faithful and meritorious service during the war.'
Following the war, Capt. Arnold served for a short time as assistant at the Allegheny arsenal, and was then assigned to the San Antonio arsenal and made chief ordnance officer of the department of Texas. He was promoted to be captain of ordnance March 7, 1867. From Texas he was ordered to the armory in this city. Some of the old armorers to-day remember Lieut-Col Arnold when he was here as an assistant under Col Benton. He came of a family of Connecticut democrats, and used to go home to vote, in accordance with good nutmeg habits. He was popular with the armorers, and was approachable, rather rough and ready in manner, and was accounted an officer who knew his business. While located here at this time he seriously debated retiring from the army and taking charge of the extensive quarry interests owned by his family in Haddam, Ct.
After serving here for over two years, Capt Arnold was again ordered to Allegheny arsenal. He then took six months' leave of absence, after which he was ordered to the Benicia arsenal in California. He was promoted major of ordnance May 29, 1879, and ordered to the arsenal at Indianapolis, Ind., where he remained about four years. Then again, in 1883, he was ordered to the command of the San Antonio arsenal and became chief ordnance officer of the department of Texas. Four years later he was sent to the Fort Monroe arsenal in Virginia, where he was stationed for two years. December 1, 1889, he assumed command of the arsenal at Columbus, Tenn., and there he built the present fine government buildings. In 1893 he was given command of the arsenal at Watervliet, where had had charge of extensive improvements and the manufacture of heavy guns. In Troy, as afterward here, he identified himself prominently with the local life, and was a member of the Troy club and the Griswold Grand Army post. While at Watervliet he was president of the board for testing rifled cannon. On February 22, 1897, he was promoted lieutenant colonel. In this city he was a member of the Nayasset club. At the time of his death Lieut-Col Arnold was the ranking lieutenant-colonel."

During Arnold's tenure, 1898-1899, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1898 - Spanish-American War
1898-1899 - Samoan Civil War - Anglo-American forces attempted to overthrow a German imposed puppet, Mataafa. Military actions resulted in stalemate and a commission was established on May 13, 1899 to settle the issue.
U.S. was granted the eastern islands (American Samoa).
1899-1902 - Philippine Insurrection

19. LTC Frank Phipps, Ord. Annual Reports: 1901 - 4/16 - purchased 1,000 Borchardt-Luger (American Eagle) pistols and a suitable quantity of ammunition. The price was fixed at $14.75 per pistol with shipping and $14.00 per 1,000 cartridges.

"Men like Roosevelt returned from Cuba not only heros, but angry heros. Roosevelt was angry with the disgracefully inadequate black powder Springfield rifle that the National Guard had carried. He was angry with the underpowered Krag rifle that Flager had put in the hands of the army regulars. He was angry with American artillery that was so inferior to the Spanish. He was angry with the bureaucracy that had created these bad weapons - the insular and arrogant Ordnance Bureau under General Flager....
Together, Root and Roosevelt had cleaned up a mess: no more kings entrenched for a lifetime in an invincible fortress at Springfield, beyond the reach of reason and reform, no more superannuated prehistoric thinking and autocratic ways." - William H. Hallahan

"John Hay, the US Ambassador in London wrote to Roosevelt: 'It has been a splendid little war; begun with the highest motives, carried on with magnificent intelligence and spirit, favoured by that fortune which loves the brave.' As such it survives in American history. For the historian of the art of warfare it has at least this distinction: that it was in almost all respects a classic example of how things should not be done. The senior officers had not even learnt the lessons of their own war." - McElwee

"The Ordnance Department spends too much time splitting hairs and in experiments that lead to no final result. With all of his excellent qualities General Flager was slow to learn, and let us hope his successor will be less disposed to forget that the Ordnance Department exists for the Army, and not the Army for the Ordnance." - The Army & Navy Journal, 1900

Springfield Republican, 2 January 1903 - Concerning the matter of holidays at the armory, Col. Phipps states that the pay allowed for the seven government holidays is already given to all men who at the time are working continuously in the shops, and so are deprived of a day's work by the shutdown, but no extra work is required of the men on either the day before or the day after the holiday. The pay given the men for the day of the shutdown at the time of President McKinley's death was made out to them by Col Phipps, because of a decision of the judge advocate-general, allowing this in the case of another arsenal.
Through the efforts of the armorers association the employees of the armory and the Watershops have been paid for the day the shops were closed out of respect to President McKinley. A petition has been sent to Washington for a ruling to determine what constitutes a holiday. The government recognizes seven holidays, but in order to secure pay for the day the men were obliged to work extra time on the day following or preceding the holiday."

Letter from LTC Frank Phipps to Chief of Ordnance, dated May 14, 1900 - "Sir: I have the honor to request authority to buy another horse. My reason for so requesting is that I may have a horse other than a heavy truck horse to carry firing parties to and from the Granby range. There will probably be considerable firing during the summer, and I have no driving horse for the above purpose. Using a truck horse breaks up a team, and one of those horses is so heavy that a great deal of time is occupied in traversing the distance."

"January 23, 1906
The Honorable Secretary of War
Washington, D.C.
(Thro' Military Channels)
Sir:
1. In the event of the promotion soon of the present Chief of Ordnance of the Army, I have the honor to ask consideration of my claims for appointment to the vacancy which would be created.
2. Realizing that the permanent appointee should have at least four years to serve, and as I retire by operation of law on the 7th of August, 1907, I would, if appointed, expect to retire at once.
3. As a veteran of the Civil War when I retire I can be retired with this advanced rank 3. Trusting that my request will, at the proper time, receiver favorable consideration, I am,
Very Respectfully,
(Signed) FRANK H. PHIPPS
Colonel, Ord. Dept., U.S. Army."

Letter from SPAR Superintendent LTC Blunt to Chief of Ordnance Buffington. "My Dear General: Among the caliber .58 Springfield Rifle Muskets sold by the Department to Mr. Francis Bannerman, there are 1315 of model 1864 in the rack in the main arsenal.
I did not think it worth while to make this matter the subject of an official letter, but as these arms have been immortalized by Longfellow, I write privately to know if it is the intention of the Department to have these sold, or shall they be kept as a matter of sentiment?"

Letter from SPAR Superintendent LTC Blunt to Francis Bannerman dated 11/2/1900. "Sir. Of the Springfield Rifles, caliber .58, model 1864, sold you some time since, there are 1,300 in the racks in the main arsenal, which it was not the intention to put on the inspection report, and certainly not to sell. They are to be retained where they are, as they were immortalized by Longfellow and will be kept, as are the arms in the Museum.
The number sold you will therefore be reduced by that number, viz: 1,300....
#26896 -Enc. 45. Rec'd Nov. 20, 1900. Francis Bannerman, New York City. Nov. 3, 1900. Referring to the enclosed correspondence with the Commanding Officer Springfield Armory showing that of the Springfield rifles, cal..58, Model 1862, sold him some time since there are 1300 in the racks in the main arsenal which it was not the intention to sell, owing to their having been immortalized by Longfellow, states that he has given a receipted bill and accepted payment for the guns and the party refuses to receive back his money, and therefore requests favorable action on the enclosed bid for stores at Benecia Arsenal.
3 Enclosures. Enc. 46 - Correspondence. Enc. 47 - Bid for stores at Benecia Arsenal.
1st Endorsement
O.O. Washington, Nov. 19, 1900.
Respectfully referred to the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, with instructions to deliver to Mr. Bannerman the 1300 Springfield Rifles, Cal..58, Model 1864, referred to within and in the enclosed letter from the Springfield Armory of 2nd instant.
Arms more appropriate to the time when Longfellow's poem was written than are those under discussion will be sent to the Armory to take their place. - A.R. BUFFINGTON, Brig. Gen. Chief of Ordnance."

Springfield Republican, 5 July 1907 - "THE NATIONAL SALUTE - Forty-Five Guns Fired at the Armory at Noon - The Soldier's Fourth.
A regulation part of the day's celebration was the firing of the national salute of 45 guns on the United States armory grounds by a detail of the regulars stationed there. About 1000 people gathered under the trees on the green parade ground and witnessed the firing of the big guns. This ceremony is one of the long standing in the city's annual observance, and Independence day would not be complete without it. Capt. William A. Phillips, a new officer at the armory, was in command of the detail that did the honors and the ceremony went off smoothly. The first 43 guns were fired from a 3.1-inch rapid-fire gun, and the last two were fired from a 12-pounder. Sergeant John W. Francis and cannoneer, Corporal Thomas Fallon was assistant cannoneer, Private J.H. Durning was sponger and Private Paul Siech assistant. The last two guns were fired by Sergeants J.T. Annon and Hale McFarland. Sergeant R. A. Collins was the recorder.
The day was generally a quiet one in the armory grounds, and as many of the men as could do so secured passes and participated in the festivities downtown. One thing that made the soldiers realize that it was a holiday was an unusually good
Springfield Republican, 23 February 1907 - "COL. F.H. PHIPPS TO BE RETIRED - WITH BRIGADIER-GENERAL RANK - President Roosevelt Makes the Nomination - His Successor as Commandant Not Known - Col. Frank Huntington Phipps, who for nearly eight years has been commandant a the United States armory, will be placed on the retired list next summer, with the rank of brigadier-general. The official news of his coming retirement came yesterday, when President Roosevelt sent the nomination, with others, to the Senate. The change will not go into effect until August. Col. Phipps said last evening that he did not know who his successor as commandant here would be.
Col. Phipps was born in Northampton August 9, 1843, the son of George W. and Sophia Anne (Lyman) Phipps. His family was one that had long lived in New England, several generations having lived and died in Northampton. Originally the family came from England, the first representative on the paternal side coming over in 1640. Col. Phipps is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and of the society of foreign wars. He was educated in various public and private schools and matriculated at the university of Pennsylvania in 1859, but on July 1 of the same year he was appointed to the United States military academy. He graduated in 1863 with honors, being the 11th in his class. He entered the army at once as 1st lieutenant of the ordnance corps and served through the war. He was assistant ordnance officer at Fort Monroe from July 11, 1863 to December 26 of the same year when he was transferred to the St. Louis arsenal, remaining there until January 8, 1865. He then was made chief of ordnance of the department of Mississippi, embracing the ordnance depots from Columbus, Ky., to Natchez, Mississippi. On March 13, 1865, he was brevetted captain for faithful and meritorious service of the ordnance department.
He was assigned again to the St. Louis arsenal, July 3, 1865, as assistant ordnance officer, and remained there until August 20, 1867, when he was ordered to Watertown arsenal. He remained there until October 20, 1868, when he was transferred to Washington arsenal. For three years he served at Washington and then he was given temporary command of Kennebec arsenal at Augusta, Me. He then transferred to Frankford, Pa., and remained at the arsenal until December 12, 1875, having meanwhile on June 23, 1874, been promoted to the grade of captain. When relieved at Frankford he was transferred to the department of Texas and became chief ordnance officer and commandant of San Antonio arsenal. He was on duty at Rock Island for nearly a year after June 28, 1882. Service of nearly a year followed, and after that came duty at Kennebec arsenal, where he remained four years. He was promoted to the grade of major on December 4, 1882, while at Kennebec. From Kennebec Col. Phipps was assigned to Dover, N.J., and was made lieutenant-colonel July 7, 1898. His last station previous to coming to Springfield was at Governor's Island, N.Y. For several previous to coming here he was a member of the ordnance board for the testing of rifled cannon to carry and the board of ordnance and fortification.
Col. Phipps came to this city as commandant in June, 1899, succeeding Lieut-Col. Isaac Arnold. On August 16, 1903, he was promoted to be colonel. During Col Phipp's service at the armory important matters in the perfection of modern military weapons and ammunition have been decided."

Springfield Republican - May 1, 1907 - PRIVATE ROBINSON IS MISSING. SO ARE CASH AND BLANK CHECKS. Clerk to the Commissionary Officer at the Armory a Deserter. Private Harold E. Robinson, who for a short time has been clerk to Lieut. W.A. Hawkins, the commissary officer at the United States armory in this city, has disappeared. There are also missing about $37 in cash and some blank cnot known, and while it is not known that any have been forged it is feared that the man may have had some evil intent. Upon searching in his locker in the barracks it was found that all his belongings had been taken, except a bunch of keys. A skeleton key was found on the bunch, with which it would have been possible for him to have gotten at the private papers of the commissary.
Last week Robinson called on W.J. Snyder, the proprietor of the cigar store and pool-room on State street and told him that there was tobacco in the commissary department which was old, and that the department wanted to get rid of it. The tobacco usually would retail for 60 cents a pound but Robinson sold about 80 pounds of it to Mr. Snyder for 35 cents a pound. He sent it over to the store by a new messenger who did not know but he was doing what was right. Yesterday the guards of the armory went to the store and recovered the tobacco.
Robinson has been a trusted soldier ever since he has been in this city. He was made orderly to Col Phipps soon after he came here, something less than a year ago and was promoted to the position of commissary's clerk but a few weeks ago. He is a native of New York and was in the marine corps five years previous to the time he enlisted in the army. He enlisted at Ft. Slocum, N.Y. almost a year ago and was soon afterward assigned to duty with the detachment in this city. He was well educated and at one time studies for the ministry, but later he studied medicine. While about the barracks he spent much time reading and at study and writing. He had complied a small volume of gems of poetry and jokes, which was published over his name, and he also had invented a number of articles which he had patented. He was a clean-appearing lad, apparently about 25 years of age, and made many friends.
He did not intimate to any person about the barracks that he intended to desert, although he had spoken of buying out his enlistment and entering upon civil pursuits. Most of the time he wore his uniform, but a short time ago he bought a dark spring suit and hat, and he probably wore these when he left the barracks. He was inclined to wear black patent leather oxfords and glasses for the purpose, it was said, of appearing 'sporty.' He is about five feet seven inches in height and weighs about 140 pounds. His hair is light brown, slightly inclined to be curly and his completion is fair. He often visited friends in Albany, N.Y., but it is not thought that he has gone there. Some believe that he may be in Canada."

During Phipp's tenure, 1899-1907, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1899-1902 - Philippine Insurrection
1900 - President McKinley sent 5,000 troops to China to protect American interests during Boxer Rebellion.
1901-1913 - Moro Wars
1903 - Marines landed at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to protect U.S. lives and property during civil unrest.
1904 - Marines landed at three cities in Dominican Republic to protect U.S. lives and property during civil unrest.
1904-1909 - Nicaraguan Civil War - U.S. troops called in to end civil unrest in Nicaragua.
1907 - Marines called in to intervene during a war with Honduras and Nicaragua.

20. Colonel Stanhope E. Blunt, Ord. Dept., Aug. 9, 1907 - Sept. 1, 1912. Springfield Republican - May 16, 1907 - "Col. Stanhope E. Blunt of the ordnance department, who, from war department orders just puHis first service was as a 2nd lieutenant and 1st lieutenant in the 13th infantry, at Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah, and at Fort Fred Steele, Wy., and in command of his company and of the post of Medicine Bowl, Wy. As a member of engineering and surveying parties, he spent the summers of 1873 and 1874 in explorations in Wyoming and Idaho, and in Colorado and New Mexico, until he was transferred to the ordnance department, November 1, 1874 and assigned to duty at Frankford Arsenal. For four years, from August, 1876, he was at West Point as acting professor of mathematics, and for the last two years of that period also as instructor in ordnance and the science of gunnery. He was promoted to be captain of ordnance April 24, 1880, and in August of that year was detailed as chief ordnance officer, department of Dakota, and as inspector of rifle practice of that department stationed at St. Paul and Fort Snelling, Minn. During this service he also prepared, by direction of the secretary of war, the text-book of tactics regulations for small arms which continued to be the authorized guide for instruction in the army and in the national guard of the different states for nearly 20 years.
In November, 1884, he was assigned to duty at the headquarters of the army in Washington as inspector of rifle practice and the following year was appointed as lieutenant-colonel, aid-de-camp of the staff of Lieut-Gen. Sheridan, serving in that capacity until Gen. Sheridan's death in 1888. He continued for a year longer as inspector of rifle practice for the army. In July 1889, he was assigned to duty as assistant at the Springfield armory, serving here for over five years, during the administrations of Gen. A.R. Buffington and Gen. Alfred Mordecai, during that time being also inspector of Gatling guns and revolvers manufactured under contract at the Colt's arms factory at Hartford. He was a member, and the recorder of the board of officers, which after more than two years of experiments and tests adopted the Krag-Jorgensen magazine rifle for the army. In September, 1894, he was ordered to the Watervliet arsenal, being at that post in charge, under the commanding officer, of the principal work in the large gun factory, and in March, 1897, was assigned to the command of the Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., which he has continued to exercise until ordered to the command of the Springfield armory.
During the more than 10 years of his service at Rock Island that arsenal has grown from an establishment employing about 400 men and disbursing monthly about $25,000 in wages, to a manufactory employing over 2000 men with monthly wage disbursements of about $120,000. The class of fabrications have also expanded from the limited amount of equipments formerly made to the extensive output of the present day, including all varieties of the soldier's personal equipment, the material used in target practice, field gun carriages, artillery vehicles, artillery harness and, finally, about three years ago, the manufacture of the magazine rifle, similar to those now made at this armory.
Col. Blunt has been several times the recipient of complimentary mention in general orders, Gen. Sheridan, Lieut-Gen Schofield and Brig-Gen. Terry, all mentioning in the highest terms his service in connection with target practice in the army, and the successive chiefs of ordnance sinceIn addition to the rifle and carbine firing, and firing regulations for small arms, previously mentioned, he prepared a paper on the magazine infantry rifle which he read while attending as a delegate the international corps of engineers, during the Chicago exposition. He is also author of an article on small arms in Johnson's encyclopedia, and of an article 'Target practice' in Farrow's military encyclopedia and of numerous other papers on small arms and their use."

