1st
Creed of the
Living
Historian
We
are people to whom the past is forever speaking. We listen to it because we cannot help
ourselves, for the past speaks to us with many voices. Far out of that dark nowhere which is the time
before we were born, men who were flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone went
through fire and storm to break a path to the future. We are part of the future they died for; they
are part of the past that brought the future.
What they did, the lives they lived, the sacrifices they made, the
stories they told and the songs they sang and. finally, the deaths they died,
make up a part of our own experience. We
cannot cut ourselves off from it. It is
as real to us as something that happened last week. It is a basic part of our heritage as
Americans.
Welcome to
After reorganizing, the First
Arkansas was assigned to Pat Cleburne’s division, and spent the remainder of
the war in the Army of Tennessee, fighting in all the major battles of that
army, including
Capt. Donelson McGregor organized
Clan McGregor at
Since May of 1995,
today’s Clan McGregor re-enactors and living historians have sought to honor
and remember the experiences and sacrifices of the original Clan McGregor and
the Confederate soldier by traveling in their shoes, seeking to share their
experience, and in turn share and commemorate their experiences and their
accomplishments with others through reenactments, living history and
educational demonstrations.
Civil War
re-enactors look forward with an almost addictive quality to a point they call,
Magic moments. These can happen
at large battle reenactments, where there are tens of thousands of troops on
the field and the air is thick with black powder smoke and the noise is so
intense you can’t hear yourself yell. Or
they can happen when it is very quiet and you are all alone, late at night,
standing picket duty while the rest of the camp sleeps. They usually only last a moment or two. They happen when the sights and sounds around
you create a scene that is so convincing, so inspiring, and so hypnotic that
you believe that you have really traveled back in time. If you are a student of the Civil War, you
may have felt the desire to somehow travel back in time. As you have read Civil War history, you may
have tried to imagine what it would be like to actually be there and experience
it first hand. If you have felt these
emotions, then you may already be well on your way to being a good
Reenactor. The rest is simply technique
and equipment both readily available to anyone.
A good Reenactor becomes a Civil War soldier. Being a good Civil War Reenactor is a state
of mind.
Since the
beginnings of the modern reenactment movement in the early1960s, there have
been tens of thousands of reenactors who have donned as authentic as possible
uniforms, weapons and equipment and gone out to recreate the battles of the
Civil War. A much smaller group, the living
historians, have made a serious effort to authentically recreate the daily life
of the Civil War Soldier. The work of
Clan McGregor constitutes an
extremely important body of knowledge about the period. Conventional historians concern themselves primarily
with the battles, leaders, and social background of the war.
While they may
delve into the life of the common soldier, their main focus is usually such
that this serves only as “atmosphere” to the main story. Living historians, by contrast, approach the
war from the “grassroots” level, by living the way the soldiers did, camping in
tents or sleeping on the bare ground, eating authentic rations, learning from
the original drill manuals, and attempting to copy as closely as possible the
uniforms, weapons, equipment, and mannerisms of 19th Century soldiers. They bring a new understanding of the war not
possible through the purely academic approach.
The academic historian may talk about how difficult it was to march from
“Point A” to “Point B,” but until one has put on a pair of brogans, buckled on
his traps, and shouldered a musket for miles along a dusty (or muddy) road, he
will never have the depth of understanding the living historian has.
Living history is
simply a new method of conducting historical research and of reporting the
results of that research to the general public.
When a living historian tries different ways of making his corn meal
more palatable, or when he experiments with whether to carry a blanket roll or
a knapsack, he is actually doing an experiment aimed at collecting data which
can then be used to further understanding of documentation written by the
original soldiers or recorded by later generations of historians. When he participates in a living history
encampment, does a talk at a school, or fights in a battle he is attempting to
convey the results of his research to others much in the same way that a
conventional historian does when he publishes a book or journal article or
gives a classroom lecture. At its worst,
Civil War Reenacting can be just about the most uncomfortable activity
imaginable. But thousands keep coming
back, year after year, travelling hundreds of miles, just to escape the 21st
century for a few days. It must be worth
it.
This hobby is
addictive, and it will change your life.
From now on you will read and study history about the Civil War from an
entirely different perspective; that of the private soldier who has shouldered
his rifle and traps and slept on the ground.
You will find yourself thinking about the next event as you drive home
from the one you just attended. You will
actually come to love the pungent aroma of wet wool. And if you are willing to let it happen, you
will experience some of those magic moments yourself.
Welcome to our
campfire, Pard….
CLAN MCGREGOR
Clan McGregor is a
Living History organization based in
Clan McGregor is
dedicated to the highest standards of reenacting, through which we can aid our
membership, other reenactors, and the general public in gaining a more thorough
and objective understanding of the life and times of those who served in the
Confederate Army during the War Between the States.
The mission of Clan
McGregor is to keep alive the memory of
those Arkansans who sacrificed life and property for the cause of Southern
independence. To accomplish this goal,
we strive to recreate, as nearly as possible, the life and experiences of the
Arkansans serving in the Confederate Army.
