Harpers Ferry Armory Efficiency

A correspondent of the “Spirit of Jefferson” states that the efficiency of the Harper’s Ferry Armory is without parallel; the manufacture of the Model Rifle Musket commenced in October; 730 was the result of its operations; the month following 900 were manufactured; and in December 1000; making a total of 2630 Muskets, surpassing in the perfection of their structure, any and every other arm ever made at this Armory. The Board of Investigation, after a rigid examination and test, pronounced the results of their various investigations into the merits of the present arm as “highly gratifying.” The Machine Department is said to be very complete. There are upwards of 300 operatives in the Armory, exclusive of the officers. The cost of each Rifle Musket, with the rear sight, is $13,04, and the rear sight having been suspended in its manufacture, and an order not to place them upon the muskets in future, reduces the cost to $12,07.