Civil War Uniforms

[monroe35]

Hello everyone. I'lm attaching a copy of my Grandfather in his Civil War uniform, which I think you may find interesting. My Father was the youngest in his family, and I was the youngest in my family. He was a member of General J. B. Kershaw's Brigade. 2nd Regiment, Compay H. Here's a quote from D. Augustus Dickert's book History of Kershaw's Brigade , Page 268. "Longstreet's troops had recently been newly uniformed, consisting of a dark-blue round jacket, closely fitting, with light-blue trousers, which made a line of Confederates resemble that of the enemy, the only difference being the "cut" of the garments--the Federals wearing a loose blouse instead of a tight-fitting jacket. The uniforms of the Eastern troops made quite a contrast with the tattered and torn home-made jeans of their Western brethern."

 

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[fyrffytr1]

Nice picture. I wish I could see a close up of the buckle and breast plate.

 

[DCMatt]

Nice picture and that is a sharp looking uniform. As a Confederate reenactor, I can appreciate it.

The quote is interesting as well. There was much confusion on the field regarding uniforms. At 1st Manassas (July '61) it likely turned the tide of the battle when Union troops did not fire on approaching troops they mistook for reenforcements. At Sharpsburg (Sept. '62) Union troops did nopt fire on A.P. Hill's troops because they had just captured the quartermaster stores at Harpers Ferry and were mostly dressed in Yankee blue.

I WILL however take exception to the last part of the quote. I've read first hand accounts of large numbers of Confederate troops being captured late in the War and many did not even have trousers. Military issue clothing was expected to last about 3 months in the field and replacement uniforms rarely were resupplied that often.

DCMatt
13th Virginia Infantry, Company I

 

[monroe35]

fyrffytr1, Thanks for your interest. Most of our family's historical records, i.e. birth, death, marriage, other personal information was destroyed when Sherman marched to the sea, burning most everything in his path. Thiis photograph was discovered in a church's records near Camden, S.C. It has been tinted as you can tell. We were unable to see what was on the buckle etc. I'm guessing probably the print of a Palmetto bush or tree. If we ever identify the buckle or other items, I will make note to let you know. monroe35

 

[monroe35]

Hello, DCMatt. Thanks for your comment. I understand your exception to the 2nd part. That information was taken from a book History of Kershaw's Brigade by D. Augustus Dickert published in 1990. I envy your participation as a reenactor; that must really be exciting. monroe35

 

[shanegalang]

I enjoyed your post. I learned a thing or two as well. Thank you sir.

 

[Tnmountains]

I was reading a diary from a union officer as "swarms of butternut colored rebels ran over his position" I think the South had many styles and flavors in the dress they wore. Thanks for the pictures and story.