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Impression
Guidelines
for
Confederate Cavalry
Jackets
(1) The Richmond Depot, Type III and the Peter Tait are preferred;
(2) The Richmond Depot, Type II is acceptable.
The following are requirements regarding jackets:
Richmond Depot, Type III pattern; blue-gray kersey, 100% wool; all visible stitching by hand; hand-sewn button holes; buttons should be (1) NC Sunburst pattern (correct stamped sheet brass with a soldered shank only) or (2) Federal Eagle pattern.
Peter Tait pattern; blue-gray kersey(1), 100% wool; Script "I" buttons,(2) with a "floating" ring shank; preferably with Prussian blue piping on collar edge and epaulets(3).
Richmond Depot, Type II pattern; gray jean cloth, satinette, or cassimere fabric; natural dyes; all visible stitching by hand; hand-sewn button holes; buttons should be (1) NC Sunburst pattern (correct stamped sheet brass with a soldered shank only) or (2) Federal Eagle pattern.
North Carolina Seal buttons are strongly discouraged as extant examples appear to be from earlier in the War.
Trousers
In order of preference:
(1) Richmond Depot pattern(4),
(2) MacRae pattern(5),
(3) Other documented CS patterns; jean cloth, satinette, cassimere, or wool "English cloth" fabric; all visible stitching by hand; hand-sewn button holes; bone, shell, tin, pewter, or china buttons of period-correct design; gray, blue, or other muted colors; natural dyes; no trim.
Prohibited: Federal trousers.
Headgear
In order of preference:
(1) Best-quality fur felt civilian slouch, bowler, or plug hat; black, brown, or tan; blocked; cotton or silk ribbon around the crown and brim; cotton or polished cotton lining; leather, pigskin, or painted cloth sweatband hand-sewn into the hat; makers mark on lining is optional but should be a Virginia, North Carolina, or South Carolina documented maker if present;(6)
(2) CS pattern forage cap or "Chasseur style" kepi; gray jean cloth or satinette; natural dyes; preferably with a painted cloth visor, left flat; leather or painted cloth chin strap; preferably no trim; cotton or polished cotton lining; leather, pigskin, or painted cloth sweatband hand-sewn into the hat;(7)
(3) Federal issue M1858 forage cap; black or brown polished cotton lining; contractor label is optional; visor left flat; functional chin strap(8).
Prohibited headgear and attachments: So-called "stampede strings"; Hardee hats; M1839 pattern forage caps; civilian wheel or mechanics hats; top hats; brass insignia of any kind; any branch of service cording; unblocked hats; floppy, "hillbilly" style hats; any kind of fur hat or cap.
Shirts
In order of preference:
(1) Civilian pattern correct for the period; cotton, osnaburg, or flannel; striped, checked, or plaid; preferably hand sewn throughout; hand-sewn button holes; bone, shell, tin, pewter, glass, or china buttons of period-correct design;(9)
(2) McRae pattern(10);
(3) Pattern 1851 Federal Issue(11).
Shoes and Boots
In order of preference:
(1) CS issue brogans;
(2) English-import brogans;
(3) Civilian riding boots with one-piece fronts; squared toes; pegged, stitched or pegged-and-stitched soles;(12)
(4) Federal issue bootees.
Prohibited: Modern cowboy boots; engineer boots; "converted" modern riding boots.
Spurs
(1) Documented CS Eastern theatre provenance;
(2) Civilian;
(3) Federal.
Prohibited: Indian Wars spurs.
Spur Straps
(1) Black leather with iron roller buckle, handsewn;
(2) Black leather with brass roller or "D" buckle, handsewn.
Socks
Any pattern and color correct for the period in wool or cotton.(13)
Prohibited: modern athletic or work socks.
Braces
Any pattern correct for the period; made from cotton or linen. Any stitching should be by hand.
Prohibited: Any nickel adjustment fixtures; clip-on styles; non-period elastic.
Eye wear
Period eye wear only; constructed according to authentic 19th century patterns using period correct materials; actual antique frames manufactured during the 1860's are strongly recommended.
Prohibited: Any modern eye wear; plastic nose pieces; wrap-around ear pieces; tinted lenses; sun glasses.
