The Mad Hatter

[Craig Hipkins]

It's always been interesting to me also about Corbett's revolver. Where is it? I read at one point someone offered to purchase it from Corbett but he refused. Then, as the story goes, it was lost or stolen-as Craig mentioned. I wonder if it had a serial number? Was it issued to Corbett to use in service or did it personally belong to him?

Hey Bill, You bring up a good question about serial numbers. I still remember mine from Boot Camp and that was 26 years ago! There were so many weapons manufactured during the Civil War and by so many different companies. I believe that most weapons had serial #s, but I doubt if a particular weapon could be traced to a certain individual like they can today. Somebody probably owns Corbett's revolver today and has absolutely no idea of its historical significance.

Craig

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Tom,

I believe that the Cloud County Historical Museum in Concordia, Kansas has some artifacts that belonged to Boston Corbett. Corbett's guardian, George Huron donated some stuff to the Kansas State Historical Society. I believe there were some books and a suitcase, and some other stuff. I took a trip out to the Little Bighorn last summer and drove through Kansas. On the way I stopped at Corbett's dugout (out in the middle of a cow pasture) and attempted to visit the museum, but I am sorry to say I picked the wrong day because it was closed! I can shoot them an E-mail to see exactly what they have in their possession. I remember reading somewhere that a G.A.R. Post had somehow acquired Corbett's long gun that he used to shoot birds with out near his dugout. I don't know what merit there is in that story because it came from a news clipping. I will have to check my files. Corbett's Colt revolver was either lost or stolen shortly after he shot Booth.
All interesting stuff!
By the way, many compliments on your book "The Darkest Dawn." A great read.

Craig

great stuff, craig....i'll forward it tomorrow. yes, i too have been to the 'cow pasture' site maintained by the local boy scouts. the wing of the statehouse where corbett went postal is still there and 'old main' at the lunatic asylum is a magnificent old relic (i believe the actual building where corbett was imprisoned sits to the rear of old main).....anyway, we shall see. thnx!

Tom,
That is some excellent info! I was unaware that the old building where Corbett was locked away was still in existence. I might actually have to plan another trip out there.

Craig

not sure it is the actual building, craig, but...as i recollect it is a 1) small two or three story building attached to the 2) rear of 'old main' (see link below, 1/12/07) in 3) native limestone in the 4) functional kansas architecture of the time....some minor snooping among the topeka city plats should suffice....the time we are hoping for should be pre-1888 or so.....

http://wildwestblogcom.blogspot.com/search?q=old+main

Tom,
Great Blog. Perhaps it was Corbett's ghost that created that vortex
Here is my blog incase you are interested.
Craig
http://crhipkins.blogspot.com