Do you have this?
--- Simpson. gunsmith. 1784, Williamsburg. [M.E.S.D.A.]
Alexander Simpson. arms contractor. 1777, Augusta County; Staunton, 1782-84 [M.E.S.D.A.].
House of Delegates. May 1777. A Petition of Joshua Humphreys, Joshua Perry, Alexander Simpson and Jacob Gabbott, was presented to the House, and read, setting forth, that they were among the first who undertook the manufactory of fire arms in this State, and that they were actuated in this by a desire to assist the country, at that time greatly distressed for those articles, at the same time expecting to receive sufficient [money] to support their large and growing families; that they have put themselves to great trouble and expense in erecting proper works for carrying on the said business, although they have been much retarded by the difficulty of getting hands and procuring materials; notwithstanding which they are now able to furnish [the] government with 9 stand of arms per week, equal as they expect, to any yet produced; but as that every necessity for carrying on the said business is now raised to double and treble what it was heretofore, they pray their case may be taken into consideration, and such further encouragement given them as shall be thought just and reasonable.
[Journals of the Convention, 12]