Contact lenses are recommended for those requiring corrective lenses. Maintenance of lenses and the application of eye drops during the event should be conducted in privacy.
Canteens
In order of preference:
(1) CS tin drum; hot dipped tin; no more than 6 ¼ inches in diameter by 2 inches wide(14); unpainted; cover is optional, but if present it must be made from jean cloth, satinette, or wool blanket material, using natural dyes, and hand-sewn; cork or home-made wooden stopper, attached with hemp or jute cord;
(2) Gardner pattern wood canteen(15), with wood or pewter spout; cork or home-made wooden stopper, attached with hemp or jute cord;
(3) Federal M1862 bull's eye pattern, without cover(16);
(4) Federal M1858 smoothside pattern, without cover(17).
Canteen Slings
For CS pattern canteens, cotton, linen, webbing, ticking or leather. Fabric slings should be hand-sewn; hand-worked button holes; bone, shell, tin, pewter, or china buttons of period-correct design. Leather slings should be period-dyed (e.g., iron and vinegar dye); period-correct roller buckles; hand stitching.
For Federal-pattern canteens, uncovered canteens should use the split leather slings only(18).
Canteen slings should be short enough so as to position the canteen at or just below the elbow - not down on the hip.
Prohibited: Attaching canteens to the saddle/horse. The trooper must wear his canteen while mounted. Also prohibited: CS embossed canteens; Western theatre canteens; modern canteens; stainless steel canteens of any kind.
Haversacks
(1) Painted or "tarred" CS patterns (such as the A.H. Bayley piece);
(2) Untreated CS patterns(19);
(3) Enlisted Federal patterns.
If worn, haversack straps should be short enough so as to position the haversack at or just below the elbow - not down on the hip. Haversack straps should not be placed under the waist belt.
Sabre Belts
(1) CS issue, with two-piece, "CS spoon and wreath" belt plate(20); preferably attached to a saber belt displaying the "conical stitching" associated with the Richmond arsenal(21); belts should be dyed with period dyes; black or very dark brown only; all stitching by hand;
(2) British-import sabre belts documented to the period; documented British-made belt plate(22) or "snake" fastener;
(3) 1851 Federal issue saber belt, in waxed or bridle leather; period dyes; hand stitching.
The sabre will be attached directly to the saber hanger, without the use of swivel snaps.
The sabre belt will be worn at the navel, higher than modern belts are typically worn, and the shoulder strap (if present) should support the belt at that level.
Prohibited: White buff belts; Russet-colored belts; "CSA" belt plates; belt plates with obvious Western theatre provenance; any other undocumented belt plates.
Sabres
Sabres are required for this event. Ordnance records indicate that North Carolina troopers were being issued sabres and sabre belts in the summer of 1864.(23)
(1) CS manufacture, Eastern theatre provenance;
(2) Federal 1860 light cavalry; Federal 1840 "wrist breaker";
(3) Documented British-import. Any modern markings must be removed.
Prohibited: Federal 1850 foot officer's sword; Federal 1850 staff and field sword; CS officer's sword.
Sabres will not be attached to the saddle/horse; they will be worn on the saber belt.
Cartridge Boxes
(1) CS issue infantry or cavalry, infantry preferred; Eastern theatre provenance; period dyes; black or very dark brown only; completely handsewn; either waist belt or sling carriage; no box plates;
(2) Federal issue M1861 infantry pattern; completely handsewn; period dyes; no box plates;
(3) Federal issue cavalry carbine cartridge box, documented pattern; completely handsewn; period dyes; waist belt carriage; no box plates;
(4) Documented British pattern.
All cartridge boxes must use tins and accommodate the caliber of long arm being used.
Cartridge Box Slings
(1) CS pattern black painted cloth(24) or leather; Eastern theatre provenance; period dyes; leather will black or very dark brown only; cloth variation completely handsewn, "figure eight" reinforced preferred, due to suspected North Carolina provenance;
(2) Documented Federal pattern leather sling; no belt plate.
The cartridge box sling should be at a length short enough to position the box at the waist - not low on the hip.
Cap Boxes
(1) CS pattern; Eastern theatre provenance; period dyes; black or very dark brown only; completely handsewn;
(2) Federal issue 1850 regulation pattern; non-shield front; period dyes; completely handsewn;
(3) Federal issue 1850 non-regulation pattern; shield front; period dyes; completely handsewn;
(4) Documented British pattern.
