Federal
Infantry Impressions
One aspect of the hobby that will increase both your knowledge and enjoyment of an event is tailoring your impression to the specific event. This allows you to learn more about the material culture as well as giving the public a better vision of the troops of the period.
Keep in mind these suggestions only cover the period from Mid August to late September and are not intended for other periods.
CORPS BADGES ARE NOT PERMITTED
There are three basic choices for this period. For most units the Standard Federal Forage Cap is the rule, however some units, such as the Iron Brigade, were wearing Dress Hats, and some like NY State troops were wearing State issued Kepis
Some photographic evidence exists of many units wearing Civilian Hats, but be sure to document this to the unit or units you are portraying for the weekend.
There are several options for this as well:
The most common would be the Standard US issue Fatigue Blouse, made out of 8-ounce wool flannel and lined. There are many photographs of field adaptations to these garments, from adding additional buttons to pockets, both inside and out.
US Issue Dress Coat (Frock). These were worn heavily during this period, and especially for units such as the Iron Brigade.
State issue Jackets, such as the New York or Ohio Shell Jackets were also very prevalent during this period.
During this period the Standard Issue Foot Trousers in Sky Blue Kersey would be the most prevalent, though some Dark Blue Trousers were still being issued.
US issue Brogans would have been most common, with private purchase boots also represented.
This is the event for the Leather Sling or canvas sling Smooth side with a jean or blanket cover. Only the first canteens ordered had the sky blue cover, the rest were either of sack coat lining (jean, flannel) or out of US issue Blankets. Take a look at the color photo of extant Sack coats and the various hues to see what color the canteen lining may have been.
Most units would have been carrying the US pattern Double Bag knapsack, although many units may have been using blanket rolls, both the short and long roll.
Federal Issue Flannel Shirts would have been the most common seen, with State issue and Civilian shirts also acceptable.
Cavalry Impressions
Generally: The impression sought it a Federal cavalryman of 1862. In essence that means no obviously late war arms or accoutrements; such as Spencers or Henrys, or blatantly wrong items such as Paint horses or modern saddles. What follows is a detailed review of acceptable items and the details of what makes them so.
Do not let these details prevent you from participating - contact the Federal cavalry commander is you have any questions about your equipment Tom Craig at tcraig@mainecav.org
I. Uniform
- Headgear
- Forage Cap
Finely woven dark blue or royal blue wool (not navy blue) with painted leather brim and chin strap.
Plain US regulation, small size buttons. Black or brown polished cotton or Selisia liner.
Should not be worn with the sides of the brim rolled under as a modern baseball cap.
Insignia: Cavalry, unlike the infantry, were issued hat brass for forage caps. Inspection records show "deficiencies" where the men are NOT wearing required insignia of regimental number, crossed sabres, and company letter. This means also that many men were wearing only some or no hat brass.
- Hardee Hat
1/4 inch ribbon at base of crown.
2 rows of stitching on brim.
shellacked with label inside.
Regulation brass, insignia, plume and cord.
- Slouch & other non issue headgear - Period types only!
Sewn-on edge binding of silk ribbon
Leather or cotton duck sweat band
Made of fine wool felt without a `fuzzy' appearance.
Medium to dark gray, medium to dark brown, or black, with black preferred.
No Garth Brooks stetsons.
No limp hillbilly farmer hats.
No hat cords of any color.
no stampede strings
Hardee hat turned slouch is perfectly acceptable (see above).
- Jackets
Mounted Service Jacket
Of dark blue or royal blue wool broad-cloth or fine kersey.
Padded or Quilted front
Yellow dyed worsted wool tape piping, 2 rows of trim on standing collar.
All visible buttonholes hand sewn.
- Fatigue blouse
Of wool flannel with a visible `wale' in the fabric, in a shade between a medium and dark blue color. A "wale" means you can see the diagonal weave. Avoid the blackish-blue material that fades to purple; it is the wrong color and it is too heavy. The color will NOT be a blackish `navy' blue which fades to an even more unacceptable purple color. The correct blouse has a short collar and faced lapels and cuffs. Four evenly spaced US eagle buttons should fit into hand-worked buttonholes. Sleeves should have a small, scalloped vent in the rear of the cuff. Unlined versions have all seams flat-felled. Lined versions should have a one-piece body lining of wool or wool/cotton weave and a sleeve lining of muslin.
