A good gun gave men confidence and security. The reliable single-shot Sharps and the
rapid-fire, seven-shooter Spencer were the cavalrymen’s overall favorite carbines of the Civil War. In this letter, Edwin R. Haven wrote:

“It is also said that we are to receive the Spencer carbine which is undoubtedly the best cavalry arm in the service. I have never yet carried a carbine any length of time but if those guns are issued to us. I shall draw one and carry it as long as I can.”