Alan,

I agree. The Olmstead unit existed before the war. Most militia units in existance before the war were equipped with weapons which the Regular Army had phased out upon receiving newer weaponry. (Very much similar to my experience as a Marine. We always got hand me down Army equipment.)The 1842 .69 caliber Springfield was very prevalent with CSA units all throughout the war. However when state units were mustered into Confederate service, the government being strained to equip so many men, it seems that Virginia units got priority when it came to getting newer weapons. As you know this was a source of contention within the Army of Northern Virginia. Some unit commanders preferred the older weapons so their men would close with the enemy.

Len