M1841 Monograph

[Southron Sanders, Sr.,]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Over in the Washington Library in Macon, GA they have a book that was printed in the early 1850's. It was written by a member of the 1st Mississippi and about his adventures during the Mexican War.

He states that when the 1st Mississippi arrived in New Orleans in route to Mexico, they were issued their new rifles that their Colonel, Jefferson Davis had promised them. Their new rifles were made by Whitney-which makes sense because Whitney was the first contractor to deliver U.S. Model 1841 Rifles.

Was Harris Opfer's Mississippi made by Whitney? If so, then there is a pretty good chance that it was authentic and original to the Mexican War.

[David Fox]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Herr Schmidt: Re-reading your superb article on the M.1841 rifle, I've stubbed my toe on the assertion that a 33-inch barrel constituted something od "an industrial standard" for rifles at the time of the design of the M.1841. In America, the M.1817 "common rifle", the standard U.S. rifle produced in significant numbers off-and-on for twenty-five years into the mid-1840s, sported a 36-inch barrel (Reilly, "United States Military Small Arms 1816-1865"). This intentionally supplanted the approximate 33-inch barrel of most M.1803 rifles. The argument can be made that U.S. standard for military rifles, at least muzzleloaders, was thus 36 inches up to adoption of the Mississippi.

[DBAR1918]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Attached is the contents of one of the display cases outside my office in the headquarters of Fort Benning. I've had the opportunity to handle this rifle at the National Infantry Museum before it was placed into the case and it is in fine condition. If you search for the Soldier, you will find he made his way down from North Carolina to enlist in Jackson and survive the war. Under a layer of verdigris, his name and other information was discovered inside the patchbox lid after the NIM obtained the weapon.

Dave

[FedericoFCavada]

Re: M1841 Monograph

I was trying to piece together as many known users of the Model 1841 Mississippi and the .58 caliber version... I've pasted what came up with below.
Does anyone know why the .58 cal. version appears so often in lists as the "Model 1840/1845"?

Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle, .54 cal.
U.S.
2nd Indian Home Guard--Big Creek and Five-Mile Creek KA 22 June-18 July 1862, Lenape/Delaware, Kiikaapoa/Kickapoo, Quapaw/Arkansas, Onöndowága/Haudenosaunee/Seneca, Shaawanwaki/Shawnee, Ni-U-Kon-Ska/Osage, Tsalagi/Cherokee.
Other arms used: Armed mostly with Prussian muskets and rifles.
46 MA—Sep-30 Oct 1862 (90 day): North Carolina, Deep Gully skirmish, Newbern, Fortress Monroe, Baltimore, Frederick, Harper’s Ferry. Pursuit of Lee July 14 and 15, Boston July 15-17, mustered out Springfield July 1863. 1 enlisted KIA, 35 died of disease, 36 total.
51 MA—Worcester (90 day) Sep-30 Oct 1862: North Carolina, Harper’s Ferry, Baltimore, Frederick, pursuit of Lee, mustered out 27 July 1863.
9 NH—entire regiment—Concord Aug 1862: S. Mtn. MD, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Burnside’s 2nd campaign “mud march”, Blue Grass KY, Vicksburg MS, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, guard railroad between Cincinnati and Camp Nelson KY, Rapidan to James River VA, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg, Mine crater Petersburg, Appomattox, assault and fall of Petersburg, Pursuit of Lee, Alexandria VA occupation, Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 23 May 1865. Mustered out, transferred to 6th NH. 10 officers 145 enlisted KIA, 3 officers 251 enlisted died of disease, 409 total fatalities.
45 NY “5th German Rifles”—NYC, Sep 1861, defense of Wash. DC to April 1862, Shenandoah Valley May-Aug 1862, Cross Keys, Northern VA Aug-Sep 1862, Groveton, 2nd Bull Run, defense of Wash DC until April 1863, “mud march” Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bridgeport, AL, Nashville & Chattanooga RR, Wauhatchie TN, Mission Ridge, relief of Knoxville, Atlanta campaign, Resaca, New Hope Church, Allatoona Hills, Kenesaw Mtn., Nashville, consolidated with 58th Rgt. NY infantry June 1865. 5 officers 42 enlisted KIA, 1 officer 106 enlisted died of disease, 154 fatalities.
15 NY H.A.(30 days, NY harbor 1864).
20th New York—“United Turner Regiment” (3 yrs.) NYC May 1861 to Ft. Monroe, VA. Capture of Forts Hatteras and Clarke, NC. Norfolk & Porsmouth, VA. Army of the Potomac 9 June 1862. Antietam, Fredericksburg, “mud march,” 3 years men transferred to 3rd. NY Battery and Battery F 5th U.S. Artillery May 1863. Mustered out June 1863. 8 officers 53 enlisted KIA, 1 officer 58 enlisted died of disease, total of 120 fatalities.
Other arms used: Austrian Rifled Muskets .54 and .55 cal.
1 WA Terr.—Cos. A, B, C, and D Alcatraz Is. SF Jan-April 1862. SF, OR for other companies. Ft. Vancouver, 1862. Ft. Walla Walla. Ft. Colville. Expedition to Snake Indian country 1863. Ft. Hoskins, Ft. Boise. Salmon Falls. Ft. Steilacoom, Camp Lapwai. Mustered out Dec 1865.

