During Col. Nelson Cole's Expedition through Western SD and SE MT during 1865, his forces consisted of eight companies of 2nd Missouri Light Artillery (equipped as cavalry) and eight companies of the 12th Missouri Cavalry. According to the available reports, many of these ~1,400 troops were equipped with Spencer carbines. However, I have not been able to determine the exact type of Spencer ammunition that was distributed, carried and used by these cavalry troopers during this specific 1865 expedition. There are several different types of Spencer ammunition that they might have used, but I seek to find information on the particular ammunition issued to these cavalry. Please contact me if you have any information on this topic.

Col. Cole's artillery consisted of a "section of 3-in. rifled guns that were manned by men from the 2nd Missouri Light Artillery". What is the numerical definition of a "section"? Where might I find additional descriptive information on this specific type of 3-in. rifled gun and its ammunition?

My objective is to employ this Spencer and artillery information as tools to verify historical sites in SD and MT that are associated with this significant military campaign of 1865. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Sherry Farwell