Commander's Message - CS Uniform - CS Resources- CS Updates
Guidelines for the States Rights Infantry,
Hope’s Campaign
I have compiled a short list of guidelines for the units portraying Infantry for Hope’s Campaign, September 2008. 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 145th 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
Gaiters
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)
Headgear-
Suggested- A fur or wool felt civilian hat, properly lined and blocked. Also correctly made kepis are acceptable, but should be in the minority. It is encouraged that these be made of jean or Satinette, or Imported English Cloth. A good quality civilian hat is your best choice for this event.
Prohibited- Dead Animal Parts, feathers or plumes, ethnic hats (like a Scottish Tam) and baseball shaped brims on any kepis. Also shapeless hat blanks are prohibited. Hat cords are strongly discouraged. Irish harps, Masonic symbols and any other insignia is not acceptable as it was not PEC (plain, everyday and common).
Jacket-
Suggested- Jean, Broadcloth or Satinette Richmond Type II shell Jacket, single breasted Issue or civilian frocks are acceptable, along with civilian sack coats of Jean or Satinette. There is also documentation that perhaps the troops would have been receiving English Cloth Type III’s at this time, but the Type II would still have been the most common. If you choose to wear a coat of Imported cloth, be sure the color is the correct hue. Buttons should be civilian, Block I, Federal Issue or Virginia local buttons. Script I English Imports are also acceptable.
Prohibited- Unlined shell jackets and sacks made with modern materials such as polyester. Be careful, a lot of wool that is passed off as correct has a high amount of modern materials added to it. Woolrich is famous for its 80% wool/20% poly blend.
Trousers-
Suggested- Richmond Pattern or Deep South Depot Jean Trousers, Federal Issue trousers, Civilian Pattern Trousers.
Prohibited- Pants of any modern manufacture, extremely torn and shredded trousers. We are looking for a worn but NOT torn look. The Blousing of trousers is discouraged.
Foot Wear-
Suggested- US Contract issue or CS issue Brogans, with Civilian Shoes also acceptable. 2 Piece Civilian or Issue Boots are acceptable, but discouraged because of the distance we may have to travel.
Prohibited- Rubber soles of any type, modern shoes of any type 3 piece boots, or cowboy boots. Gaiters.
Equipment-
Suggested- Frame or Roller Buckle Belt, Smoothside Canteen with Brown or gray jean cloth cover, and stopper chain removed. Tin dipped Cup. Wooden Drum or Tin Drum Canteens are acceptable.
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-
Suggested- US Issue blanket or civilian pattern blanket or coverlet, two-piece shelter half. US Double bags are acceptable also. It is highly encouraged that each member chose either a shelter half or a ground cloth, but not both, as it will be too heavy for the duty we are to perform. Pair up with your messmates to distribute the load.
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 2nd 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.