I wonder if bayonets were ever used in battle on the trapdoors. I cannot think of any pictures from the Spanish American War where they are even fixed, though I am sure I have not seen all the pictures.
I can't imagine them being used (or useful) against the Indians. They probably were useful as tent pegs or candle holders in the western campaigns. Did infantrymen being employed as mounted infantry, which I believe was fairly common in the west, even carry them? They were probably officially part of every foot soldier's kit, though one wonders if they were actually carried on campaign.
I do believe they were probably fixed whenever the militia was called out against labor agitators, strikers or rioters.
Anybody know?