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Feb. 6, 1861
Richmond Daily Dispatch
The State Armory.
--Our readers have been made acquainted with the proceedings in reference to the establishment of an Armory, for the manufacture of implements of war, on an extensive scale, in this city: but very few, we imagine, are aware of the progress that has already been made, under the supervision of Capt. Charles Dimmock, in that direction. We visited the Armory yesterday, and took a survey of matters and things generally. The interior of the western wing of the building has been entirely rebuilt. New timbers and iron columns have been introduced, new floors laid, and everything reconstructed in the most substantial manner. It will require but a few days to complete this portion of the establishment. The eastern wing will then undergo a similar process of improvement, and it is probable that the whole will be finished early in the spring, ready for the movements of the contractor in the department of machinery. There is ample room for carrying on the necessary manufacturing operations, with water-power sufficient for any emergency.
In the repairing room of the Armory may be seen a great variety of weapons, including the pattern muskets and rifles that have been sent here from England and elsewhere. The gun used by old John Brown is a prominent object of interest. The veteran Armorer, Mr. Barnes, who has been employed here for forty years, without losing scarcely a day, still pursues his occupation in this department.
The Laboratory, at present, is the busiest portion of the establishment. On the first floor we saw a large quantity of shell, strapped shot and shrapnel, with other munitions of war in abundance. In the room above, a large force is employed in the manufacture of cartridges. They turn out from 7,000 to 8,000 musket and rifle cartridges per day. Everything prepared here is packed in strong boxes, and appropriately marked. The neatness and order prevailing in the Laboratory reflect credit upon the superintendent.
In the shop adjoining a substantial gun carriage has just been completed. We were informed that the small force now employed can finish one of these carriages in about eight days.
The Armory grounds require no especial notice, for most of our citizens are familiar with the general arrangement. The old flag-staff, with its unique "ornament," has been removed from the tower over the main entrance, and a new one substituted. The flag will be hoisted to- day, as a mark of respect to the Governor and the Armory Committee, who propose to make a visit of inspection.
With a view of showing that the work contemplated by the Legislature has been promptly carried forward, we have given this brief description, and we may add that the proverbial energy of the contractor for the machinery leaves no room to doubt that he will, at the proper time, as promptly fulfill his engagements.
Richmond Daily Dispatch
The State Armory.
--Our readers have been made acquainted with the proceedings in reference to the establishment of an Armory, for the manufacture of implements of war, on an extensive scale, in this city: but very few, we imagine, are aware of the progress that has already been made, under the supervision of Capt. Charles Dimmock, in that direction. We visited the Armory yesterday, and took a survey of matters and things generally. The interior of the western wing of the building has been entirely rebuilt. New timbers and iron columns have been introduced, new floors laid, and everything reconstructed in the most substantial manner. It will require but a few days to complete this portion of the establishment. The eastern wing will then undergo a similar process of improvement, and it is probable that the whole will be finished early in the spring, ready for the movements of the contractor in the department of machinery. There is ample room for carrying on the necessary manufacturing operations, with water-power sufficient for any emergency.
In the repairing room of the Armory may be seen a great variety of weapons, including the pattern muskets and rifles that have been sent here from England and elsewhere. The gun used by old John Brown is a prominent object of interest. The veteran Armorer, Mr. Barnes, who has been employed here for forty years, without losing scarcely a day, still pursues his occupation in this department.
The Laboratory, at present, is the busiest portion of the establishment. On the first floor we saw a large quantity of shell, strapped shot and shrapnel, with other munitions of war in abundance. In the room above, a large force is employed in the manufacture of cartridges. They turn out from 7,000 to 8,000 musket and rifle cartridges per day. Everything prepared here is packed in strong boxes, and appropriately marked. The neatness and order prevailing in the Laboratory reflect credit upon the superintendent.
In the shop adjoining a substantial gun carriage has just been completed. We were informed that the small force now employed can finish one of these carriages in about eight days.
The Armory grounds require no especial notice, for most of our citizens are familiar with the general arrangement. The old flag-staff, with its unique "ornament," has been removed from the tower over the main entrance, and a new one substituted. The flag will be hoisted to- day, as a mark of respect to the Governor and the Armory Committee, who propose to make a visit of inspection.
With a view of showing that the work contemplated by the Legislature has been promptly carried forward, we have given this brief description, and we may add that the proverbial energy of the contractor for the machinery leaves no room to doubt that he will, at the proper time, as promptly fulfill his engagements.
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