“There’s lead to make musket balls,” Anson pointed out. “But we’re still stuck with the gunpowder we brought until the very process for making more is improved,” Lewis retorted. “And what will the men use for paper cartridges then? Riflemen can load from flasks, since they’re not supposed to get close.” He pursed his lips at what he’d just said. “Supposed to” often fell victim to “had to” in battle, and he wanted their gunsmiths and blacksmiths (wildly important people now) to modify enough bayonets to fit their M1817 rifles if “had to” occurred.