C.S.
18 GA—Cobb Co. Apr 1861, mostly men from central GA: guarded prisoners from 1st Manassas, Goldsboro, attached to TX regts. To form brigade, Peninsula, Antietam, Seven Pines, Seven Days Battle, 2nd Bull Run, transferred to GA Brigade, Fredericksburg.
Other arms used: Mixed Model 1861 and Enfield Rifle Muskets, Enfield Rifles, saber bayonet, .577 cal.
21 MS—1861, VA Gen. P.G.T.Beauregard, 1st Manassas, Peninsula, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, West with Longstreet, Chickamauga, Chatanooga, Knoxville, back to VA, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Shenandoah Valley, Richmond, Appomattox.
Other arms used: Model 1855 or 1861 Rifle Muskets .58 cal., Mixed Model 1861 and Enfield Rifle Muskets, Enfield Rifles, saber bayonet, .577 cal., Richmond Rifles .58 cal.
1 MO Cav.—Dec. 1861, mostly ex-MO State Gd. Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, captured and paroled. Consolidated with 3rd MO Cavalry, surrender at Meridian, MS in May 1865.
3 SC—Columbia, SC April 1861: 1st Manassas, Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Days Battles, 2nd Manassas, Chantilly/Ox Hill, South Mtn., Sharpsburg/Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, the Wilderness, Berryville, Strasburg, Cedar Creek, Richmond defense, Carolinas, Averasborough, Bentonville.
Other arms used: Mixed Model 1861 and Enfield Rifle Muskets.
15 SC— South Carolina 1861: Port Royal, Sharpsburg, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bean’s Station, Knoxville, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg, Cedar Greek, Averasboro, Bentonville.
Other arms used: Mixed Model 1861 and Enfield Rifle Muskets.
8 TX Cav.—“Terry’s Texas Rangers” Aug 1861: 275 armed engagements in seven states, Western Theater, Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Fort Pillow, Chattanooga, Chickamauga.
Other arms used: Smoothbore Muskets .69 cal., Austrian Rifle Muskets (Lorenz) .54 cal., Belgian or French Rifled Muskets .69 cal., Spencer repeater Rifles, Burnside carbines, Double-barrel shotguns, Colt M1851 Navy Revolvers.
11 TX Cav.— Oct 1861 Camp Reeves, Grayson Co. NE Texas: Indian Territory, Chustenahlah, AR, Pea Ridge, dismounted in TX Brigade with 10th, 14th, 32nd TX Cavalry, Corinth MS, Army of TN, Richmond KY, Murfreesboro, remounted 1863, raids TN & KY, Chickamauga, defense of Atlanta, Carolinas. Dispersal back to Texas.
Other arms used: Hall breech-loading carbines, Double-barrel shotguns, Savage Revolvers.
23 VA— May 1861 ANV: Cheat Mountain, Jackson’s Valley Campaign, Seven Days’ Battles, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Valley Campaigns, Appomattox.
Other arms used: Flintlock Muskets .69 cal. (1861), Smoothbore Muskets .69 cal., Smoothbore Muskets altered to percussion .69 cal.
12 VA Cav.—Conrad’s Store VA June 1862 from 7th VA Cav.: Jackson’s Valley Campaign, Bristoe Campaign, Overland Campaign, Siege of Petersburg, Valley Campaigns of 1864, Appomattox.
Other arms used: Colt Revolving Rifles, Burnside carbines, Hall carbines, Merrill carbines, Sharps carbines, Smith carbines, Colt Navy and Army Revolvers, Kerr Revolvers.
14 VA Cav.—Sep 1862 AVN: West Virginia, Droop Mtn., Lewisburg, Shenandoah Valley.
Other arms used: Burnside carbines, Hall carbines, Merrill carbines, Double-barrel shotguns, Colt Navy and Army Revolvers,
34, 35, 36 Bns. VA Cav.— 34th “1st Bn. VA mounted rifles” Dec. 1862, 35th “White’s Rebels/ Comanches” 36th Feb. 1863: Jackson’s Valley Campaign, Waterford fight, Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Beefsteak raid, High Bridge, Cedar Creek.
Other arms used: Richmond Rifles .58 cal., Burnside carbines, Merrill carbines, Sharps carbines, Smith carbines, Colt Navy and Army Revolvers, Kerr Revolvers, Savage Revolvers.