"Early in 1907 there were 1700 employees, but when Col. Blunt came to this city in August, 1907, the number had been reduced to 960." - Springfield Republican, 2/10/1910.

"April 29, 1908
Mr. Wm. H. Chaffee
Chaffee, Morehouse & Carmichael
#62 Worth St., New York, N.Y.
Dear Sir:
I have yours of the 28th inst., and note the inquiries made therein, which I will answer to the best of my ability.
The map I sent you is almost an exact copy of another map which bears the notation, evidently put on at the time the map was made, of 1824. On both of these maps the ground now occupied by the building known as the Main Arsenal at the Armory was then occupied by the residence of Colonel Roswell Lee, Superintendent of the Armory. Colonel Lee had been Superintendent since June 1, 1815. The house which he lived in was torn down to make way for the Main Arsenal, but I think before Colonel Lee's time the same building was also occupied by previous Superintendents; and as neither Mr. William Chaffee nor Mr. Elan Chaffee were ever Superintendents of the Armory, I doubt if they occupied either of these houses. As I told you, I think it much more likely that they occupied the house marked John Chaffee, which is near the site of the residence now occupied by one of the assistant officers. The ground on which the Armory is located has frequently been called Armory Hill or Arsenal Hill, no particular portion of the Armory, however, being limited by this designation. I have no way of determining positively whether Mr. Chaffee lived on the site of the building occupied after 1815 by Colonel Lee's residence, but I hardly think such an opinion correct.
Respectfully,
(Signed) S.E. BLUNT
Colonel, Ord. Dept., U.S.A.,
Commanding"

Letter from Col. Blunt, dated 25 April 1912, to Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D.C.
"Sir:
1. I would like to report that the President of the United States visited the City of Springfield this day, arriving at 12:50 P.M. and leaving the City at 2:00 P.M.
2. The arrangements for his visit as published in the daily papers of the City and as communicated to me by the committees in charge did not include a visit to the Armory on account of the time being so short, it being intended, according to the published plans, that his train should stop at the foot of Court Square, that he should be escorted directly to a speaking stand in Court Square, make an address and then go by automobile through Main Street to the Union Station. I made provision to be informed of the moment of his arrival in the City, and upon receipt of that notification the usual salute twenty-one guns was fired from the Armory.
3. At the last moment I received advises that it is barely possible he would drive through the Armory en route to the train, and 12 minutes before his train was due to leave the City, he entered the Armory at the State Street gate and passed through over the main roadway to the Federal Street gate: thence proceeding to the Station. A second salute was fired while he was passing through the Armory and I received him personally. He did not leave the automobile, but expressed to me his desire to and pleasure in being able to have even such a hurried glance at the Post. Respectfully, (Signed) S.E. Blunt, Colonel, Ord. Dept., U.S.A., Commanding."

Letter from Colonel Blunt, Commanding Officer Springfield Armory, to Chief of Ordnance, dated June 2,“Sir:
1. Form 51 of the Medical Department, U.S.A., ‘Report of Sick and Wounded (copy of this form herewith) required that report should be submitted by the Post Surgeon monthly of any births marriages and deaths that may have occurred at the Post during the preceding month.
2. Since I have been in command at this Armory no marriages or deaths have occurred thereat, but the there have been several births, and I have only recently learned that the Post Surgeon, in addition to making the report to the Medical Department required by this blank, has also reported to the civil authorities in the City of Springfield the births as they have occurred at this Armory, and I lean in conversation with him that, following this same custom, he would, if any death had occurred, make similar report to the authorities of the City.
3. As by an act of the General Court of Massachusetts, approved January 28, 1798, the consent of the Commonweatlh was granted to the United States to purchase a tract of land ‘in the Town of Springfield,’ for the purpose of establishing an Arsenal; and as that Act retained only a concurrent jurisdiction with the United States ‘so far as that all civil and criminal processes as may issue under the authority of this Commonwealth against any person or persons charged with crimes committed without the said island and tract of land may be executed therein the same way and manner as though this cession had not been made and granted,’ it seems to me that all other matters not specifically secured to the State by the Act pertain solely to the Government of the Arsenal by the United States, and that the City of Springfield or its civil officers have no jurisdiction whatever in the matter of births, marriages or deaths occurring within the limits of the Springfield Armory, and that the reports in question have been improperly made to the civil authorities, and that hereafter no such report, as occasion might arise, should be made.
4. The Act of the General Court of Massachusetts ceding jurisdiction to the United States over the tract of land occupied by the Springfield Armory is quoted on page 77 or the Revised Edition of 1910 of the work ‘United States Military Reservations, National Cemeteries and Military Parks,’ and on pages 465 to 485, inclusive, are quoted a number of judicial decisions sustaining the contention that the General Government is supreme in its authority within the limits of land thus ceded for the purposes stated, and that the civil authorities are without power or jurisdiction therein. Attention is particularly invited to decisions which appear on pages 475 to 480 of the work referred to.
5. As a birth in the family of the officers stationed at this Armory is anticipated some time next month and as a marriage of the daughter of one of the officers of the Armory is proposed for June 14, the marriage to be held at the quarters of one of the officers, decision is now requested as to whether any report of such birth be made to the authorities of the City of Springfield, or whether any report of such marriage shall be made to them.
6. As far as I can learn, no marriage has occurred – at least not for many years – within the limits of this Armory. There have been instances of marriages in the family of officers, but the ceremonies have generally been performed at some church within the City of Springfield, and all the City and State Laws in connection therewith have been complied with. I also understand that many years ago officers, being of the opinion that a marriage within the limits of the reservation, could not legally be performed, caused his daughter to be married in the residence of a friend in the City of Springfield, immediately outside the main gate of the Armory. It appears to me that such action was entirely unnecessary and that a marriage ceremony performed by a clergyman at the quarters of an officer within the Armory grounds is entirely proper and legal. I would request, however, a decision upon that point; and as a marriage as about mentioned is contemplated for June 14hat early action be taken.
7. At present I can see no probability of the death of any one residing at the Armory being imminent, but as a death might occur at any time, I would request decision as to whether in such an event it would be necessary to submit report to the civil authorities of the City of Springfield, or whether the report on Form 51, Medical Department, is sufficient. (Signee) S.E. Blunt.”

During Blunt's tenure, 1907-1912, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1904-1909 - Nicaraguan Civil War - U.S. troops called in to end civil unrest in Nicaragua.
1910 - U.S. Marines land at Greytown, Nicaragua to protect U.S. lives and property during civil unrest.
1910-1911 - Marines land in Puerto Cortez, Honduras to prevent seizure of an American-owned railway.

21. LTC William S. Peirce, Ord. Dept., Sept. 1, 1912 - Jan. 10, 1918.

"28813/50 Recd. S.A. Jan. 19, 1914
COPY MEMORANDUM ORDERS
1. To familiarize all officers at this Arsenal and the Principal clerks with the General War Plans of the Ordnance Department* as published in General Orders No. 3 Office of the Chief of Ordnance, Washington, August 25th, 1913, a weekly conference will be held in the reception room of the main office at such time as may be designated in advance by the Commanding Officer. This conference will be attended by all the officers present for duty and the following clerks: Chief Clerk, Property and Engineering Clerk, and the Purchasing Clerk.
2. Lt. Col. Jay E. Hoffer, the Ordnance Storekeeper will be in charge of the conference.
3. All officers will, in advance of the weekly conference, look over that portion of the General War Plans designated as the subject for discussion. The procedure will be as follows: The Officer in charge of the conference will read such portions of the General War Plans as are selected for the base of the discussion, illustrating same by maps, papers, or reports from the Ordnance Storekeeper's Division. The discussion will be directed to the examination of the proposed measures prescribed by the Department and to what extent they can be or are being complied with at this Arsenal. An examination of storehouse reports so far as relates to the main elements of supply for the mobile army will be made. A free discussion of the proposed plans of the department will be invited and any criticisms of value will be brought to the attention of the Chief of Ordnance by the Commanding Officer.
4. It is not expected that officers and clerks will necessarily memorize these War Plans but they must have a clear idea of the salient features and know how to go to work in case of emergency without any delay.
5. Proficiency of officers in 'The General War Plans of the Department' will be made special note of by the Commanding Officer in their annual efficiency reports.
6. 6. The officers will be notified several days in advance of the date of the conference.
W.W. GIBSON
Watervliet Arsenal, N.Y. Jan. 14, 1914. Col., Ord. Dept., Comdg.
*This includes pamphlet on duties of Chief Ordnance Officers, etc. referred to on page 21 of the War Plans.
OFFICIAL COPY respectfully furnished the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, for his information. By order of C. of O.
JNO. T. THOMPSON
Col.. Ord. Dept.
O.C.O., Jan. 17, 1914.

"Nov. 19, 1914
From: The Commanding Officer
To: Officer in Charge of Shops
Subject: Re visitors at Amory
1. In accordance with the instructions contained in O.O. 33719/128, you will please instruct the guards at the gates of both the Hill and Water Shops to admit no visitors carrying cameras, and notify also the assistant foremen in all departments to permit no visitors to take any measurements or made sketches of any machines, jigs or fixtures.
2. It is assumed that the present instructions prohibiting conversation with workmen will also be carried out.
3. The assistant foremen should maintain such watch of visitors in their respective departments as will insure compliance with W.S. PEIRCE
Lt.-Col., Ord. Dept."

"V. THE GUARDING OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AT SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.
1. In July, 1914, this Armory was guarded only in so far as gated and patrol of shops was concerned. The guards were more in the nature of watchmen than military guards, although a portion of the guard duty was performed by enlisted men detailed from the Ordnance Detachment, which at that time consisted of sixty men.
2. This method of guarding the Armory continued in force until February 3, 1917 when, by arrangement with the Springfield Police Department, the then Commanding Officer of this Armory, Colonel W.S. Pierce, Ord. Dept., U.S.A., had placed about this Armory a guard of fifty-six policemen of the Springfield Police Force. These men remained on duty for three days.
3. During this period of three days an increase was made in the civilian guards of the Armory to a force of 125 men, and when the Police left, the guarding of this Armory was performed by the sixty enlisted men of the Ordnance Detachment and these guards, working in three eight hour shifts.
4. This arrangement continued until April 13, 1917 when two companies of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Massachusetts, and Companies 'E,' 'M' and battalion headquarters of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry, National Guard arrived. These troops guarded the Armory until August 23, 1917 when they were relieved by the 2nd Battalion, 8th Massachusetts Nat'l Guard. This organization stayed but five days, being relieved on August 28, 1917, by a Provisional Battalion composed of Coast Artillery and National Guard which varied in its composition from time to time. Between that date and April 5, 1918, the following organizations of Coast Artillery, National Guard, were on guard duty at this Armory:
2 Companies - R.I.C.A.C., N.G. (6th and 15th Companies) (Coast Defense of Narragansett Bay.)
2 Companies - Mass. C.A.C., N.G. (10th and 12th Companies) (Coast Defense of Boston).
1 Company - Connecticut Infantry (1st separate company) (Colored troops).
2 Companies - C.A.C., Portsmouth (6th and 9th Companies)
1 Company - R.I.C.A.C., N.G. (14th Company) (Coast Defense of Narragansett Bay)
2 Companies - Mass. C.A.C., N.G. (25th and 27th Companies) (Coast Defenses of Boston).
5. On March 5, 1918, the 2nd Battalion, 17th U.S. Infantry took over the guarding of the Armory and relieved all but one company of the Coast Artillery Corps. This was the 9th Company, New Hampshire C.A.C., N.G., Portsmouth, which remained to take care of the Water Shops for a period of time.
6. Late in June, 1918, the 8th Battalion, U.S. Guards was organized in Springfield, and gradually took over the guarding of this establishment. They assumed full duty at the Hill Shops July 15, 1918, when the 9th Company C.A.C., N.G. left. This organization remained until December 10, 1918 when it was transferred to Camp Devens to be demobilized.
7. All of the above listed troops, which guarded this Armory from April 13, 1917 to December 10, 1918, were under the control of the Commanding General, Hq, Northeastern Department. The greatest strength at any one time was seven companies.
8. During the entire period of time that the general guard of the Armory was being performed by troops of the line, the guard at the gates of the Armory was being performed by detail from the Ordnance Detachment here and buildings were being patrolled by civilian watchmen. In other words, the peace time system of guarding was maintained distinctly from the extra guard required by war conditions.
9. Through the Spring, Summer and Fall of 1917, all troops stationed at this Armory for guard duty exclusively were quartered in tents. As Winter approached it was found necessary to make arrangements for more permanent barracks and accordingly cantonment buildings were constructed at the Hill and Water Shops following the general lines of those at the large divisional camps, and heated by steam. These buildings have been in use from the very early part of 1918 until the present time.
10. The protection of the Springfield Ar
"WILLIAM S. PEIRCE - A general order issued from the War Department stated 'by order of the President, the Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to the following named officers...
'Brig.-Gen. William S. Peirce, U.S. Army, for exceptionally meritorious and conspicuous service. While in charge of the Springfield Arsenal his exceptional ability contributed materially to increasing the output of small arms. As assistant Chief of Ordnance he had rendered conspicuous service.'
General Peirce was born in Burlington, Vt, on May 16, 1864. His father was Albert G. Peirce. He attended the local schools and graduated from the Burlington High School in the spring of 1881. The next fall he entered the University of Vermont and completed three years of the course. In the summer of 1884 he was appointed to the United States Military Academy and left college to enter West Point in the fall. He graduated in 1888 and was appointed to the artillery.
After four years in this branch of service he was transferred to the Ordnance Department and stationed at Watervliet Arsenal. His next post was at the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, and this was followed by tours of duty at two arsenals, namely Rock Island and Springfield. He was for a time Inspector of Ordnance at New Haven, Conn., and later on duty in the office of the Ordnance Department in Washington in May, 1909, and remained there until September, 1912, when he was given command of Springfield Armory. He held this position at the outbreak of hostilities and retained it until January, 1918. Since that time he had been in Washington as chief of the Administration Division, where he did splendid work in directing the handling of personal, construction of new buildings and other administrative details, and later as assistant Chief of Ordnance, a position he still holds." - American Machinist, Feb. 27, 1919

