Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-03-24
TO the People.
freiiiv TO the hieces under thc signature
"Joan Clarke" concerning the 0iaau. ;.
JaCory Of dams.
LETTER III.

In my last letter l stated the means by
which became a conspicuous as we'll "a.
active character, with the Committee. Al
lsoon as received Information of the direc.
tion gwen to the chairman, prepared the
following address, and annexed charges
having no doubt, ii the charges should be
adopted, that should be fully authorised
TO employ the means necessary to support
them lhis was conclusion justified by
reason, and dictated by policy. How much
was nistaken-and how much the inqui
ry was delayed by the dllatory and DISCUS.
ting modes pursued by the committee, may,
perhaps, be explained Indeed,
the Conduct of some of the members was
so indecorous that several important wit.
nesses OF nice feelings, avoided the scene,
as much as they could, aud were never ex-
ahmed - Whilst others were so much in
tear OF being entrapped by crafty quest,-
ons, that they absolutely trembled as they
spoke. 1t was obvious that many Questi
ons were propouuded for no other purpose.
bu, let nc returu 10 the address.
$50 Daniel Shelley, esqu,iN, chairman of
the committee appointed by the House of
Delegates, to investigate the affairs OF the
manutactory OF arms."i
IL tving published series OF letters in
the Virginian, under the head OF ..Oblec-
1910 eiiG EtIHOTf, WHICH nave CX-
cited much public notice, and contributed
10 the present enquiry, and it being dee
med necessary for the public interests that
they should be reduced to "a specific forn,
and to be supported by my signature, nave
therefore, as well TO demonstrate my own
CONVICTION, that they are true, as to enable
'he comm ttce to proceed with regularity
anu certainty, submitted through YOU, TO
their notice, the following charges-all OF
which, L believe, can be supported by docu-
nents, on oral testimony. And lam, and
awe been for some time, ready and will
ing to contribute all in my pow CT toadduce
the tes,imonyr
CHARGES.
L. The muskets, ria =, and pistols are
made from iron of unsuitable quality
:. Inc method of repairing gun-scalps
from common bar IRON IS expensive in the
node, ana not calculated TO produce good
arms
). The iron used in making locks is not
IL 'oF the purpose.
4. Good ana Warranted scalps and iron
for scalps, has been offered to the officers.
and refused.
). The locks, tho we'll executed by the
hlers, are frequently injured and ruiued. by
unsk iliui hands, in case-hardening, &c. o.
ny the bad quality of the iron.
3. at this time, there are many locks
and parts OF locks, aud other component
parts totally unfit for any useful purpose !.
and of no more value than old iron.
q. Many of the arms delivered from the
armory are not only unfit for the purposes
OF war, but dangerous TO those VINO may use
them.
8 Pistols made from bursted gun bar.
refs are unsafe and unit for the lntended
purposes.
9. The muskets, pistols and rifles, are
not oaiy made from bad materials, but ma
ny OF them are unfaithfully executed.
10. Many of the swords are of an i'm.
proper form, and from the high prices paid
tor hits, scabbards sc. cost more thanIdou
Die as much as swords equally good may be
purchased for.
IL. a great deal of the machinery is not
necessary IN manufacturing arms, and is
chiefly used for purposes of shew and e;shi-
bition.
IL. Higher prices are allowed for work
when executed by some persons, than is
paid Tor the same kind o. work, when exc
cuted by others.
1S. Higher prices arc allowed to some
tavorites than other good workmen would
execute the same work for.
Ia. Profitable contracts have been allow
GU W Sohe idVoTiteS LOT particular work,
who have been allowed TO employ and in
troduce into the armory their own journey
men TO perform them.
Is. Fayorite workmen have been allow
ed to employ apprentices who have obtai-
med instruction by the use of public tools,
Goals and materials, whllst similar privile.
ges have been denied 10 others
10. A number Of hands have been and
now are employed who are aly unskill
ed IN the business OF making arms, whilst
employment has been refused to Others who
are complete workmen, whereby materials
to a great amount have been wasted or de-
stroyed
IL. Materials to a great amount have
been wasted OF destroyed in unavailing pro-
Jects, in the execution of which, much time
and money have been expended.
IL. There is regulation or bye-law of
the officers which Furnishes those with ex.
pulsioh who use expressions OF disrespect
gainst any of them, aud good workmen
have been expelled for no other cause.
~. Workmen have been expelled or re-
fused employment, or threatened TO be es-
PEELED, because they would notprocure pro-
per cloathing and JOIN an uniform compa-
ny.
20 Work has been received and paid for