Model 1840/45 Rifles .58 cal.
U.S.
3rd Indian Home Guard—Talequah and Park Hill, MO July 1862. Former CSA “Drew’s Mounted Rifles” organized in Oct 1861, changed sides. Armed with a mix of Mississippi rifles and Prussian rifle muskets.
10th Illinois (3yr. regt.)—29 July 1861 to 11 July 1865 (West) Battles: Missionary Ridge, Island No. 10, Resaca, Kennesay Mtn., Atlanta, March to the Sea, Carolinas, Bentonville. 2 officers and 48 enlisted KIA, 136 died of disease, 186 total.
Other arms used: Enfield Rifle Musket .577” cal.
42nd Illinois—“First Douglas Rgt.” Chicago 22 July 1861-16 Dec. 1865: Chickamauga, Resaca, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville. 12 officers and 168 enlisted KIA, 5 officers and 201 enlisted died of disease, 387 total.
64th Illinois “Yate’s Sharpshooters”—(West) Dec 1861 Camp Butler IL-July 1866: New Madrid, Is. No. 10, Corinth, Farmington, Iuka, Battle and siege of Atlanta, Resaca, New Hope Church, Allatoona Hills, Kenesaw Mtn., Jonesboro, March to the Sea, siege of Savannah, Carolinas, Bentonville, occupation of Goldsboro, Raleigh. Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 24 May 1865. 6 officers 106 enlisted KIA, 2 officers 131 enlisted died of disease, 242 fatalities.
11th IN “Lew Wallace’s Zouaves”—(3 yrs) Indianapolis Aug 1861. Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Purdy expedition, Shiloh, Corinth, Port Gibson, Champion’s Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Vicksburg assaults, Jackson, Western Louisiana campaign, LaFourche parish and defense of New Orleans. Ordered to Wash. D.C. 19 Jul 1864, Sheridan’s Shenandoah campaign, Opequan, Winchester, Cedar Creek. Mustered out 26 July 1865. 1 officer 114 enlisted KIA, 3 officers 107 enlisted died of disease, total of 288 fatalities.
48th IN—Goshen, IN Dec 1861 to Paducah, KY, Corinth, Iuka, Ft. Pemberton, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion’s Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, assaults on Vicksburg, March to the Sea, Siege of Savannah, Carolinas, Bentonville, Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 24 May 1865. Mustered out, Louisville, KY July 1865. 88 enlisted KIA, 4 officers, 175 enlisted died of disease, 267 total fatalities.
5th IA—(West), Burlington IA. 15 July 1861-8 Aug. 1864: Island No. 10, Corinth, Iuka, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Lookout Mtn., Missionary Ridge, Amalgamated with 5th IA Cav. In 1864. 9 officers, 108 enlisted KIA, 1 officer and 131 enlisted died of disease, 250 fatalities, 299 wounded. 5th IA Cav. used Sharps .52 cal. Carbines.
10th IA—(West) Iowa City, Montezuma, IA 6 Sep. 1861-15 Aug 1865: Iuka, Corinth, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hill, Big Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, Chattanooga, March to the Sea, Bentonville. 6 officers and 95 enlisted KIA, 134 died of disease, 235 fatalities, 277 wounded.
1st Kansas—Camp Lincoln, Ft. Leavenworth May-June 1861: New Mexico Exp. Mobile & OH RR guard duty, Columbus KY, Chewalla, Big Hill, Regt. Mounted Feb 1863, Old River, Hood’s Lane, Black Bayou, Providence, attacked near Colombus, KY. Mustered out June 1864. 7 officers 120 enlisted KIA, 3 officers 122 enlisted died of disease, total fatalities 252.
