I am pleased to advise you that the review of your T2C-3 Weapons System procured under contract with the Colonial Army has been completed and that the performance of your weapons system in trials at the Salem Ordnance Testing Center fully met the standards of this program.

On the basis of this performance, a contract is now being prepared under which your company will be asked to build 100 T2C-3 Cannons for the Colonial Army. Formal announcement of this contract may not be possible for some weeks, but you know, the needs of the Army are urgent and delivery under the impending conflict will be greatly accelerated. You are thereby advised that the Colonial Army Procurement Board finds it necessary to ask you to begin preparation for this contract during the interim period.

You will be notified when the conditions of the contract are finalized and you will be asked to come to Philadelphia for the formal signing.

HC:jb

Copies to:
Captain Earl Hawkins
Plant Representatives
T2C-3 Contracts

Farnsworth & Cooper

Cannon and Carriage Company
and
Henry Evans Carriage Company, Associate

30 August 1781 Wilfred Corners Massachusetts

Dear Colonel Corby:

Congratulations on your promotion to Colonel.

Thank for your letter advising us we won the contest and are to build some cannons. We went right to work as soon as we got your letter.

Leonard went down to Henry Evans' Mill on Harness Creek west of town and talked him into adding on to his lumber mill. We plan to build the carriages for the cannons out there. Henry will get the earnings from building the carriages and Leonard and I will share earnings on the cannon itself. We're hauling all Leonard's tools out to the mill and are going to make Leonard's barn into another shop just like mine so we can pour several cannons at a time.

We hired three local boys who just got out of the Army down by Boston and they are busy digging pits for the cannon reamers. Several fellows in town have offered to let us hire their horses to help with the reaming when we get started.

Captain Hawkins told us the security restrictions will be the same for the new contract so we've hired some more Indians for guards. They like to do that kind of work cause they can carry their bows and arrows and we make a badge for them to wear which makes them proud.

I hope the money comes for the prototype real soon. Ever since that renegotiation team was here, the people who we owe have been coming around asking about their money every few days. We had to go over to Concord for a loan to begin the new contract since folks around here don't have much money left anymore. We had to give 10% interest over there.

We'll be ready to start pouring cannon barrels in about three weeks. Let us know if we can get iron from the surplus depot like the last time as we want to get a supply up here before winter sets in.

Copy to: Captain Hawkins

You will have heard, by the time you receive this letter, of the notable victory of the Colonial Army at Yorktown and the surrender of the British Forces under Cornwallis. The outcome of this battle has brought about the end of hostilities between the Colonies and the British. Negotiations are now underway for final recognition of the Independence of the Colonies and a treaty of peace between our countries.

Naturally, the end of hostilities has ended the Colonial Army's requirements for weapons. You are advised that all contracts for weapons for the Colonial Army are hereby cancelled and declared null and void. This cancellation is made at the convenience of the Government under Public Law 188, "Convience of the Government".

Inasmuch as your prototype contract was completed prior to the cancellation of contracts, your check for this work, $384.01 is enclosed. The Renegotation Board found records kept by your company were not adequate to substantiate any payment for the contract. However, Government records of your purchase of iron from the Springfield Depot were located and determined to be satisfactory for reimbursement for your expense, since that amount was for $375.00, you have been awarded earnings of 5% of that figure. Although this would be $18.75, 50% ($9.38) has been withheld and turned over to the Colonial Treasury, as payment for corporate income tax.

I am authorized by the Continental Congress to express the heartfelt thanks for that body, in behalf of the citizens of these United States, for the patriotic efforts of yourself and your employees during this struggle for freedom.

Enclosure: Check for $384.01

In recognition of the role played by companies such as yours in serving as a prime contractor for the Colonial Army during the War for Independence, the United States Government is now offering those companies the first opportunity to bid for a quantity 300 postal wagons for use in the postal service in several of the nation's larger cities.

If your company is interested in bidding for this contract, please complete the enclosed bidder's forms (provided in triplicate) and return to them to this office not later than 15 June 1791.

Enclosure: Bidders Forms (3)