Friends,
In my ongoing research on the 5th MSM Cavalry (2d organization) I found in the report to the AG's Office from December 1864 that about 300 men had privately purchased Smith & Wesson Rifles ("...a very effective and desirable cavalry arm" according to Col Eppstein, commanding the regiment). Smith and Wesson did not manufacature rifles during the War. The Wesson carbine was obsolescent by this time so I doubt this was it. Smith and Wesson were associated with B. Tyler Henry, before the War, in the illfated Volcanic Rifle which was later much modified into the Henry Rifle.
Any thoughts as to what the men actually purchased?
Thanks,
George