Thanks Anthony;

That sounds like an unusual combination of weapons. I can't imagine the Ordance Sargeants difficulties in obtains ammunition of for out dated .69 cal smooth bore musket, Cosmopolitan Carbines and French Pin Fired pistols. Again it sounds like these were not well equiped regiments armed with castoff arms. Again it would seem to fit with them being used as fatigue duty and being assigned in detactment in the Camden Expedition as unarmed Pioneers, teamsters and other such duties.

I am wondering could this have been a reason that they were reorganized as United States Colored Troops? As a Political move their reorganization in 1864 would have demanded their being better equiped than State troops were. Also to replace the white veteran Union regiments which were at this time being mustered out due to the expiration of their 3 year enlistment. These mustering Out would have provided better weapons for the U.S.C.T. such as the Company "H" of the 2nd U.S. light Colored Artillery which were armed with the 12 pd Mountain Howitzer which had been used by the 5th Kansas Cavalry at Helena, Pine Bluff, and Marks Mill.