1st New York Infantry - Request for Springfield Rifles

Item LTR-8924

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Washington
February 6th 1862

Honorable E. M. Stanton
Secretary of War

Sir,

I had the honor of handing in last Wednesday, to Lieutenant Colonel Colburn, A. D. C., a requisition of the First Regiment New York Volunteers, Commanded by Colonel Garrett Dyckman and stationed at Newport News, for the Springfield Rifle Musket. Feeling this regiment to have peculiar claims on the government I wish to call your attention to it. It entered the field last April and ten months service has perfected it in organization and drill. The men having anticipated receiving rifles for the First have made themselves fully competent to appreciate and take care of them. In this communication I beg to direct your attention to the approval and remarks of General Mansfield on the requisition. The Chief of Ordnance, Colonel Kingsbury, informs me that this requisition only needs approval. Then he can forward it to Springfield and direct that the arms be sent to the regiment and the old smooth bore muskets which we now have returned.

With great respect.

I beg to remain your most obedient servant

J. Fred Pierson
Lieutenant Colonel
1st Regiment New York Volunteers