All cap boxes must have wool "keepers".
Sidearms (Revolver)
The carrying of a sidearm is optional but not encouraged. Only one per trooper allowed; no extra cylinders. Revolvers will be carried in a period holster on the trooper. Weapons must be de-farbed (no modern markings).
(1) 1851 Colt Navy(25);
(2) 1860 Colt Army;
(3) Other documented pistols.
Prohibited: More than one revolver per trooper; extra cylinders; pommel mounted holsters.
Holsters
(1) CS issue or documented civilian pattern; period dyes; black or very dark brown only; completely handsewn;
(2) Federal pattern; period dyes; black only; completely handsewn.
Long Arms
(1) P58 Enfield Rifle (two-band);
(2) P56 Enfield Cavalry Carbine;
(3) P53 Enfield Rifle-Musket (three-band);
Weapons must be de-farbed (no modern markings but with correct period markings applied).
North Carolina Ordnance Returns from August 1864 show a wide array of long arms in use, including Belgium rifles, Austrian rifles, Hall carbines, Sharps carbines, and of course, Enfields of various patterns, including the Enfield Carbine. These returns also show a large number of North Carolina-made rifles and even "NC Carbines".(26)
Prohibited: J.P. Murray Carbine, Cook and Brother Musketoon, and any Zouave rifle.
Rifle and Carbine Slings
(1) Documented British-import pattern;
(2) CS pattern, either linen or leather; handsewn; period dyes;
(3) Federal pattern; period dyes.
Carbine slings must utilize an accurate snap hook.
Ground Cover/Rain Gear
(1) CS oil cloth or painted ground cloth;
(2) Federal gum blanket with correctly sized grommets or Federal poncho with correctly sized grommets, i.e.; 9/16 inch across; ¼ inch opening; vulcanized rubber.
Bedroll Blankets
(1) CS issue, i.e.; the "Gettysburg" blanket; brown with brown end stripes; herringbone twill(27);
(2) North Carolina issue; blue/gray; hand stitched NC;
(3) Documented period Civilian pattern;
(4) Federal issue; gray with black end stripes; light brown with brown end stripes; hand stitched US;
(5) 1859 Federal Cavalry; blue with orange end stripes; hand stitched US(28).
Notes on blankets: "Best quality" blankets only; 100% natural material; no sutler row blankets.
Prohibited: Heavy, sutler row variety Federal Infantry or Cavalry blankets; quilts; modern military blankets; blankets with nylon or polyester content.
Personal Items
Only 19th century smoking materials are allowed; i.e., period-correct pipes with smoking tobacco in either cloth sacks or period wrappers; no modern wrappers or pouches.
Prohibited: cigarettes; lighters; paper "book" matches; wooden matches in modern labeled boxes; modern pipes; corn cob "hillbilly" pipes.
Antique, key-wound pocket watches are allowed, but only those whose manufacturer existed during the Civil War; e.g., American Watch Company, William Ellery, Appleton Tracy, or English-import watches such as H. Broughman. Period chains are required with watches. Period-correct fobs are acceptable.
Prohibited: Obvious modern, stem-wind pocket watches; modern pocket watch chains; Wrist watches; modern watches.
Food brought in the haversack must be seasonal and indigenous to the region and not appear "store bought".
Prohibited: modern wrappers; plastic of any kind; modern foods.
Other personal items, such as combs and straight razors, should be either original antiques from the period or very accurate reproductions.
Saddles
(1) CS manufactured McClellan(29);
(2) M1859 Federal McClellan;
(3) CS Jenifer;
(4) Documented civilian;
(5) Documented English-import saddles.
