COLT, Samuel (1814-1862). Autograph letter signed from Samuel and Elisha Colt (entirely in the latter’s hand and signed with both names by Elisha) to the New York shipping firm Abraham Bell & Son, Hartford, 29 May 1849. One-page on a single folded sheet, small 4to (248 x 197 mm), old folds, old seal residue, small tear with loss at fold. “A BOX OF PISTOLS”. Written for Samuel Colt by his cousin, Elisha, a Hartford banker, who lent him money to open his factory on Pearl Street, in Hartford, Connecticut. The letter reads in full, “By direction of Mssr Michl Magee of Phila., I shall send to your care, by express this week, a box of Pistols for Magee & Kneass of New Orleans”. Founded by Philadelphia natives Michael Magee (1805-1884) and Napoleon Bonaparte Kneass (1818-1888), Magee & Kneass were manufacturers and importers of saddlery and saddlery hardware. The box of pistols referred to in this letter may be connected to Napoleon Kneass’s involvement in forming and being an active officer in the First Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers.