Thank you for the info re Spencer v. Sharps carbine. I misunderstood that the Hanover statue showed the correct Sharps carbine not the incorrect Spencer.

And JD, I would like to learn about any info you have about the arms the cav carried during the Maryland Campaign 2-20 Sept. as I am looking at the cav on both sides during that time period. Is your info from “Civil War Arms Purchases and Deliveries” book-Exec Doc 99? I have Todd’s book on “American Military Equipage.”

Thank you,
Larry

Please do send that along – we’ll certainly be able to use it in our upcoming book on Jube’s raid.

Thanks!
J.D.

I have a nice, unpublished letter describing the interior ot Fort DeRussey that I’ll forward to you. The letter was written by an Ohio 90-days soldier just prior to the attack on Ft. Stevens. You might be able to find some useful information.

J. Gilot

J.D.

Terrific meeting you! Eric did a terrific job with the Farnsworth tour so I’m sure you were all ears 🙂

J.D.

You’re correct. If Kent said he had some sort of proof that ANY cavalryman in the Army of the Potomac was armed with a Spencer carbine in July 1863, he’s wrong. I have both the ordnance returns dated June 30, 1863 for all the regiments, plus the documentation on the Spencer armaments for the period.

Here’s the facts: All of the 5th Michigan and 4 companies of the 6th Michigan were armed with the Spencer repeating RIFLES. As for Spencer carbines, only about 3 prototypes existed in July. They weren’t mass produced until early September. It is impossible, therefore, for any to have been in the hands of any of the troopers.

Regarding the carbine on the Hanover monument – perhaps I missed something – it is indeed a Sharps carbine on there. Not a Spencer. The monument that is incorrect is that of the 17th PA Cavalry monument on the Gettysburg battlefield, which mistakenly depicts a Spencer carbine (they were certainly issued them, but AFTER Gettysburg of course). Perhaps folks are thinking of that monument. But The Picket monument at Hanover depicts the correct Sharps carbine.

J.D.

The vast majority of the books that I bought are things pertinent to my forthcoming Brice’s Crossroads/Tupelo book project, although there are a few other miscellaneous things mixed in.

Eric

Yep. Go to http://www.gettysburgretreat.com if you’re interested.

Eric