Col John T Wilder (USA) equipped his brigade with Spencer rifles in 1863, He personally signed a note for his men to purchase these rifles. He had desired the Henry but they could only supply about 600 at the time. Spencer could supply the total amount desired so he went with them to keep Ammo consistent. They were first used at the Battle of Hoover's Gap TN in the Tullahoma Campaign. Rosecrans had hoped to secure this gap with about 3 days of hard fighting. With the use of the Spencer Rifles Wilder secured it before dark of the first day. This battle occurred around 25-30 miles northeast of where I live. Present day I 24 about leveled the Gap where the battle was fought. My G Grandfather is buried in a small cemetery on the side of US 41 highway adjacent to the Gap. He was however not involved with this battle & lived until 1918,
I recall reading that Forrest's opinion of the Cavalry Saber was that it was useful for slicing bread in camp. He liked his men armed with a pair of Colt Revolvers & an Enfield Short Rifle. His Elite company, the Forrest Escort Company were all equipped with repeating rifles I understand. I do not know if they were Spencers or Henries, whichever they were no doubt captured arms. Forrest was one of few on either side to attain the rank of General who had no formal military training, he was essentially Self Taught. Probably one of the main reasons he was so successful, he was not saddles with outdated tactics.
