Author Note: If you are a previous reader there were no changes to this chapter other then breaking it out from Chapter 2 where it had previously been. This is in the hope of making things a bit more coherent.
Note #2: My undying love and gratitude as always to Katrina for her amazing beta work that makes this so much more then the mad ramblings of my mind!!
SPN: Legacy and Heritage
Interlude: Letters 1832 - 1833
August 22nd, 1832
My good friend Elias,
I first off wish to thank you for the books and essays you sent. I most appreciate the note telling me, as well, where to start as of course you were right and it is all a great deal more information then I ever expected. This day I plan to start on your first recommendation as soon as I can find a moment to myself from my family. My sister wishes to know all there is about you and has made me swear that when next you are in this area you will stop in to dinner. You must of course humor her, my friend, or we both will never hear the end of it.
I have done much thinking since you rode away leaving me to this 'safe life' as you call it. After That Night I have come to see another danger to those who fight the good fight and feel that, finally, I have found what I may do to help you. It is in the slowness of defense that I see the direst need for correction. Do not think I speak of you specifically, Elias, you are an excellent shot and one I have more than a higher regard for. However, it came to me, as if inspired by above, what a great help something faster could be to you and others. It is in improving the pistol I think I have found my purpose and drive once more dear friend. I have done little more then think on this and I believe I know how to prove things. What if instead of having to load round after round it was already set in one cartridge? Here me out my friend, think of it as the spokes on a paddle wheel and instead of pushing water into the chamber it would load a fresh bullet primed and ready. It would most certainly be a time saver but, as well, I believe it could be a life saver. I have begun working on drawings and while my father is skeptical, I know that I will win him to this idea and gain funding from him as well.
I have so many ideas, Elias. The nightmares are still there and my comfort in the evening shadows is forever gone, but in the end I can only thank God you came into my life. I am learning to accept that my blessings and curses go hand in hand. I have purpose once more and that is due all to you.
I look forward to your letters and may God keep you safe until we meet again,
Samuel Colt
Connecticut
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / /
February 5th, 1833
My friend Remington,
I will have to make this short as I must get this letter out with the post and I still need to finish packing as well. I have heard back from Green in Baltimore, they are interested in working with me and my design for improvements on the pistol I told you of. I heard from them early this week and it has been a mad rush since, much to Ellie's consternation. I fear it is unlikely she will forgive me any time soon that I am leaving on this trip. It is for the best though as father was threatening to send me to sea if I did not do something productive soon. He has agreed to fund this but I see only six to seven months funding if I am most careful. Wish me luck my friend, I fear I might need it soon.
So please send any letters or packages care of Ms. Billings Boarding House for now as that is where I shall stay for the time being. I am enclosing as well, a list of questions from the book I just finished. I am most fascinated by the theories on devils and beasts but I wonder how Father Patterson would look upon the authors' suppositions. I, of course, have shown no one the books, Elias, so you may calm yourself. I simply wonder if the good Father might not take too kindly to some of this. Also, you mentioned a book of wards, have you had any success in finding another copy?
Well I must end this now. God bless you and keep you safe my friend,
Samuel Colt
Soon of Baltimore, Maryland
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / /
April 30th, 1833
My patient and faithful friend Samuel,
I have only now received a packet of your letters and I beg your pardon for not responding sooner but I had been forced to travel south on 'business'. I am most intrigued by your idea and have great faith in your determination to see this through. I will attempt, in the coming months, to see my way to Baltimore that you may show me in person your progress.
Samuel, I am greatly heartened to know that you have found my humble presence inspiring. I pray often for you and yours to be kept safe from the evil around us. Perhaps God has answered my prayers with your inspiration. I must admit that I am relieved to know you do not discuss this with others, either your parish keeper or your family. I do not wish to see you shunned or worse for your association with these dark things, no matter how cerebral they may be. That does not mean that you are not welcome to ask or even expound your thoughts to me. I will always listen and of course it may take a time to answer but I will always endeavor to do so.
I do still search for the pamphlet I told you of, in the mean time I am including a small list of easily obtainable items that I beg of you to arm yourself with immediately. I know that I must also thank you, my friend, I have greatly enjoyed these letters of your observations of life and your family. They have greatly hearted me at a time when it seems there is little more then darkness and hopelessness around me.
I shall post this now in the hopes it finds you well and safe in God's graces.
Yours sincerely,
Elias Remington
Louisville, Kentucky
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