"During World War I the Armory was guarded by an Army military contingent, a civilian guard force, and by local police. A plant for the Parker rustproof processes was installed. This was an important development which replaced the old sandblast method, revision of heat treating apparatus, including furnaces, oil circulating system and power-handling of supplies. Advantage was taken of the development of the electric power system to install this type of drive, replacing the steam engine by turbo generators. The group method of machine drives was also adopted.
The small arms proving ground, a ballistic station of long-range work with machine guns, was set up at Borden Brook - 26 miles from Springfield. Many very valuable discoveries and developments were made there. It was at Borden Brook that the important machine gun tests of May, 1917, were made. In these tests the Browning machine gun proved in superiority over anything yet seen in that time.
When the United States entered the war in April, 1917, the Armory was employing 1377 persons. The largest number of employees on the rolls in World War I was in November, 1918, when 5381 workers were employed here. At the time of the Armistice there were 5328 civilians - 650 of these being women. There were more than 100 officers on duty here (prior to the transfer of the machine gun school in 1918) and nearly 100 enlisted men.
Camped At Armory. A body of 1000 troops (2d, 6th and 8th Infantry, MCommanding officers during these war years were Lt. Col. William Peirce, 1912-1918; Col. Jay Hoffer, 1918; (Lt. Col. George Stewart served as acting commander in 1918 and later served as commanding officer here during part of World War II; and Lt. Col. Lindley Hubbell, 1918-1920.
World War I peak production starting in June, 1917, with an average daily production of 175 rifles, was gradually increased until November 1918, when the average daily production hit a total of 1500 guns. In the 19 war months, the Armory work force turned out 266,638 completed rifles - enough to equip 15 front-line divisions at the that time. In addition they turned out thousands of sabers, pistols, bayonets, machine gun parts, bolos, plus weapon parts and repairs.
With the advent of the machine gun as an important weapon of modern warfare, it became necessary to train soldiers in its care, operations, repair, and handling. On the Mexican border in 1916, the distressing fact that American machine guns had apparently fallen down on the job was believed to be due to the design or poor quality of the gun than to ignorance in its use on the part of operators who had no experience with this type of weapon. To rectify this situation. a machine gun school was set up at Harlingen, Texas in the summer of 1916. A direct outgrowth of this school was a similar school established at the Armory shortly after.
Need for Machine Guns. The requirements of our Army bought about the need for 200,000 machine guns and operating crews. From the recently established officers' training schools throughout the country came the vanguard of Instructors to Springfield to form the nucleus of the machine gun army. At one time 250 men and 60 officers were in training here. The course covered all types of machine guns then in action and proved of paramount importance to the Army. In April, 1918, this school was transferred in the Ordnance School at Camp Hancock, Georgia, along with its military and civilian personnel. Prior to its transfer the school had trained 353 men who had gone on to camps and cantonments as instructors, some as expert armorers, and others overseas to combat zones.
There was only one instance during the entire war period when anything approaching a disaster was experienced at the Armory. This occurred when a hearing on one of the main driving shafts went out of commission during the height of production in September, 1918. It was reported that emery dust had been placed in the shaft bearings by German sympathizers. Investigation failed to show any basis for such a report. The overworked bearing simply wore out.
The break occurred before the Hill Shops was completely electrified. The broken shaft supplied power for the machine and milling shops and transmitted it through the old tunnel under Federal St. to the shops. When it went out of commission it slowed up the entire plant. To repair it without loss of production seemed impossible. Unless some means of solving the emergency could be found, it would have been necessary to close the shops temporarily.
However, among the old relics at the Armory which had never been dismantled was an old Civil War walking boam compound engine. It had been condemned for years, but had never been dismantled. It offered a slight ray of hope. Engineers went to work and after six hours of labor it was set in motion, hooked to other power units, and production was resumed with only a slight delay.
With the signing of the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, a heavy demobilization of the work force began. Night shifts were eliminated; women factory worked released; and the heavy guard discharged in December. The gradual reduction in force was slowed somewhat by the cleaning and repairing of small arms and machine guns coming back from camps and fighting zones in 1919. The conversion from feverish wartime production to peacetime missions was accomplished without incident.
An interesting sidelight of t
During Peirce's tenure, 1912-1918, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1912-1925 - U.S. troops called into Nicaragua to protect U.S. lives and property during a civil war.
1914 - Vera Cruz Incident - Marines land at Vera Cruz, Mexico on April 21, 1914, all armed with M1903 Springfield rifles.
1914-1934 - Haitian Revolt - U.S. troops called in to end civil unrest in Haiti placed under U.S. military and administrative control until 1934.
1916 - Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico on March 9th, 1916. American troops and civilians were killed. Americans chased Villa into Mexico but were soon ordered out by the Mexican government. Several clashes did take place.
1916-1924 - President Woodrow Wilson ordered U.S. troops into Santo Domingo.
1917-1918 - World War I - U.S. declares war.

22. LTC G.H. Stewart, Ord. Dept., Acting to March 15, 1918.
"Colonel Stewart was born in Kansas, November 12, 1878, and was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy from New York State June 20, 1898, graduating near the head of his class on June 12, 1902. He was then assigned to the 10th Infantry, joining that regiment in the Philippines and returning with it to station at the Presidio of San Francisco in September, 1903. In July, 1904, he was detailed as First Lieutenant in the Ordnance Department with station at Sandy Hook Proving Grounds, where he remained until July, 1905, where he was transferred to the Rock Island Arsenal. In June, 1906, he was ordered to the Frankford Arsenal for duty. In January, 1908, he was sent to Sharon, Pa., for duty as Inspector of artillery material, remaining until the expiration of his first 4-year detail in the Ordnance Department, upon which he was promoted first Lieutenant, 21st Infantry, and served with his regiment at Fort Logan, Col.
On July 1, 1909, he was re-detailed to the Ordnance Department as Captain and stationed in Washington in the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, where he remained until June, 1912. He was then sent to the Watertown Arsenal and remained there until March, 1913, where he was appointed Chief Ordnance Officer of the Base and Port of Embarkation, a very important and responsible position, his station being at Galveston, Tex. In July, 1913, his second tour of duty in the Ordnance Department having expired, he was assigned to the 10th Infantry, then stationed at E.S. Otis, Panama Canal Zone. In June, 1914, he was again re-detailed in the Ordnance Department and sent as a duty officer to the Springfield Armory where he has remained ever since. He was promoted Major, Ordnance Department, in July, 1916, and Lieut. Colonel, Ordnance Department, National Army, in January, 1918, assuming command of the Springfield Armory upon the departure of Col. W.S. Peirce.
In addition to his wide shop experience, Colonel Stewart is recognized as a machine gun expert, having for a number of years been the Ordnance member of the various boards of officers convened from time to time to test and report on the merits and proceedings of the numerous machine guns which have been presented to the Army for test.
Colonel Stewart is an exponent of out-door athletics, being an enthusiastic tennis expert and golfer. For several years he has been rated among the first then, both in singles and doubles, in the championship tennis tournaments of the vicinity." - The Armorer, February, 1918

23. Col. Jay E. Hoffer, Ord. Dept., Mar. 15, 1918 - Sept. 16, 1918.
"Colonel Jay E. Hoffer, Ordnance Department, was born at Columbia, Penn., Nov. 12, 1869, and entered the U.S. Military Academy Sept. 1, 1888, graduating fifth in his class in 1892. He was assigned as Second Lieutenant to the Artillery Branch of the service and graduated from the Coast Artillery School in 1896. He was then ordered to duty at West Point, N.Y., where for fourCommissioned Captain in November, 1901,
Major in 1906
Lieut. Col., in 1913
Colonel in 1917
His service since 1900 have been as follows:
1900-1903 on duty at the Frankford Arsenal in charge of Small Arms Ammunition Proof work, and of the manufacture of Artillery Ammunition.
1903-1906 on duty at the Springfield Armory in charge of Experimental work and of the Hill Shops.
1906 after seven months inspection duty in the Pittsburgh District he was ordered to the office of the Chief of Ordnance, Washington and until 1910 was the head of the Gun Division of that office charged with the designing and procurement of all cannon, cannon ammunition, powder and explosives.
1910-1913 he was on duty at the Sandy Hook Proving Grounds in charge of the Ordnance School of application and of the testing of Ordnance Material. During that time he was appointed Professor of the Science of Ordnance and Gunnery in the U.S. Military Academy, but at his request was retained on duty in connection with the more active work of the Ordnance Department. This organization which at the beginning of the war numbered only three officers and ten employees, consisted when that Division was recently absorbed in the reorganization of the Ord. Dept., of approximately 750 officers and 4,000 civilians and enlisted men." - Armorer, April, 1918

1918 - 05/08 - "MEMORANDUM TO ALL OFFICERS:
The Post Tennis Court is now in condition. A net has been bought for it and tennis balls are on sale at the Post Exchange in the Regular Army Barracks on the south side of the Armory grounds. The court itself in on the west side of the Main Arsenal.
It is hoped that a large number of officers here will avail themselves of the use of the court and share in the expenses of its up-keep and of the net. Request is made that officers who wish to use this court will signify by writing 'yes' after their names on the attached list." s/M.M. Osborne, 1st Lieut., Ordnance R.C., Adjutant.

1918 - 06/01 - "MEMORANDUM FOR ALL OFFICERS (Except Colonel Hoffer). It has been suggested that a reception for Colonel Hoffer and his family, followed by a dance, be given by the Officers of the Armory and other Army Officers stationed in Springfield, at the Women's Club on Frost Street at 8 o'clock on the evening of Wednesday, June fifth.
Colonel Hoffer has signified his willingness to attend with his family, and will that evening open.
It is hoped that in spite of the short notice that you are given, that you will be able to attend, with your families. The expense will probably be about two dollars apiece if everyone attends.
Please signify on the attached list whether you can attend or not and pass the list along to the next officer as rapidly as possible, as it is very necessary that the number of officers to be expected be known by Tuesday noon at the latest." s/M.M. Osborne, 1st Lieut., O.R.C., Adjutant.

1918 - 06/13 - Memo from Colonel Hoffer to SPAR date 13 June 1918.
"MEMORADUM ORDER, NO. 10.
1. It is hereby directed that enlisted of detachments at this Armory, take all new shaving brushes that they may buy, to the Post Hospital for sterilization before using."

1918 - 06/13 - Memo from Colonel Hoffer to SPAR, dated 13 June 1918. "CONFIDENTIAL. MEMORADUM ORDER/NO. 11.
1. Several cases of infection have lately been discovered at the different camps, which have been traced to shaving brushes.
2. Officers buying new shaving brushes will bring them to the Post Hospital for sterilization before using."

1918 - 6/27 - Memo from Colonel Hoffer to SPAR -
"MEMORADUM ORDERS/No. 21.
1. The attention of all officers is invited to Office Order #239 (Military Courtesy), War Department, Office of the Chief of 'OFFICE ORDER # 239 (Military Courtesy)
1. The deficiency in the matter of military courtesy among some of our officers has caused unfavorable comment.
2. The salute which corresponds to the hand shake or friendly 'Good Morning' of civil life, and is the recognition of official authority, must at all times be scrupulously given to superiors in Army, Navy, and Marine Corps of our own and foreign forces, and the salute of subordinates be invariably returned. The salute should be given in the following manner: 'Look the officer you are to salute straight in the eye; then when the proper distance separates you, raise the right hand smartly until the top of the forefinger touches the lower part of the head-dress or forehead above the right eye, thumb and finger extended, and joined, palm to the left, forearm inclined at about 45 degrees, hand and wrist straight. Continue to look the officer straight in the eye and keep your hand in position of salute until the officer acknowledges the salute or until he has passed; then drop the hand smartly to the side. The salute is to be given with the right hand only.'
3. A careless or indifferent salute is a mark of discourtesy which reflects directly upon the breeding of the officer and upon the discipline of his Corps."

1918 - 07/31 - "MEMORANDUM ORDERS
NO. 43
1. For the purpose of conserving the pencil supply at this Armory it is desired that all pencils be used to the shortest length possible. In order that this may be accomplished extension pencil holders will be purchased and distributed to all departments whose employees are called upon to use pencils in the regular course of their work. This holder or extension is to be attached to the pencil stub when it has become so short that it is no longer possible to hold it in the fingers. With the use of this holder all pencils can be completely used up.
2. These holders are not to be taken from this Armory and upon leaving the employ of the Armory they must be turned in to the head of the section, but the person to whom issued. An extra supply of erasers for the holders will be maintained and can be drawn on requisition.
3. It is requested that the heads of the various sections notify the Planning Section as to their requirements for the pencil holders so that they may be issued without delay when they are recovered.
Jay Hoffer
Colonel, Ordnance, U.S.A.
Commanding"
During Hoffer's tenure the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1918 - WW I.
1918-1919 - Troops pursued bandits into Mexico and fought Mexicans at Nogales.
1918-1920 - Wilson orders U.S. troops into Russia to aid the anti-Bolsheviks.

24. LTC Lindley D. Hubbell, Ord. Dept., Sept. 16, 1918 - April 14, 1920.
"Colonel Hubbell comes from good old New England Stock whose ancestry dates back to 1650. He was born in the little town of Bethel, Conn., Jan. 9, 1866.
In 1885, at the age of 17, he began his life's work as a Machinist's apprentice. After mastering this trade he put his efforts into the more difficult task of toolmaking and die sinking. In turn he engaged in Machine Drafting, Designing and Factory Engineering. The city of Hartford claimed him for a long time. For ten years he was Chief Engineer for the Pope Manufacturing Co., of Hartford. Later, when the New England Westinghouse Co., of Springfield was awarded huge Russian contracts for rifles, they secured his services as Ass't Chief Engineer. On May 18, 1917, he was ordered to report for duty at the Springfield Armory, being assigned to the position of officer in charge of Hill Shops. On Jan. 20, 1918, he was promoted to the rank of Lieut. Col. About six months later, on July 13, 1918, he was designated to serve in the capacity of Works Manager with supervision over both plants. On Sept. 16, 1918, when Col. Hoffer was suddenly called for Overseas duty, he took the helm as Commanding Officer. A permanent appointment followed on Oct. 24, 1918"
"October 7, 1918. MEMORANDUM ORDERS NO. 74
1. All detachments stationed at this Armory, will be quarantined until further notice. Members of the detachments will leave and enter the Post on matters of duty only.
2. Such enlisted men as may be living at home may continue to do so, but to retain this privilege, during this quarantine, will not mess with their detachments.
3. All are instructed to keep out of doors as much as possible. The collection in groups of men within the barracks will not be permitted. Windows in barracks will be kept open as far as possible, preferably by letting down the top sash.
- LINDLEY D. HUBBELL/Lieut. Colonel, Ord. Dept., U.S.A., Commanding"

"MEMORANDUM FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES: There will be a band concert at 12:30 P.M., Saturday, November 23rd, 1918, at the Hill Shops for both day and night shifts. Last Saturday, a similar concert was held at the Water Shops which was largely attended by both day and night shifts. An excellent program is planned. It is hoped that as many as possible on both shifts will attend. - LINDLEY D. HUBBELL/Lieut. Colonel, Ord. Dept., U.S.A./Commanding/SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, MASS., NOVEMBER 22, 1918."

"December 31, 1918. MEMORANDUM TO ALL OFFICERS. The Commanding Officer will be at his office in the Administrative Building from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. tomorrow morning. New Years Day, where he will look forward to meeting all the officers of this Armory at an informal New Years reception. He has asked me to notify you all of this, and hopes that everyone will be able to be here. - M.M. OSBORNE/Capt., Ord. Dept., U.S.A./Adjutant"

"Sept. 10th. 1919
To The Commanding Officer
Springfield Armory
Sir: -
We have given careful consideration to the overhead charge of 125% at this Arsenal, which is added to the cost of labor on all bids submitted to the Arsenal Orders Branch, and this it advisable to offer the following suggestions.
The number of non-producers in proportion to the number of producers employed in the Armory seems to be so great as to make it almost impossible to successfully compete with outside concerns.
We would most respectfully request that all unnecessary non-producers be converted into actual producers so that all can assist in reducing the high overhead charge of 125%, and at the same time maintain the efficient operation of the plant.
These suggestions are not offered in any spirit of criticism, but we are actuated only by a sincere desire to co-operate with the Commanding Officer in taking full advantage of the opportunities offered us to secure work for the Armory through the Arsenal Orders Branch.
We most respectfully request that we be given a written reply to this communication.
Signed: Employees Representatives Springfield Armory."

"Sept. 22nd, 1919
Employee Representative
Springfield Armory
Springfield, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Replying to your letter of the 10th inst., regarding the matter of overhead charge at this Arsenal, as it is evident that the Armory has all the producers it can use for the work at hand and as it is the earnest desire of the Commanding Officer that all unnecessary non-producers be removed, there is no better field for the development of the co-operation between your committee and the Commanding Officer that for you to prevent particular cases where, from your point of view, unnecessary non-producers can be eliminated from the workers of the Armory.
Any suggestions that you may have will be greatly appreciated and will receive prompt attention from the Commanding Officer.
Respectfully,
LINDLEY D. HUBBELL
Lt. Col. Ord. Dept., U.S.A.
Commanding"

"SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
Nov. 25th, 1919
NOTICE TO SPRINGFIELD ARMORY EMPLOYEES
By Federal Law, all Government Reservations are subject to the laws and regulations of the State and City in which located, the punishment for violation of these rules and regulations to be the same as that prescribed by the State but to be administered by the Federal Court.
It has come to the attention of the management that crap gameFrom this date on, any employee of the Armory who is found gambling on this reservation, will be summarily discharged and prosecuted by the Federal Court under the laws of the State of Massachusetts.
It is hoped and believed that the employees of Springfield Armory in general, the Shop Welfare Committee and the Vigilance Committee, will assist the management in enforcing these rules.
(Signed)
LINDLEY D. HUBBELL
Lt. Col., Ord. Dept., U.S.A.
Commanding"

1920 - 04/07 - MEMORANDUM TO MILITARY AND CIVILIAN GUARDS: Children are hereby prohibited from playing around the stables and portion of the grounds and buildings allotted to manufacturing purposes. Guards shall enforce this order.
On the first offense the child shall be warned.
On the second offense the child will be taken by the Sergeant of the Guard to its home and the parent informed that the child is not complying with orders.
By order of Lieut.-Col. Hubbell: - s/R.H. Bradshaw, Captain, Q.M.C., U.S.A., Adjutant.

