Commander's Message - US  Uniform - Re-enactor resources- US Updates

Guidelines for the Federal Forces,

 Hope’s Campaign

            I have compiled a short list of guidelines for the units portraying Infantry for Hope’s Campaign, September 2008, Recon 2, May 2002.  The most important regulations are the ones dealing with items you are not allowed to bring or wear.  Secondly I highly encourage each participant to heed the suggestions as to uniform and equipment, as while it will be more authentic, most importantly it will make the weekend much more enjoyable for you.

Remember that this event is about military bearing and functionality, not uniform authenticity.  We have chosen to promote authenticity in action as well as individual item authenticity.  We are basing the event on a generic September 1863 “look” to keep with the 145^th Anniversary Cycle.

The event is not for campaigners only!  But is open to all those who obtain the minimal standards and will be a highly efficient force in the field.

In April the Chesapeake Volunteer Guard will be hosting a Camp of Instruction at Fort Washington, and I invite all interested parties to go to www.chesapeakevolunteerguard.org for more information and attend.  We are also hosting the Bedford Officer School the last weekend of March, and you are invited to attend that as well, with that information also being on the CVG web site.

If you have any concerns about the regulations, please contact me at ltcolcsa@hotmail.com regarding them.

Items Strictly Prohibited

Modern Shoes of any type for any reason

Modern Eyewear- No exceptions

Bandannas

Any modern items at all unless it is prescription medicine, or car keys. (These should be stored in a ration bag at the bottom of the haversack in a manner that they will not be heard)

Below is the suggested uniform for Federal Infantry.  Its a matter of wearing what is correct for the unit you are portraying.  So specialty units such as Berdans and Zouave units.  You wear what your unit would have worn during this time period.  Otherwise below is a good outline of the uniform to wear during the fall of 1863.

Headgear-

There are three basic choices for this period. For most units the Standard Federal Forage Cap is the rule, however some units, such as the Iron Brigade, were wearing Dress Hats, and some like NY State troops were wearing State issued Kepis.
Some photographic evidence exists of many units wearing Civilian Hats, but be sure to document this to the unit or units you are portraying for the weekend.

Havelocks were not worn by this period.

Jacket-

There are several options for this as well:

The most common would be the Standard US issue Fatigue Blouse, made out of 8-ounce wool flannel and lined. There are many photographs of field adaptations to these garments, from adding additional buttons to pockets, both inside and out.

US Issue Dress Coat (Frock). These were worn heavily during this period, and especially for units such as the Iron Brigade. 

Trousers-

During this period the Standard Issue Foot Trousers in Sky Blue Kersey would be the most prevalent.  

Foot Wear-

US issue Brogans would have been most common, with private purchase boots also represented.

Equipment-

This is the event for the Leather Sling or canvas sling. Smooth side with a jean or blanket cover. Only the first canteens ordered had the sky blue cover, the rest were either of sack coat lining (jean, flannel) or out of US issue Blankets.  Tin dipped Cup.

Items to carry in Haversack or pockets-

Strike anywhere matches in match tin or safe

Beeswax Candles

Fork and Spoon, period pattern only

Housewife

Small ration bag of Corn Starch, a must!

Folding Knife. Period pattern only

Twine

Period Pencil/Writing paper

Tin Plate

Several Necessary Rags

Blanket/Knapsack-

Most units would have been carrying the US pattern Double Bag knapsack, although many units may have been using blanket rolls, both the short and long roll.

Weapons-

Prohibited- Zouave Rifles, Hawken Rifles or any other modern black powder weapon.  Pistols are never to be carried by anyone under the rank of 2^nd Lt. Large Side Knives are prohibited.  No boot knives.  No feathers or rags or cloth of any type is to be attached to the musket in any manner.

Suggested- 1822, 1842, 1855, 1861 Springfield Musket, rifle, or rifles muskets or 1853 or 1858 Enfield with bayonet.  Richmond Rifle Muskets or other Southern manufacture rifles or rifle muskets are acceptable, as well as the use of 1842 muskets. 

Weapons must be in good working order.