- Pants
- Mounted Pattern Trousers
Made of sky-blue kersey-weave wool.
Top of the waist band should reach the wearer's navel.
Reinforced seat and instep strap.
Thin, tapering waist band.
Narrow, three to five button fly.
Yoke in back.
Raised back.
Side pockets that start below the waist-band.
Right-side watch pocket.
Facings on vented cuffs.
All detail work, especially buttonholes, finished by hand.
- Foot Pattern Trousers
As above but without reenforced seat.
- Dark blue Mounted pattern trousers
As above but dark blue.
- Shirts
- US Issue Shirts:
Domet Flannel will have three tin buttons: one at the neck and one at each cuff.
Domet flannel is a cotton warp and wool weft, off-white in color.
Gray Wool Flannel will have 4 or 5 tin buttons, with two or three on a placket front and one on each cuff.
Blue Wool Flannel will have 4 or 5 tin buttons and almost always have a breast pocket.
- Knit
- Civilian Pattern Shirt
Made of 100 percent natural materials in woven check or plaid material, or with a printed geometric pattern on them.
Small metal, bone, wood, shell, or mother-of-pearl buttons.
Fall down collar or a banded collar, with or without a detachable collar.
One, two or no pockets.
No calico and no over-sized wooden buttons.
- Suspenders/Braces
Not an issue item, civilian pattern of period materials and attachments.
- Drawers
Canton flannel, cotton flannel, wool knit, and wool flannel all acceptable.
Button closure.
White, natural, colored acceptable.
- Footwear
Socks - of solid-color yarn: off-white, gray, buff, blue, or bluish-gray. No rings or bands of contrasting color. No elastic. Of wool, cotton or a wool/cotton union. No modern hunting socks.
Shoes - Issue brogans with pegged or sewn soles. Heel plates optional.
Boots - correctly constructed, below the knee, military style boot.
Single - piece vamp.
Pegged or sewn soles.
- Overcoat
Mounted pattern: Of correct make and construction. Sky blue wool kersey, double breasted with cape extending to the edge of the cuff.
Foot pattern is accepted: Of correct make and construction. Sky blue wool kersey, single breasted with cape extending to elbow, and stand-up collar.
II. Accouterments
- U.S. issue M1858 sword belt - Of black buff or bridle leather
2 piece enlisted eagle buckle with applied silver wreath.
Shoulder strap optional.
Saber straps.
- Cap pouch
- Pistol Cartridge Box - For pistol cartridges - 3 sizes for .36 and 2 for .44 (one for 6 hole packets, one for 7 hole packets)- we do not carry extra cylinders!
- Holster - Black leather, butt forward, end plug, worn on right side.
- Carbine Cartridge box - M1860 or "Sharps."
- Carbine Sling - Of black buff or bridle leather with iron roller snap hook.
- Haversack - US issue tarred, may be worn on saddle or person - some opt for 2 haversacks.
- Canteen - M1858 smoothside
Hot dipped tin.
cotton strap or undyed leather strap with iron roller buckle and leather safe.
NO snaphooks.
Wool covered; with jean, or blanket material.
- Blanket - Gray/brown US Issue with black stripes woven in.
- Shelter half - Light canvas with hand sewn grommets and bone buttons. Paperbacked tin buttons accepted.
- Gum blanket and/or poncho - with small grommets
III. Weaponry
All weapons will be inspected every day. Weapons deemed unsafe will not be allowed.
- Carbine
To maintain uniformity, the Sharp's is the preferred carbine as it is the easiest reproduction to acquire.
Sharp's either model. The patch box does not designate a '59 or '63 - these are identified by their serial numbers - serial number beginning with C. are 1863 models, the others are '59s. Patch boxes are found, or not found on both models.
5th Model Burnside (only originals and parts guns are available - note: 1st Maine was armed with 2nd Model Burnsides - good luck finding one)
- Pistol - One sidearm or no sidearm - No "spare" cylinders. Pistols are loaded using cartridges.
Company A was predominantly armed with 1860 Colt Army revolvers.
