Ordnance Office, 1864 Quarterly Report & Officer Questionnaire Regarding Arms & Weapons – SOLD

This form document from the Ordnance Department was sent out to Major D. B. Keith, 4th Mass Cavalry, in order to determine what accoutrements, horse equipments, and weaponry was then currently being used by his 2nd Battalion. The document was sent from Hd.Qurs 2nd Batt’n 4th Mass Cav. Hilton Head S.C.  June 30, 1864.  Major Keith fill in all appropriate answers to what arsenal were items received; arrived, used in the field, quality, etc.?

The document is a wealth of information revealing what contractors supplied what items, and in regard to accoutrements, such questions maker’s name, marked, smooth or roughly finished, etc.?  Similar question for horse gear, and answers as to how it may or may no affect the horses.

The 4th Mass Cav was issued Spencer carbines, and Keith’s remarks are very favorable. As to revolvers, surprisingly, the answer was “None.”  Keith’s response was, “With the Spencer Carbines, pistols are not needed.”

Sabers issued were the M1860 Mansfield and Lamb; accoutrements for carbine were E.Gaylord, and came without any glowing remarks, the leather being badly finished.  Keith finishes with his thoughts on the saber belt and suggests some changes.  All the document has been photographed.

A very scarce document, I have seen very little like this over the years of dealing with paper.

Legal sized paper, 4 full pages.

Very good condition.