Early Governors' Papers

Middletown [Con^t] 24^th Jan^y 1820

Sir

I wrote you on the 15^th Nov.^r a copy of which is annexd [sic]. fearing that letter has miscarried and observeing [sic] that you are at Washington I take the liberty of addressing you again and I have only to add that the Sword for Col^o R M. Johnson of Kentucky will be in Washington about the first of March and that I believe the President and Col^o J will be satisfied with the style and execution of the work

I am very respecfully Sir your Ob^t Hum. S^t

Nathan Starr

P. S I woud [sic] also refer you to the Senators from this State Mess. Lauman and Dana

Copy

Midd. Con. Nov^r 15^th 1819

To the Governor of the State of Tennessee

Sir

I observe that the legislature of the State over which you preside have voted a sword each to Gen^ls Jackson and Gaines. I am now makeing [sic] presentation Swords of this kind. One Saber for Col^o R. M. Johnson by order of the General Gov.^t another dress sword by order of this state for Com^o Isaac Hull both gold mounted, and it would afford me great satisfaction to make the Swords for those distinguis'd Generals - as I am probably unknown to you I woud refer you for information relative to my character as a manufacturer of swords to some of the officers of the General Gov^t. by whom I have been steadily employed for a number of years. Viz President Monroe Josiah Meigs Esq^r Commissioner of the Gen^l land

Middletown. Conc.^t 30^th Aug^t. 1820

His Excellency Jos. M^cMinn

Sir

your favor of the 12^th ins^t I have this day rec'd and I now proceed to give you the information requested. The Blade of Col^o. Johnson sword was damask, cure'd in the sabre form, richly emboss'd and thirty two inches length of blade. on the outer side of the grip of the hilt were the arms of the United States. on the inner side a plate surrounded by wreaths on which was engraven the vote of congress. the head an American Eagle with a collar of thunder bolts around its neck and holding in its beak an oaken wreath. the guard was form'd of a bunch of scions bound together as emblematical of the union of the States surmounted with a bust of Ceres. the thumb pieces on each side of the guard were form'd by a spread Eagle holding in his talons a wreath compos'd of emblems usually born by Ceres - On the scabt are the bands to which the rings are attached some

Middletown Conc.^t 10^th Jan^y 1821

Sir,

your favor of the 18^th Oct^r last I rec'd some days since. I have now determin'd to execute your order for the two Sabres. this I could not have done had not my workmen voluntarily offer'd to reduce the price of their labor on the respective parts So much as to bring the cost of them within your limits. I however must consider them as deliver'd here so that if I have to go to Washington purposely with them you will defray the expence [sic] of the journey. It will be imposible [sic] to have them finish'd before the present session of congress ends [but? Cont?]

Middletown Conc^t 10^th Aug^t 1821

Sir

your letter of the 26^th April I rec'd some time since and I have delay'd answering it in consequence of the sickness of our of my man who does a very important part of the work & is undoubtedly the best workman in his branch in this country. the swords wou'd have been completed by the 4^th July had not this accident happened. he has now recover'd and the work is progressing as rapidly as possible. but as you observe I must! take time sufficient to execute the work in the most distinguis'd and workmanlike manner! be assur'd Sir that it shall be done in a style suited to the occasion. although I fear I shall loose [sic] money in making the swords -

I have had the satisfaction of seeing the sword made in London and presented by the crew of the Guerier Frigate to Com Macdonough said to have cost $1800. and I can with confidence say that mine will be superior to that of the Commodores in every respect

The moment I can ascertain when they will be finish'd I will inform you

I am with great respect your Ob^t S^t N. Starr

His Excellency Joseph M^cMinn