Looking for information about so-called "Whitney Rifles", which were the original long arm furnished to the 1st Arkansas Cavalry (USA). Ammunition returns and regimental orders reflect that they were mostly .58 caliber weapons, but that there were also some of a .54 variety. I have assumed that these were contract versions of a standard rifle-musket, such as the Springfield, and were called "Whitneys" from the stamp on the lockplate, but thought that someone with more expertise that I might have more definite information. This interests me because people generally think of cavalry being equipped with carbines and it would certainly affect tactics if they were carrying infantry rifles. The regiment was eventually outfitted with Starr carbines, but not until late summer 1864.