During Hubbell's tenure, 1918-1920, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1918 - WWI
1918-1919 - Troops pursued bandits into Mexico and fought Mexicans at Nogales.
1918-1920 - Wilson orders U.S. troops into Russia to aid the anti-Bolsheviks.

25. Colonel Thales L. Ames, Ord. Dept., April 15, 1920 - Aug. 7, 1923 -
Springfield Republican, 30 April 1921 - WITH GUNS FOR REDS - Machine Guns Planted at Vantage Points at the Armory In Readiness for Attack By Reds. Col. Ames and His Officers Are Taking No Chances That Anarchists Will Not Execute Their Threat to Overthrow the Government; Red Flood of Literature Continues to Rise in This City. The United States armory has things in readiness to give a red-hot reception to any fanatics who may endeavor to start any sort of trouble there today or on ensuing days around May 1. The armory's preparations to forestall any radicalism directed against the arsenal are taken partly in accordance with the recent distribution of radical May-Day riot propaganda leaflets which have been distributed about the city and partly in accordance with the government's usual precaution to prevent the destruction of government property on the communist or anarchist Labor Day.
The machine guns with numerous belts of ammunition beside them have been placed at strategic points about the armory grounds and others have been placed at the Watershops. These guns are being manned day and night for soldiers stationed at the armory, tow men being assigned to the guns at night. Two guns have been placed at the Pearl Street side of the Hill shops' grounds and one in front of the buildings on the headquarters side of Federal street. A gun has been placed near the commanding officer's house so that it commands a sweep of the grounds on that side of the building.
The other guns are in places where they could mow down hundreds of radicals who attempted entrance of the grounds in any great demonstration.
The officers at the armory do not anticipate any riotous demonstrations by large numbers of radicals, but are taking precautions which will insure against such demonstrations and against any one or two fanatics who might try to blow up or destroy in other ways the government property.
Col. Thale L. Ames, commanding officer at the armory, would make no statement this morning of just what preparations have been made. He said, 'The war department does not, naturally, allow me to divulge information of that sort, but you can say that the United States armory is taking all wise precautions to prevent any individual or body of persons from damaging government property.'
While Col. Ames and other officers at the arsenal will not explain the nature of the precautionsFlow of Red Literature Continues - More radical literature signed by the United Communist party and urging a May-day uprising to overthrow the government of the United States was found today in Springfield and vicinity. One of the places where considerable Red Literature was found today was Indian Orchard.
The police and federal authorities were keeping close watch over the situation today, not so much because they fear a real outbreak as to be able to arrest some of the ringleaders if they show their head. Meetings scheduled for tomorrow will be watched.
Officers of reputable labor organizations express doubt if the radical literature will have any influence on their members. They said that, while many men are idle and discouraged, the radical element is composed almost wholly of unorganized foreigners.
Volunteers are ready to take their place to assist the authorities if any disorder occurs in Springfield in connection with the scheduled demonstration. Men and women with records or radicals are even now under surveillance and their movements are being watched."

Springfield Republican, 20 October 1922 - "Men May Have Military Trial. Two Soldiers from Armory Held for Theft of Autos. If Carlton Perrin and Frank Barrucer of the detachment of soldiers at Springfield Armory, who disappeared Oct. 5 with two automobiles stored at the Armory by prohibitions agents and were arrested in Meriden (Ct.) Wednesday and bound over to the Grand Jury on larceny charges in District Court there yesterday, and released, a military trial will be asked by local Armory officials, Col. Thale L. Ames, commandant, said last night.
Capt. Erwin F. Barry of the 14th Ordnance Company, of which the two men were members, has been investigating the case.
A coupe and a touring car, seized by Federal officers in prosecution of liquor violations which were stolen from the Armory, were recovered with the arrest of the two men, who admitted the theft, it is alleged.
Barrucer is also wanted in Meriden and Hartford for alleged larceny of automobiles."
During Ames' tenure, 1920-1923, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1920-1922 - Troops sent to Vladivostok to protect U.S. radio facility.

26. Major Earl McFarland, Ord. Dept., August 8, 1923 - June 17, 1924
During McFarland's tenure, 1923-1924, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1924-1925 - Marines landed at several points in Honduras to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.

27. Colonel H.W. Schull, Ord. Dept., June 18, 1924 - June 9, 1929
During Schull's tenure, 1924-1929, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1925-1933 - Nicaraguan Civil War - U.S. troops sent in to end Civil unrest.

28. Colonel J.W. Joyes, Ord. Dept., July 1, 1929 - Dec. 31, 1933. Springfield Republican, 3 June 1929 - COL. J.W. JOYES TAKES COMMAND OF U.S. ARMORY - Succeeds Col Herman W. Schull, Who Left June 1 to Assume Duties at Watervliet, N.Y. - Col. John W. Joyes, assistant chief of ordnance with the rank of brigadier general from 1923 to 1927 and in charge of the government's research into nitrate fixation at Muscle Shoals during the World war, has arrived to assume command of the Springfield armory. The new commandant succeeds Col Herman W. Schull, who left here June 10 to take charge of the arsenal at Watervliet, N.Y.
The arrival of Col. Joyes follows closely upon that of Lieut-Col. Townsend Whelen, who came here Tuesday as successor to Lieut-Col John H. Read, Jr. Both officers are specialists in ordnance department affairs, Col JoyCol. Joyes began his military career by graduating fifth in a class of 52 at West Point in 1894. He was appointed 2d lieutenant in the 5th artillery June 12, 1895, and was promoted through various grades to the rank of colonel in 1917.
He entered the ordnance department, in which he has filled many important posts, in 1897. Since then he has served as chief ordnance officer in the southern Philippines and western departments and in the 2d corps area.
The new commanding officer of the Springfield armory was chief of the nitrate division during the World war. In 1919 Col. Joynes toured Europe to investigate the status of nitrogen fixation. In this capacity he led the research into the nitrogen value at Muscle Shoals.
From 1923 to 1927 Col Joyes held the post of assistant to the chief of ordnance department with the rank of brigadier general. For the past year he has been studying at the war college. He came here from North Carolina, where he has been on leave from his duties with the ordnance department at Washington, D.C.
Col Joynes is located for the first time in his many years of military service in a New England post. He was born at Waterloo, N.Y. in 1879. He was married to Georgian M. Butler of San Francisco, Cal. in 1904. They have three children, John W., Jr., Georgiana B., and Charlotte P. Joyes."

"POST HEADQUARTERS/SPRINGFIELD ARMORY/SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
January 5, 1934
SPECIAL ORDERS NUMBER 3
1. The assignment of Quarters No. 1 to Colonel J.W. Joynes, Ordnance Department, is hereby terminated, effective this date, due to the fact that Colonel Joyes has been ordered home to await retirement. (Para. 16, S.O. 294, W.D., December 18, 1933.)
2. Lt-Colonel T.J. Smith, Ordnance Department, having reported at this Post for duty on January 2, 1934, in accordance with Paragraph 3, S.O. No. 293, War Dept., dated December 16, 1933, is hereby assigned Quarters No. 1, effective this date.
By Order of LT-COLONEL SMITH:
E.C. FRANKLIN
1st Lieut., Ordnance Department
Adjutant."

29. LTC T.J. Smith, Ord. Dept., Jan 1, 1934 - Feb. 8, 1938 - Springfield Republican, 27 May 1934 - "CIVIL WAR HEROS HONORED HERE BY UNION DAUGHTERS. Simple Ceremonies Held at Armory Museum - Custodian Makes Last Round With Annual Visitors - With simple ceremonies members of the Daughters of Union Veterans, for the 11th consecutive year, paid homage yesterday to the memory of their forefathers at the museum of the Springfield armory. There they placed the customary two wreaths on the rack holding guns of Union soldiers. The affair was attended by high officials of the order, by members of other patriotic societies and by Lieut-Col. J.T. Smith, commander of the armory.
The program opened with an address by Mrs. Marion Kenney, chaplain of the Daughters of Union Veterans, who said, 'We are gathered here in the memory of our fathers who fought, suffered and died for the cause of humanity. What they sacrificed and suffered we can never know and so here in the presence of God we consecrate these guns to the memory of those brave soldiers living and dead, and let us, their daughters and their sons, always be true to democracy. God grant us thy blessing and hear us while we pray.'
Then followed the Lord's prayers, repeated by all. Otto Fogelstead, a Union veteran, was guest of honor and addressed the gathering briefly. Lieut-Col. Smith was introduced by Miss Agnes Anderson, president. Lieut-Col. Smith said that it is a pleasure to allow the group to come to the armory and that he hoped that the practice would continue.
Mrs. Estella Wood, past president of the society, thanked the commanding officer for his courtesy and then called Robert Lee, who has been custodian for the museum for more than 29 years, to the front of the room. Mrs. Wood then presented him with a gift in token of the esteem the women felt for him. It was the last of such affairs that Mr. Lee will attend, for he will have retired bThe program also included selections by Milton Robertson on the coronet, and vocal selections by Mrs. Louise Stoddard, a war nurse and a show that patriotic group the treasures of the museum.
He was particularly anxious that each woman present should see the guns of the Union soldiers, and pointed with pride to the fine condition the pieces were in. When a careless hand touches the metal parts, it deeply offends the custodian, for the acid from the perspiration blackens the metal and causes rust.
As he went from one piece to another he rattled off its history, repeating the various phrases and names carved on the stocks, all of which he knows by memory. There were the guns that had seen service on many famous battlefields, some with names of their owners' sweethearts and wives carved in fancy lettering on them. After a thorough inspection of the Union guns, Mr. Lee led his party from case to case, pointing out with pride to the fine collection. The gun taken from President Jefferson Davis drew much interest. It rests in a glass enclosed case and there is no danger of hands marring its metal parts…..
Following the exercises, Mr. Lee escorted the guests around the museum showing them the relics. Mr. Lee has spent many years in study of these treasures and knows intimately the history of each gun there. Yesterday he seemed to take particular pleasure in showing off the pieces which he called 'my babies.'"

30. LTC William Borden, Ord. Dept, Acting, Feb. 9, 1938 - Sept. 12, 1938

31. Col. G.H. Stewart, Ord. Dept., Sept. 13, 1938 - June 10, 1942
Springfield Union-News, 08/04/1994 - "Oct. 29, 1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt visits the Springfield Armory in the build up to World War II and drew one of the largest presidential crowds, more than 75,000 people."

Springfield Republican, 11/03/1996 - "Springfield - President Franklin D. Roosevelt was in town, and Phillip Costello remembers the day vividly.
It was October 30, 1940, and Roosevelt - a friend of Costello's father addressed a massive crowd at the Springfield Armory and then went downtown.
'It was quite a thrill,' Costello said.
There's something about the something about seeing the president that few people forget, he said.
'There's something unusual about it,' Costello said. 'He holds an office that we do hold in awe."

During Stewart's tenure, 1938-1942, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered troops to occupy Greenland and Iceland.
1941-1945 - World War II - U.S. declares war. First recorded use of the M1 was in the Philippines as American troops defend the island in December 1941 to January of 1942 against Japanese invaders.

32. Col. Earl McFarland, Ord. Dept., June 11, 1942 - July 31, 1943

33. Col. George A. Woody, Ord. Dept., Aug. 1, 1943 - Aug. 4, 1944. "The most important change in military personnel at Springfield Armory was the result of the tragic collapse early in the summer of the Commanding Officer, Colonel George A. Woody. A man of exceptional ability and determination, Colonel Woody consumed his energy in meeting his heavy responsibilities as head of one of the great federal arsenals, the principle supplier of Garand rifles to our armed forces. His death at Walter Reed Hospital in November is recognized to have been a direct result of his unflagging devotion to the service of his country."

34. Col. Champlin F. Buck, Jr.. Ord. Dept, Acting, Aug. 4, 1944 - Oct. 7, 1944

35. Brig. Gen. Norman F. Ramsey, Oct. 8, 1944 - Nov. 16, 1945

"The one success in this dismal 173 year record (Ordnance Department) was the Springfield M1. For the first and last time in history, GIs went to war in 1941 with a rifle clearly superior to their enemies'." - John Lehman, Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan Administration, writing in the 9 March 1995 edition of the "Wall St. Journal."

"You can keep your atom bombs, your tanks and your airplanes; you'll still have to have so
36. Col. Stephen H. MacGregor, Ord. Dept., Nov. 17, 1945 - Aug. 9, 1947

37. LTC F.J.McMorrow, Ord. Dept., Acting, Aug. 10, 1947 - Aug. 20, 1947 - Lt. Col. Francis J. McMorrow was born in New York City the 27th of August 1910. He was graduated from Xavier High School of that city in 1928 and attended Manhattan College for one year before entering the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.
As a 2nd Lt. in the Coast Artillery Corps following his graduation from West Point in 1933, Colonel McMorrow was stationed at Fort Totten, New York. In 1935 he was assigned to the Harbor Defense of Manila and Subic Bays where he served as an antiaircraft artillery officer with the 60th Coast Artillery. Following this tour of duty, he returned to the United States in December 1936 and was stationed once again at Fort Totten, New York, with the 62nd Coast Artillery.
Colonel McMorrow was transferred to the Ordnance Department in 1937. His next assignment was at Watertown Arsenal, Watertown, Massachusetts, followed by duty at the Ordnance School, Aberdeen, Maryland. He received his master's degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1938.
In the latter part of 1939, Colonel McMorrow was transferred to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, where he served with the Ordnance Aircraft Service.
During the war, he was promoted to the rank of full Colonel. He served as Ordnance Officer of the 7th Air Force in the Pacific and later under General George C. Kenney who was Commanding General of the Pacific Air Command. Colonel McMorrow's war experience earned him the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, as well as seven battle stars. These stars were awarded to him for action which extended from Australia to Iwo Jima and included such campaigns as the Air Offensive over Japan, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Eastern Mandates, Western Pacific, Ryukyus, and Air Combat over Iwo Jima.
Referring to the award of the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel McMorrow for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations from September 12, 1944, to September 1, 1945, General Kenney said, 'During this period Colonel McMorrow, as Ordnance Officer, Headquarters, Seventh Air Force, demonstrated outstanding initiative and leadership in the performance of his duties. Colonel McMorrow planned the ordnance requirements and organized facilities for the Seventh Air Force phase of the Marianas and Ryukyus campaigns. He also displayed sound judgment in his selection of types of bombs and fuses used in bombing missions against the enemy in China and Japan. By his diligence and devotion to duty Colonel McMorrow made a noteworthy contribution to the success of Seventh Air Force operations.'
The Legion of Merit was awarded to Colonel McMorrow 'for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 1940-1944.'
Following the war, Colonel McMorrow spent a year with the Foreign Liquidation Commission. He came to the Armory in December of 1946 and was assigned to duty as Officer in Charge of Research and Development. He later became Officer in Charge of Manufacturing in addition to his duties in Research and Development.
In 1949, Colonel McMorrow was appointed Executive Officer and served in that capacity until the retirement of Colonel Barroll.
Described by Colonel Barroll as 'one of the outstanding officers in the Ordnance Department,' Colonel McMorrow is not unfamiliar with the position of interim C.O. of the Armory. He served in the same capacity during the period following the retirement of Colonel MacGregor and the arrival of Colonel Barroll in 1947.
Colonel McMorrow lives on the Armory grounds with his wife and three children who attend local schools. In his four years at the Armory he has won the respect and admiration of both officers and employees.
He will remain in full command of the Armory until the arrival of Colonel James L. Guion w
38. Col. Morris K. Barroll, Jr., Ord. Dept., Aug. 21, 1947 - May 31, 1950
During Barroll's tenure, 1947-1950, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1950-1953 - Korean Conflict.

