I looked back, but didn't see myself using the term "homemade weapon", although I have always referred to the Leech and Rigdon as a "Confederate knock-off of the Colt 1851 Navy". That just means that a man who worked for Colt stole the 1851's plans and took them to the South just before the war began. The idea of me using a Leech and Rigdon was more of a wet dream, and I'll be getting one for competition shooting, to go with my Enfield. Of course, since I'm in the process of starting a Texas State Troops living history group (cavalry), I'd be more accurate getting a Dance & Brothers version, or a Walker or Dragoon. Well, it's better than getting stuck with a Savage Navy .36 (damn, they're weird!).

My 26th contact said that the 26th (officers) did have them, because they were made in Columbus, MS and passed out to the 26th, 32nd, and MS cav units, among some others, admittedly probably ALL officers, unless an odd sergeant-major had one.

Last night, I printed off the last of the documents fold3.com has on him, for a total of 23 documents, including his official list of engagements and multiple Muster Rolls.

Aug. 16, 1861- Enlisted as Private, Capt. Tully Parker's Company (G), Reynolds' Reg't (26th). Muster-In Roll.

Dec. 27, 1861- Admitted to hospital ("Catamhus Acuta"). Returned to duty Dec. 30, 1861 (3 days). Bowling Green, KY Hospital Register.

Jan. 23, 1862- Absent- "Left A.S. [Absent-Sick] Nurse at Bowling Green, KY". 26th Company Muster Roll.

Feb. 13-16 1862- "Absent-Detailed (under orders)". Official Engagements List.

Apr. 2, 1862- Mustered as 3rd Sergeant into Capt. Ben Kizer's Company (K), Lowrey's Reg't. (32nd). 32nd Muster-in Roll.

May & June, 1862- Present. 32nd Company Muster Roll.

July & Aug. 1862- Present. 32nd Company Muster Roll.

July31-Oct. 31, 1862- Absent- "Ass. to 32 Miss. Reg't." 26th Company Muster Roll.

Nov. & Dec. 1862- Absent- "Ass. to 32 Miss. Not rejoining since [prisoner] exchange." 26th Company Muster Roll.

Dec. 5, 1862 [Coffeeville]- "Absent-Detailed (under orders)."

Dec. 26, 1862- "Left Sick near Wartrace, Tenn. by order Surgeon". 32nd Company Muster Roll for Nov-Dec. 1862.

Jan-Feb 1863- "Transferred by ord. of Gen. Bragg to their old command, 26 Miss. Reg. Jan. 1 of 1863". 32nd Muster Roll.

May 3, 1863 [Skirmish, Willow Springs]- Absent Sick.

May 16, 1863 [Baker's Creek]- Absent Sick.

July 9-16, 1863 [Jackson, MS]- Absent Sick.

June 30, 1863-June 30, 1864- "Present- 2 months/12 days as Serg't in 32 Miss. Reg't." 26th Company Muster Roll.

May 5, 1864 [Wilderness]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

May 6, 1864 [Wilderness]- Wounded. Official List of Engagements.

May 10, 1864 [Talley's Mill]- Present. Official List of Engagements. (Present at battle 4 days after being wounded).

May 12, 1864 [Spottsylvania Court House]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

May 23, 1864 [Hanover Junction]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

June 2-3, 1864 [Cold Harbor]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

June 5-13, 1864 [Gaines' Mill]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

July 4-Aug. 17, 1864 [In Front of Petersburg (Trenches)]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

July, 1864- Present. 26th Company Muster Roll.

Aug. 18-19, 1864 [Weldon R.R.]- Present-Detailed (under orders). Official List of Engagements.

July 31-Aug. 31, 1864- Present. 26th Company Muster Roll.

Aug. 20-Sept. 29, 1864 [In Front of Petersburg (trenches)]- Present-Detailed (under orders). Official List of Engagements.

Oct. 1, 1864 [Fort McRae]- Present-Detailed (under orders). Official List of Engagements.

Sept.-Oct., 1864- Present. 26th Company Muster Roll.

Oct. 2, 1864 [unnamed skirmish]- Absent Sick. Official List of Engagements.

Oct. 27, 1864 [Hatcher's Run]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

Dec. 10, 1864 [Jarratt's Station]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

Nov. & Dec. 1864- "Present. Commutation due from Oct. '63 to Oct. '64." 26th Company Muster Roll.

Feb. 6, 1865 [Hatcher's Run]- Present. Official List of Engagements.

Jan. & Feb. 1865- "Present. Promoted from Pri. to Serg't. Feb. 6, 1865." 26th Company Muster Roll.

April 1, 1865 [Hatcher's Run]- Captured. Arrived April 2nd Prisoner of War Camp, Point Lookout, MD. Roll of Prisoners of War.

June 28, 1865- Swore and signed Oath of Allegiance, Point Lookout, MD. Released.

If you have any different records, I'd like to make arrangements to get copies sent to me. The only other record that I have is where he started to enlist in early June, 1861, but no one signed the Muster-In Roll for that date, neither he nor the officer in charge of mustering men in. As he was a sadler from his discharge from the US Army in 1860 until his enlistment in the 26th on Aug. 16, I can only assume he used those 2 1/2 months to settle his accounts and close his shop. Why a sadler would not have been put in a cavalry unit is beyond me, unless it's just that he was tired of horses and saddles by then.