PREFACE

The following short study represents a personal effort to compile and present primary and secondary information on the type of Mexican War military arms and accouterments that were issued to members of the Mormon Battalion, along with the training they received in the use of such. Much has been written concerning the mustering in, leadership, line of march, privations, and the modern-day legacy of the Battalion by noted historians. However, these published works do not provide the same level of detail on the specific military equipment and training given these volunteer infantry soldiers. From first hand accounts and available U.S. Army transcripts, some facts are known about the Battalion’s military equipage. For example, researchers have been able to identify the specific types of muskets and rifles that were issued from records and surviving weapons. Unfortunately, the exact number and type accouterments issued all five companies of the Mormon Battalion remains unclear and a certain amount of informed historical speculation is necessary. Additional investigation is needed to clarify a number of important points. As such, this small presentation remains a work in progress rather than a definitive resource.

Val John Halford, January, 2004