very greatly exceed the amount appropriated for the contemplated object." The peak enlistment in the First Regiment of Infantry was 560, rank and file. Thus, there existed a shortage of five companies, " which deficit rendered impossible the location of all points designated by Congress."[30] 

A contract was made on May 29, 1839, and another on June 7, 1839, with Tryon, Son & Co. of Philadelphia to furnish 1,500 stands of muskets, with 100 being delivered monthly from the date set in the contract. Muskets manufactured in the United States were decidedly superior to those of any other manufacture because of "the excellence of workmanship, uniformity of all component parts of the arm," and "their unquestioned durability."[31]  Owing, however, to the general sickness which prevailed during the ensuing summer, the contractor was unable to comply with the terms of delivery but expected to have some of the guns ready by early fall. By September a few of the guns had been received in Texas. In the meantime, in anticipation of the arms being delivered, Secretary of War Albert S. Johnston on November 8, 1839, discharged all employees in the armory, except a sufficient number to take care of the public buildings and property.[32]  Colonel Lysander Wells reported in Austin about March 1, 1840, that his trip to New York in search of military stores, had been very successful. "Almost the entire equipment for two regiments, one of cavalry, and one of infantry have been procured, and are daily expected," reported the Texas Sentinel on March 4. By the end of 1840, 860 of the muskets had been received and paid for, and the remainder (640) were at New Orleans in storage subject to delivery whenever the government paid for them.[33] 

A few of Colt's Patent Rifles were in use in Texas before November 1840, and were highly regarded since their rate of fire was five to one