| Confederate Uniform and Gear Guidelines We do not wish to exclude any individuals from participating at Pumpkinvine Creek 1864, but we will require a minimal standard of dress to conform with the historical realities of the common soldier in the 42nd Regiment Georgia Volunteer Infantry. If you are lacking in a certain item please feel free to contact Robert Mitchell and we will attempt to borrow a replacement item. The following list is made with the most prefferential items listed as "1" to the least preferrential items. All button holes on all garments should be hand sewn. A. Coat or Jacket - buttons will consist of wood, "penny," block-I' thermo-plastic, or Georgia Seal. NO post-war Ga. seal buttons such as the GMA or State Patrol button. All button holes will be hand-sewn. There was no machine capable of sewing button holes in 1864. A Company ledger kept by 2nd Lt. William Henry Williams of Co. B, 42nd Ga. states that the men were being issued "coats" on Feb. 16th and March 10, 1864. The term "jacket" only occurs after April 22, 1864. It is believed the term "coat" refers to a frock coat. 1. Military jacket of deep south depot pattern such as the Columbus Depot, Alabama Mystery, etc. NO ANV type jackets such as the Richmond Depot or NC issue jackets. 2. Military Frock Coat with little trim 3. Civilian Sack Coat 4. Civilian Frock Coat B. Trousers - buttons will consist of wood, bone, "penny," thermo-plastic, tin, japanned tin, lead, or pewter. NO outlandish plaids or tartans for material. No fall-front trousers. 1. Deep south depot issue trousers 2. Civilian trousers 3. Ga. Relief Society trousers C. Shirt - Civilian shirt with glass, mother-of-pearl, bone or therm-plastic buttons. Records indicate that "yarn" over-shirts were also being issued to the 42nd. D. Headgear 1. Civilian slouch hat made of wool felt or beaver. NO floppy, unblocked "hill billy" hats. NO big feathers, coon peckers, Irish harps, hat brass, etc. Should be properly lined. 2. Military kepi - records indicate that a small number of these were issued in early 1864. 3. "Quilted" hat similar to Gen. Lee hat on page 171 of Echoes of Glory. E. Vest - optional. 1. Civilian style made of linen, wool, jeans-wool, or silk. 2. Military style made of wool, linen or jeans-wool. F. Footwear - NO gaiters! Records indicate that Stovall's Brigade was in dire need of shoes at this time. Quartermaster Sgt. Charles Rowland 43rd Ga. states that "last night (May 23) shoes were sent up and we shod 179 barefooted men." 1. Jefferson pattern brogans 2. Civilian oxfords such as M. Page Lapham shoe on page 175 of Echoes of Glory. 3. Civilian mid-calf boots. No knee-highs. 4. Canvas Ga. Issue shoes. G. Eye glasses - period correct frames with small oval or round lenses. No plastic nose pieces or ear pieces. F. Firearms - Records indicate at this point (1864) that the primary firearm of the 42nd was the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket. Please see ordnance records below. Reproduction Enfields should be de-farbed. I. Accoutrements - evidence is given that the men were not uniformly accoutred. They lacked bayonets, knapsacks and other items. You don't need to bring everything. 1. Cartridge Box - English manufacture, deep south depot, pre-war musket types 2. Cap Pouch - English manufacture, deep south depot, pre-war types. 3. Waist Belt - Civilian roller buckle, "Ga. frame," CS deep south issue, NO upside down US "southern nation" belt plates. 4. Canteen - CS tin drum, wooden, or US (captured at Rocky Face) 5. Haversack - Canvas, linen, carpeting, tarred canvas. 6. Knapsack - CS issue, English manufacture, Mexican War, or US (captured at Rocky Face.) 7. Blanket - Civilian, English manufacture, CS issue, coverlet or US (captured at Rocky Face.) NO quilts. J. Prohibited Items - If our ancestors can survive without 'em we can too. NO tents (the baggage trains were in Decatur,) modern cigarettes, cigars (enlisted,) modern "rail road" bandannas, wrist watches, modern pocket watches (stem wind,) pistols (enlisted,) gaiters, ANY modern anachronism. |
| The following is an abstract from a regimental ordnance returns report filed by Lt. Col. William H. Hulsey on June 30th, 1864. Total to acct for (last quarter): On hand to day Rifles 57 534 334 Rifles 54 52 3 Bayonets 574 167 Total No of Guns 606 337 Cart Boxes 605 337 " " Belts 604 337 Cap Pouches 603 337 Waist Belts 605 337 Bay Scabbards 591 167 Gun Slings 158 114 Screw Drivers 31 31 Wipers 34 34 Spring Vises 8 8 Knapsacks 486 206 Haversacks 693 231 Canteens & Slings 626 258 Cartridges Cal 57 38334 13360 Cartridges Cal 54 3414 120 Percussion Caps 36??2 16270 Edit: Note the lack of percussion caps; there's almost as many cartridges on hand as there are percussion caps. |