39. LTC F.J. McMorrow, Ord. Dept., Acting, June 1, 1950 - June 30, 1950 - "Lt. Colonel Francis J. McMorrow was born in New York City the 27th of August 1910. He was graduated from Xavier High School of that city in 1928 and attended Manhattan College for one year before entering the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.
As a 2nd Lt. in the Coast Artillery Corps following his graduation from West Point in 1933, Colonel McMorrow was stationed at Fort Totten, New York. In 1935 he was assigned to the Harbor Defense of Manila and Subic Bays where he served as an antiaircraft artillery officer with the 60th Coast Artillery. Following this tour of duty, he returned to the United States in December 1936 and was stationed once again at Fort Totten, New York, with the 62nd Coast Artillery.
Colonel McMorrow was transferred to the Ordnance Department in 1937. His next assignment was at Watertown Arsenal, Watertown, Massachusetts, followed by duty at the Ordnance School, Aberdeen, Maryland. He received his master's degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1938.
In the latter part of 1939, Colonel McMorrow was transferred to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, where he served with the Ordnance Aircraft Service.
During the war, he was promoted to the rank of full Colonel. He served as Ordnance Officer of the 7th Air Force in the Pacific and later under General George C. Kenney who was Commanding General of the Pacific Air Command. Colonel McMorrow's war experience earned him the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, as well as seven battle stars. These stars were awarded to him for action which extended from Australia to Iwo Jima and included such campaigns as the Air Offensive over Japan, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Eastern Mandates, Western Pacific, Ryukyus, and Air Combat over Iwo Jima.
Referring to the award of the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel McMorrow for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations from September 12, 1944, to September 1, 1945, General Kenney said, 'During this period Colonel McMorrow, as Ordnance Officer, Headquarters, Seventh Air Force, demonstrated outstanding initiative and leadership in the performance of his duties. Colonel McMorrow planned the ordnance requirements and organized facilities for the Seventh Air Force phase of the Marines and Ryukyus campaigns. He also displayed sound judgment in his selection of types of bombs and fuses used in bombing missions against the enemy in China and Japan. By his diligence and devotion to duty Colonel McMorrow made a noteworthy contribution to the success of Seventh Air Force Operations.'
The Legion of Merit was awarded to Colonel McMorrow 'for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from 1940-1944.'
Following the war, Colonel McMorrow spent a year with the Foreign Liquidation Commission. He came to the Armory in December of 1946 and was assigned to duty as Officer in Charge of Research and Development. He later became Officer in Charge of Manufacturing in addition to his duties in Research and Development.
In 1949, Colonel McMorrow was appointed Executive Officer and served in that capacity until the retirement of Colonel Barroll.
Described by Colonel Barroll as 'one of the outstanding officers in the Ordnance Department', Colonel McMorrow is not unfamiliar with the position of interim C.O. of the Armory. He served in the same capacity during the period following the retirement of Colonel MacGregor and the arrival of Colonel Barroll in 1947.
Colonel McMorrow lives on the Armory grounds with his wife and three children who attend local schools. In his four years at the Armory he has won the respect anHe will remain in full command of the Armory until the arrival of Colonel James J. Guion who is expected the last part of this month." - Biographical Sketch of Colonel McMorrow, 7 June 1950.

40. Col. James L. Guion, Col., Ord. Dept., July 1, 1950 - May 13, 1953. Colonel James L. Guion, Springfield Armory's Commanding Officer, from 1 July 1950 - 31 July 1953, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, April 28, 1894. Following graduation from high school, he entered West Point and was graduated from that institution in 1917, just after the United States entered World War I.
Upon graduation as a 2nd Lieutenant, he was assigned to the Field Artillery and served overseas with the 7th Field Artillery of the 1st Division. He was awarded the Silver Star 'for gallantry in action' in the Meuse Argonne Campaign.
After World War I, he returned to West Point as instructor in Mathematics. This tour of duty lasted two years and was followed by another teaching assignment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was an instructor in the School of Fire.
Transferred to the Ordnance Department in 1923, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for one year, and then continued his studies for three years at the University of Chicago, receiving his doctor's degree in Mathematics and Physics in 1928.
At the completion of this course of study, Colonel Guion was placed in charge of ballistic research at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. After five years of service, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., where he attended the Army Industrial College for one year.
In 1933, Colonel Guion was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Ordnance in Washington and served three years in charge of Artillery and Fire Control development and procurement. He then became director of the Metallurgical Laboratory at Watertown Arsenal, Watertown, Mass. From there, he was transferred to the Pittsburgh Ordnance District as Deputy District Chief where he placed the Pittsburgh Area in production for World War II.
In 1942, Colonel Guion was appointed Chief of Artillery Maintenance, and received the Legion of Merit for organizing and operating artillery maintenance. He was transferred from the Field Service of the Ordnance Department to the Military Plans Division in the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, in 1944. This assignment, which entailed overseas planning operations, lasted to 1947. During this period, Colonel Guion made several trips overseas in connection with planning operations.
The was followed by a three year tour of duty in Honolulu where he served as Ordnance Office, United States Army, Pacific.

"SPRINGFIELD ARMORY IN THE LAST 100 YEARS - Springfield Armory, the present principal agency of the Ordnance Corps in the small-arms field, was 58 years old when Springfield became a city. The history of the Armory and that of Springfield is in many respects a joint history, since the character of each has been shaped by the other. The prominent place that the Armory had and was to have in the development of Springfield was recognized when the well-known landmark, the Armory's Main Arsenal, was included in the seal of the city. It is also significant that the Armory, which has been known by several designations since its establishment, was officially named 'Springfield Armory' in 1892, a title which it has held since that time.
In 1852 a visitor to the area, where part of the modern plant is, would have found streets with beautiful residences surrounding historic Armory Square. The buildings within this square were considered spacious and elegant in their construction. Although changes have taken place in construction and renovation in the last 100 years, they were arranged in the same picturesque and symmetrical manner as they are today. The oldest building within the quadrangle was completed in 1808. It was known as the West Arsenal, later as the Barracks, and is now called the Officers' Club. During the Civil War a third story was added. Since that time the structure has remained substantially unThe present Administration Building, facing the Main Gate and Federal Street, is a combination of what were known as the North Shop, South Shop and Office. These buildings were united and a third story was added during the Civil War period. The Commanding Officer's house was completed in 1846, and the Main Arsenal in 1850.
The construction of the unique iron fence surrounding Armory Square was begun in the same year that Springfield became a city, and was completed about the time of the Civil War ended. This fence was made from a supply of old iron cannon, and the patterns for it were made at the Water Shops. Most of the casting was done at the Ames Foundry in Chicopee.
Since the 1850's a number of buildings have been constructed in the square, the latest important addition being the Field Service Building which was completed in 1942. These buildings in Armory Square made up the main Hill Shops until the group of fire-proof buildings in Federal Square was constructed. These buildings, known at the time as the new Hill Shops were erected during the period, 1887-1892. There were no substantial changes until World War I,, when a metallurgical and chemical laboratory was erected. World War II saw additional construction in Federal Square.
While only light work was done at the Hill Shops in 1852, heavier work in the fabrication of muskets was done at the Water Shops, which consisted of three groups of buildings. These groups were known at the time as the Upper, Lower, and Middle Water Shops, about a half mile from each other on the Mill River. It was at these shops that the most important operation in the manufacture of the musket took place, the fabrication of the barrel. In 1857 the Lower and Middle Water Shops were sold and all activities were concentrated in the Upper Water Shops. This is the site of the present Water Shops plant. Several additions have been made but the Water Shops has remained substantially in its present form since 1906.
The U.S. Government recently acquired a new area in East Springfield. A new building is under construction on this land, and it is expected to be completed in the near future.
The modern Armory stems from the period when Springfield became a city. The Civil War brought about plant expansion and increased activities. A definite policy with regard to executive control of the Armory was instituted at the beginning of the war. In 1861 Captain A.B. Dyer was appointed Commanding Officer and since that time the heads of the Armory have been officers of the Ordnance Corps with the official designation 'Commanding Officer.' At the present time, the Commanding Officer is Colonel James L. Guion.
In 1855 the first all-new rifle of musket size was made, and formed the basis for several other designs. The 1861 Model made its appearance at the outbreak of the Civil War and was followed almost immediately by other models.
The early years of Springfield as a city saw the beginning of what developed into the present research and development activities of the Armory. Master Armorers and skilled artisans built and modified models which were submitted by various inventors, but their work was costly and in many cases unrewarding. When the Civil War broke out, their work was terminated. Following the war, Boards of Ordnance Officers began the practice of testing weapons before they were adopted for use. One of these Boards, the so-called, 'Terry Board', under Brigadier General Alfred H. Terry, recommended the adoption of the famous single-shot breechloader, known as the '45-70 Springfield'. This model, which was adopted in 1873, was the main service weapon of the Infantry and Cavalry until approximately 1892. The first bolt-action magazine rifle, known as the Krag-Jorgensen, was then adopted. At the turn of the century the search for completely satisfactory weapons resulted in the appointment of an officer and a small civilian staff to carry on experimental work. In 1903 the celebrated rifle of World War I, the bolt-action Springfield, Model of 1903, was accepted and became the standaThe year 1917 saw the establishment of a metallurgical and physical laboratory. John C. Garand came to the Armory in 1919 and began his long outstanding career. In 1923 John D. Pedersen was engaged. These men along with a small civilian staff continued their experimental work during the 1920's in search of a self-loading rifle. The result of Mr. Garand's untiring efforts was the U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1, which was adopted in 1936. This celebrated weapon of World War II still remains the standard shoulder weapon of our Armed Forces.
Manufacturing operations at the Armory have continued without interruption since 1795, the first year of production. A total of 245 muskets were made, and forty people were employed. In 1864, the Armory produced 276,2000 rifles. The next highest peak was reached during World War I. In November, 1918, the average daily production was 1500. The largest number of employees at the time was 5,381. During World War II, production reached a new high of approximately 122,000 rifles a month, and more rifles were manufactured than the aggregate of all small arms produced from 1795 to 1940 - over 4,000,000. In March, 1943, employment reached an all-time peak of 13,762.
Springfield Armory in 1952 is a scientific and industrial laboratory devoted primarily to research, development, design, and production engineering, pilot manufacture and test work to establish and maintain Ordnance leadership. It should be pointed out that the Armory is not a mass production center. In its production mission, the Armory works closely with industry so that the items assigned to it for design, development, and manufacture may be instantly transferred to industry for mass production in periods of emergency. Designs, descriptions of manufacture, drawings and allied documents are not prepared from the point of view of the Armory and its facilities alone, but are based on the utilization of industrial plants and incorporate the best of industry's ideas and techniques.
The Armory's celebrated Museum, which contains one of the most comprehensive collections of military shoulder arms in the world, was founded in 1871. Colonel J.G. Benton, Commanding Officer at the time, first conceived the idea of a small depository at Springfield Armory in 1866, and his request that the Armory be assigned the material from the Washington Arsenal was granted. Colonel Benton was also successful in obtaining permission from the Chief of Ordnance for the transfer of the guns which were displayed at the Centennial International Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876. The material from these two collections together with those guns already on hand formed the basis for the present collection.
The Museum today contains weapons that give a complete picture of the activities of the Armory from 1795, when weapon were first manufactured, to the present time. Such a collection gives a fairly accurate history of the small-arms industry of the entire country. From time to time, many weapons of foreign manufacture, both ancient and modern, have been added. Due to the present emergency, however, the Museum, which has attracted thousands of visitors through the years, is closed to the public.
The year following Springfield's incorporation as a city saw the first national exhibition of horses which was held in Federal Square. This was the largest showing of fine horses ever made in the United States, and was the result of the efforts of Mr. George M. Atwater, and other leading citizens of the community.
In the early yeas of the community, the Armory was responsible for setting the pattern of Springfield's future, transforming it from an agricultural village into an industrial community and a center for skilled workmen. It helped made Western New England the principal small-arms manufacturing center in the United States. It also had a large part in the development of the interchangeability of parts, an outstanding contribution of the American manufacturing industry. The constant research and experimentat
"Historians have noted that the introduction of firepower on the battlefields of Europe in the fourteenth century was an event that had greater impact than the Bomb over Hiroshima. Gunpowder was cursed from the pulpit and damned by soldiers as barbaric and unchivalrous. But, like nuclear weapons, guns spread because no one could trust his neighbor not to use them - all promises and pacts to the contrary.
The effect of gunpowder was revolutionary: it proletarianized warfare. No longer was the knight in armor impregnable to all but his own kind. The lowliest serf armed with a hand cannon could bring down the mightiest nobleman. The gun was a tremendous equalizer in combat - a quality more feared for its threat to the social order than for any frightfulness as a weapon. It also lowered the level of training needed to become a solider - a good bowman took five years to train, but a man could learn how to shoot in a few months - and made it easier to raise mass armies. The longbow remained a weapon of superior quality, both in range and accuracy, for hundreds of years after the introduction of firearms, but it was driven from the battlefield long before that by the sheer numbers of men with guns.
Once firepower was properly understood - and this took some centuries - it was seen to offer a trade-off similar to mobility: killing powder for numbers. Other things being equal, the side with the most firepower won the battle. If it enjoyed a substantial edge in firepower, it won against a far greater foe. The ability to trade off firepower for men was never more apparent than in Korea. Heavily outnumbered, the UN forces survived and eventually drove the enemy back with an enormous superiority in firepower. They did this in spite of the enemy having twice as many pieces of artillery in the field, by shooting six to ten times as many rounds as he did. So heavy was the firing in Korea that after 2 1/2 years our forces had shot nearly two-thirds as many mortar and artillery shells as we fired in all of World War II. The expenditures of ammunition was so much larger than expected that shells occasionally had to be rationed, and there was a Congressional investigation in 1953 over alleged shortages.
In the second year of that war, when ammunition was falling low, General Mathew B. Ridgeway cabled Washington for more shells. He summed up the virtues of firepower superiority succinctly: 'There is a direct relation between the piles of shells in ammunition supply points and the piles of corpses in the graves registration collection points. The bigger the former, the smaller the latter and vice-versa.'"
The Korean experience made some military men advocate building up our non-nuclear firepower by developing new conventional weapons and ammunition. If the nuclear deterrent had failed once in not preventing the Korean War, they reasoned, it could fail again. The firepower superiority of the UN forces was gained because they were able to get more ammunition to the front and not because their arms were any better. Korea was fought with World War II equipment and it was obvious to everyone in the field that we could not continue to do so indefinitely. Unfortunately, this view had no influence on anyone in a position to do anything about it. - Tompkins

41. Col. John F. Harlan, Ord. Corps., Acting, May 14, 1953 - July 31, 1953

42. Col. W.J. Crowe, Ord. Corps, Aug. 1, 1953 - Aug. 31, 1954

43. Col. D.G. Ludlam, Ord. Corps, Sept. 1, 1954 - June 14, 1955

44. Col. John F. Harlan, Ord. Corps, Acting, June 14, 1955 - Jan. 18, 1956

45. Col. D.G. Ludlam, Ord. Corps, Jan. 18, 1956 - Sept., 1958

"For some time, many noted authorities and top-ranking U.S. Army personnel have been warning the nation of our inSome of these weapons to which he refers are still in use by our infantry.
'No one can afford to entertain any doubt about the importance of combat infantry, its mobility and firepower. We are now in the process of starting to think of changing the basic cartridge and the whole line of infantry weapons, but why are we so late? Why have we done so little?
Elsewhere in his book, Gavin says: '...There are numerous examples of weapons, or their systems' components being delayed or disapproved because the individuals who have funding control do not, or simply will not understand the need of the fighting man in the field.'
As the natural result of the domination of the military arms development program by a very small and 'cloistered' group of members, thinking tends to become stagnant, and a limited program of research and development is the outcome. The arsenals responsible for the development of some of the 'newer' small arms recently adopted by the United States fall into this category. In most cases, the product offered to the fighting man from this situation is a conglomeration of the end results of civilian-type sporting weapons research and development, which is controlled by the arsenals or comparatively few companies and corporations. Certainly, it is the end of research and development, as made available to the public and small companies. This situation must change, if we are to expand and make full use of the great facilities available in this country." - Thomas B. Nelson

During Ludlam's tenure, 1956-1958, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1957 - Marines sent to Indonesia to protect U.S. lives and property during a revolt.
1958 - Lebanese Civil War - President Dwight D. Eisenhower orders U.S. troops into Lebanon to protect American lives and property.

46. Col. Oren E. Hurlburt, Ord. Corps, Sept., 1958 - Sept., 1959

47. Col. C.L.P. Medinnis, Ord. Corps, Sept., 1959 - June, 1963
Boston Globe, 19 May 1960 - "AGENT DRESSED AS CABBIE SPIED ON RED SPIES. SPRINGFIELD, May 18 - When two Russian diplomats on a spy mission tried to get secret information from an American here last September there cloak-and-dagger activities were watched by an FBI agent disguised as a cab driver.
The taxi identification papers and cabbie's hat were furnished by Springfield police at the request of the G-men.
The plot which Vice President Nixon revealed earlier today was known to the Federal agents.
The identity of the American has not been revealed; but Nixon said tonight in Buffalo, N.Y. the person has been cleared.
One of the Russians, Vadim A. Karilyuk, an United Nations employee, left the country last January.
Interest in the area by the Soviet agents could include two top secret installations - Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee and the Springfield Armory.
Westover is the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command's 8th Air Force.
The armory is the nation's top weapon research and development center as well as the pilot line production facility for the Armory two new infantry weapons. The M-14 automatic rifle and the M-60 machinegun are being modified here. The guns are to become the infantry's new standard weapons."

