Janelle--My greatgrandfather enlisted in the 10th Mo Cav in 1864. Most of these recruits participated in Gen Sterling Price's great raid in the fall of that year. Missouri had been under martial law since 1861. No one was permitted to keep or bear arms except members of the federal army or militia. The typical Conf. cavalry recruit during this period of the war did not own a firearm and only a few owned horses. The Confederate government had very little to offer by way of uniforms, arms, equipment or even food. Many who enlisted during this period never even generated a record to prove their service. The enemy was the primary source of much that was used, including uniforms (blue) and arms. A significant portion of Price's army completed the campaign without ever being armed. When these men left on this campaign, they had high hopes of throwing the Yankee invader out of the state, but no realistic hope of visiting home or family again for the "duration". After Westport, what was perhaps the largest cavalry engagement of the war was fought at Mine Creek, Kansas. Those Missourians who had arms primarily had smoothbore muskets, while the federals were largely equipped with Sharps repeating rifles. The technological advantage of the federals was devastating. The Confederate cavalryman of this period of the war never fought on a level playing field with his opponent. Many believed, and with good reason, that if captured they would be summarily shot because they had no proof or appearance of being in regular service, especially those wearing parts of federal uniforms, sitting on a U.S. issue saddle on a horse with a Yankee brand. Although not dealing directly with your interest in the average cavalryman's experience, there are many books available on the subject of Price's Raid in 1864 which you might find interesting. Good Luck! John Kay