Abstract Of Provisions Issued to Troops at Frankford Arsenal 1823.  

The Frankford Arsenal was established in May of 1816, at Frankford, Pennsylvania, following the War of 1812, and construction there was not completed until 1830.  The facility included 6 stone buildings, and two workshops. Frankford Arsenal was used primarily as an ordnance arsenal, taking over ordnance duties from the old Schuylkill Arsenal after it open, with Schuylkill Arsenal becoming a facility for producing military clothing.

This document for the issue of provisions was for the month of September, 1823, while the arsenal was still under construction.  The rations issued included beef, pork, flour, beans, vinegar, salt, soap, candles, and whiskey.  Those receiving these rations were, “smiths” (blacksmiths, and other types?), 1 Armorer, and private on command at U.S. Arsenal Schuylkill, 1 new recruit, detachment of non commissioned staff 2nd Regt. Artillery, men on extra fatigue duty.  The document was signed by Martin Thomas, Com’g Arsenal.

Thomas was from Pennsylvania, enlisted in April 1814, 3rd Lieutenant May 1814, 2nd Lieut. Dec., 1814, Hon discharged June 1815.  3rd Lieut. March 1817, 2nd lieut. March 1819, transferred to 2nd Artillery June 1821, 1st Lieut. Oct. 1828, dismissed Jan. 1831.

Very good condition with some tape repairs on the reverse.

A early document for one of America’s most important ordnance arsenals.