History:
Inventory of
Arms & Equiptments of the 4th Virginia:
The
following was found among other papers by Randolph Scott Carter in
his Aunt's attic. He graciously allowed Jim Rowe to photo copy and
reproduce it.
--
Inventory
of Arms, etc in the 4th Regt. VA Cavalry : Made Nov. 18, 1863:
Short
Enfield rifles
|
40
|
Sharps
Carbines
|
350
|
Richmond
|
64
|
Burnside
|
14
|
Navy
pistol
|
40
|
Army
pistol
|
152
|
Adams
& Deane
|
48
|
Sabres
& belts
|
364
|
Cartridge
boxes
|
144
|
Cap
pouches
|
50
|
Nipers
(hoof nippers?)
|
6
|
Screwdrivers
|
5
|
Haversacks
|
73
|
Saddles
|
42
|
Bridles
|
186
|
Halters
|
251
|
Surcingles
|
10
|
Spurs,
pr.
|
173
|
Curry
combs
|
40
|
Horse
brushes
|
36
|
I certify that the above is a correct statement of arms etc. in
the 4th.Va.Cav. as reported to me by company officers -
Robt.Randolph
CaptComdg 4th.Va.Cav.
Notes:
In the
closest morning report to this inventory found, less than 600
troopers were present and mounted for duty after Brandy Station,
Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville, Gettysburg, the retreat to the
Rapidan, Auburn, The Buckland Races, and Bristoe Station in October.
If you look at the report you will see that only 42 saddles were
reported for over 500 horse!
Did
inventorys list ALL equipment or only State or CS issue? Some
can quote general orders specifying that all captured equipment be
turned over to the quartermaster. However, period
writings, identify captured saddlery and equipment that was 'claimed'
by the trooper capturing it. The Virginia cavalryman brought his own
horse to the conflict and was probably wealthier than his infantry
counterparts so - there was probably a saddle on the horse. Members
of the Black Horse (Co.H/4thVA) often joined Mosby in his raids
around and in Fauquier County to obtain horses, tack, Yankee dollars,
and weapons.
Newcomers may research their impressions to the
best of their ability. In light of the above information, it is suggested that you carry a
Sharps carbine, Army pistol, saber, and ride a McClellan saddle or early war possibly a Navy Colt pistol and a civilian saddle.
Black Horse Cavalry (Co.H, 4th VA Cavalry)