Daily News 02/02/62 - "OLD BONES ARE DUG UP AT ARMORY - Remains Believed Those of Indians Found in Excavation. Excavation crews at Springfield Armory today unearthed bones believed to have been those of Indians who once roamed the Connecticut Valley.
Although positive identification had not been made late today, medical experts were being called in by Armory officials in the hope that some light could be shed on the remains.
Col. Charles E. Bartow, executive'We have asked the county medical examiner Dr. William Mosig to come up here and examine the bones,' he said, 'and if they are really old ones will probably ask museum officials to look them over also.
Further digging in the area has been halted until such time as the bones are identified."

Springfield Morning Union 2/6/1962 - "Armory Skeletons Ancient: Certificate of Death Are Signed. The skeletal remains discovered Friday at Springfield Armory were described Monday by Dr. WIlliam Mosig, medical examiner, as ancient and those of a man and another of either a small man or woman.
Frank D. Korosz, director of the Science Museum, and William K. Young, museum associate of archeology and anthropology, inspected the remains with Dr. Mosig, who signed death certificates stating the time and cause of death were unknown.
Chris Dvarecka, public information officer at the Armory, made no bones about saying 'The investigation is now opened."

Springfield Union, 03/27/63 - "ARMORY DESIGNATED HISTORIC LANDMARK. The Springfield Armory will mark both its 169th anniversary and its commemoration as a National Historic Landmark Tuesday. The event will be witnessed by representatives of key military, civic and historical groups in this area, Col. G.L.P. Medinnis, commanding officer said Tuesday.
Designation of the Armory as a National Historic Landmark developed as part of the registry program instituted by the Department of Interior, National Park Service.
The registry is a method by which the federal government recognizes sites, not in the national park system, which are classified as of exceptional value irrespective of ownership. The registry, in effect, identifies important segments of American heritage and brings them to the attention of the American people. The event will be highlighted on Tuesday with a half-hour dedication ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. in front of the main administration building, Armory Square, where a permanent bronze marker will be unveiled.
Dr. Murray H. Nelligan, of the Department of Interior, Philadelphia, Pa., will present the Armory its plaque and certificate."

Springfield Journal, 10/1993 - "LOOKING BACKWARD 1963 - In Wilbraham, gun-collector John Hess of Monson Road received a year's suspended prison sentence and was placed on probation in connection with the illegal sale of Springfield Armory M14 rifles. Hess was found guilty of failing to pay taxes on the guns, which he allegedly received illegally from a guard at the armory. The M14s were never released for public sale."
48. Col. William J. Durrenberger, Ord. Corps, July, 1963 - Sept., 1965

"I think it is a disgrace the way the project (M14) was handled. I don't mean particularly by the Army, but I mean by the Nation....It is a relatively simple job to build a rifle compared to building a satellite or a lunar satellite or a missile system." - Robert Strange McNamera

"In presenting the fruits of a twenty-month high level study of the U.S. Army Arsenals system at a November 1964 press conference, Defense Secretary McNamara announced '95 actions to consolidate, reduce or discontinue Defense Department activities in the United States and overseas.' One of the actions thus announced was the decision to close Springfield Armory: in the name of 'cost effectiveness' the Defense Department had 'examined the Arsenal System and identified additional excess capacity that is no longer needed.
The 174-year old 'National Armory at Springfield, Massachusetts' was the hub of the country's small arms engineering development system. Inasmuch as power corrupts, it was a measure of Springfield's importance that over the years it had become a bastion of hidebound bureaucracy and blinkered traditionalism. As such, it stood aloof and in ranking opposition to Secretary McNamara's oft-professed credo to 'use deliberate analysis to force alternative programs to the surface, and then to make explicit choices amo
The Boston Sunday Globe, August 25, 1964. "Science In Industry. FROM LEXINGTON GREEN TO JUNGLES OF ASIA. By Arthur A. Riley. "Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." - Capt. John Parker at Lexington Green.
The small arms used by the patriots on Lexington Green, no doubt, were made by the local smithy, gunsmith - or even home made.
History tells us that the Battle of Bunker Hill would never have ended in retreat had there been a standard type of ammunition. Many of the Revolutionary soldiers had run out of ammo during the engagement, others had a surplus, but the surplus failed to meet the requirements of many of the arms in short supply.
As the war moved on and expanded, Gen. Washington realized the need for a strategic supply and ordnance depot. He named Springfield the site.
The diversified activities of the depot was credited with much of the success of the Continental Army's operations against Burgoyne and St. Leger in 1777, and in the final showdown with Cornwallis.
The Revolutionary War ended in 1781, and the newly born republic was faced with the vital issue of defense. The Congress of Apr. 2, 1794, supported a decision which directed the establishment of several arsenals and powder magazines for the safe-keeping of vital military stores.
Moreover, this act also authorized the building of several arsenals and a national armory for the fabrication of small arms at each site.
New President of the United States, Washington selected Springfield as one of the sites for one of the new arsenals.
Skilled Manpower - One of the reasons for the selection of Springfield was the fact that many of the blacksmiths, gunsmiths and armorers who performed yeoman service during the war period still remained in the area.
In view of the depletion in the supply of musketry, the Congress on Apr. 2, 1794, acted on Washington's recommendation authorizing the procurement of 7000 muskets.
During the following year, the new Springfield Armory started on the manufacture of a musket modeled after the French-designed 'Charleville' flintlock musket used in quantity by the Colonial armies during the Revolution.
This was the forerunner of the long line of famous Springfield rifles, designed and built at this famous armory which has played a dominant role in providing the needed arms for every American conflict since the close of the Revolution.
But even in those early days, the policy prevailed, as it does today, to place the production work as much as possible in the hands of private contractors.
Today, the Springfield Armory is far more than its name implies.
It is virtually a scientific center for American military weapons, ranging from pistols, rifles and machine guns to aircraft armament.
Here the guns are designed and perfected, and the design, pattern and procedure for manufacture laid down for contractors in the form of a 'Do-It-Yourself' kit. Meanwhile, the arsenal serves as a fountainhead of knowledge for such procedures.
The armory introduced the first bolt-action rifle in 1892, and the world-famed Springfield rifle was crystallized in 1903.
Following World War I, extensive development work was started on a semi-automatic rifle and the first Garand designed by Springfield Armory's own John Garand, was issued in 1937.
M16's for Viet Nam - Some 20 years later, in 1957, the U.S. Army adopted a new automatic rifle - the Springfield - developed M14 rifle, followed by the M16 used by paratroopers.
The Army has ordered 104,000 of the M16 (formerly the Colt AR15) for use by airborne and air assault units and Special Forces.
Most of these will be sent to Viet Nam where they have already been proved in combat.
The Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co. in Hartford is producing these rifles on a two-shift basis under a two-year $13.2 million contract.
This rifle is considered by some authorities as the start of a rifle revolution.
It fires from a 20-round detachable firearm. It may be fired either automatically or semiDuring its 128-year history, Colt's has manufactured and or developed many weapons for the U.S. armed forces, ranging from the Civil War musket and the Gatling gun to the caliber .45 automatic pistol and the Browning automatic rifle.
6000 Shots a Minute - Justifying the edge that 'there's nothing new under the sun' is the fact that the Gatling gun, used late in the Civil War, is still being used - the principle, that is.
And it is being built by the General Electric Company at Burlington, Vt.
The company has modernized the multi-barrel Gatling idea and developed the Vulcan.
It is not only the fastest gun, but the most versatile. Used on the Air Force's fighters and bombers, and aircraft of NATO and other Allied Forces, it is capable of firing 6000 shots per minute.
Also Heavier Types - Although New England has the greatest concentration of small arms manufacturers in the world - stretching from Worcester to Springfield, and down the Connecticut River Valley to Long Island Sound, it is also producing other heavier types of armament.
In Everett, the Hesse-Eastern Co. is producing a new ultra - lightweight weapon with a built-in capability of making every infantryman a potential tank destroyer.
The unique weapon, one the Army's latest mass-produced items designed for conventional warfare, is a 4 ½ lb. package designated the M72 LAW (for light anti-tank weapon) that carries the destructive power to knock-out a 60-ton tank in seconds. It can be fired by one man.
A recall of World War II days is found in the fact that the Saco-Lowell Division of Maremont Corp., Saco, Me., is making M60 machine guns, but it is a far more versatile weapon that that used by the doughboys of 1917-1918 in France. With bipod, it weighs 23 pounds compared to former machine gun weights of 32 to 40 pounds. Measuring 43 ½ inches long, it fires at the rate of 500 rounds per minute. Its lighter weight allows firing from the hip, shoulder, or from a bipod or tripod for more stability.
At Andover, Raytheon produces the Hawk, an air defense guided missile (surface to air) of which formidable batteries were deployed on the eastern coastline of Florida during the Cuban missile crisis.
The New England armament industry has played a vital role in the nation's defense from the day of Lexington Green to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Procurement in this area in under the direction of the Boston Procurement District."

The Springfield Daily News, November 19, 1964. "ARMORY TO CLOSE BY 1968: Research Work Is Shifted to Arsenal at Rock Island; Huge Economic Blow to City. $19.5 Million Payroll to Be Lost, 2464 Employees Dropped; 'Total' Closing Said Ordered. - The Springfield Armory, one of the nation's oldest military installations, will be totally closed by April 1968, according to word received by U.S. Rep. Edward P. Boland, D-Springfield, said today.
The local congressman received confirmation of the impending blow several hours before Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara was scheduled to make a total of 95 installations closings official at a Washington news conference.
Payroll to Be Lost - Founded in 1794, the Armory has a payroll of $19.5 million annually with an additional $2.5 million 'spin-off' paid for house-keeping and other services. The base employs 2464 production workers.
When the Armory is closed, the Office of Weapons Command will move the research and development departments to the Rock Island (Ill.) Arsenal.
Rep. Boland was informed of the closing at 11:30am by Undersecretary of the Army Stephen Ailes. He was told the local installation 'is absolutely on the list.'
The congressman said the closing 'came as a shock' although he said he had been fighting for years to keep the local operation going.
Protest Planned - 'I intend to protest the closing,' he declared, 'but I'm sure Sec. McNamara will move at full speed to implement the directives he will disclose this afternoon.'
The local congressman, before his notification by Undersecretary Ailes had said, he was 'terribly apprehensive' about the economic ax-swinging of Sec. McNamara.
He said he considered himself fortunate to have been 'topped off' about the coming shutdowns several weeks in advance, although he did not know which bases were to be affected.
His fears were based on what he knew of the Armory's past perilous position in the mind of the defense secretary, he said.
'It's been one of the best kept secrets in Washington,' be commented. He said he had been working for the past week trying to determine if the local operation would be affected. He said he had conferred with President Johnson and Sec. McNamara in person.
Included on the list of bases closed in May, the which the Armory escaped, was the Watertown Arsenal. That base will be 'phased out' to an ultimate doom the year before the scheduled Armory demise.
The local base was the only military installation in the state to be included in today's list of the doomed. The Portsmouth (N.H.) Naval Yard, however, was among those slated for closing.
Congressional sources said these other bases are among the installations to be closed: -
Schilling Air Force Base, Salina, Kan.
Atlas missile installations at Schilling Air Force Base.
Olmstead Air Force Base, Middletown, Pa.
Atlas missile installations at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, Kan.
Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia.
According to Rep. Boland, the phasing out of the Armory will begin in March 1965. After the closing is total, the property will be 'sold lock, stock and barrel,' he said, 'unless the city or some other public agency takes it over.'
Earlier this month a cutback was made in Armory personnel. A total of 483 men were laid off and 300 more were dropped to lower pay grades. This cutback was said to mean a reduction of $3 million in the payroll.
One of the great benefits of the local military installation was felt by the city's School Department which received payment for operating in a 'federally impacted area.'
In 1963 the local schools received $200,000 for educating 393 'Armory' children. The February layoff was expected to drop this figure by $28,000.
As Sec. McNamara's announcement neared, additional pessimistic information sifted in regarding the Armory. Kenneth T. Lyons of Watertown, president of National Association of Government Employees which represents the local Armory workers, said he had been notified that the local base would close in 1968.
He estimated loss of the Watertown Armory, now being phased out, the Armory here and reduction in personnel at the Boston Naval Yard in 1965 would represent a $80 million loss to the state.
He said the research and development departments of the Springfield Armory will be moved to Rock Island (Ill.) Arsenal. This move, he said, would be made by the Office of Weapons Command. Mr. Lyons said he plans to launch a campaign in conjunction with the Joint Civic Agencies here to save the Armory.
The association president claims the loss of the local installation would cost the government more money in transferring equipment to the Illinois arsenal than saved in shutting down the Springfield operation.
A late report from the Washington news service of The Daily News indicated the Armory would be the only Massachusetts base to be wiped out in the cutback.
While it appears that the Boston Naval Yard is to be spared in the economic ax-swinging Washington sources indicated that the huge Brooklyn (N.Y.) Navy Yard will be shut down.
The Brooklyn Army Terminal and nearby Ft. Jay on Governor's Island in New York Harbor also are on McNamara's list of bases to be eliminated.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard at Portsmouth, N.H. also will be closed, Sen. Thomas J. McIntyre disclosed today. The yard employs about 7500 personsAnother victim of McNamara's economy drive probably will be Hunter Air Force Base at Savannah, Ga. Sen. Richard B Russell, D-Ga., said he understood the strategic air base would be cut.
Col. Leslie A. Smith, commander of Pease Air Force Base, scheduled a news conference this afternoon which an aide said would deal with McNamara's announcement. Pease is an element in the Strategic Air Command's string of bomber bases.
Most sources say there is no danger of a closing at Westover Air Force Base. It has been indicated, however, that any demise of the Armory would be total.
This would leave vacant, a spacious area at State and Federal Sts. which has served as an Army installation since 1794. The base now employs 2464 production workers. The Armory barely escaped closing in a cutback last May by the Defense Department, according to reports."

Springfield Union, Dec. 11, 1964 - "People's Forum. Buying Guns Overseas Bad for U.S. Security. As a World War I veteran and a recent retiree of the model shop of Research and Development at the Springfield Armory I would like to express some of my views in opposition to the closing of the Springfield Armory.
I put 15 years in the model shop, and during that time I made it part of my business to do a lot of observing. This taught me that every gun and component had to right before it could be accepted. On the other hand, I have personally worked weeks on guns and components made on the outside that were nothing but a heap of junk. Add the repair cost to the price paid to the original maker, plus lost of time, and what have you? A costlier gun plus falling behind on the scheduled date of acceptance.
Now if McNamara can show me where this makes any sense, he to be a lot smarter than he has shown himself to be at that point.
Looking back over the years and recalling the letters of commendation posted on our bulletin boards at the end of a completed project, for an excellent job done, I wonder just how much real appreciation there was, or was it just hogwash. I have my own ideas and they are far from complimentary.
Let's look as another angle. The Springfield Armory has an apprentice school which is the best anywhere around. All these boys enrolled have been led into a false idea of security, now being dumped out on the refuse pile to salvage what they can from a loss of from one to four years, depending on when they enrolled. What now for them? And a lot them veterans of World War II.
Now let's just suppose we let West Germany have the $50 million contract for 20-millimeter machine guns. Ponder for a moment which would happen if for some reason or other there came about a disagreement then an upheaval between the U.S. and West Germany. Oh yes, it could happen, don't forget that. It would then boil down to West Germany having $50 million worth of our guns and we holding the bag with the bottom falling out. Don't kid yourselves by thinking couldn't happen here.
Now for the bombshell. This is one man's opinion, mine, and I am entitled to it. I think some where in the higher echelon there is a strong smell of Communist espionage. I only wish I could put my finger on it, because if there is one thing I hate with a passion, it is second-hand communism. The above, while concentrated mainly on the Springfield Armory, applies to many of the other cutbacks.
Let's fight to keep the Springfield Armory alive. - Edward W. Keeney, Sr., Huntington

Springfield Union, Nov. 19, 1964 - "NO WORD HERE ON CLOSING OF ANY BASE. City Armory, Westover Likely to Escape Ax. Boston Naval Shipyard Also Expected To Be Kept Open. The Pentagon will disclose today some 95 more military bases - some small and some quite large - which will be closed down. Included will be the long awaited selection of some big shipyards to be eliminated.
Some Overseas Bases - Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamera told a news conference Wednesday the bases - Army and Air Force, as well as Navy shipyards - will be closed gradually overMcNamera said they can all be eliminated 'without in any way reducing our military strength and combat readiness.' His words obviously were couched to forestall expected protests, especially in the case of shipyards.
Officials in the Springfield area they had received no word on possible closing of military installations here."