CORE VALUES
Clan McGregor is a
“band of brothers,” and as such we depend upon each other for advice, example,
communication and support. Our success
as a unit will depend on how dedicated we are to one another’s progress and
growth. We are a democratic
organization, where the consensus of all members is sought, and the members
determine in which events the Company will participate, and to what
extent. We aspire to an ever-increasing
standard of quality in Civil War reenacting, based on our own and other
workers’ objective study and researching of period artifacts, documents, and
photographs. We realize that we are
“perpetual students”, and as such we shall share what we have learned, but never
preach. We do not now have, nor will we
ever have, a monopoly on knowledge.
AFFILIATIONS
Clan McGregor does
not support, nor will we tolerate any supremacist, racist or other “hate”
groups, or any group, which advocates secession or disloyalty to the
Constitution of the
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Those who are at
least 18 years of age may be admitted to full membership within the military
ranks of this Company by vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting
at which such membership is proposed.
Prospective members, or recruits must attend at least three company
events, other than a regular company meeting, before they shall be eligible to
be voted into full membership. Members of
the Company have the following rights:
1.) to be heard at
unit meetings;
2.) to vote in
unit meetings;
3.) to nominate
individuals for election;
4.) to represent
the unit at battalion meetings and functions, etc.;
5.) to request a
fellow member’s status be reviewed at years end;
6.) to run for and
hold office in the Company.
Regular members
will renew their membership annually, and may be subject to peer review and
status change if they have not met the minimum requirements for membership in
good standing during the previous year.
RECRUITS: are those persons invited to serve as regular
members. A person shall be considered a
“recruit” once they have been invited into association by the company and have
paid their annual dues. Recruits have
the right to be heard at unit meetings, but will not be able to vote or run for
office until accepted as regular or associate members. Recruits are eligible to petition for and be
voted to full membership after they have attended three (3) events with Clan
McGregor. The membership status of each recruit must be
reviewed after not more than one year following the date of his or her
enlistment. They will assume the rights
and privileges of a regular member once the company approves their status.
CIVILIANS. Membership in the company as a civilian
re-enactor is open to anyone who aspires to portray a civilian role in keeping
with the Company’s role in portraying specific historical situations or
scenarios.
ETHNIC &
GENDER ISSUES: Clan McGregor
is an open organization in which we welcome membership by any interested
person. However, we represent and
re-enact a period of time in which the roles of women, children, and
non-Caucasians in society were restricted in various ways.
MINORS. Anyone under the age of 18 years may be
admitted to membership by vote of a majority of members present at the meeting
at which such membership is proposed, provided that a parent or other legal
guardian of the minor either; 1) also joins and participates with the Company
under the provisions of this manual, or 2) grants permission in writing that
the minor is eligible to join the Company, and that the Company has no legal
responsibility toward the minor.
Pursuant to State and Federal Law, no member or recruit under the age of
18 will be allowed to handle a firearm (musket, rifle, or pistol) unless under
the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult responsible for
that individual’s welfare. Minors under
16 will not be allowed on the battlefield, unless acting in an approved, appropriate
role AND under the immediate supervision of a responsible adult.
WOMEN. Women per regulation were prohibited from
serving in the armed forces of the Civil War.
While a few did manage to disguise themselves and enlist, these were
rare exceptions, and those who successfully did had to conceal their gender for
the duration of their service while living and working in very close quarters
in an all-male environment. Discovery
inevitably resulted in their expulsion and discharge. Today, we live in a society where all sexes
and all races enjoy equal rights and privileges. However in the keeping of the historical
context, as a matter of policy Clan McGregor as a general practice does not permit females to serve in the ranks as
soldiers during public re-enactments or other living history events unless,
said particular “gender-challenged” person is 1) able to effectively disguise
her gender throughout the duration of the event, 2) her participation is
approved by the unit chain of command, and 3) her participation is unanimously
approved by the participating members of the Company. Clan McGregor places no restriction on the participation of females in Company
events when that person is participating in a role that would be historically
or socially correct for the time frame portrayed.
RACE. Clan
McGregor does not discriminate against
nor do we restrict the participation of racially diverse people in Company
events in historically correct manners.
GOOD STANDING. Every member of this company shall, in order
to maintain his membership in good standing, attend at least three (3) events
of the company per year (extenuating circumstances aside), not including
regular Company meetings, and shall have paid his Company dues for the year. The key element in maintaining active
membership in the Company is participation to “come out and play” at Company
events and activities. We’re pretty
forgiving about many things; as long as you’re present and ready to “toe the
line” at roll call.
DUES. The annual membership dues are $20 per
person, or per family if more than one member belongs to the same family. Dues are to be paid by the regular company
meeting for the month of January of each year for a member to remain on the
Company rolls, and be eligible to vote in the company elections to be held in
that year. Members joining after the
January deadline are expected to pay dues following their attendance at three
events and upon their petition for full membership in the Company.
CONDUCT. All members of Clan McGregor are expected to conduct themselves as
gentlemen, according to the standards of the 19th Century, especially when in
period attire and attending any official function of the Company. Each military member should show the
appropriate military respect for their superiors in rank at these events. Commissioned and non-commissioned officers
shall not abuse their authority over those of lesser rank. At such times as this company shall be
functioning in the role of a military unit on active duty, the conduct of its
members shall be regulated, as nearly as practical, by the Articles of War for
the government of the Armies being portrayed by the Company. The greatest importance is placed on the
adherence of members of this company to the authenticity regulations of the
company.