8th Kansas—Aug 1861: Cos. A, D, G, and H at Lawrence. Corinth, Nashville, pursuit of Bragg into KY, Perryville, Gordon’s guerrillas at Hickory Grove, MO, Chickamauga, siege and battle of Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, relief of Knoxville, campaign E. TN until Feb. 1864. Kennesaw Mtn., Peach Tree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville, pursuit of Hood to Tennessee River, Moved to New Orleans 15-29 June 1865, thence to Indianola, TX 6-9 July. San Antonio 10-23 August 1865, mustered out, SA 29 Nov 1865. 3 officers 94 enlisted KIA, 3 officers and 144 enlisted died of disease, total of 244 fatalities.
10th Kansas—Paola, consolidation of 3rd and 4th KS infantry April 1862. Indian Territory with 2nd OH Cavalry, Coffey and Cockrell MO, Prairie Grove AR, Quantrell skirmish at Paola 21 Aug 1863, Franklin, Nashville, pursuit of Hood to Tennessee River, campaign against Mobile and defenses, siege of Spanish Ft. and Ft. Blakely, occupation of Mobile, mustered out Sep 1865. 2 officers 26 enlisted KIA, 4 officers 114 enlisted died of disease, total of 146 fatalities.
4th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry (many Colt conversions)—(West) Fort Snelling, MN 4 Oct-23 Dec 1861-7 Aug 1865: Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hill, 3rd Chattanooga, March to the Sea, Carolinas, Bentonville, 3 officers and 58 enlisted killed, 3 officers and 175 enlised died of disease, 239 fatalities.
5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry—(West) Ft. Snelling 15 March 1862-7 Aug 1865: Farmington, Indian Dakota conflict, Iuka, Corinth, Jackson, Vicksburg, Ft. de Russy, Tupelo, Nashville, Spanish Ft., Ft. Blakely. 4 officers and 86 enlisted KIA, 4 officers and 175 died of disease, 269 fatalities. Lt. Thomas P. Gere Medal of Honor.
1st Missouri Infantry—(90 day) April 1861, Lyon’s Army of the West. Removed weapons from St. Louis to Springfield, IL, Camp Jackson, reorganized for 3 years June 1861, Wilson’s Creek, designation changed to 1st MO Lt. artillery Sep 1861.
9th OH—(3 yrs.) Camp Dennison OH May-June 1861: WV, Rich Mountain, Mill Springs, Corinth, Pursuit of Bragg, Pursuit of Hood, Perryville, Tullahoma TN campaign, Chickamauga, siege of Chattanooga, Orchard Knob, Mission Ridge, Resaca, mustered out June 1864. 6 officers 85 enlisted killed, 2 officers 60 men died of disease, total fatalities 153.
39th OH—Camp Colerain & Camp Dennison OH July-Aug 1861: Fremont’s advance on Springfield, MO, Shanghai, Siege of New Madrid, Siege and capture Is. No. 10, Corinth, Iuka, etc. Reenlisted Dec. 1863. Dallas, New Hope Church, Allatoona Hills, Kenesaw Mtn., Battle and siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, March to the Sea, Siege of Savannah, Carolinas, Bentonville, Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 24 May 1865. Mustered out July 1865. 2 officers 62 enlisted KIA, 3 officers 129 enlisted dead of disease, total of 196 fatalities.

