1862 July 30 Richmond, Va.

                              Ordnance Bureau
                     Richmond July 30th/62
Prof. S Maupin
             University of Virginia
                  Charlottesville Va
                         Sir
                           I beg to acknowledge
the receipt of your favor of the 15th inst.
         Steps have been taken to improve
the quality of Nitric acid made at the cf[?]
Laboratory, upon information of its impu-
rity conveyed in your letter.
                      The Bureau will be glad to
receive the Fulminate of Mercury mentioned.
                              Very Respectfully
                                      Yr obt servt
                              J Gorgas Colonel
                                 Chf. of ordnance

MSS 4707