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Historic, Civil War Privately Purchased
New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action
Rifle Inscribed to Edmond J. DeLeuw of the
7th Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry - Serial
no. 6248, 44 Henry RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/brass finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in August of 1864, this is a very
desirable example of a Civil War production Henry rifle produced by the New Haven Arms Co. that is inscribed to the Civil War soldier
who originally purchased it. These rifles were one of the most advanced weapons to appear during the Civil War and were highly sought
after, particularly by veterans who were well-aware of the benefits of rapid fire capabilities on the battlefields, which were dominated by
single shot, muzzleloading rifle-muskets. Costing around $40-50 at the time, these Henry’s were a sizable expense for a soldier making
around $13 per month. For that reason, many of these rifles were purchased by veterans who had reenlisted and received a veteran’s bonus
that was as much as $400. This particular rifle is an interesting example as it is inscribed to a soldier who does not appear to have received
the veteran reenlistment bonus. The rifle is identified on p. 82 of “The Historic Henry Rifle” by Wiley Sword, where the inscription is mentioned.
The rifle is inscribed “ E.J. De Leuw” and “7th Ill, Vet. Vol.” on top of the action for Edmond J. DeLeuw (1845-1878) of Carlinville, Illinois. DeLeuw
initially joined the 133rd Illinois Infantry, a “one-hundred days” regiment, that ended up posted in Rock Island, Illinois, guarding Confederate
prisoners at the arsenal there. These “one-hundred days” regiments were raised with the intention of taking the place of veteran units that were
currently being used in roles other than on the front lines, allowing the veterans to be transferred to the front with the hopes of ending the war
sooner. DeLeuw is listed in the records as being 19 years old when he joined on 12 May 1864, as well as being 6 foot 1 inches tall, with dark hair, dark
eyes, and dark complexion. His marital status was listed as single and his occupation was listed as a druggist, probably assisting his father, Dr. Leupold
DeLeuw. He mustered into the regiment at Camp Butler, Illinois on 31 May 1864. He is listed as having been promoted to hospital steward on 1 June 1864,
and on 24 September 1864 the 133rd Illinois was mustered out of service. It appears that DeLeuw then took a furlough for a few months, before being listed as
joining the 7th Illinois Infantry (often referred to as Veteran Volunteers) for three year service on 15 February 1865. It is unclear if Edmond purchased his Henry rifle before or
after joining the 7th, but the 7th is documented as having been equipped with a very large number of privately purchased Henry rifles. During DeLeuw’s time with the 7th
Illinois, they were heavily involved in General Sherman’s Carolina’s campaign, including the Battle of Bentonville, which lead to the surrender of Joseph E. Johnston’s Army of
Tennessee about a month later, just 17 days after Robert E. Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
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