On Sept. 8th 1863 Major W. S. Downer writes Chief of Ordnance, Josiah Gorgas regarding inspection of saddles from Selma:
“I have received a saddle + saddle tree from Selma Arsenal and would respectfully report that on examination I find while the workmanship is good enough but that the shape of the saddle tree is such as to render the saddle worthless. The tree is made of poplar and is not covered except with Osnaburg which is no better than nothing.”