$100.00 CAD
| /
Beautifully image of a Civil War three-masted steamer on a full page advertising for a New York-Providence shipping company:
Back (receipt side) another smaller image of a steamer by 'T. Horton & Co.'
Received from Major Stewart Van Vliet, '10 boxes of bullets', manufactured by the Providence Tool Co, Providence R.I. New York Oct 12th 1863.
Light blue paper.
Three vertical folds. Tear UL corner. Some toning along folds.
8 ¼ x 10 ⅞”
Major Stewart Van Vliet
Van Vliet, Stewart, brigadier-general, was born in the state of New York, and was a cadet at the U. S. military academy from July 1, 1836, to July 1, 1840...; in the Florida war, 1840-42; being engaged against the Seminoles in several skirmishes; ...participating in the Mexican war being engaged in the battle of Monterey and the siege of Vera Cruz and serving as quartermaster of the 3d artillery from March 28 to June 4, 1847, when he was commissioned captain of staff and assistant quartermaster...was on the Sioux expedition from April 3, 1855, to July 17, 1856, being engaged in the action of Blue Water...at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 1858-61. On Aug. 3, 1861, he was commissioned major of staff and quartermaster "for fourteen years, service as captain," and acted as chief quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac from Aug. 20, 1861, to July 10, 1861. He served as brigadier-general of volunteers from Sept. 23, 1861, to July 17, 1862, and was stationed at New York city from the latter date to March 31, 1867, furnishing supplies and transportation to the armies in the field…
civilwardata
The Providence Tool Company was the outgrowth of the business ventures of two brothers. In 1834, Joseph and Jeremiah Arnold began manufacturing nuts and washers in Pawtucket. When Joseph retired, Jeremiah joined William Field, named their business William Field & Co., and moved to Providence in 1846. In April 1847 the name was changed to the Providence Tool Company.
The company is known for its ammunition production. However, in its early years, it primarily made hammers, pick axes, marlinspikes, nuts, and bolts. In 1856 it merged with the Providence Forge and Nut Company. The Providence Tool Company was successful in supplying machine parts and tools across the nation.
The Civil War created a demand for companies to make munitions for the Union army. The Providence Tool Company took up the call and began weapons manufacturing in 1861. The Company hired Frederick W. Howe, a former supervisor at the Robbins and Lawrence Armory in Windsor, Vermont, to help start the manufacturing of arms.
www.rihs.org
