(From Russkii Invalid, No. 87, 18 April,
1854)
Tula Gunsmiths Donate Labor to War Effort.
Gunsmiths of the Tula Arms Factory, inspired by a feeling of true
submissive loyalty to the Throne and motivated by the example of their fathers
and grandfathers, expressed the wish, under the current wartime conditions,
to take upon themselves a significant contribution in support of the Fatherland.
To this end they requested permission to make during the hours set aside
for rest, without pay for their work, two thousand rifled muskets above the
quota assigned to them.
The SOVEREIGN EMPEROR, upon receiving
the respectfully submissive report of such laudatory efforts, ordered by
HIGHEST Authority: Summon together the gunsmiths and tell
them of HIS MAJESTY'S special gratitude. Along
with this, tell them that so they are not deprived of compensation for their
work, it is ALL MERCIFULLY desired, after allowing
them to construct the indicated number of muskets during the hours assigned
for rest, to budget the established piecework pay for their
labor.