Other Federal regiments:
8th Connecticut—Army of the Potomac, Hartford CT Sep. 1861. Battles: New Bern, Fort Macon, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Walthall Junction, Fort Darling, Cold Harbor, Petersburg. Regiment included whites and free blacks. KIA 112 officers and men, 132 dead of disease, 244 total. Cos. A, C, D, E, H, I wholly or preponderantly armed with U.S. Rifles, sword bayonet, model 1840, 1845 .58 cal.
Other arms used: U.S. Model 1855 or Model 1861 Rifle Muskets .58 cal., Sharps Rifles .52 cal.
33rd Illinois—“Normal Regt.” Or “Brains Regt.” 3 Sep. 1861-6 Dec. 1865 (West): Port Gibson, Mississippi campaign, Champion Hill, Big Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, 2 officers and 56 enlisted KIA, 1 officer 250 enlisted died of disease, 309 total.
52nd Illinois—19 Nov. 1861-5 July 1865 (West): Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, Kennesaw Mtn., Atlanta, Jonesboro, March to the Sea, Bentonville. Sgt. Edward B. Spalding Medal of Honor recipient, Shiloh. 2 officers and 59 enlisted KIA, 119 enlisted died of disease, 180 total fatalities.
57th Illinois—“National Guards” 26 Dec. 1861-7 July 1865, Shawneetown, IL (West): Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Resaca, Kennesaw Mtn., Atlanta, March to the Sea, Bentonvile. 3 officers and 65 enlisted killed, 4 officers and 108 enlisted died of disease, 389 total fatalities.
Other arms used: Enfield Rifle Musket .577” cal.
2nd Iowa— (West) 27 May 1861-20 July 1865: Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta, Carolinas, Bentonville, Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 23-24 May 1865. 12 officers, 108 enlisted KIA, 4 offficers and 159 died of disease, 283 fatalities, 312 wounded.
Other arms used: Model 1855 or Model 1861 Rifle Muskets .58 cal.
4th Iowa— (West) Council Bluffs, IA 8 Aug 1861-24 Jul 1865: Pea Ridge, Ft. Hindman, Siege of Vicksburg, Siege of Jackson, Chattanooga, Lookout Mtn., Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Bentonville, 6 officers and 109 enlisted KIA, 2 officers and 285 enlisted died of disease, 402 fatalities, 338 wounded.
Other arms used: Enfield Rifle Musket .577” cal.
18th Kansas—militia called to repel Price’s invasion? Little Blue 1864.
7th Maine Heavy Artillery
8th Minnesota—(Far west, West) Ft. Snelling and St. Paul 2 June 1862 to 11 July 1865: Dakota War, Killdeer Mt., Badlands, Tennessee, Carolinas. 1 officer and 26 enlisted KIA, 56 enlisted died of disease, 83 fatalities.
10th Minnesota—12 Aug 1862-28 Aug 1865
1st Missouri Engineers—Feb 1864 consolidation of Bissell’s Engineer Rgt. St. Louis July 1861(New Madrid, defenses of Cape Girardeau, siege operations, Island No. 10, canal construction, Siege of Corinth, RR repair, Vicksburg), and 25th Rgt. MO infantry. Nasvhille, TN. Nashville & Western RR, blockhouses on Nashville & Northwestern RR, Jonesboro, March to the Sea, Siege of Savannah, Carolinas, Bentonville, Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 24 May 1865, mustered out July 1865.
11th Missouri Infantry—St. Louis Aug 1861: Fredericktown, New Madrid, Island No. 10, Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg, Nashville, pursuit of Hood, Dauphin Is. AL, campaign against Mobile, Siege of Spanish Ft. and Ft. Blakely, assault and capture Ft. Blakely, occupation of Mobile, Duty in AL, mustered out Jan. 1866. 6 officers 98 enlisted KIA, 2 officers 179 enlisted died of disease, total fatalities 285.
6th New Hampshire Infantry—a few .54 caliber M1841s per company, mostly armed with Austrian Rifle Muskets .54 caliber with quadrangular bayonet.
12th New Jersey (a version with sights on a modified socket bayonet)—Camp Stockton, Woodbury Sep 1862: Baltimore, Washington DC (Army of the Potomac), Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, pursuit of Lee to Manassas Gap, Orange & Alexandria RR, Battle of the Wilderness, “Bloody Angle,” Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg, Appomattox campaign, Fall of Petersburg, pursuit of Lee, Grand review of the Armies of the Union 23 May 1865, mustered out July 1865. 9 officers 168 enlisted KIA, 99 enlisted died of disease, total of 276 fatalities.
55th Pennsylvania Infantry—Harrisburg Nov 1861: Fortress Monroe, VA, Port Royal SC, Little Edisto Is. Drewry’s Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg Siege operations, Richmond, Mine explosion Petersburg, Chaffin’s Farm, Appomattox Campaign. Mustered out Petersburg, VA Aug 1865. 7 officers 201 enlisted KIA, 3 officers 268 died of disease, 479 fatalities. Other arms used: Model 1842 .69 caliber smoothbore musket.
10th United States Regular Infantry—Washington DC, Jan 1862, Ft. Laramie, Ft. Kearney. VA Peninsula March 1862, Siege of Yorktown, Seven Days, Mechanicsville, Malvern Hill, Groveton, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, “mud march,” Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, assault on the Salient, Cold Harbor, Siege of Petersburg, Grand Review of the Armies of the Union 23 May. St. Louis, MO, St. Paul MN. 3 officers and 83 enlisted KIA, 3 officers and 49 enlisted died of disease.
Other arms used: Colt Revolving Rifles .56 cal., Model 1855 or Model 1861 Rifle Muskets .58 cal.

