I'd like to solicit ideas from those of you with much more experience in CS ordnance, records, and issuance. Here's the situation: a one--later two--company unit, the Independent Signal Corps, organized in the Portsmouth-Norfolk area and moved, after the fall of Norfolk, to Petersburg, manning signal comms and observation stations along the James River. These detached and separated units of perhaps half a dozen men each, were vulnerable, and the C.O. sought weapons from Richmond, asking first for "army revolvers or carbines." A&IGO Gen. Cooper asked Col. Gorgas, who replied, none available, maybe shotguns? (July 1862.)
A year later the commander, now promoted Major and having organized a second company of signalmen, notes (Apr 1863) "I have received but 50 Carbines, which is just one third of what is actually required." (Subsequent to thus, he obtains a mixture of Enfields and "Austrian" (Lorenz?) rifle muskets, and his detachments undertake harassment and sniping as well as defending themselves or even being pressed into service as infantry.)
My question is this, what most likely would have been the types of carbines issued, say, between Jan-Apr 1863? Assume these are all fifty of the same type. Breech loaders, or "short rifles" loosely referred to as carbines?Captured US (with ammo supply consideration)? CS versions?
Some of you who have studied small arms issuances of this period may have a solid answer, but even best guesses would be appreciated, with basis for judgment in latter case.