Springfield Shopping News, November, 1964 - "Statement By Mayor Charles Ryan, Jr. - Almost 200 years ago, George Washington said that on this site in Springfield, there is to be an Armory.
Why do businesses and industry relocate? High taxes. The Armory pays no taxes. Unqualified personnel? The personnel at the local facility are highly skilled. To be near the markets with their products? The Armory's products go to the world market. It can't be for these reasons.
Yet, Mr. McNamara say's inefficient and because of that fact, they are moving to Rock Island, Illinois. Rock Island, therefore, must be efficient. But the same Army runs both installations. Why are we supposedly inefficient in Springfield? If it's inefficient - then it must be the fault of someone in higher echelon. It certainly isn't the fault of the Armory employees who have spent 10, 20 30 years of their lives at the Armory.
The federal Government professes concern about the economic well being of all communities. However, the unemployment figure in greater Springfield is 6 per cent. Rock Island is only 1.2 per cent. If they are concerned about the economic well being of these communities, soft spots in the economy are to be treated with a poverty program, then Rock Island should be coming here instead of Springfield going there.
Secretary McNamara should make available to us immediately, all of the facts and figures upon which he bases his decision. We don't feel that his analysis will stand the light of day. We know that he has never been to Springfield to analyze the situation and we feel he is relying on information that is inaccurate and incompetently collected.
Let the people see the true story of the Armory. Let the people see how we stack up against Rock Island. Let the people see how we stack up against private industry.
In a Democratic society we certainly deserve to receive more information that just the mere fact they are going to lock down the doors in 1968.
They talk about closing the Brooklyn Navy Yard or other big installations. We sympathize, of course, with the employees of the Brooklyn Yard, but we say that they have no comparison between the tremendous New York economy absorbing 10,000 jobs and the metropolitan Springfield Community absorbing 2500 jobs.
Look at the figures - many of the cuts were small - insignificant - we've been hit as hard as any community in the United States.
We intend to fight this all the way. We intend to work with the employees of the Armory and with other civic leaders. We need the help of our congressional delegation. We can't understand this decision, and demand that the Army give us the facts upon which their decision was based.
If this is unsuccessful, then we have no alternative but to go directly to the President.
This is a cruel and unnecessary thing to do to 2500 families and to a community which side the birth of our country had justified the existence of the Springfield Armory.
There are some who might say - but isn't it all futile - it is only futile if we do nothing."

Springfield Union, 11 December 1964 - "Boland Receives 130 Letters on Armory Closing. A total of 130 letters arrived in the Washington office of U.S. Rep. Edward P. Boland, D-Springfield, Thursday, according to a Washington report.
The mail, the bulk of it in protest to the planned closing of Springfield Armory, was reported the heaviest Rep. Boland received on any day so far this week.
The week's total of letters has reached 397.
Residents of the area are being urged to write to President Johnson in care of Boland to protest the closing. Fact sheets givingBoland plans to hand-carry the letters to President Johnson in January when he sees him to countermand the Defense Department order to close the Armory by 1968."

Springfield Union, December 24, 1964 - "WORN-OUT WEAPON IN VIET NAM CITED IN DEFENSE OF KEEPING ARMORY OPEN. Editor's Note: John King was a professional soldier who rose from private to captain. In three short months in South Viet Nam, his letters home gave a diary of all the frustrations, loneliness, hell of war - and tragedy.
BRANDENTON, Fla. - Capt. John King's war was 'long periods of boredom interrupted by short periods of intense hell.'
His war was worn-out weapons, loneliness, an enemy that melted away, waster, leaders who he said sought advice but didn't heed it, a superior who he said refused to forward his critical report.
Died Dec. 12 - Capt. John King, 32, died Dec. 12 in South Viet Nam, a bullet through his head.
He was a Bradenton man, the son of Mrs. Thomas J. Brooks and John H. King. He enlisted at 17, fought in Korea, rose from private to captain in 15 years. He had a wife and five children in Sebring. Mrs. King is expecting a sixth child next month.
About mid-November, King wrote his sister, Mrs. Roy Howell of Bradenton. There was nothing unusual about it, except that it included a page from another letter, which presumably had been meant for a friend in service.
Criticizes Weapons - It read it part: '…These weapons are completely worn out… I can take an unexpended 30-caliber round of ammunition and drop it through the muzzle end of the barrels of our M1 rifles and it will fall out the breech end of the barrel with little or no resistance. The same holds true for the carbines, Thompson submachine guns, 30-caliber machine guns. Many parts essential to the functioning of our weapons are missing…. I have written my superiors on two different occasions explaining the condition of the equipment that we must fight with and have attempted to solicit help to rectify this, as these weapons are highly dangerous to fire and could easily explode in a man's face… so far nothing has been done.
In Washington, the Defense Department had no comment on King's letter."

"Summary of Information Regarding the Closing of Springfield Armory. The paramount factor affecting decisions to close or reduce Department of Defense activities is the necessity to improve our over-all defense effectiveness at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayers. The Government must continuously strive to operate its affairs in the most efficient and effective manner if maximum benefit is to be obtained from the resources that are allocated to the public sector. To accomplish this, constant changes are necessary to keep our government-owned industrial facilities in proper balance with military requirements and in consonance with the continuing advances being made in weapons technology.
To assure that these changes are made properly and on a timely basis, all Army-owned industrial facilities are subjected to a program of continuous and systematic review. Under this program, industrial installations which have marginal utility or are in poor condition and require excessive cost to operate and maintain, are discontinued. Installations operating well below capacity are closed and their activities consolidated at other locations in order to maintain efficiency and reduce expenditures. Military production of commercial type goods or services is terminated when these are readily available at lower costs from private enterprise in quantities sufficient to meet all present and future military needs. Facilities that are excess to peacetime and mobilization needs are reported for disposal in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Continuous efforts are made to identify activities in which there may be costly work duplication, unjustified overhead expenses, or which make uneconomical use of space, personnel or equipment.
The decision to discontinue The workload at Springfield Armory has declined to the point where less than one-half of the manufacturing capacity is being utilized. This has resulted in a high overhead cost that will continue to increase since it is anticipated that future requirements for the Armory's capacity will progressively decline. Because of the age and condition of the Armory, maintenance costs are well above those at Rock Island Arsenal to which the retained missions of research, engineering, quality assurance and procurement will be assigned. The type of items produced at Springfield Armory are adaptable to procurement from commercial sources at a lower cost. For these reasons, continued operation of Springfield Armory can no longer be justified and the target date of April 1968 has been established for its closure.
The matter of military preparedness is the primary consideration in the management of all installations under the Department of Defense cognizance. No exception was made in the case of Springfield Armory. You are assured that the closure of the Springfield Armory will not have a significant impact on the military preparedness of the United States.
The dislocation and inconvenience which will result unavoidably from the closure of Springfield Armory is regretted. The Department of Defense will strive to mitigate the impact on personnel and communities affected by the closure. For this reason the Armory's activities will be phased out gradually over a period of more than three years. All career and career-conditional employees whose jobs are eliminated will be guaranteed a job opportunity. Normal attrition in the Department of Defense work force will provide job opportunities for considerable numbers of those affected by the civilian personnel reductions. By careful advance planning, and an extensive use of hiring freezes, additional job opportunities will be made available for the others involved in the cutback. If the new job offered an employee requires a move to another Defense installation, the moving expenses will be borne by the Government. To assure the widest opportunity for new jobs, retraining programs for skills required within the Department of Defense will be established, when necessary at Government expense.
INFORMATION REGARDING A 20MM RAPID FIRE WEAPON - The United States Army has an urgent need for an automatic weapon for installation on its Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles with more fire power than the present weapon, the caliber .50 machine gun. A complete study has been made of the weapons which are or may become available in the near future and which would be suitable as a replacement. This study determined than an acceptable U.S. weapon does not exist. Further, it was ascertained that the HS 20mm automatic gun is currently available and the best weapon, world-wide, to meet this requirement. The production capability which can provide the earliest possible delivery exists in West Germany. Since this is a foreign owned and designed weapon, the United States does not have the drawings and other technical data necessary to permit manufacture in any domestic plant. It is, therefore, not feasible for Springfield Armory to embark on the production of this gun." - s/F.S. Besson, Jr., General, USA, Commanding, Headquarters, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Washington, D.C., 9 February 1965.

Boston Record, 29 April 1965 - "SEN. TED KENNEDY with LBJ's support convinced McNamara to keep the Springfield Arsenal open for research. A terrific political plum for control of Massachusetts." - Walter Winchell

Springfield Daily News, 3 May 1965 - "Winchell Armory Story Denied by Sen. Kennedy. Much Doubt Case on Report McNThe spokesman for Sen. Kennedy said there is 'no basis of fact' for the comment by Mr. Winchell, which appeared in his column last Thursday.
The column said that Sen. Kennedy 'with LBJ's support convinced McNamara to keep the Springfield Arsenal open for research…. A terrific plum for control of Massachusetts.'
'There is no basis of fact for that comment that we know of,' Senator Kennedy's spokesman said today. 'There is absolutely none. We certainly would be pleased to know that Secretary McNamara has rescinded his order to close the Armory, but we also would certainly hope has decided to keep more than research and development in operation.'
Sen. Kennedy is on a committee headed by U.S. Rep. Edward Boland, D-Springfield, consisting also of Sen. Leverett Saltonstall and Rep. Silvio O. Conte, R-Pittsfield, fighting in Washington to keep the Armory in operation.
In a radio interview on station WBZ in Boston yesterday, Rep. Conte also denied any knowledge of the claim by columnist Winchell.
He said the Massachusetts congressmen have 'worked as a team… not as individuals… I don't think that there has been any meeting of Sen. Kennedy or Sen. Saltonstall or Ed Boland or myself privately with Secretary McNamara.'
He also stated: 'Now I don't know where Walter Winchell got this story. I hope he's right, but if he is right, believe me, it was a joint effort. The man who worked the hardest of anyone…and the man who took the leadership was Congressman Ed. Boland of Springfield.'
A spokesman for Rep. Boland also said the Springfield congressman has received no word to support columnist Winchell's claim that McNamara had decided to keep research and development facilities at the Armory.
He said Rep. Boland had word from McNamara that he would review the entire Armory situation, and his review still held open the possibility of keeping production operations open at the Armory, as well as research and development facilities.
'I certainly hope we can save the Springfield Armory,' Rep. Boland said. 'I think we have an excellent case.'
The congressman working to save the Armory are to meet the 13th in Washington with representatives of the Booz, Allen and Hamilton consultant firm ,retained by Secretary McNamara to review the Armory case."

During Durrenberger's tenure, 1963-1965, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1965-1975 - Vietnam Conflict.
1965-1966 - Dominican Republic Civil War - President Johnson orders U.S. troops into Dominican Republic to protect American lives and property.

49. Col. Arthur H. Sweeney, Ord. Corps, Sept, 1965 - Oct., 1967. Colonel Arthur H. Sweeney, Jr., assumed command of the Springfield Armory on 19 September 1965. Colonel Sweeney deserves a great deal of the credit for preserving the museum in Springfield. In a letter dated 21 November 1966 to Mr. Donald Bradford of the Pentagon, Sweeney writes: "I have further taken action to corral all objects and records of historical significance at the Armory for inclusion in the museum. A coordinator has been appointed in each office and division to search out such items and place them in the hands of the Benton Museum Curator. I plan to further augment the museum staff in order to sort out, build as appropriate, maintain and catalog all items collected."

Springfield Daily News, November 16, 2005 - "WORDS OF DOOM, WORDS OF DISMAY - Deputy Defense Secretary Cyrus Vance announced the Defense Department's decision to proceed with the Springfield Armory phase-out this way to the office of U.S. Rep. Edward P. Boland here: -
'We have completed our review of the Booz, Allen and Hamilton report, and on the basis of that are going to reaffirm the decision.
Secretary of Defense McNamara has directed The reaffirmation of the decision to close the Springfield Armory follows a comprehensive study by the Booz, Allen and Hamilton firm of management consultants.
The company concluded: -
'The long range retention of the Springfield Armory for the acquisition of small arms weapons and weapons systems is neither necessary nor needed.'
The study further stated that the 'Armory management and research departments are not needed. The same is true of the Armory development capabilities.'
As in similar cases, career employees whose jobs are eliminated will be offered another job. If the new job, requires a move to another location, the moving expenses will be borne by the government.
The services of the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, will be made available to the community if requested.
The services of the Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment, will be made available to the community if requested.
U.S. Rep. Edward P. Boland's statement on the Defense Department decision to reaffirm plans for phasing out Springfield Armory is as follows: -
'I am stunned, disappointment, dismayed and disheartened by the incredible announcement.
I cannot understand how Secretary McNamara and the private management consultant firm of Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Inc. could arrive at this decision after eight months of study.
The several presentations by the Springfield Armory Technical Committee to Secretary McNamara, Defense Department officials and Booz, Allen and Hamilton were both persuasive and brilliant.
Mayor Ryan, the Springfield Armory Technical Committee, the team of volunteer accountants headed by Henry T. Downey, spent nearly a year working on co-operation with Sens. Saltonstall and Kennedy, and Congressional Costs and myself, in firming up a factual and ironclad case to keep the Springfield Armory open.
I just cannot understand how the volume of facts and figures we documented were discarded by Booz, Allen and Hamilton, and Secretary McNamara in arriving of this decision today.
I am going to ask the House Appropriations Committee and the House Armed Services Committee to obtain copies of the Booz, Allen and Hamilton report for a special study and review by these congressional committees.
I am going to continue the fight to save the Springfield Armory.
I am asking the continued assistance of the Springfield Armory Technical Committee in this endeavor, and I will continue the fight in Congress to reverse this decision.
This decision is incredible to me - with American forces engaged in a war in Vietnam and the Springfield Armory working overtime to supply our fighting men with aircraft armaments, helicopter sky cavalry weapons and small arms spare parts."

Springfield Union, Nov. 27, 1965 - "People's Forum. U.S. Security in Danger If Armory Is Abandoned.
Sir: I am not an employee of the Armory, but have from the start been against the closing of this facility because of its importance to the security of our country.
I, as well as millions of Americans, deplore the action of the 'Protestors of the Action in Viet Nam.' How well I recall sitting in on some heart-to-heard, eye-opening conversations of veterans of World War II and Korea and know too well that the small arms weapons is and always will be the prime defense of the American way of life.
Up to now, America has been spared the bombings and destruction of war, and if God is with us we will continue to enjoy this freedom from horror that almost every other country of the world has experienced.
As a mother with children growing up, I want those children to be spared from war here in America" but MUST WAR HIT AMERICAN SOIL, BEFORE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL MOVE TO PROTECT ITS FREEDOM? If we turn over to private enterprise all phases of our defenMust we have at the controls 'Mac the Knife,' who leave us open to such a fate? Must we as Americans sit back and let this country come under the much took powerful hand of one man - not elected - whose aims and long range plans have not been made known to us for 'security' reasons - see this same security wiped out and thus have our country led down the road to destruction, to the delight of unfriendly countries!
If we wish to continue to have foreign countries say 'American Go Home,' then rest back and soon there will be no home for Americans to come to - or else, every one of us move NOW to stem the flow of strength and security from America by backing this fight to save to "Save the Armory' as a milestone in a long, hard battle that must be fought to regain control of our government - by the people and for the people for which our country was founded and has flourished. - BERYL A. KRASS, Springfield."

"28 December 1965. MEMORANDUM TO ALL EMPLOYEES: I have just been informed by Headquarters, Army Materiel Command that the phase-down plan for Springfield Armory has been approved by the Department of Defense for implementation. In general, this plan, as approved, calls for the complete close down of operations and facilities at Springfield Armory by April 1968 and for the transfer to Rock Island Arsenal by the summer of 1967 of certain specific functions in Research and Development and Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement.
The plan is oriented to give you all possible consideration regarding new job opportunities, transfer of functions, and retirement benefits. To assist you, a placement team from Headquarters, Army Materiel Command will be established here at the Armory shortly after the first of the year to institute an aggressive out-placement program. This team will be here at the Armory to provide you with maximum assistance in locating other suitable Federal employment and to provide you with necessary retraining for such employment when warranted. There will be no Reduction in Force contemplated during the calendar year 1966 and no one will be separated without having been proffered one job opportunity. Furthermore, the plan provides, on a continuing basis, for the issuance of 12-month advance general notices under U.S. Civil Service regulations, for close-out situations, to all of you whose positions are to be abolished. Positive actions will be taken by all officials concerned to insure that this 'people oriented' placement is successful.
A firm manufacturing workload is either currently on hand or earmarked for Springfield Armory to support direct labor personnel through November 1966. Additional phase-down manufacturing workload has been planned for placement at the Armory to extend through September 1967, at which time manufacturing operations will cease, thereby allowing a 6-month period for final clean-up and real property disposition.
There are 533 positions identified with the transfer of functions to Rock Island Arsenal. 278 of these positions are associated with Research, Development and Engineering functions, 142 with Quality Assurance functions, 58 with Procurement functions, and 75 with General Support functions.
Initial movement of Research, Development and Engineering personnel identified with transfer of functions will begin with a small nucleus in the summer of 1966 and the remainder by the summer of 1967.
Procurement operations in support of manufacturing workload will phase out at a rate dictated by manufacturing operations and will be completed by the summer of 1967. Procurement in support of the Research and Engineering and national secondary item procurement will be transferred entirely to Rock Island Arsenal, on a phased down basis, to be completed by the summer of 1967.
Quality Assurance activities associated witThe anticipated phase down of personnel will be approximately 250 per quarter beginning 1 July 1966 and increasing to approximately 300 per quarter by July 1967. During 1966 the loss of personnel will be through normal attrition, transfers of functions and voluntary out-placement of personnel.
The publishing of Phase-Down Information Bulletins will be re-instituted immediately in order to keep you completely informed of all developments and actions regarding the Phase Down." - s/Arthur H. Sweeney, Jr., Colonel, Ord Corps, Commanding.

