Provost Martial Carry

[52ndFandS]

Wondering what union (or CS) provost martial carried, if any. Was it a firearm, truncheon or was it just good enough when the man with the badge showed up?

 

[Allyn]

My gr-gr-grandfather Michael Hexamer "enrolled" for a nine-month tour of duty as a private in Co. C, 169th Regt. Pennsylvania Inf., on 16 Oct. 1862, and was mustered in the same day at Camp Howe, Pittsburgh, PA. On 10 Dec. 1862, he was transferred to Co. K of the same regiment. He seems to have spent January through June 1863 stationed at Yorktown, VA., where he was assigned to provost guard duty.

At the time of his enlistment, Michael was 5'3" tall, so he would probably not have been a terribly intimidating presence! I, too, would be interested to know he was "armed."

 

[Dan Kohli]

It looks like the troops were not issued any special weapons or equipment when they or their companies were detailed for provost duties. They were most likely to retain the weapons they were initially issued during the regiment they were a part of.

 

[RedRover]

Union Army provost guards.

At Newport Barracks, NC.

Inspection at the Provost Guard, Petersburg, VA.

 

[R. Porter]

Looks like some short little guys at the Newport Barracks.

 

[JOHN42768]

Looks like some short little guys at the Newport Barracks.

Newport Barracks Jr. Guards