Collection consists of correspondence concerning a request for arms and ammunition under a U.S. Congress joint resolution of March 2, 1849, which authorized the secretary of war "to furnish arms and ammunition to persons emigrating to the Territories of Oregon, California, and New Mexico." The correspondence consists of a letter from Secretary of War Charles M. Conrad, dated December 18, 1851, to Congressman J. Cable, probably Joseph Cable, a representative for Ohio. Conrad states that he has received Cable's letter relaying a request from Rev. John Spencer to be furnished with arms and ammunition, and that Spencer can be furnished with the arms if he complies with regulations. Conrad encloses a printed copy, dated 1849, of the War Department's regulations, with a handwritten note from the Ordnance Office, dated December 18, 1851, regarding a modification; and a letter from the Ordnance Office, also dated December 18, 1851, regarding the price of the requested arms and ammunition. Also included in the collection are a manuscript copy, dated December 27, 1851, of the 1849 congressional resolution; and an envelope associated with the correspondence.