REMOVAL. As a result of misconduct, an individual’s
membership in Clan McGregor may
be suspended, either permanently or temporarily. This regretful action would normally be
accomplished through the annual review process.
However, if an individual commits any infraction of customary safety
practices; violates local or state laws; or endangers the health or well-being
of another member, fellow reenactor or spectator; they will be immediately
barred from further participation in that event by an emergency act of the
commander pending a full review by the company membership. Any resulting disciplinary action will then
be determined by a vote of the company.
Such punishment may vary from temporary suspension of affiliation to
complete termination of membership.
COMPANY
LEADERSHIP
Clan McGregor
maintain a dual structure of officers.
Field officers hold positions of rank within the Company when it is “in
the field,” e.g., actively participating in an event. They hold titles of military rank and wear
the appropriate rank insignia on their uniforms.
FIELD OFFICERS
Field officer
positions are filled and occupied provided that the number of men in the ranks
warrants that specific grade or position in order to reflect an authentic
military structure. The field officer
positions are the Company Commander (Captain), a Lieutenant (only if company
numbers or circumstances warrant this position), the First Sergeant,
Corporal(s) and any other positions deemed necessary by the Commander.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
The Administrative
duties are necessary to accomplish the routine administrative functions of the
Company, such as event planning and coordination, registration for events,
publishing the newsletter, recruiting, and managing the Company Fund. Because of the amount of extra work involved,
volunteers, appointed by the Company Commander, typically perform these
duties. The administrative duties
include the Newsletter Editor, the Recruiter, and the Chaplain.
ELECTIONS
The Captain and
First Sergeant are elected annually by the members of the company in good
standing, as defined in these bylaws.
All other positions of rank held will be appointed at the will and
discretion of the Company Commander to serve under his authority and
direction. Company elections are to be
held at the annual company planning meeting in January of each year, however,
special elections can be held during the year as determined by the command
staff if the situation deems it necessary, as long as there is a majority of
members present. New officers take
office immediately following the close of the meeting at which they are
elected. Elected officials may be
removed from office by a majority vote of the voting members present at any
regular meeting at which a quorum is present.
In the event that an elected official is no longer able to perform his
duties within the company, and resigns his post, special elections will take
place to fill the vacated position. At
such meeting that any resignation is tendered and accepted, the floor will be
opened to nominations from the unit. To
insure that all members of the unit have the opportunity to present nominees,
the nominations will remain open until the special election is held. Special elections shall be held at the next
regular company meeting, and the elected man shall assume the responsibilities
of his rank as of that date.
OFFICERS
The elected
commanding officer of the company holds the rank of Captain. A Lieutenant, of unspecified grade, may be
appointed to serve in the absence of the Captain if the Captain is unable to
perform the day-to-day leadership of the unit, and upon approval by the members
of the Company. All Officers should
always be able to uniform and equip themselves as enlisted soldiers in the
event that an insufficient number of privates are available to participate at
any particular function of the company.
NONCOMMISSIONED
OFFICERS
The
noncommissioned officers of the company include a First Sergeant, and at least
one Corporal. Additional Corporals or
Sergeants may be assigned as the number of men in the ranks warrant, striving
to achieve a ratio of no more than one corporal per 8 to 10 privates.
EVENT
SCHEDULING
Clan McGregor will
hold an annual business meeting in the winter (normally in early January) to
conduct appropriate business, vote on unit events for the year, and conduct any
needed elections. Additional business
meetings may be called to coincide with maximum effort events or as necessary. Member attendance at all selected events is
desirable, especially those voted upon and designated as maximum-effort. “Maximum effort events” or “maximum events”
are those events at which the Company seeks to achieve attendance of all
available members, ideally 100% attendance of the Company. Once an event has been designated as
“maximum-effort,” all energies of the Company are directed toward those events
on those days. Any member of Clan
McGregor should feel free to attend any
event he or she chooses, but those that conflict with maximum effort events,
members should direct their priorities accordingly. There will be no more than one (1) maximum
effort unit event designated in any calendar month. Maximum effort events will be listed and highlighted
on the Company Schedule published in each newsletter. All other events listed on the Company
schedule, but not designated as maximum events, are voluntary. Members are free to attend or not to attend
these events as they choose and as they are able. Clan McGregor participation in any event will be agreed upon by a simple majority
vote of members present during the Company’s annual business meeting. Additions, changes, or substitutions to the
event calendar established at the annual planning meeting must be approved and
recommended by the Company officers, and is subject to final approval by a
simple majority vote of the Company membership.
Regardless of whether any members of Clan McGregor attend any particular event, the Company is
not committed to that event unless the members have voted on it and listed it
as a maximum effort event.
