Captured CS made arms in Union use

[Johan Steele]

Search function came up blank.

I am quite familiar with Union troops utilizing or being issued captured Enfield & Lorenz Rifle Muskets. However, I was asked a question the other day that got me thinking digging... and after several eves of serarching I have no satisfactory answer.

Is there documentation out there of US troops being issued captured CS made arms such as M1841 "Palmetto's", CS Richmond or Fayetville Arsenal arms? I had been told that Todd's Military Equipage gives reference to such but I don't have access to that excellent work. Would anyone have any avenues for research on that note?

[Arkansas volunteer]

Re: Captured CS made arms in Union use

In reviewing the returns for New Jersey Regiments I found that when the 6th NJ mustered out in 1864 among the returns for weapons was one CS Richmond rifled musket.

[1stMaine]

Re: Captured CS made arms in Union use

Comrades,

According to one account, after the battle of Gettysburg, a large portion of the 15th New Jersey tossed their issued weapons, about which there had been much grumblings and complaints, and replaced them with CS Richmond rifles gathered from the fields. These were used until later in the year when newer weapons were issued to them.

I've got the account in one of my files. I'll try and scare it up and post the source for you.

However, it's the exception, and not the rule, and represented only a temporary solution to an equipment problem.

Respects,