This is all Keith's fault.
Rifles in military service.
The British used Riflemen in the Napoleonic wars, perhaps as a result of their sad experience in 1775-1780 in America.
They were a "special weapon" in the light infantry "skirmishers".
The weapon was the Baker rifle.
It is most famous for it's central the novels and TV series - Sharpe's Rifles - wherein Richard Sharpe does great stuff against the King's enemies.
Interesting American wrinkle.
Mexico bought surplus Baker Rifles to equip their "Cazidores". They carried these in the 1836 campaign to supress rebels in Tejas. The Alamo probably saw rifle vs. rifle engagements beyond infantry musketry range.
Rick Kempf
Gold Canyon AZ- where there is no gold