Getting Started in Clan McGregor
We’re an informal
group, and the best way to get started with us is to jump in with both feet and
come to events. We have a short
probationary period, after a person has attended three events as a member of
the Company, they may be voted into full membership, and membership remains
active as long as you continue to come out and participate in unit meetings and
events. We also do a number of school
demonstrations and history presentations throughout the year, as well as
memorial services and commemorations. We
aren’t affiliated with either the Sons of Confederate Veterans or the Sons of
Union Veterans of the Civil War, although we do have members who belong to one or
both of these organizations. We support
them from time to time by providing uniformed Civil War troops or a color guard
at selected events. As for training, we
hold a “camp of instruction” for our new folks (and for our forgetful old guys,
too) usually once a year in the Pine Bluff area, where we work on basic drill
and soldiering skills. Likewise at each
event we hold training for our new members in order to enable them to be safe
on the field, and to be able to march and fight with the company. We also maintain a company website (http://www.1starkansas.org)
and we put out a monthly newsletter which is also available on the Company’s
web site.
Typically, a new
recruit or member starts off as a rifleman in the ranks to gain experience in
the drill and tactics of the Civil War, and because that’s where the most fun
(and the least work & responsibility) is.
We elect our Captain and First Sergeant by a company vote at a special
business meeting each year at which time the Captain then makes his appointments
to other positions. That’s where the
work starts to come in, as you need to be able to teach all the schools of the
drill manual as well as lead the unit through them, among other things. Probably the biggest expense and pain in the
rear is getting your uniform and equipment together. We have a “loaner box” of spare gear and
uniforms to help the new folks “try before they buy,” as well as to help them
along the first year they’re still collecting their stuff. Since we’re primarily a Confederate unit, we
encourage folks to get that together first, and eventually expand to acquiring
a basic Federal uniform as well. The
musket and accoutrements will usually work for either side, changing a belt
buckle and maybe adding an item here and there.
It’s not cheap.
AUTHENTICITY
GENERAL
ATTITUDE: When all is said
and done, we have only one basic rule with respect to authenticity in
portraying the Civil War soldier if it isn’t Civil War, it shouldn’t be
seen in camp. Members of Clan McGregor, when participating in a living history
event, are encouraged to take a first-person role, and live the part of the
time, place and person they are portraying.
When others are attempting to portray a 19th Century setting, it is
inappropriate to physically or verbally introduce modern anachronisms at that
time or place. Members are encouraged to
familiarize themselves with the vocabulary and manners appropriate to the time
and role they are playing. Clan McGregor was not necessarily a unit of middle class and professional city
dwellers; however, an ignorant “hillbilly” portrayal is inappropriate for
members of this company.
Authenticity
Guidelines
Confederate
Impression
These guidelines
have been created for members and recruits of Clan McGregor as a tool to maintaining high levels of
authenticity and military bearing in representing Arkansans serving in the
Confederate Army of Tennessee and the Army of the Trans-Mississippi. Many of these standards are also applicable
to portraying Confederate forces in general.
Nearly all of the uniforms & equipment recommended by these
guidelines are illustrated in the set of Time-Life books, Echoes of Glory:
1) Arms & Equipment of the Confederacy and 2) Arms &
Equipment of the Union, and Lord’s Civil War Collector’s Encyclopedia. These series of books can be obtained at most
popular bookstores and libraries. A
General Note of Caution to all new members (and even some old hands): Few things are more annoying than an
individual who makes an inappropriate purchase then approaches other reenactors
asking them, “Is this O.K. for me to
wear?” Avoid the hassle. Do your research into what the item is
supposed to look like. Ask before you
buy, that way you won’t get stuck with something you just won’t be able to
wear. MISSION: The primary impression of Clan
McGregor is that of Arkansas
Confederates serving in the Army of Tennessee from the period October 1861
until December 1864. Our secondary impression is of Arkansas
Confederates in the Trans-Mississippi department.
What is Expected.
New recruits have
18 months to purchase their initial items.
The Company maintains a “loaner box” of spare uniforms and equipment to
assist our new members in rounding out their impression and getting on the
field.
The Loaner
Box: What we commonly refer to as “The Loaner Box” is a collection of extra
uniform and equipment items maintained by various members of the Company. In almost every unit there are members who
have extra uniform jackets and leather gear to loan to new folks, or to friends
who need a particular item for a particular event. The purpose of and priority for this
collection is to assist new recruits and new members of the Company in getting
on the field with the necessary equipment items while they are still trying to
assemble their own uniforms and equipment set.
After their first
12 months, however, new recruits (who at this point are becoming some of our
veteran volunteers) no longer have priority on loaner items, if these items are
needed to outfit new recruits.
Therefore, it’s important to get as much of your equipment as possible
as soon as you are able. Don’t rely
completely on others to outfit or help supply you. The person you depend on might not make it to
the next event, or there may be another new recruit who needs to be
outfitted. All in all, it’s best to have
your own stuff. Standard ethics among
reenactors require that if any item borrowed from another re-enactor is lost,
broken, or stolen (whatever the reason), it must be satisfactorily replaced by
the person borrowing the item no excuses!
Hard use is expected, of course, and some fair wear and tear is
inevitable. However it is always good
practice to offer to repair or replace anything you borrow from another member
that becomes damaged while in your care.
