My great X3 grandfather was living in New Hampshire when the Civil War broke out. He joined out of Massachusetts and was put in the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. I have 2 of his letters he penned in 1863 back home to his parents in a frame. Quite an interesting read and the spelling was not amazing..."I will rite to you a few lines" Anywho, above the letters I have hung his Grand Army of the Republic Sword. I've tried to do some research on the type of side arm carried by union cavalry members, and I'm specifically looking at what would have been issued to the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry around the time of 1861. Carbines? Revolvers? Both? There were so many makes and models its hard to pin point what they were issued. Does anyone have a contact who may know a little more about the type of firearms they carried? The purpose for this is I'd like to buy a modern replica, and put it up on the wall as well. I'd also love to find out if we could nail down what company he was assigned to. Its important because of the story below!
I now live in Charleston on James Island in South Carolina. The MA 1st Cavalry was assigned to the department of the south in 1862, which is why he ended up down here. The letters from him were out of Hilton Head in 1863. One of the companies fought in the Battle of Successionville, which was the only battle fought by the union on land to take charleston. Can't be sure, but its possible he fought there. If so, my great great grandfather would have fought the confederates no less than 5 miles from where I currently live, 157 years later.
Thanks for the help!
I now live in Charleston on James Island in South Carolina. The MA 1st Cavalry was assigned to the department of the south in 1862, which is why he ended up down here. The letters from him were out of Hilton Head in 1863. One of the companies fought in the Battle of Successionville, which was the only battle fought by the union on land to take charleston. Can't be sure, but its possible he fought there. If so, my great great grandfather would have fought the confederates no less than 5 miles from where I currently live, 157 years later.
Thanks for the help!
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