Greenwood Rifles Issued to Ohio Regiments

[Regimental Colours]

Does anyone own or know of a Greenwood rifle documented to an Ohio soldier?

Does anyone know of a wartime letter where the Ohio soldier writes about being issued Greenwood Rifles?

[James Brenner]

Re: Greenwood Rifles Issued to Ohio Regiments

A couple of us here on the AC have been researching Greenwood for quite some time. Here are two excerpts:

"Alexander Varian of the 1st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, wrote his father telling him the regiment had received “Greenwood rifles (old smoothbore muskets rifled out) [that] they say will shoot straight.” After Shiloh, Varian praised his musket which he had named ‘The Widow’ saying, “The Widow behaved herself very well indeed. She spoke to the Rebels 31 times during the day & I think to some purpose.” (Albert Kern, History of the First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War, 1861 - 1865, Dayton, 1918; Raab, The Alexander Varian Letters, 1861 – 1864, pp. 32,75) The historian of the 6th Ohio Infantry wrote, “Compared with the Enfield rifles, with which the flanking companies were armed, the Greenwood rifled muskets – caliber .69 – were cumbrous and homely in appearance, but nevertheless provided serviceable and efficient weapons.” (Hannaford, 107)."

I have to ask: what's your interest in Brother Greenwood? Most folks have never even heard of him.

[jtrotta]

Re: Greenwood Rifles Issued to Ohio Regiments

College Hill Arsenal has had a few for sale in the past. The write-up might be of interest to you.

https://collegehillarsenal.com/greenwood-of-ohio-rifled-sighted-m-1816-rare?search=greenwood

[Regimental Colours]

Re: Greenwood Rifles Issued to Ohio Regiments

Thank you James and John.