"Some troops in the field so despised the Jenifer that they cut off the ducktail cantle or refused to accept them in issue".(30)
Colonel John Chambliss of General W.H.F. Lee's division wrote the following regarding the Jenifer saddle, on August 24, 1863:
The saddles issued by the Ordnance Department are dreaded, ridiculed, and avoided by officers and men, and are used only through necessity, seldom without proving ruinous to the backs of horses. Though samples of the best approved saddles can be had anywhere, it is strange that no trees can be manufactured comparable to the McClellan saddles, when as much time and material is consumed in constructing the miserable apologies issued to the cavalry in imitation of the above-named saddles. It would seem that a board of suitable and enterprising officers would take pleasure in instituting inquiry on this subject and in arresting the useless waste of material in the manufacture of these Confederate saddles.(31)
Prohibited: 1904 McClellans or conversions; Indian War McClellans; Modern Western or "Cowboy" saddles; modern English riding saddles; "Universal Pattern" saddles not documented to the timeframe.
Bridles
(1) CS issue;
(2) CS issue halter-bridle(32);
(3) Documented civilian;
(4) Federal issue, preferably without rosettes.
Prohibited: Indian War or later bridles; Modern bridles; any bridle not documented to the timeframe.
Reins
(1) CS issue; made from "webbing, cotton canvas, or heavy cloth folded to several thicknesses and strongly stitched in three parallel lines"(33); hand stitched; sewn onto the bit;
(2) Civilian reins;
(3) Federal issue; sewn onto bit; sewn together in the enter.
Bits
(1) CS issue(34); "Clarksville" pattern;
(2) Documented period civilian;
(3) Federal issue bit.
Prohibited: Stainless steel bits of any kind; post-Civil War military bits.
Surcingles
(1) Civilian, CS, or British-import patterns;
(2) M1859 Federal McClellan pattern.
This is a required item.
Link Straps
Federal issue, 1859 type acceptable.
This is a required item.
Lead Ropes / Straps
(1) Four strand hemp lead with whipped end and spliced eye;
(2) 1859 pattern Federal issue leather lead strap.
Saddle Blankets
(1) CS issue, i.e.; the "Gettysburg" blanket; brown with brown end stripes; herringbone twill;
(2) North Carolina issue; blue/gray; hand stitched NC;
(3) Documented period Civilian pattern;
(4) 1859 Federal Cavalry; blue with orange border stripes; hand stitched US;(35)
(5) Federal issue; gray with black end stripes; light brown with brown end stripes; hand stitched US.
Notes on blankets: "Best quality" blankets only; 100% natural fibers; no sutler row blankets.
Prohibited: Heavy, sutler row variety Federal Infantry or Cavalry blankets; modern military blankets; blankets with nylon or polyester content; modern saddle pads of any kind.
Nose Bags
Federal 1859 pattern nosebag; heavy cotton canvas; hand-stitched; flat leather bottom; head strap hand-stitched and riveted to the bag; roller buckle adjustment.
Grain Bags
White or natural color cotton; documented period markings allowed.
Prohibited: Modern feed sacks, bags, or packaging of any kind.
Saddlebags and Valises
These are allowed but must be of a documented enlisted military or period civilian pattern; handsewn; period dyes.
Prohibited: infantry knapsacks; modern saddlebags; officer's valises.
Breast Straps
Correctly-made, period civilian breast straps are acceptable.
Prohibited: Breast straps with brass hearts or other brass or metal fixtures; modern breast straps.
Horses
This event is for mounted cavalry only. There is no dismounted element and there will be no opportunity for dismounted cavalry re-enactors to participate.
Horse heights from 14 to 16 hands are recommended. Horses should be solid colors with minimal markings.
There are no preferred breeds, but the following list can be considered a guide:
Morgans,
Quarter Horses,
Thoroughbreds,
Arabians,
Saddlebreds, and
Plantation WalkersHorses and troopers participating in this event should be accustomed to mounted drill and troopers should know the basic commands. Troopers should be familiar with the basic evolutions of Poinsett's 1841 Cavalry Tactics Manual and mounted operating procedures as outlined in Congdon's Cavalry Compendium.
Horses must be accustomed to gun fire and close contact with other horses. They must picket easily and cross water and bridges without undue hesitation. They must stand to mount and be accustomed to sabres and carbines hanging from the trooper.
Horses must be fit enough to carry the trooper and his gear for long distances. Horses must transition easily from walk to trot to gallop and back again. They must be able to ride away from the group without balking.
Neck reining is preferred.
Prohibited: Draught horses, paints, Appaloosas, spotted Walking Horses, Palominos, and stallions.
Grain for horses must be in a period sack or bag; no modern grain or feed bags allowed.
