Virgil,

Don't exactly have the definitive word on this, but may have some relevant information.

Years ago, I researched a soldier from the 9th Mississippi Infantry regiment who later became a member of the 9th Battalion Mississippi Sharpshooters.

This would possibly indicate that at least some (if not many/most) of the members of the 9th Batt. Miss. SS came originally from the 9th Miss. Infantry. Another source indicates that the ranks of the 9th Battalion Mississippi SS were refilled from time to time from the 7th, 9th, 10th and possibly the 44th Miss. Inf. regiments.

As far as the 9th Mississippi Infantry regiment is concerned, adddg. to "Confederate Rifles and Muskets" by Murphy and Madaus, this unit was originally armed with 800 smoothbore muskets (560 muskets on Jan. 31, 1862 and 240 muskets on Feb. 4 1862).

The OR indicates, however, that about two months later Chalmers' 9th Miss. Infantry regiment was rearmed with 440 short Enfield rifles and 360 long Enfield rifle muskets.

When possible, CS sharpshooter battalions were supposed to get preferential treatment in receiving long-range arms such as Enfields, so it is at least reasonable to assume that some of these Enfeild rifle muskets and Enfield rifles made their way into the hands of the 9th Btn. Miss. SS.

Mike Bailey