Mythbusting and NW gun barrel lengths

[Rod]

For quite some time, there have been references to a document from Fort Tecumseh ordering NW guns in "2 & 3 ft." lengths. I've repeated it myself, but was always a little suspect on that two foot barrel length. I know I've seen it in print a number of time, notably in Harold Schuler's book on Ft. Pierre, and he referenced it off another secondary source. Well, today I found the original document on reel 17 of the Chouteau Papers. The order from Ft. Tecumseh is a bit ink smeared, making reading a little difficult, but there was obviously something written following that number "2". Luckily, in the same grouping of papers, is the listing of the same goods shipped from Liverpool--and written much more legibly. Turns out what the order and the invoice both say is NW guns--larger amount 3 ft., smaller amount 2 ft. 9", and balance 3 1/2 ft. 10 cases were shipped on this order, presumably with 10 guns per case. Makes a bit more sense to me now.

Rod

[marvin]

great research. Thanks for sharing.

[digger]

Great clarification.