Colt model 1860 "Army" Revolver, .44 caliber
Remington model 1858 .44 caliber "Army" or .36 caliber "Navy" revolver allowed for events portraying 1864-65.
Non issue "Private purchase" side arms must be approved.
Saber Must be correctly constructed with wire wrapped, leather bound grip and peened tang. (sabers with the nut on the end will not be accepted.)
- U.S. Model 1840 "wristbreaker"
- U.S. Model 1860 "light cavalry"
- Sabre knots: With a tied leather lace turks-head, not an embossed sleeve.
IV. Horse Equipments
- Saddle - Model 1859 McClellan - All iron hardware, including jappaned or blued iron bar buckles.
Coatstraps should be of correct weight with correct buckles, leather stops recommended.
Wool web or all leather girth and surcingle with iron roller buckles.
Crupper (optional) an issued item - use at your discretion.
Breast straps (martingales), were not an issued item though troopers would often go out of their way to get one. Any breat strap should therefore be of civiliam pattern or field produced (three leather straps joined by an iron ring) Brass heart sutler row breast straps are not allowed.
Hooded wooden stirrups.
- SaddleBags
Smaller black bags with iron buckle closure.
Should contain a correctly reproduced or original curry comb, brush, and optionally a hoofpick, and horseshoes.
- Halter - U.S. issue of black bridle leather and iron hardware.
Lead strap with jappaned or blued iron bar buckle.
Link Strap - with iron wire snap hook and buckle (optional).
- Bridle - Blackened bridle leather
3 or 6 buckle.
All buckles should be jappaned or blued iron bar buckles.
NO Rosettes on browband.
Bit - U.S. issued iron bit
Enlisted Reins - sewn in the center and to the bit.
- Nosebag (Optional)
Flat bottom; rounded bottom accepted.
Black or undyed leather with iron roller buckle.
Picket Pin and Lariat (Optional)
4-strand, left-laid hemp.
whipped at one end.
Eye spliced to hand forged iron picket pin.
- Saddle Blanket - U.S. issued blue wool with orange stripe woven in.
"U.S." hand stitched in yarn at the center of the blanket.
Orange stripe should be lighter shade as per originals if possible.
NO saddlepads - use your issue grey wool blanket or shelter half.
V. Horses
Generally solid colored (aside from stars, blazes, stripes, snips, socks, stockings, etc) no Paints, Appaloosas or other breeds with stand-out colorings and markings.
Preferred breeds include: Morgan, Canadian, Standardbred, Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Arab, Thoroughbred
Artillery Impressions
The event organizers wish to maintain the highest standards of historic authenticity and accuracy. For federal artillery, they have worked with the Artillery Coordinator (Mike Martorelli, Battery F, 1st PA Lt Arty) to develop and adopt the following standards. Participating units should expect to follow these standards, and should discuss any alternatives or any issues not discussed below with the Artillery Coordinator prior to the event.
1. Only full-scale artillery allowed. Each piece must have a fully equipped limber. Bounty for Maryland My Maryland will be $250 per gun.
2. Drill - Two four-gun batteries are contemplated. One will consist of guns using the Hunt, Barry and French drill per the "red book". Another will consist of guns using the alternate drill as practiced by artillery units schooled in the Ft. Niagara method. In both cases, several NPS modifications will be enforced. The Artillery Coordinator/Commander and his Deputy will assign appropriately qualified unit representatives to the batteries' command structures, and will specify the appropriate command sequences to be used. All interested units should forward their request for participation ASAP to Coordinator Martorelli at Michael.martorelli@fairmountpartners.com
3. Rank - Officers and Sergeants will be assigned by the Artillery Coordinator prior to the event. The typical command structure will include one CPT/LT per 4-gun battery, one LT/SGT per 2-gun section, and one SGT/CPL per gun. Individual unit members not occupying a command position are encouraged to wear the uniform of a private.
4. As is normal in events organized by Chris Anders, no female artillerymen will be allowed on the field unless pre approved though the artillery and event organizers. See Event Guidelines for further information on documentation.
5. No small arms (swords, pistols, rifles, carbines, etc.)
6. Uniform: see Event Guidelines
7. Artillery camp: See Event Guidelines
8. Tents: see Event Guidelines.
Medical Impressions
We will be portraying the Federal Medical Department as it appeared in September 1862 during the Maryland Campaign.
