I can delay writing to you no longer. although I have nothing to communicate at all satisfactory.

The whole fund now at my command is less than $350. I shall try a few days longer in hopes to make it up to at least $400 before I make my purchases.

With regard to the objects for which I shall use it. I shall probably act as I indicated to you in my last conversation. I have the advice of a veteran officer and I shall in a few days send you a letter of military advice which I shall receive from him for you. He entirely agrees with the view I took of your position. You have as many S’s as you can use to advantage. For the bulk of your arms. the old fashioned pieces would really be better than S’s. This he says. with the highest opinion of S’s for especial service. I shall therefore probably either send you an h. or m. & some things that will be of peculiar value under certain circumstances which are not unlikely to occur in a defensive position.

By this mail I shall send a valuable book. It is out of print. but I hope to obtain several copies which are in private hands. The pencil marks are to be disregarded. but the ink marks you are advised to observe carefully.

I wrote you three days ago, and sent by same mail a little book, which I think will be useful.

I have ordered and unless my arrangements fail shall have ready for shipment on the 10th the instrument I proposed to purchase for you, and with it 25 shell and 25 canister cartridges & all necessaries except powder, which you had better order from St. Louis. The necessary quantity for these cartridges will be of coarse powder, 12 lbs, and perhaps ¼ that of rifle powder, for charging the shells. I shall send you by private conveyance, if possible, instructions for charging &c. so clear that I think you will have no difficulty to use the instrument with the best effect, if there should unfortunately be occasion,

One discharge of it at musket range is considered equally effective with a simultaneous fire of one hundred muskets—while its moral effect in producing consternation & panic upon an enemy, especially of undisciplined men, is far greater. If you can use it properly, as r doubt not you will, it is worth a dozen field pieces.

[369]

Mountain Howitzer Purchased by Olmsted for the Defense of Lawrence, Kansas

It will come by the under ground, via Chicago & [Peneach],. as agreed.