Joseph Belton

“ And to remove Objections (if any there be) against the usefulness of my Invention, I will engage to direct the making of Muskets upon such a construction, that anybody of men shall be save in using them in discharging sixteen rounds in less space than a minute, that shall do execution two hundred yards, and then shall be able to load and fire with cartridge as usual, or to load the whole sixteen rounds again, and in the least failer herein I would be intitled to no reward. The service that such armes may render to the Publick at this day & to posterity, I will leave your Honours to Judge. ”

“ I will engage to arm any member which shall prove equal to double the same num- ber in Battle, if so then I should be intitled to five hundred pounds from each State, & if equal to three times their number I should be intitled to a thousand pound from each Sate, and if equal to four times their number I should be intitled to fif- teen hundred from each State, so on riseing five hundred for every greater number. ”

“ May 3, 1777 Resolved, That John Belton be authorized and appointed to superintend, and direct, the making or altering of one hundred muskets, on the construction exhibited by him, and called "the new improved gun," which will discharge eight rounds with once loading; and that he receive a reasonable compensation for his trouble, and be allowed all just and necessary expences. Belton's second letter to Congress, May 7, 1777 May 7, 1777 letter to Congress, page 1 To the Honorable Continental Congress May it Please your Honours ”