Uncle James sent me a pocket rifle.

It is a beautiful little instrument of killing, shaped like this [Here Tommy displayed a remarkable sketch of what looked like an intricate pump, or the inside of a small steam-engine] 44 are the sights; 6 is a false stock that fits in at A; 3 is the trigger, and 2 is the cock.

It loads at the breech, and fires with great force and straightness.

I am going out shooting squirrels soon.

I shot several fine birds for the museum.