response 25 of 25:

Dec 20 05:53 UTC 2003

"The Federal Volunteer cavalrymen were armed with sabers and revolvers.
Initially, some carried carbines or rifles.  But as the war progressed, the
carbine became the standard issued weapon.  A light, curved, cavalry saber
eventually replaced the heavier, straight, Prussian type saber.  Common models
of revolvers carried were percussion Army or Navy model, or a Remington."

I never claimed that cavalrymen were the equal of Cyrano or D'Artagnan, but
they did know which end of the sabre to hold.