Pistol, 1851 Model Navy Colt, belonging to Richard Henry Toler Adams (1839-1900)

Pistol, 1851 Model Navy Colt, belonging to Richard Henry Toler Adams (1839-1900)

Captain Richard Henry Toler Adams was born in Lynchburg on 6 November 1839. In April, 1861 he enlisted in the Co. G of the 11th Virginia Infantry. In May, 1862, he was made Captain in the signal service and assigned to General A. P. Hill’s Staff. Adams was present at every major battle the Army of Northern Virginia participated in. Three horses were killed under him during the war, and he was wounded at Petersburg.

According to an article written for Confederate Veteran Magazine by Captain Murray Forbes Taylor, Adams was near General Thomas J. Jackson when Jackson was wounded 2 May 1863. At the time of his wounding Adam's captured a Union officer and took from him his sword and canteen of whiskey. The whiskey was administered to the wounded Jackson who was about to faint "when Adams gave him whiskey out of the captured canteen." Adams was then sent to inform General J. E. B. Stuart of Jackson's wounding.

Serial number 91340

The pistol remained loaded would powder and lead projectiles well into the 20th century. It was taken to a Lynchburg sporting goods store who unloaded the cylinder. They returned the lead bullets to the family.

Accompanied by its original leather holster

Donated by William McKinnon Massie, Jr.

Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company - Hartford , Ct.

Historic Sandusky - University of Lynchburg

1860-1861

Permission to publish or reproduce required
inquire at info@historicsandusky.org