Never has such a documented letter surfaced that deals with the last order for arms for the South prior to the embargo that was to follow after the firing on Fort Sumter on April 12th 1861. This letter dealing with an order of firearms for the State of South Carolina was written on December 26th 1860 by Amos Colt to “His Excellency Gov. Pickens” Amos states that he is in Charleston with samples of Arms and that he is the only such person authorized to offer said wares to any “Commission appointed by your excellency” On the back of the same letter that states as follows; Letter of A.H. Colt … Dec. 26, 1861.. Referred to Col. Of Ordinance Jan 5th 1861… 250 Navy Pistols.” Three months following this order, South Carolina succeeded from the Union and the rest, as they say, is history. This very letter is featured and studied in the following publications; The Art of the Gun Magnificent Colts by R.L.Wilson Vol 2 page 541. The Confederate Veteran Sept/October 2014 (letter on the cover) The Confederate Veteran Vol. 2, 2003 North & South June 2004. Numerous newspaper articles. All of which are included in this lot. Includes a letter from Colt historian Paul Richards. The letter is a standard 8 x10 and has three fold lines where it was folded. There is a 1” piece of tape at top and the folds have darkened with age. The ink is extremely strong and very easily read showing little to no fading. Paper is pliable . An extraordinary piece of Colt and Civil War history rarely afforded to the private collector and worthy of the finest collection and a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire such a rare document as most items of this historical importance reside in public institutions.