This letter, dated April 9, 1812, from Jean Samuel Pauly to His Serene Highness the Prince of Neuchâtel, provides a detailed explanation of the qualities and innovations of Pauly’s Carabine-Pauly. Addressing the Prince with great deference, Pauly outlines the key features that make his firearm superior to conventional weapons of the time. The Carabine-Pauly is presented as a rifle capable of firing 10 shots per minute without requiring a ramrod, flint, or any of the manual processes associated with traditional firearms. Pauly emphasizes its ability to double the range of ordinary muskets and to perform reliably in harsh conditions, such as rain, which often rendered other firearms unusable. These claims are accompanied by a focus on practicality: the weapon reduces recoil, eliminates the need for cumbersome movements, and minimizes smoke, offering significant improvements for soldiers on the battlefield. Pauly also highlights the Carabine-Pauly’s advantages for infantry against cavalry...
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