This revolver, black leather belt with brass “US” belt plate, black leather cap box, and black leather cartridge box with stamped “US” and two cartridge tins all belonged to Private James M. Bunch, Company L, 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry.
Bunch, a carpenter from Wellsville, Missouri, enlisted in the MSM on April 29, 1863. In June 1864 he appealed to his commanding officer for a discharge, citing the fact that his wife and three small children were living with his father, an aged, poor and crippled man who was not able to take care of both families. Bunch’s request was denied and he continued to serve.
He was wounded on May 22, 1865 during a fight with bushwhackers at Sawyers Mill on the Big Lautre in Calloway County, Missouri. Private Bunch died the next day. Ironically, the Missouri Adjutant General issued an order three days later discharging him from the service.
Images Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30220, 30219, 30217, & 30218