Specific Companies of the Army of the Potomac:
Company D & G, 21st MA infantry
Other arms in Rgt.: Mixed Model 1861 and Enfield Rifle Muskets .58 cal.
Co. H 10th NY infantry half armed with U.S. Rifles model 1840 .54 cal. Rest of regiment with Springfield Rifled Muskets, model 1855, 1861 .58 cal.
Co. C 14th NY infantry: 7 U.S. Rifles model 1840 .54 cal. Rest of regiment with Springfield Rifled Muskets, model 1855, 1861 .58 cal.
Co. K 56th PA infantry: 29 U.S. Rifles, sword bayonet model 1840/45 .58 cal. Rest of Regiment: Springfield Rifle Muskets, model 1855, 1861, .58 cal. French Rifle Muskets .58 cal. Enfield Rifle Muskets.
Co. A 136th PA infantry: 54 U.S. Rifles, sword bayonet, model 1840/45 .58 cal. Rest of Regiment: Smooth-bore muskets, model 1842 .69 cal.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Hallo!

"Does anyone know why the .58 cal. version appears so often in lists as the 'Model 1840/1845'?"

No idea....

In March of 1839, Harpers Ferry Master Armorer Benjamin Moor was assigned the job of designing a new percussion rifle to replace the flintlock M1817 Common Rifle (and made with interchangeable parts).

In March 1840, the Ordnance Department gave a contract to Henry Deringer to make 6,000 flintlock rifles. H was given to smaples: one a M1817 made by Nathan Starr, and the other a Harpers Ferry prototype for what would evovle to be the M1841 Rifle. Deringer started delivery in January of 1841.

In January 1841, Chief of Ordnance Georg Bomford wrote that the new model rifle had been received, reviewed, and rejected calling for some "further alterations" to be made without delay.

During 1841, HF ARmory made eight "model" M1841 Rifles. One was sent to Springfield Armory to "'serve as a guide. in preparing models of the musket, cadet-musket, and pistol, wiht percussion locks."

One or more of the models went to Washington Arsenal in 1842 for firing trials. One of the eight models has survived.

Harpers Ferry was slow in retooling and upgrading to produce the M1841 as they were still making Hall rifles and carbines (and ended up using 49 of the Hall machines for the new M1841.

Although a "model' M1841 had been approved and adopted, a series of changes and improvements were piecemealed added such as the cone (nipple) shape proposed in November 1841 but not approved until December 1844. Or sheet brass barrel bands being replaced with cast ones in January 1843.

Harpers Ferry finally got off the ground and produced the first "production" M1841 in 1845. But did not start producing them until 1846.

Cast steel barrels replaced forged in 1851.

And production remianed fixed until the Model 1855 series cam ein in 1854. In 1854 and 1855, some 1,000 were altered with long range rear sights. Later followed by more in 1856.

