I ran across this gem today and though it interesting in more than one way now that we "know the rest of the story".
Page 103,
~Major Moses Harris 8th US Cavalry,
...If the pistol is not to be used for charging purposes it should be as light as a due regard for effectiveness will permit. The new 38 calibre, double action, Colt's revolver, that we are promised by the Chief of Ordnance, will be an improvement upon the one now in use, and it is believed that it will inflict a sufficiently severe nervous shock at 50 yards.
The suggestion of an attachment to the pistol holster to fasten it to the saddle is a good one It would serve to disencumber the trooper of his pistol for dismounted fighting, which will become more important with the advent of smokeless powder and the new arms...
44-40 Website - https://sites.google.com/view/44winchester/chasing-the-44-40
