Hello -

thought I would share some info re one of the artifacts/relics found at Pea Ridge NMP by the archaeology team during this past March.

At least one .69 caliber triangular hole base minie ball ("French") was found by the team. It was viewed with some amazement, partic. by us who had seen them from the Vicksburg, MS area before, but NOT the NW Arkansas & ozarks region...!!!

My cousin Warren Demarest (native of Baton Rouge, LA) has since informed me that large numbers (!!!) of these .69 caliber triangular hole base/French minies have been found at Port Hudson, LA; these recovered from sites where ARKANSAS UNITS WERE POSITIONED......!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Question: why did the Arkies/Rackensackers have these large caliber French minies at Port Hudson? Was there a "good buy" made through the Arkansas CSA authorities or something? Another question: how common is it for a .69 cal. French minie to be found in a relatively early (March 7-8, 1862) battle in the Arkansas ozarks...???????????

y.v.o.s.,

Ken Byrd