At Vicksburg, Edward Downs of the 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment and a noted sharpshooter, bought a Henry rifle from his own funds for $65 (equivalent to $1,700 in 2024) from a steamboat captain just prior to the Vicksburg battle ...

For an American Civil War soldier, owning a Henry rifle was a point of pride.[5] Just 1,731 of the standard rifles were purchased by the government during the war.[6] The Commonwealth of Kentucky purchased a further 50. However, 6,000 to 7,000 saw use by the Union on the field through private purchases by soldiers who could afford it. ... Many infantry soldiers purchased Henrys with their reenlistment bounties of 1864. Most of these units were associated with Sherman's Western troops.

That's a whole lotta free speech.

[–] InevitableSwing@hexbear.net 7 points 1 day ago

Another weak point for the Henry was that it could not be equipped with a bayonet.

How can you have any pudding if you don't bayonet the left?

[–] Jabril@hexbear.net 7 points 1 day ago

Also JP Morgan made his fortune selling weapons he knew were busted to the Union, I think a couple steam boats that sunk too if I remember