As a specialty impression, all medical impressions MUST be approved by the event staff in advance per event regulations. We are limiting the medical department to two medical officers per regiment/battalion on the field, in addition to one hospital steward per regiment/battalion. Male nurses and ambulance corps will not be represented unless pre-approved. There will be a limited number of women in the post-battle medical department for this event based upon historical accuracy. Clara Barton did arrive before the firing ended and assisted men while stray firing was still taking place on the field in a hospital already established. Any woman serving as a male on the field as part of the medical department must still adhere to event registration guidelines, dressing as a male of the period.
The Union Army Uniform will vary from the nine buttoned sack coat (as seen on Medical Director Letterman in staff photos), to the usual rank frock coats according to army regulations. The predominant uniform will be the double-breasted or single button frock coat based upon rank. Kepis with bound brim or slouch hats are both appropriate. Slouch hats should be of 19th century style, properly blocked and lined. Medical insignia for the hat should be in the minimum. Most trousers show no gold braiding. The most common type of button for the coats should be the Federal Staff button. Dress shirts are highly encouraged for all officers of the department. Even though medical officers were mounted, the most common type of footwear should be the brogan. If boots are worn, they can be worn with the trouser leg either in or over the boot as pictures indicate both.
Belts may be worn but as this is an army in transit, medical swords will not be worn. Green sashes will not be worn on the field of battle.
Side arms will not be worn as most medical personnel carrying a weapon were in the trans-Mississippi theatre and carried weapons for protection from gators and snakes as confirmed in diaries.
Officers should carry at least one canteen and a haversack. These can be private purchase or purchase from Quartermaster stores. It would be common to see an officer carrying a haversack for his personal medical supplies.
Senior Surgeon of Brigade will carry the rank of Surgeon (Major) unless otherwise approved as a lower ranking acting surgeon by the Chief Surgeon of Division. The Junior Surgeons of Brigade will carry the rank of Captain or Lt. as an Assistant Surgeon. Contract civilian surgeons are welcome with properly signed contracts authorized by the Chief Surgeon of the Division.
All medical officers are expected to carry a haversack of dedicated 19th century medical supplies. Personal surgical pocket kits and Medical Backpacks of the J. McEvoy style are the only items that should be used on or off the field. Because most medical supplies were still being transported from Fortress Monroe or are, still being used with post-Second Bull Run patents, minimal medical equipment, and supplies should be present in your camp.
All medical officers are expected to conduct a daily sick call in their regiment/battalion each morning and turn in a copy of their Surgeons' Morning Report, on the correct printed form, to both the officer designated by the Regimental Commander and the Chief Surgeon of the Division through the Senior Surgeon of the Brigade. Proper forms will be supplied.
All medical officers are also expected to turn in a copy of the Monthly Report of Sick and Wounded, on the correct printed form for their regiment for either August or September 1862 by the end of the event. This can be prepared and completed at the event. The Chief Surgeon of the Division will supply this two page two-sided form to all medical personnel. It should be properly folded and signed prior to moving up the chain of command.
The camp of each medical officer will be marked with a red 4'x6' red flag, preferably of wool flag bunting in the manner of the 19th century originals.
While we welcome modern medical professionals into the Medical Department, we are NOT reenactor EMS. Our primary responsibility is to provide the public and the other reenactors a 19th century experience with the Medical Department. Event EMS MUST deal with ALL modern medical emergencies and all minimal first aid only patients treated by our Union Medical Department MUST be reported to the Chief Surgeon of the Division as soon as possible with a written report submitted as soon as possible following any minimal first aid assistance.
All medical officers will carry a 2'x2' yellow flag to be carried in their pocket or haversack at all times. This will only be removed and waved in the event of a real medical emergency to notify Event EMS. Unless it is being used to signal Event EMS, it should be kept out of sight at all times.
Hospital Stewards should wear the official four or nine-button sack coat uniform with his insignia on both sleeves. The proper red striped sky blue pants should be worn.
Red flags will not be carried on the field, but may be used to mark Union aid stations 500 yards or more back from the firing line per regulations.
