Gentlemen,
In April of 1861, when the Richmond Sharpshooters enlisted in the Confederate Army, 23rd VA Regt. Co. H, they did so with "new" privately purchased M1841 Rifles, and Saber Bayonets.
The question, where would a company of men in 1861 purchase a bulk lot of martial weapons? Could these be purchased directly through the Federal owned facilities, Harpers Ferry? Or would these have to be purchased through "Contract" firms...such as Colt, Whitney...etc?
It sure would be nice to narrow down the origin of said "Mississippi" Rifles for this company...at least if able to come up with an exclusionary list from where they wouldn't have purchased these from.
Thanks,
Paul B.
In April of 1861, when the Richmond Sharpshooters enlisted in the Confederate Army, 23rd VA Regt. Co. H, they did so with "new" privately purchased M1841 Rifles, and Saber Bayonets.
The question, where would a company of men in 1861 purchase a bulk lot of martial weapons? Could these be purchased directly through the Federal owned facilities, Harpers Ferry? Or would these have to be purchased through "Contract" firms...such as Colt, Whitney...etc?
It sure would be nice to narrow down the origin of said "Mississippi" Rifles for this company...at least if able to come up with an exclusionary list from where they wouldn't have purchased these from.
Thanks,
Paul B.
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