To add one to the pile, the Confederate Ordnance Manual of 1863 refers to the M1841 as the....Rifle, M1842, reamed out to .58.
'
Curt

[Craig L Barry]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Funny after this much time to re-read this 1841 monograph again...I forgot how good your work on it was, Curt. It's either included in The Civil War Musket 2nd Edition or one of the Unfinished Fight books, My work on it pales in comparison to what you provided. It was too good not to publish. I enjoyed reading it again.

[James Brenner]

Re: M1841 Monograph

There's an OHIO dimension to add to this discussion of M1841s. According to Moller's, American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III, in late October 1861, the state of Massachusetts sold New Hampshire 961 unaltered, Robbins and Lawrence M1841 rifles the state had received from the Ordnance Department in April. Apparently, they'd sat in storage at Springfield from the date of receipt until then. New Hampshire altered these rifles to accept a sword bayonet and issued them to the two regiments listed above. The bayonet lugs were secured to the barrel by a screw through the foot and through the guide key and stamped with a sequential bayonet mating number.

According to the Quarterly Summary of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores in the National Archives, (Microfilm Roll M1281), the New Hampshire regiments exchanged their M1841s in July 1863 for Enfield's. (I'm writing from memory so I may be wrong; it could be Springfield's). Shortly afterwards (October 1863), the Ordnance Department issued 825 "Harpers Ferry rifles" to the state of Ohio; 320 of which had sword bayonets. These records are in RG 156, Records of the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, Entry 118, National Archives.

I've seen and owned a M1841 Robbins and Lawrence M1841 (dated 1850) that has the serial numbered bayonet lug (#507), original short range sight, .54 caliber, and has an OHIO stamp on the stock. The bayonet's serial number does not match the rifle's and lacks the OHIO mark - which isn't surprising. Interestingly, the bayonet scabbard does not have the OHIO mark, although I have seen other scabbards of a different pattern that do. Anyway, I mention this variation not just because it adds to the discussion of the well-travelled M1841s, but because it lends some insight into when Ohio began marking its equipment

[GUNNY]

Re: M1841 Monograph

The 16th Tennessee started the war with at least 200 Mississippi rifles and carried them at least until August 1862. I am a historian if the regiment and aware of their arms based off official records.

Dear Mr. Gillum, please remember to sign your name to your posts. - Silas Tackitt, one of the moderators.

[hawknknife]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Gentlemen, I am new on the forum and have been a collector for 60+ years. My question is does anyone know the year of manufacture of the E. Whitney Mississippi rifles issued to the 1st Miss Infantry? I assume they were dated 1844and 1845. I have read they were shipped from the Baton Rouge arsenal and they were shipped by boat to join the regiment in New Orleans. The Baton Rouge ref was from original letters so I assume this to be true.
Whitney delivered 600 in 1844 and 1200 in 1845 which were the first delivered to the government. As the regiment numbered about 1000, I assume these were the dates...anybody know? I live in Jackson, Brandon Mississippi and our archives folks don't know...Thanks..Carl W. Merck

[Craig L Barry]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Gentlemen, I am new on the forum and have been a collector for 60+ years. My question is does anyone know the year of manufacture of the E. Whitney Mississippi rifles issued to the 1st Miss Infantry? I assume they were dated 1844and 1845. I have read they were shipped from the Baton Rouge arsenal and they were shipped by boat to join the regiment in New Orleans. The Baton Rouge ref was from original letters so I assume this to be true.
Whitney delivered 600 in 1844 and 1200 in 1845 which were the first delivered to the government. As the regiment numbered about 1000, I assume these were the dates...anybody know? I live in Jackson, Brandon Mississippi and our archives folks don't know...Thanks..Carl W. Merck

I think you about painted the information into a corner to the extent that is still possible. The information on date of manufacture for any particular infantry arm issued to troops in the field was not recorded by the Armory or the State government to my knowledge.

[JustRob]

Re: M1841 Monograph

I have also documented the 1841 Rifle to the 39th New York/Garibaldi Guard in 1861 and 1862.

Colonel D'Utassy advertised that the regiment would be armed with the newest and most accurate rifled muskets, but the War Department issued the Garibaldi Guard old, converted flintlocks that the men refused to accept. D'Utassy, who had not accompanied the regiment to the Armory, marched his men back the next day and ordered them to accept the inferior weapons until others could be procured. Several soldiers were court martialed over the incident.