Recommended 1st
purchases:
• Uniform: Shoes (“Jefferson” brogans), socks, shirt,
trousers, braces,
Jacket, slouch
hat.
Equipment: Canteen, haversack, tin cup, mess gear.
2nd purchases:
Equipment: Gum blanket (or poncho), cartridge box, cap
pouch,
Waist belt,
buckle, wool blanket.
3rd purchases:
• Equipment: P1853 Enfield, or 1842 U.S.
Springfield, appropriate
Bayonet and
scabbard
Purchasing Clothing and Equipment.
1. The first rule
is to buy good stuff. Look through the
recommendations presented here, as well as the standards listed for the Trans Mississippi
Brigade. Do your research, shop around,
and buy one time. Otherwise, you run out
and get something, then as you learn more about what the real/ authentic stuff
looked like, you wind up going back and buying all over again.
2. Don’t confuse
low-quality, junk loaner clothing or equipment with items from approved
vendors. Many of the loaner items are
our earlier mistakes, and we’ll be glad to point out and explain our mistakes.
3. Buy your shoes
first. We will rarely have loaner shoes
that will properly fit you. Don’t buy
cheap or unapproved shoes just to get on the field. Make sure they fit you, and then break them
in. The next items you’ll need are your
shirt, trousers, drawers (if worn), suspenders and socks. Buy your mess equipment at or before your
first event.
4. Some vendors do
not travel to local events. Don’t expect
that you’ll always be able to buy appropriate items from event sutlers. You may have to purchase a good bit of your gear
by mail order.
5. Many items can
be made less expensively by someone handy with leather or needle and
thread. Used items can be purchased at
reduced prices, or by trade or barter.
These can be a good source for good, used equipment at a fair price.
C. General Appearance.
Hair. The military regulations of both sides
required that the soldier’s hair and beard be short. Study period photographs to determine how
well you’d fit in. The Revised Regulations for the United States Army (1861)
and the Regulations for the Army of the Confederate States, (1863) both
state: “The hair to be worn short; the
beard at the pleasure of the individual; but when worn, to be kept short and
neatly trimmed.” (Although from
photographs of soldiers that have been in the field for some time reflect their
own variations of this rule).
Jewelry. A private soldier of the War rarely wore any
jewelry beyond a simple wedding band. No
wristwatches.
Spectacles (if
worn). If you need
corrective lenses to see and be functional, then period eyeglasses are required
if you wear glasses in the ranks.
Contact lenses are an excellent option, or you might consider going
without your glasses when in formation (part of what all that insistence on
“touching elbows” in company and battalion drill is about.) Eyeglasses are custom made, so you won’t be
able to use someone else’s anyway.
Period eyeglass frames can be found at many flea markets or auction
(farm) sales. Look through the antique
and junk tables for the small; all steel or gold wire frames. They should be oval or rectangular. Frames of
this type were used almost continuously throughout the 19th century. Round frame (“Hippie style”) glasses were
popular during the 18th century and were definitely out of date by the Civil
War. No sunglasses, or tinted lenses
are permitted.
Condition of
clothing. With the exception of memorial and
commemorative services, we typically portray an army on the march. Your clothing should not be pristinely clean
when you arrive at an event. (In other
words, leave the mud on it and look like you have been in the field for weeks,
not minutes.)
USE OF
“CAPTURED” FEDERAL ITEMS
Only durable
“captured” items are appropriate. Only
limited numbers of Federal-style canteens, blankets, knapsacks, haversacks,
Hardee hats, gum blankets, accoutrements and weapons should be used. The debate over whether or not confederate
soldiers wore Federal blue pants is not to be decided here. Although it is obvious that soldiers did wear
captured or bought Federal pants, it is important to make sure that we don’t
have an entire company of soldiers wearing these.
I. UNIFORMS
A. HEADGEAR
What to Look
For: The most popular
headgear was a civilian style “beehive” hat in light color. Types of headgear acceptable are listed here
in order of prevalence:
1. Civilian style
“beehive” slouch hat;
2. Wide brimmed,
generally dark-colored wool or fur felt slouch hat;
3. Cap (or “kepi”)
Jean weaves material, usually WITHOUT trim, but trim is acceptable; Hats should
have the proper sweatband, lining, ribbon, and stitching as appropriate. By “ribbon”, this means the appropriate
hatband and false knot made of silk or grosgrain ribbon. The edge of the brim as well as the hatband
should be bound with grosgrain or silk ribbon.
Confederate-style forage caps are discouraged, and Union forage caps are
NOT allowed during a Confederate impression.
The slouch hat is one of the most visible parts of a person’s attire,
and therefore should be of the highest quality.
Black is the traditional color, but shades of beige, gray and brown add
a nice touch of diversity to the ranks.
It also allows for personal taste.
A search through period photographs of Confederate soldiers will turn up
very few men wearing fancy or overly decorated hats. Evidence suggests that most hats were brought
directly from civilian life with very few changes made to them.
B. SHIRTS:
What to Look
For: Documented civilian or
military pattern in 100% cotton, wool, or domet flannel. Look for solid colors, or small woven checks
or stripes. Shirts should be made of
100% natural fibers, e.g., cotton or wool.
