From the Richmond Dispatch, 10/2/1861, p. 3, c. 1
Small Arms.
Almost as if by magic,
an extensive establishment has sprung into existence in Richmond, where a large
number of workmen are employed in repairing and refitting muskets for the use of
our army. The shops are located on Seventh street, and are owned by the
Government of the Confederate States. Within ten days past the machinery has
been placed in position, and is now in active operation. Two steam engines (one
35-horse power,) furnish the driving force, and from the plans laid down we are
satisfied that the establishment will soon be complete in all its departments.
We state these facts with a view of giving encouragement to those who may
suppose that the Government is not pushing forward vigorously in every respect,
with a view to a determined resistance against the foe. A large number of
muskets, thrown away by the Yankees on their flight from Manassa, [sic] are now
undergoing the necessary repairs, and many of them daily leave the hands of the
workmen “as good as new.” Every citizen who possesses an old gun, for which he
has no especial use, would subserve the cause of the South by sending it in to
the Ordnance Department.
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