Finally solved the sword mystery

[RobertP]

This from the Nashville paper May 1, 1861, quoting the Montgomery Advertiser. Reading's company has arrived in Montgomery and is ready to take on the "Wide Awakes" and hoping for acceptance into the Confederate army. Note at bottom says they weren't accepted. It really is odd to me that they weren't.

View attachment 464398

Also, from the Memphis Daily Appeal, 12/21/1861 Capt. Reading was recruiting again in Memphis, offering improved musket, uniform and subsistence for them until mustered into service. Recruiting office #6 Adams St. near Front Row (downtown Memphis). He says this was under authority from Columbus - I assume that was Columbus, Ky. which was at the time occupied by Polk's troops, and a few weeks after the battle at Belmont.

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

I like his use of the word, "unmurmuringly." Interesting turn of phrase! He must have heard murmuring to use it!