Basic assembly may be machine sewn, but exterior details and buttonholes
should be hand sewn. Buttons shall be of
appropriate size and made of glass, bone, agate or wood. Shirts may have pockets, as soldiers
frequently requested the folks at home to add a pocket or two when making
shirts.
C. JACKETS:
Ideally, we should
all be wearing the same or similar type of jacket, with differing degrees of
wear and tear depending upon the age of the garment. A few scattered through the ranks may be
wearing an older-issue jacket or a civilian jacket, but by and large the
majority of the men in ranks should strive to look somewhat alike. (That’s why they’re called “uniforms.”) Jackets should be of wool jean material and
of documented construction and pattern. Jackets should be fully
lined. When rank insignia is worn (and
many Confederate NCOs did not wear stripes), only cotton or woolen tape trim
should be used, and stripes should be individually sewn directly onto the jacket
sleeve. Bars and stars for officers were
typically sewn directly onto the collar, not on some sort of colored
backing. What to Look For: The
most common jackets for Arkansas troops in the Army of Tennessee were
as follow in order of their commonality/importance:
1. Columbus
Depot pattern shell jacket. Used from October 1862 through end of War.
2. Enlisted
man’s single-breasted frock coat (State commutation uniform, e.g., the
Little Rock jackets) Used from autumn, 1861 until December 1862.
3. Civilian
sack coat. Commonly used throughout the War. Columbus Depot (Type II) jacket
4. Department
of Alabama pattern shell jacket. Used from October 1864 until April 1865.
The most common
jackets in use by Arkansans in the Army of the Trans- Mississippi were
as follow in order of their commonality/importance:
1. 9-button
shell jacket, in gray jean-wool or English “army cloth”. (The Richmond Depot Type II (“RD2”) jacket in
jeans or English or undyed kersey is a close replica and suitable substitute
for this jacket.) Used from spring 1861
to end of War. More common in early part of war (1861-1862).
2. Arkansas
State Penitentiary frock coat (also called the Little Rock frock
coat). Used from autumn, 1861 until
autumn, 1863.
3. Civilian
sack coat Common throughout the War.
4. Houston
Depot jacket; used from autumn, 1863 until end of War.
5. Peter Tait
jacket, used from autumn, 1863 until end of War.
As a fresh fish,
(or a veteran volunteer) your first (next) jacket purchase should be the
Columbus Depot pattern. The Columbus
Arsenal stayed in operation through April 1865, and when they finally closed
down they still had a little over 13,000 uniforms in stock. See Geoff Walden’s article, “Columbus Depot
Jackets: The Material Evidence”, included in The Cornfed Companion for
details on this jacket type.
BUTTONS: “Block I” or “Script I” or Federal eagle on
the Columbus Depot and Richmond Depot pattern jackets, wooden on the Alabama
jackets. State and “CSA” button use should be very limited. For the Columbus Depot jackets, Block I buttons,
or in some cases soldiers transferred the state seal buttons from their old
militia or commutation jackets to their new issue stuff. (Or maybe they simply saved their old buttons
for future use, and used them as replacements when a button was pulled or
popped off.) Little Rock frock coats
should use the large Federal Eagle buttons.
D. TROUSERS:
Military issue
style (gray, brown, or blue-gray jean cloth weave is preferable); limited use
of civilian trousers is acceptable as well.
(“Trousers” or “trowsers” was a period term; however, many period
documents consistently list them as “Pants.”)
Clan McGregor does not
prescribe to any specific or standard trousers, but we urge our members to
stick to a Richmond depot style foot pattern.
Typically these were made with mule-ear pockets and a belt-back. They are not the same pattern or material as
Federal government type sky-blue kersey trousers. Guidelines for trousers are much more liberal
than with other uniform parts, and here especially is where personal taste is
allowed to influence attire. Nevertheless, any and all trousers should be made
of:
• wool/cotton jean
cloth; or...
• all wool twill
or kersey material; or...
• heavy 100%
cotton drill (nearly the same grade as tent canvas);
• all cotton jean
cloth (similar to denim); or...
• linen/wool or
linen/cotton mix.
Trouser colors
should be dull. Woolens may be cadet
gray, gray, blue, brown or black.
Trousers should not have belt loops or leg creases. There should be no
stripes or piping of any kind except on officer’s trousers (with the exception
of trousers from the Houston Depot, which often had a half-inch stripe of tape
down the outer leg seams). The pockets
should be side-slit or especially mule-ear.
Trousers must have button flies.
Either tiebacks or belt-backs are acceptable, but belt-back trousers are
preferred. Buttons should be made of
either bone, pewter or lacquered metal.
No zippers, back pockets, and especially no trousers “converted” from
modern pants, please!
What to Look
For:
1. Military
Issue - Richmond Depot style - Mule ear pockets, no yoke. Back-belt with
buckle. Made from jeans or cassimere for
time period of spring ’62 through winter ’64.
Wool kersey of the proper weight may be used for spring ’64 through
Appomattox. Buttons may be bone,
composition, or japanned tin of the proper style. Confederate issue wooden trowser buttons are
acceptable in limited numbers after spring ’64.
