WILDER'S LIGHTNING BRIGADE

[Jack Wagon]

AN INTERESTING VIDEO ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE LIGHTNING BRIGADE THROUGHOUT THE WAR.  Jw 

[mgmradio]

I have a Spencer rifle that was issued to the 72ed Indiana.

[Trailrider]

One correction: The M1860 Spencer rifles and carbines were chambered for the .56-56 cartridge, which used an outside lubed heel bullet, not the later .56-.50 for which the later Burnside manufactured Spencers were chambered. In point of fact, the .56-50 could be fired in the M1860's. Accuracy might not have been as good due to the smaller diameter bullets.

[El Supremo]

Thanks for sharing a nice video:

Other helpful 17th Indiana info is in Marcot, 2nd Edition, page 51, lower right side.

There, Marcot presents details that Col. Wilder first wanted Henry repeaters, and asked the New Haven Arms Company for 900 Henrys.
When  New Haven declined, Col. Wilder asked The Spencer Repeating Rifle Company for approximately 1,400 Spencers. 

I have read, but cannot recall a reference about some members of Wilder's unit also individually purchasing and carrying Henry's through the remainder of the War.  Smiles and Happy Holidays.

Very respectfully,
El Supremo/ Kevin Tinny