1. Family Heirloom Weavers produces very nice material for this jacket.
2. Script "C" buttons would also be acceptable, but no maker is known.
3. Leslie D. Jensen, Johnny Reb: The Uniform of the Confederate Army, 1861-1865, (Philadelphia, PA: Lionel Leventhal Ltd., Chelsea House, 1996), pp. 60-61. The Gouge jacket.
4. Henry Woodhead, editor; Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, (Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1996), pp. 152-153.
5. North Carolina Museum of History (NCMOH), Raleigh, NC; "Trousers" #19.42.2 (est. date of manufacture 1864-1865).
6. Jensen, Johnny Reb: The Uniform of the Confederate Army, 1861-1865, pp. 74-77.
See also Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, pp. 166-167.
7. Jensen, Johnny Reb: The Uniform of the Confederate Army, 1861-1865, pp.31 and 74-75.
(See also pp. 162-163, Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy.)
8. Ibid, p. 79. See also previous comments regarding CS Cavalry capture of and access to Federal supplies.
9. Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, pp. 154-155.
10. NCMOH, "Shirt" #1917.42.1. See also Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, p. 154.
11. See comments regarding CS Cavalry capture of and access to Federal supplies.
12. Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, pp. 174-175.
13. Ibid, pp. 175.
14. NCMOH, Canteen # 1997.113.1; "Standard 6 1/4 X 2 Inches".
15. Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, pp. 208-211.
16. Jensen, Johnny Reb: The Uniform of the Confederate Army, 1861-1865, pp. 68, 72, 74, 78.
17. Ibid, pp.73-74.
18. Ibid, pp. 72, 74, 78.
19. Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, p. 201.
20. Sydney C. Kerksis, Plates and Buckles of the American Military: 1795-1874 (Orange, VA: Publisher's Press, Inc., 1974), pp. 254-273.
21. Ibid, p.488.
22. Examples of British plates can be seen in the Kerksis work, pp. 274-275 as well as Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, pp. 206-207.
23. State of North Carolina Subsistence and Ordnance Records, Box #35 Civil War Collection, Military Collection, North Carolina Division of Archives & History, Raleigh, NC.
24. Woodhead, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy, p. 198-199. Also in collection at NCMOH.
25. State of North Carolina Subsistence and Ordnance Records, Box #35 Civil War Collection, Military Collection, North Carolina Division of Archives & History, Raleigh, NC.
26. Ibid. Also referred to War Department Collection of Confederate Records, Inspection Reports and Related Records, Roll #2, M935, National Archives, Washington, DC.
27. The County Cloth "brown Confederate blanket", for example.
28. There are currently two makers of 1859 Federal Cavalry blankets, "blue with orange border stripes", acceptable for this event: Family Heirloom Weavers and County Cloth.
29. Ken R. Knopp, Confederate Saddles and Horse Equipment (Orange, VA.: Publisher's Press, Inc., 2001), pp. 67-73.
30. Ibid, p.65.
31. Series IV--Volume II [S# 128] Correspondence, Orders, Reports, And Returns Of The Confederate Authorities, July 1, 1862-December 31, 1863, #29
32. Ibid, Knopp, p.95.
33. Ibid, p.95; Mr. Knopp cites the following: Pride to Downer, Clarksville, Nov. 1863, Capt. Henry Pride File #203, MSR, National Archives, Washington, DC ,War Department Collection of Confederate Records, Sample halter-bridle sent to Richmond. Downer to Borst, Jan. 20, 1863, Contract for Bridles, Richmond Correspondence, Records of the Ordnance Bureau, Vol. #90, National Archives, Washington, DC, War Department Collection of Confederate Records. War Department Circular, Feb. 17, 1864, Records of the Ordnance Bureau, Entry 39.
34. Ibid, Knopp, Chapter Six "Bridle Bits"; pp. 97-105.
35. There are currently two makers of 1859 Federal Cavalry blankets, "blue with orange border stripes", acceptable for this event: Family Heirloom Weavers and County Cloth.
Historical Information
Spectator Information - coming Summer, 2004 / ScheduleFederal Participant Info / Confederate Participant Info
Event Committee ContactLast updated: 29 December 03 at 1930 hrs
by Mark (Silas) Tackitt