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.