In early July, Captain Franz Takats and the men of Company G (Hungarian) mutinied and attempted to cross the Long Bridge into Washington to protest conditions in the regiment. They were stopped by a hastily assembled contingent of cavalry, infantry, and District militia, and returned to the regiment after a few days of imprisonment. Takats was permitted to resign, but the incident remained a permanent mark against the regiment.

The New-York Times July 9, 1861:
WASHINGTON, Monday, July 8
MUTINY AMONG THE GARIBALDIANS.

It is reported that a mutiny broke out among the Garibaldi Guard to-day. One hundred of them left the camp and came to the city. They were stopped on this side of Long Bridge by the guard, and held there. The military officers on this side will make a word and a blow, and fire on the mutineers, unless they surrender and return to duty. The trouble grows out of some disaffection about the arms given to the regiment. …

= = =

[Special Despatch to the Evening Post.]

WASHINGTON, July 9.—A company of the Garibaldi Guard of New York which mutinied yesterday was surrounded early this morning by the President's Mounted Guard, two companies of regular cavalry, two companies of infantry and a company of District militia, and forced to lay down its arms. The refractory men are now imprisoned in the Treasury building. An example will be made of the ringleaders.

[The Paymaster of the Garibaldi Guard, Mr. C. B. Norton, of this city, arrived in town last night. He says that there was nothing of the difficulty, reported by telegraph, in his regiment when he left Washington. The men have complained that they were enrolled as a rifle regiment, with the express understanding that they should be furnished with rifles on their arrival at the capital, and, that, after waiting a long time, they have been advanced into Virginia with comparatively worthless arms. This is undoubtedly the cause of the reported revolt. The regiment has no other cause of complaint. —EDS.]

…The undue mortality in one or two of the New York regiments is attributed to the excessive consumption of lager-bier.

Surrender of Captain Takats and the Company G (Hungarian) mutineers, July 1861, by Alfred Waud
Scandalized by this unrest, Colonel Louis Blenker, the Garibaldi Guard’s brigade commander, threatened to rename the regiment the First Foreign Rifles to prevent from them dishonoring Garibaldi’s name, and the War Department even threatened to disband the regiment. The crisis passed shortly after the mutiny, when the promised rifles arrived and the soldiers were given their first month's pay, but the damage to the regiment’s reputation could not be undone.

Correspondence of the Evening Post

HEADQUARTERS GARIBALDI GUARD,
ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 10, 1861.

The soldiers of the regiment have had constant promises that before they were led against the enemy they should be provided with rifles, instead of the inefficient arms which were placed in their hands. The government constantly made these promises to the officers of the regiment, and the officers as often made them to the soldiers, but to the present time the government have been unable to procure these rifles. Hence the soldiers, who have always used no arms but rifles in European engagements, began to distrust all promises made to them, and when the regiment was ordered to advance, without the promised arms, many of the soldiers lost their patience; but to-day the government, faithful to its promises, both paid off and furnished the soldiers with the arms they desired, which were received with long and enthusiastic cheering.



See the image with Garibaldi Guard wearing the 1855 Rifleman Belt and sword bayonet.

The Regiment was captured and paroled at Harper’s Ferry in September 1862, after which the regiment was reissued ordnance. Records from the Gettysburg Campaign show that the 39th N.Y.S.V., then serving in Second Corps, Third Division, Third Brigade (Willard’s), was armed with .577 cal. Enfield and Liege rifle-muskets with angular bayonets.

We can, therefore, deduce that any Garibaldi Guard image with a Mississippi rifle and sword bayonet was taken between July 1861 and September 1862.

[Todd Watts]

Re: M1841 Monograph

Excellent work! I love the MS Rifle. One of my Gr-Gr-Grandpas was carrying a .54" version on the date he was wounded at Cedar Mt. I wish I had a photo of him, or had some reference as to which of the makers' models he had, but all I know is the entire Reg't (7th TN) was issued MS Rifles and the only ordnance requisitions to that time from his Col. were requesting .54" ammo. I am hopeful that the trend will start allowing more 2-banders in the hobby.