Hand finished topstitching and buttonholes.
2. Military
Issue - Other Depot Styles. Side seam pockets, no yoke. Back belt with buckle, and made from jeans or
cassimere. Buttons may be bone,
composition, or japanned tin of the proper style. Confederate issue wooden trowser buttons are
acceptable in limited numbers after spring ’64.
Hand finished topstitching and buttonholes.
3. Civilian
jean - Original patterns in gray, blue, brown or black. Hand topstitching, with hand-sewn
buttonholes. Buttons of bone,
composition or stamped tin.
4. Civilian
wool - Identified style and pattern, hand-sewn buttonholes.
On the practice
of “blousing” of trousers: Many
re-enactors tuck their trouser bottoms into their socks, a practice known as
“blousing”. This helped prevent ticks,
insects, dust and dirt from getting up their pants legs. This was not
considered stylish or “proper.” However,
it was practiced only on fatigue duty or on active campaign. In fact, the “fashion statement” of the
soldiers of the day was to have the trousers jauntily cuffed up, just above the
center of the shoelaces. Southern
soldiers tended to be vain about their appearance, and would try to be “in
style” as much as the availability of clothing items would allow.
E. SUSPENDERS/BRACES:
What to Look
For: Civilian pattern,
cotton webbing, canvas, or ticking with either buttonholes or leather tips with
tin or brass buckles (no nickel plated metal).
“Braces” was a period term; however, many period sources consistently
list them as “Suspenders.” The army did
not issue them, so if a soldier wore these, he would have to come up with his
own. They should be made exclusively of
period materials (cotton, canvas and especially linen). Please don’t buy elastic suspenders,
regardless of what the sutlers might tell you.
1. Civilian Any type of period civilian model with tin or
brass buckles. No buckles of
nickel-plated metal.
2. Canvas or
Ticking “Poor Boys” hand-stitched with hand-sewn buttonholes.
3. In lieu of
suspenders, consider wearing a waist belt around the top of your
trowsers. Practical experience shows
this method to have some definite advantages when nature calls.
F. DRAWERS:
What to Look
For: Military issue or
civilian style in cotton or wool flannel (if worn). Period drawers help prevent chafing and help
keep the skin clean (if washed between events).
Long drawers often had ribbon ties at the ankles. Short (summer) drawers ended just below the
knee, and had no ties.
1. Civilian
Pattern - Cotton Osnaburg or muslin, cotton or wool flannel. Bone, glass or wood buttons with hand sewn
buttonholes.
2. Military
Pattern Cotton Osnaburg or muslin or
cotton flannel. Bone, glass or wood
buttons with hand sewn buttonholes.
Evidence suggests that soldiers rolled up their drawers with their
trouser legs. Tuck the bottom of your
drawers into your socks, and it will keep ticks, cooties, and other assorted
critters from running up your britches leg and getting to your hide. Don’t blouse your britches leg in your socks,
it stretches your socks and they won’t stay up.
G. SOCKS:
What to Look
For: Civilian socks,
particularly hand-knitted cotton or wool. For marches, be sure to wear only woolen socks, not cotton! No hunting, hiking or athletic socks (i.e.
gray or white wool with red or orange stripes around the top and so forth).
H. SHOES:
(“Brogans” was a
period term; however, period documents consistently list them as “Shoes.”) For adults, brogans are the acceptable
footwear. Brogans are more comfortable
for walking, and cooler, although some confederate soldiers did prefer to wear
boots. Metal heel plates will extend
their life and prevent excessive wear on the leather heels. Also, cork insteps increase their
comfort. Custom-made boots are an
option, however due to cost they are not recommended for new re enactors (or
poverty stricken veterans). Going
barefoot is an option while in camp or at specific living history events,
however, shoes and/or boots should be worn during drill and battle, both for
correct uniform requirements, liability issues, and reasons of basic safety.
What to Look
For: All the above being
said, the first purchase should be the Federal 1855 Jefferson bootee. Either smooth or rough side out is
acceptable.
VESTS:
Vests were not
issued by the quartermaster system of either side, but were privately purchased
or sent from home. Wear by enlisted men
is optional; and is customary for officers, as it was considered ungentlemanly
to allow your shirt to be seen under your jacket or coat. What to Look For: Period civilian or
military styles. Jean, linsey-woolsey, or cotton, made of period pattern, style
and construction.
II. BLANKETS,
TENTAGE & ETC.
A. BLANKETS:
What to Look
For:
1. Civilian
Blankets of 100% wool or jean should be muted earth tones. No synthetic blends. Browns and grays are acceptable colors.
2. Confederate
Issue Blanket such as the “North Carolina blanket” (an English import).
3. Homemade
Quilt or Coverlet - Quilts are okay, but discouraged because of their
weight, and as mentioned above, once they’re wet, they’re derned hard to dry
out in the field.
4. Captured
U.S. Issue - U.S. Issue blankets of either brown or gray.
