George Perry Metcalf of Company D, 136th New York fought at Gettysburg. After the battle, on 5 July (1863), he was detailed to go over the field and collect small arms in front of Cemetery Ridge. He writes: "I found a splendid new Springfield rifle left by some rebel, for which I exchanged my Enfield rifle. The Enfield being much heavier, and kicking every time it was fired off. Each carried the same size cartridges. This Springfield rifle was as accurate a shooting piece as I ever saw. I carried it thro’ all the balance of my soldier life in the field. During odd times, when on picket or guard, I cut the initials of my name and the letter of my company and number of my regiment in the butt stock and placed in silver letters and figures. Many a chicken and pig I have shot with it. It was a hard shooter. I have often shot thro’ the center of a two-inch green tree with it."