 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
12th Virginia Infantry
Guidelines
for
Reams Station
I. Jackets
1. First
Choice:
a. Richmond Depot Type III and Peter Tait imports in blue/gray or dark gray English Cloth.
Reference: Echoes of Glory (EOG) p. 136, 139; Uniform of the Conf. Army by
Les Jensen (UCA) p.59, 60, 61.
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Richmond Depot Type II in Jean, Cassimere, Satinette, Kersey. Ref:
EOG p. 135 top; UCA p. 55, 56, 57, 58.
b. Confederate Govt. Issue Sack Coats in Jean, Cassimere, Satinette. Ref:
EOG p. 138.
c. Civilian Sack Coats in proper period material and construction.
d. Frock Coats in Jean, Cassimere, Satinette (untrimmed). Ref: EOG
p. 74, 75.
II. Trousers
1. First Choice
a. Richmond Depot Issue in Jean, Cassimere, Satinette, Kersey, English Cloth, Sky
Blue.
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Civilian work trousers, Relief Association trousers in Jean, Cassimere,
Satinette, Kersey, Broadcloth. Note: Trousers in this category could have checks,
stripes or other weave patterns. Care should be taken to avoid looking like a sutler
from hell.
b. Federal Trousers in the correct arsenal/contractor construction and color (few in
number).
III. Headgear
1. First Choice
a. Civilian Pattern Slouch in correct construction and color.
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Richmond Depot Kepi.
b. Federal Contractor Hat.
Note: Unacceptable Items:
Federal Forage Cap, Confederate Forage Cap, Stove Pipe, hat brass, “ostrich
feathers”.
Visors on kepis must be turned up or left flat. Do not bend the edges down like
modern baseball caps. Hat cords - while seen on some period hats - are discouraged.
IV. Shirts
The following shirts are acceptable:
a. Civilian pattern in woven check,
stripes, or solid;
b. Printed civilian pattern in correct colors;
c. Federal issue shirts in brown, blue, gray, red, white; and
d.
English army shirt.
Note: Undershirts of the correct pattern
and material may be worn instead of a shirt.
V. Socks
Cotton or
wool in correct pattern and color. No elastic.
Note: Modern athletic socks and hunting
socks are not acceptable, even when worn under another pair of socks.
VI. Drawers
Cotton or flannel drawers in correct pattern.
Civilian style or Federal pattern.
Note: Many soldiers had no drawers.
(Your decision)
VII. Braces/Suspenders
Various civilian styles in correct pattern,
four or six tabs. Cotton, linen, wool, jean, leather, tapestry material, correct
period elastic.
Note: Modern suspenders of any type not
acceptable. Avoid chrome fixtures and rivets on leather tabs.
Option: A belt could be worn to keep your
trousers up.
VIII. Belt
1. First Choice
a. Richmond Depot Infantryman’s Roller Buckle (on painted cloth)
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Georgia Frame
b. Forked Tongue
c. Roller Buckle on Leather
d. British Coiled Snake
Note: Not Acceptable: CSA Buckle,
State Buckle, Early War Buckle
IX. Cap Box
1. First Choice
a. Richmond Depot Ref. EOG p. 195
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Imported Enfield Pattern
b. Federal Issue
X. Cartridge Box
1. First Choice
a. Richmond Depot Box Ref. EOG p.194,196.197
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Federal Issue Box Ref. EOG Union p.202, 203
Note: 58 caliber boxes preferred.
Boxes must contain tins for safety.
XI. Bayonet Scabbard
1. First Choice
a. Richmond Depot Ref. EOG p. 195
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Federal Issue Ref. EOG Union 198,199,202,203
Note: US patterns could have four or eight
rivets. All scabbards should have properly secured end pieces for safety.
XII. Haversack
1. Acceptable Items
a. Confederate Issue Ref. EOG p.201
b. Federal Issue Ref. EOG Union p. 199, 210,211
c. Home-made haversack in linen, ticking, linsey-woolsey, shirting material, carpet
material.
XIII. Knapsacks
1. First Choice
a. Richmond Depot Soft Pack
b. Kibbler Pattern
c. Isaac and Campbell
Ref: EOG p. 202, 203, 207.
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. Federal Issue Soft Pack Ref: EOG Union p.212, 213.
Note: Hardpacks are not acceptable.
Some were still seen in the ranks in 1864, but they were not common.
Berdan issue is also not acceptable.
Blanket
Rolls are acceptable if participants choose not to use a pack.
XIV. Blankets
1. Accepteble Choices:
CS issue in drab tones, US issue, Civilian Pattern in jean or wool, Throws, Quilts,
Hospital Blankets, Parlor Blankets, Gros-Grain Carpet, and North Carolina State
issue.
Note: Quilts and throws should be in the pattern seen before and during the Civil
War. US horse blankets in limited quantity acceptable.
If your blanket has modern end stitching (serged), you are encouraged to cut them off,
leave the edge raw or whip stitch the ends as some soldiers did. US blankets
were issued with raw edges.
XV. Shoes
1. Acceptable Choices:
CS and US issue, civilian styles, English imports. Ref. EOG p. 174, 175; EOG
Union p. 191.
You may not go barefoot. Enlisted men and NCO’s will not wear boots.
XVI. Canteen
1. Acceptable Choices:
CS tin drum or wood.
US Bulls Eye or Smoothside.
Ref: EOG, p. 184, 208 - 211; EOG Union, p. 198, 206, 297.
XVII. Ground Cloth
1. First Choice
a. Painted Cloth/Canvas
b. Federal Issue
2. Other Acceptable Choices
a. US Shelter half used as a ground cloth.
Note: Ponchos discouraged
XVIII. Muskets
1. First Choice:
a. .577 Enfield.
2. Other Acceptable Choices:
a. .58 Springfield; and
b. .58 Richmond.
Note: If your only weapon is a
smoothbore, please bring it.
Not Acceptable: Two-band rifles, knives, or pistols. Officers may possess pistols.
INSPECTION AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
All participants shall have their uniform and
equipment inspected by event organizers to ensure that authenticity standards are
followed. Contents of haversacks, packs, and blanket rolls will also be inspected to
ensure no modern items - including modern food - are carried into camp. Medication
should be carried in period containers. Musket cleaning gear should not be modern.
Cigarettes should be smoked in the parking area, not in camp. Cigars, pipes,
snuff, and chewing tobacco are very welcome. Modern eyeglasses not allowed in camp.
Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances are
not allowed. Violators will bet asked to leave the event. Violations of
any state or federal law will be reported to the appropriate authority.