B. TENTAGE:
Shelter was
whatever could be had from the army supply system. The troops typically slept under the stars on
campaign, and built small 4-6-man cabins when in more permanent or winter
quarters. The Army of Tennessee had
little tentage during its campaigns. A
large fly or two for the enlisted men (at the rate of six flies to every 100
men) would be optimal but sleeping under the stars was most common. “Shebangs” cobbled together from gum
blankets, oilcloths, and scrap (or swiped) canvas, and brush shelters were also
used. Straw and hay was rarely available
for bedding. The use of a Federal-issue
shelter tent is usually inappropriate.
The option to “farb out” during a reenactment and use non-issued “A”
frame tents, chairs etc., is up to the discretion of the individual, unless the
unit has agreed that the particular event will call for hard-core
campaigning. At that point each
individual in the event should hold to the wishes of the unit and not bring any
“A” frame or other style of non-issued tentage.
What to Look
For:
1. “Shebangs” cobbled
together from available canvas, oilcloths, gum blankets, natural materials,
etc.
2. Confederate
“issue” rain fly - Cotton canvas, with grommets of appropriate size and
material. Dimensions should generally be no more than 8 ft x 12 ft.
C. GUM BLANKETS/GROUND CLOTHS:
Blanket rolls are
usually wrapped in a tarred canvas oilcloth or a rubber blanket. Ponchos have that infamous neck slit that
never quite seals. It may be good for
wearing as a raincoat, but tends to get you wet when you cover up at night to
sleep in the rain. Purchase a gum
blanket or oilcloth and fasten it around the neck instead.
What to Look
For
1. Confederate
Issue Oil Cloth. Canvas painted with
linseed oil or latex/enamel paint.
2. Captured
Federal Issue - Rubber blanket or poncho. Limited use.
III.
ACCOUTREMENTS
A. HAVERSACKS:
Haversacks are for
rations (food) and your mess utensils only.
After you carry salt pork, coffee beans, sugar, and your bread ration in
there and march with it for a couple of days, you don’t want to put anything
delicate in your haversack. What vendors
sell as “haversack stuffers” (housewife, toothbrush, comb, testaments, etc.,
really belong in your pockets or your knapsack.
The haversack should hold only rations, your tin plate or canteen half,
eating utensils, maybe a match safe.
Strap or tie your tin dipper to the outside. Also, fold and sew up your haversack strap
until the top of the bag rides at or just above your waist belt (which should
be at the level of your bellybutton, while we’re at it). It will ride a whole lot more comfortably
that way.
What to Look
For:
1. C.S. Issue -
Bag of identified C.S. pattern. Button or buckle closure.
2. U.S. Issue -
Bag of identified U.S. pattern. Tarred type with buckle and inner bag.
B. CANTEENS:
What to Look
For:
1. Wooden style
- Specifically, the Gardner Pattern made of cedar/cypress/cherry
wood/etc. Various styles.
2. C.S. Tin
Drum style - Various sizes and styles, try to find a commonly identified
type.
3. U.S. Issue
(M1858 Smooth-Sided) With or without jean or wool cover. If a U.S. canteen select the smooth sided
canteen. Strip the sutler-supplied cover
off and recover the canteen with gray or brown jean-wool. Remember that with anything tin or other than
stainless steel, it will rust very quickly.
4. British
Style Rectangular – This style canteen has been around since the
Revolutionary War and is still widely used today. A version of this can be seen on page 73 of Lord’s
Civil War Collector’s Encyclopedia in the form of a Federal water-purifying
canteen.
C. CARTRIDGE BOXES:
What to Look
For:
1. Pattern of
1857 or 1861 .58 caliber cartridge box and tins;
2. Documented
Confederate manufactured pattern box of leather or painted canvas and tins;
3. Pattern
of 1839 Box for .69 caliber weapons and tins.
(This type uses
the sling only; it doesn’t have belt loops on the back. This is the main distinction between the
M1861 pattern .69 cal. Box, which could be carried on either a sling or a belt.)
4. Enfield
cartridge box and tins (IF you are armed with an Enfield); Cartridge
boxes must have the cartridge box tins appropriate for that box. Extra
ammunition should be wrapped in proper packages.
D. CAP POUCHES:
What to Look
For:
1. M1850 with regulation
or shield front.
2. Documented
Confederate manufactured pattern of leather or painted canvas.
3. Enfield
style (IF you are armed with an Enfield and have the Enfield belt,
cartridge box, and bayonet frog & scabbard).
E. BELT PLATES/FRAMES & WAIST BELTS
Belts and belt
buckles are available in many styles.
Most are acceptable, but limit your impression to those readily
available and documented. Black,
two-inch leather belts fitted with a simple roller buckle or “Georgia frame”
are excellent choices. All waist belt
plates are to have proper period construction (e.g. a brass stamping with lead
filling, or cast brass). Use of an
upside down US should be VERY limited. Waist belts should be black, russet or
buff leather or painted canvas and appropriate to the buckle. If at all possible use the “Arkansas
Seal” belt plate as the 1st Arkansas units were issued them.
What to Look
For:
1. Frame buckle.
brass, either forked-tongue or the “Georgia frame” straight-tongued model;
2. Atlanta Arsenal rectangular “C.S.A”, b