Des Moines Register, 8 April 1966 - "ARMORY ISSUES STIRS BARBS AT MCNAMARA. Reverse Decision, Senate Unit Ask, by Clark Mollenhoff. Washington, D.C. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara came in for scalding criticism Thursday from two committees of Congress that question his judgment on two important matters.
The Senate Preparedness Subcommittee asked McNamara to reverse his decision to phase out the Springfield, Mass. armory, which develops and manufactures small arms.
A House Armed Services Subcommittee charged that McNamara's decision to defer $620 million in military construction projects was 'completely unwarranted' and accused him of arbitrary and 'incredible' actions.
Other Critical Reports - The defense secretary, who for most his five years in office has been subjected to only a few isolated attacks, appeared to be in for a tough period.
The House Armed Services Subcommittee has at least three other critical reports ready for release as soon as national security matters have been deleted.
The Senate Preparedness Subcommittee has not yet issued a report on the order to phase out the Springfield Armory.
However, Chairman John Stennis, (Dem., Miss.) revealed the views of the subcommittee members in a letter that made clear that members were unanimous in the belief that McNamara was wrong in his order to close the armory.
The view of the Senate subcommittee supported the stand of Mayor Charles Ryan of Springfield and a committee that proved cost figures used by McNamara in his initial announcement were wrong. McNamara switched his ground for closing the armory, and contented the Armory was more expensive than private industry.
McNamara was proved wrong on his point by one of his own studies that stated Springfield armory costs were about the same as private industry. The McNamara classified that report as secret and went ahead with another order to close it.
Stennis wrote McNamara that in the hearings on the Springfield closing, 'those in opposition to the closure presented a number of highly competent witnesses who testified under oath and gave very strong and persuasive testimony and reasons why the armory should not be closed.
'The (Springfield) witnesses were well prepared and presented their subject matter in a credible manner. We have carefully reviewed and considered this evidence, some of which represents newly developed facts. In view of this testimony, and in the light of developments in Viet Nam, and our national defense requirements created thereby, the subcommittee requests that you consider this testimony fully before any final conclusion is reached.'
From a committee chairman who would consider it improper to direct McNamara to keep the armory open, this was about as strong as Stennis could go short of trying to order the armory to remain open.
The committee contends that private industry cannot be counted on to provide research and development and the production base on small arms when this manufacturing is profitable only for brief periods of time.
It is argued by Springfield that the government must retain a research and development team that will help private industry bid on small arms contracts and also serve as a quality control team to make certain that industry provides theMoney Power - If McNamara does not change his decision to close the Armory, the Stennis letter is a strong indication that Congress will use the power over appropriations and a tougher factual report to spell out the errors in the cost figures McNamara was using.
McNamara did not appear as a witness to defend the closing of the armory but sent Deputy Secretary Cyrus Vance. Vance simply reiterated that he and McNamara had given 'thorough consideration' to the decision to close the armory. He made no contention it would actually save money.
The House Armed Services Subcommittee headed by Representative Mendel Rivers (Dem., S.C.) called for 'immediate and full restoration' of the $620 million in construction contracts that have been held up by McNamara.
All six Democrats and three Republicans on the subcommittee signed the report that accused McNamara of 'double talk' because he proposed the programs in the spring and then rejected them in the fall in the middle of the escalation of war in Viet Nam.
The House subcommittee charged that the delayed construction included military bases as well as housing for soldiers and their families. It charged that McNamara's action was damaging to the morale of the military men.
$1.3 Billion Program - The deferred construction was part of a $1.3 billion program authorized last year. McNamara had asked earlier for the construction projects, but in December he deferred them, stating that inflationary pressure was the chief reason.
The House Subcommittee suggested that McNamara concern himself with the problem of providing adequate defense and proper facilities for the military men, and that he leaves the problem of dealing with inflation to the departments of government that have the responsibility of to deal with the problem
The subcommittee challenged McNamara's contention that the failure to move ahead on construction will not impair combat effectiveness. The subcommittee cited problems of morale in connection with housing for service families.
Rivers and members of the subcommittee said they will use all of the force of the Armed Services Committee to try to force McNamara to move forward with the construction program. Citing the fact that McNamara had said the programs were urgently needed in the spring of 1965, and then refused to build them in December, the subcommittee said: 'This type of double talk will make it more difficult for the committee to accept future justification requests."

1966 - 11/21 - Letter from SPAR CO Col. Arthur H. Sweeney, Jr. to Mr. Donald Bradford, Director of Economic Adjustment, Department of Defense, Washington, D.C.
"Dear Mr. Bradford:
With regard to our recent discussion pertaining to inventory records on the weapons in our Benton Museum, the following is the status.
There is in existence a complete duplicate record card on all items in the museum. One set of cards is maintained in the museum in the care of the museum curator, while the other is maintained in the Office, Chief of Military History, Washington, D.C. I recently telephoned Mr. Ewing of that office and he assured me that their duplicate set of cards is being properly maintained and cared for. As additional items are placed in the collection, the same duplicating procedure will be followed. We now have about 200 weapons requiring such cataloging and this is being accomplished as rapidly as possible.
I have further taken action to corral all objects and records of historical significance at the Armory for inclusion in the museum. A coordinator has been appointed in each office and division to search out such items and place them in the hands of the Benton Museum Curator. I plan to further augment the museum staff in order to sort out, bind as appropriate, maintain and catalog all items collected.
On the matter of the Technical Institute, last week I appointed an ad hoc group to restudy our present phase-out plans with a view to determining the maximum floor space and area that could be made available next summer to permit the institute to Enclosed is a set of photographs taken at the signing ceremony on the 9th of November. I thought you would like these for your records." s/Arthur H. Sweeney, Jr.

During Sweeney's tenure, 1965-1967, the United States was involved in the following armed engagements where Springfield weapons may have been used:
1967 - Military aid and advisers sent to President Mobutu of the Congo in order to quell a revolt.

50. LTC Charles B. Zumwalt, Ord. Corps, November, 1967 - April, 1968 -

"There have been many memorable events in the 174-year history of the Springfield Armory which have been very significant in their impact!
None of these, however, compare to the moments of this day which bring to an official conclusion a fighting segment in the history of this nation.
From the very beginning on April 2, 1794 when the Springfield Armory was officially founded by Act of the Third Congress, the forward progress of this installation has been closely identified with the increasing influence of this nation upon the world scene. All through the life of the Springfield Armory, national missions have been parallel with national duties. The fact that the United States of America has progressed internationally and its image as a world leader has been well established is directly reflected through Springfield Armory accomplishments.
In essence, the Springfield Armory and its people have established their own trademark to the world: a trademark which pictures dependability and pride in the nation through successful effort and accomplishments.
This, then, is the final greeting from the Springfield Armory and all the men and women in its pages of history. This final greeting is extended to the nation in general and its people in particular.
With this greeting, the living torch of successfully maintaining the security of this nation for the generations yet to come, is passed to other willing hands!
To you, Springfield Armory personnel of the past and to you Springfield Armory personnel of today, goes my heartiest and most sincere appreciation for a job well done! - C.B. Zumwalt/ LTC, Ord. Corps/Commanding

Springfield Union, May 10, 1966 - "SALINGER REBUKES SCHLESINGER FOR STAND ON VIET NAM WAR - The former press secretary to the late President John F. Kennedy disagreed with Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., here this week with regard to President Lyndon B. Johnson's Viet Nam Policy.
Using Best Judgment - Prior to a lecture at American International College, Pierre Salinger contended that President Johnson was using the best judgment in Vietnam.
'Many see other ways out the situation but the alternate solutions are not acceptable to American Policy,' Salinger declared.
President Johnson's policy is based upon today's situation and he is doing what he can to solve it.
Great Deal of Hindsight - In answer to a question, Salinger agreed there was 'a great deal of hindsight involved in other people's criticism of Johnson.'
Salinger said Schlesinger was not a policy maker under Kennedy, Schlesinger served as an advisor.
Salinger felt that it 'unfortunate there was a growing fight between Schlesinger and Secretary of State Dean Rusk.'
Schlesinger, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for a book about Kennedy's administration, said Sunday on a nationwide television program that President Johnson lacks judgment and self confidence to overrule what Schlesinger called the wrong advice from the State Department and the military.
Salinger also said a lot of factors have to be weighed with regard to the shutting down of the Springfield Armory, that it must be looked at from the overall national budget and from Washington, not from a local viewpoint.
First Option - The former newsman said that if the work done by the Springfield Armory is being done abroad, 'then the Armory should have the first option on this kind of work.'
In answer to a question regarding events in Berkeley, Cal., Salinger said there were some 40,000 students there aHe also said there is a great tradition of free speech there."

Springfield Republican, 3/27/1967 - "RIFLE FOR FIGHTING MAN IS PENTAGON BLIND SPOT. By Charles Nicodemus, Chicago Daily News Service. Washington - American taxpayers have never scrimped on money to equip U.S. fighting men. In return, they believe the U.S. forces get the best equipment in the world. Usually they do. But not always.
The recent publicity about the pending sale of 20,300 hard-to-get M16 rifles to neutralist Singapore - which the American military has an unfilled backlog of orders for some 350,000 of the guns - has spotlighted a little known Pentagon blind spot: - That's the occasional failure of American military weapons experts to think in modern terms - a failure that invariably costs the lives of U.S. fighting men.
This shortcoming is not just a recent development.
Civil War Block - At the time of the Civil War, the Army's chief of ordnance was Brig. Gen. James Ripley, who resisted bitterly the attempts of American gunsmiths and some lower-level officers to win acceptance of the breech-loading rifle as the Army's standard weapon.
Said Ripley, 'The weapon of the American soldier has been, is now, and always will be the muzzle-loading rifle musket."
It was only through the personal intervention of President Lincoln, and the efforts of several state governors, that some Henry (later Winchester) and Spencer carbines eventually got into the hands of Union troops.
And a breech-loader was not formally adopted by the Army until 1873.
Development of the automatic machinegun came in the 1880s, with two Americans, Hiram Maxim and John Browning, in the forefront. But neither could make any headway with army ordnance experts.
Maxim then took his gun to Europe, where it won admiring acceptance, and was widely used during World War I. Belatedly, an Army weapons board recommended the United States purchase 4600 of the famed Maxim guns in 1915. But the Army's chief of ordnance, Maj. Gen. William Crozier, refused to buy them.
By 1917, another popular, battle-tested machinegun was the British Lewis gun. Yet Crozier flatly refused to permit its purchase either, telling Congress it was 'untested.'
As a result, American troops were caught short in 1918.
The M-1 rifle was developed in 1936, and was authorized for full distribution to American troops in 1939.
Springfield Remains - But ordnance foot-dragging, and the addition of certain Army weapons experts to the old Springfield, was such that sizeable quantities of the M-1 didn't start reaching American troops until late 1942. And some U.S. soldiers carried Springfields throughout the war.
The Army has gone through this same process with the M-16, which was developed in 1956 as the AR-15 by what was then the Armalite division of Fairchild-Hiller, and licensed to Colt Firearms for exclusive manufacture.
Heavily committed to the Army-designated, .30 caliber (7.62mm) M-14, the Army repeatedly spurned the lighter smaller caliber (5.56 MM) M16 (AR-15.)
Jungle Use - But when the Air Force began acquiring the weapon, and U.S. Special Forces troops in Vietnam - given 'test quantities' - raved about its performance in jungle fighting the Army reluctantly was forced to accept the gun.
However, it refused to give Colt any long-range commitment - despite the obvious high demand for the gun - or to seek to open a second production source.
That's why we're now saddled with a production rate of only 25,000 guns a month, while some American troops in Vietnam - and our South Korea and South Vietnamese allies - still cry for weapons.
That's also the reason why Colt has some 'extra' guns, and is selling them to Singapore, even though U.S. Marines and thousands of Army personnel still don't have them yet.
The Singapore sale could still be stopped, by cancellation of the export permit for the rifles. And the Army could buy the extra guns, and divert them to Vietnam, to help against the swelling tide of Chinese made AK automatiBut that would be an admission that the Pentagon's rifle procurement program has been deficient and shortsighted. And that would never do."

Springfield Union,30 May 1967 - "TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO BE DISCUSSED BY STATE, LOCAL OFFICIALS. The next step is up to the State Board of Regional Community Colleges now that Gov. Volpe has signed the bill to transfer the present Technical Institute to the Armory grounds, according to Edmond P. Garvey, principal of Trade High School and director of the Technical Institute.
Garvey said Monday that representatives of the state board will come to this city soon to discuss the transfer with the School Committee and school administration.
He said the Massachusetts Architectural Selection Committee will appoint an architect within a week or so to begin recommendations on the conversion of the 32 buildings for the two-year college of technology.
The college is scheduled to open in the fall with an enrollment of about 100."

"The Springfield Armory survived good times and bad for 170 years. The National Armory at Springfield, Massachusetts, since 1794, has been both characterized as a wellspring of Yankee ingenuity and as the worst possible example of bureaucratic resistance to innovation." - Dr. Edward C. Ezell, Ph.D.

From April of 1968, the Springfield Armory Museum was ably managed under the auspices of Springfield Armory Museum, Inc. by Thomas J. Wallace, Joseph A. Polcetti, and David S. David.

1977 - 01/17 - NPS MEMO:
"To: Manager Harpers Ferry Center
From: Regional Director, North Atlantic Region
Subject: Request for Assistance of Division of Museum Services for Springfield Armory
Now that we have Bill Meuse installed at Springfield as Curator we are anxious to take the first steps in curating the collection. This promises to be a large and continuing effort for a long time to come. Before much at all can be done we would appreciate the advice and help of Division of Museum Services personnel in the two problem areas of curatorial storage and metal conservation.
We have informally discussed these needs with the Division Chief, Harpers Ferry Center, who suggests late February as a time convenient for Division personnel to visit Springfield Armory. Their help will be very valuable for us and we hereby request that they plan on late February as a time for a Springfield visit." s/Jack E. Stark

In 1978 the torch was passed to the National Park Service. In that time, the superintendents have included, Mohammed Khan, W. Douglas Lindsay, Steven M. Beatty, J. Douglas Cuillard, acting-superintendent Phil Selleck, and Michael Quijano.

1992 - 05/16 - "Springfield's last armorer calls its quit. Springfield. After more than a half-century in government service, the last of the men to turn out guns at its drop forges retired Friday from the Springfield Armory.
'Realistically it was a great place to work. You'll never find another place like it,' said Joseph Polcetti, who began making the M-1 rifles here in 1941. 'During the war years there were 14,000 men and women working around the clock. And people were close. There was a cause to save the country. It was a family - a non-bickering family.'
The armory established by George Washington, was declared a national historic site in 1974 following the closing of the weapons plant that had armed U.S. forces from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam. Part of the old plant on the hill is now a community college.
When the U.S. Interior Department took over the museum, Polcetti, who will turn 71 next week, continued as a park ranger, telling its story to many of the 30,000 people who visit the site each year.
Armory historian Larry Lowenthal said Polcetti's half-century of memories have been able to provide the staff with insights into people and personalties that they would otherwise not had.
'Once he is gone, we lost that continuity and there will never be a way to regain it,' said Lowenthal.
'There were so many stories and happy memories,' said Polcetti. 'And an awful lot of histHe met Ida, his wife of 37 years at the Armory, where she also worked - 'right here in this building where I work now.'
In 1958, he was named assistant curator of the armory museum, then used primarily by military researchers and became friends with John C. Garand, the engineer, who developed the M-1. 'He was a great, great gentleman,' Polcetti said.
And the visitors - from a young John F. Kennedy to movie stars and young families not quite sure what they examining in the museum. 'We have some water-cooled machine guns in the museum and I have overheard people wondering why the Army would want to shoot water out of a machine gun, he said."

This museum has now been in operation for 137 years.
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