A Great Book: "Colonial Frontier Guns."

[Adam Helmer]

A friend donated a dozen books to my ever-growing library. I got a copy of T. M. Hamilton's book, "Colonial Frontier Guns." It is a good read because he begins with LaSalle in the 1600s and comes up to 1800 discussing both French and British trade guns given to Indians for furs.

There are many illustrations of locks, pistols and rifles found at various archaelogical sites in the U.S, and Canada. Besides the scholarily text, there are great articles on the history of British and French gun flints and how they were made.

I especially liked the article on Indian gun maintenance and refit to keep their trade guns operational. The myth of Indian neglect is refuted by many examples of Indian repairs to cocks, burnt-out flint priming pans, etc.

Adam

[Johnny Reb]

Very nice Adam. The History of the colonial times is my favorite. I have been lookin for some good books on colonial guns at the library, but haven't been too successful.

Adam, Sorry we didn't get to make it up your way after Gettysburg, we detoured to Syracuse via 81 to visit my sister. I will call you soon, maybe we can get together in May for some flintlock fun. I sent my lock to Earl Kathan in NH for a tune up, He is going to harden the frizzen.

[Adam Helmer]

Johnny Reb,

I am sorrry you did not visit the farm last month. We were grading the ground around the new garage and put in a pond below the barn. By all means come by in May as we will be more actively shooting stuff then.

My farorite era is the French & Indian War. There are no reenactment groups locally, so maybe I need to start one. Yes, JUST ONE more project....

Be well.

Adam