Marines and lever-action rifles

[US Scout]

A long time ago I remembered reading about a Marine officer named Lt Frank L. Church who participated in the Red River Campaign during the Late Great Unpleasantness.

The following extracts comes from "Civil War Marine: A Diary of the Red River Expedition, 1864." 

March 2, 1864:  "Went on shore this morning to practice target shooting with the Henry Rifle.  Made some good shots."

April 6, 1864: At 8 am the USS Gazelle came along side bringing a Captain's Guard of Marines from Alexandria [LA] armed with Spencer rifles to act as Admiral's body guard."

Thought these references to both the Henry and the Spencer might come in handy for anyone who might want to portray an Marine at the next Muster.

US Scout
Colonel Commandant of Marines

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Weren't the Henry's more of an individual purchase thing rather than Gov.t issue? The War Dept. didn't purchase that many, I thought. Of course a platoon of Marines armed with Henry's would be a rather formidable group to deal with.........Buck

[US Scout]

Buck,

Quite true.  I should have clarified that this was Church's personal Henry, not an issue weapon.

US Scout
Colonel Commandant of Marines

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