Seeking records of firearms given to released Union Soldiers during the Civil War

Dear Mr. Ray,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

Military records in our custody do not include the record of assignment and operational activity of individual pieces of equipment.  Under normal War Department records management procedures, such documentation would be destroyed after initial administrative use. 

Paroled Union prisoners of war were not to carry arms until they were officially exchanged. Once exchanged, they were issued firearms in order to return to duty.

We hope this is helpful.