19th US

[37thtenn]

I am wondering what kind of firearm the 19th US was issued during the War?

[Fenianboy]

Re: 19th US

according to the Coates/Thomas book they had 55/61 Springfields or Contract Rifle Muskets..

[37thtenn]

Re: 19th US

hey thanks for the reply.

[Seamus]

Re: 19th US

"We have just received our new muskets. They were made at Springfield and are perfect beauties, just the thing for 'sechess', and we have the men who know how to use them."

Arthur B. Carpenter,
1st Battalion, 19th U.S. Infantry

From That Body of Brave Men, the U.S. Regular Infantry and the Civil War in the West, by Mark W. Johnson

[Mojo1842]

Re: 19th US

The 1861 Springfield being the preferred option.

[37thtenn]

Re: 19th US

Is there a good book that list what the regular troops were issued for their uniforms,and equipment?

[Seamus]

Re: 19th US

Brian,

Your best resource is the U. S. Regulations. The primary depot for the regular army was the Office of Clothing and Equipage at Schuykill Arsenal. The regulars had priority over the volunteers in issuance of uniforms and equipment. There is evidence that contract clothing was issued to regulars. There a copy of letter from a soldier of the 18th U. S., at the Chickamauga/Chattanooga National Military Park, who writes that gray overcoats were to be issued to the men, but were rejected due to the fact that they were the wrong color and not regulation. N*** S***** has a copy of an issue return for the 3rd Battalion, 15th U. S. for complete sets of regulation uniforms, including dress coats, dress hats and scales, as well as, musician's frocks and sashes from the New York Depot.

The United States Arsenal at Springfield was turning out 3,000 rifles a month in 1861 and most of these went to the Regular Army.

Columbus O July 25th 1861
Headquarters Recruiting Rendevous
18th Infantry, U. S. Army
Old Broadway House

To Capt. McLille
Columbus O

Dear Sir

We are now earnestly engaged in organizing the 18th Infantry U. S. Army, commanded by Col. H. B. Carrington late Adjutant General of this State.......This Regiment will be armed with the Springfield Rifle, a weapon superior to any other, either at long or short range....

I remain sir
with great respect
Your Obt Servant

L. M. Kellogg
Captain 18th Infantry USA
Recruiting Officer

The regular recruiting officers took great pains to point out that the recruits would receive the best clothing and equipment available.

James

[37thtenn]

Re: 19th US

James,
That has helped.thanks for the advice.I don't live to far from chickamauga,so i will check them out.

[FortyRounder]

Re: 19th US

It wouldn't surprise me to hear that good weapons and clothing was the main motivation for men joining the Regulars, at least in the early-war period when the volunteers were poorly provided with arms and uniforms. Otherwise, there would have been little reason to join the regular army, where the enlistment bounty was small, discipline was harsh and opportunities for recognition were few. There was also the traditional American prejudice against the standing army. It's no wonder the Regular army had recruiting problems.

[BennettLP]

Re: 19th US Infantry (Regular Army)

Hello:

The 19th US Infantry (Regulars) assigned to the Regular Brigade in the XIV Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland of MG Shermans Military Division of the Missisippi was issued Springfield Rifles. They carried them throught the Atlanta Campaign.

Regards,

PERRY BENNETT
MAJ, LG
Command Historian

335th SIG CMD (T)
Fort McPherson
East Point, GA 30344
leonard.bennett@arcent.army.mil