Civil War 1862 letter to American Tool Co. Norwich CT contract (guns)

Civil-War letter from Thomas Wright of the Norwich Armory Co. to the American Tool Co., asking about a gun contract.

At top in pencil “Ansd Nov 12/62”

On back:

At bottom "Thomas Wright Nov 11/62"

Folded.

7 ¾” x 5”

In the 1860's Norwich was the third largest city in Connecticut and a very active center of manufacturing.  Norwich was considered "the firearms center of New England" from the Civil War to the Depression. It is said that in 1860, more firearms were made in Norwich than in any other city during the War Between the States. Manufacturers included: Bacon Arms Co.; Norwich Arms Co.; Norwich Nickel & Brass; CC. Brand; Whaling Gun; Cole & Walker, Machinists; Alvah Grimes, Gunsmith; Osgood Gunworks (also known as Norwich Pistol Co.); Hood Firearms Co.; Thomas E. Ryan, Gunmaker; Davenport Firearms Co.; Crescent Firearms Co.; Manhattan Arms Co.; Ethan Allen and Charles Hurber; Tobin Arms Co.; Hopkins & Allen. The most recognizable name in Norwich gun manufacturing was Smith & Wesson, which began on Central Wharf in Norwich, later moving to New Haven when the popularity of patented revolvers required a larger facility.

http://neme-s.org/Civil_War_Guns/Civil_War_Guns.htm