Each medical officer is authorized a tent, either fly, common or wall. The tent chosen should be done with regard to the tentage of their regiment/battalion. Consider sharing a tent with other officers on your regimental/battalion staff. A regulation hospital fly may set us in addition to tentage. Fly tents may NOT be set up as a "front porch" on your common or wall tent. The fly should be set up adjacent to but not connected to any medical tentage in any camp.
There are only a few prohibited items so please take note.
- No Aprons of any kind will be worn upon the field of battle.
- Sashes will not be worn on the field of battle.
- Leave your medical sword home.
Commander Message
The tide is beginning to turn. The Federal Army is out of the Shenandoah Valley, and away from the plains of Manassas. They are becoming an army, one that will eventually prevail, in spite of interference from the politicians,and some very bad generalship. And prevail also against one of the greatest generals of history, and his incomparable army. It is at Antietam that they will prove to themselves, to the Army of Northern Virginia, and to the world, that they can stand and fight with the best of them. The absolute refusal to quit, or to be beaten, begins to show up on the slopes of South Mountain, and along the banks of Antietam Creek.
It is a singular honor to be able to represent the Civil War soldier at the 150th anniversary of these very important battles. But more than an honor, it is also a responsibility to "them" to get this as correct as we possibly can. All they really asked of us, as a country, was not to forget them and what they did, and why they did it. Both Chris, myself, and our staffs all take this responsibility to heart. It is a prime motivation for our events, and the reason for the rules and regulations.
The other prime motivation for all of us is to ensure the best possible historical experience for you, the reenactors who will gather together next September, in Maryland. We want you to enjoy yourselves, and the event. As Chris has said, these are supposed to be fun, and we hope that will happen for all of you. We are here for you, and to serve.
"Maryland My Maryland" marks the 10th event that Chris and I have worked together, at least in part. We will also be putting together a Federal brigade for Shiloh, so by then it will be the 11th. It is also the 3rd time we and our respective staffs have labored together at the command level. After every event we discuss what went right and wrong, and what we need to do to make it better. We are very honest and up front with each other, and have the mutual trust and respect to put aside egos and personalities. The same holds true for the individuals on our staff. They are all here to serve, and they will put in hundreds of hours and great personal expense to meet the above mentioned objectives for this event.
It is our goal to have this be the best event we have ever done. We expect to set a new standard for the reenacting experience. I will be posting information, updates and plans as we go along.
Come with us and be a part of it all. Come with us to remember and honor the veterans of 1862.
My Respects,
Mike Lavis
49th NYVI
Army of the Ohio
Order of Battle
These series of events are planned from the bottom up, and not from the top down.
What that means is that we begin with the requirements of the scenarios, and what battalions we have to fill those needs. And then we decide what type of higher command structure will best fit what we are working to achieve.
Leadership competence is a big deal with me. I have no use for any so called officer who has not even read the text books of the time, and cannot give a correct order. Or who does not know his responsibilities, and fulfills them.
Plus they have to be absolutely unselfish, and ready to serve the men in the ranks, as well as be committed to our vision and goals for these events. The men who carry the rifles, and do the fighting deserve good officers who look out for their interests above their own. The leaders face long hours, little sleep, and large personal expense, and then it gets worse once we arrive at the event.
In short, my ideal of a good commander is summed up in this sentence:
"To whom much is given, much is required"
With this in mind, consider that we have one chance to get the battles right, the very first time out, and it is my responsibility to see that it happens. (At least from the Federal side) So I am very picky with those whom I have on my staff, and who my senior commanders are going to be.
For this event we are going with a division-sized organization, with a base of three brigades. I have asked three men with whom I have worked before, and whom I can depend on, and trust, to lead these brigades. As the scenarios are filled out, and as the registrations are sent in, we will fill out the regiments in each brigade. Plus we will be moving regiments from brigade to brigade depending on the impressions that the individual regiments tell us they wish to portray. I have a basic plan set-up, but will hold off announcing it until we can fill in the spaces, and make the adjustments that are necessary.
The three brigade commanders are:
Chuck Warnick, Ted Brennan, and Courtney Abel.
I am pleased that each of these men have agreed to serve, and I have confidence that they will do their very best for us. They are all experienced with these or related events, and have worked with me in different capacities in the past. It is an excellent beginning. Now we need the registrations to come in.
YOS
ML