Pics of 23rd IN bummer

[rebyank]

Pards,
A friend of mine in Hawaii has his GGfathers fatigue and dress hat. they are both from Pvt. Henry Sharpe, of company D, 23rd Indiana Infantry. He is sending me pics of both of the hats. If anyone wants pics of these hats, post your email addy or email me at sidedrummer@lycos.com

I expect to have these pics by the end of the week.

[KathyBradford]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Hi, Ian,

Pvt. Sharpe's pictures would be great to post as attachments to your message. That way, they can be accessible long into the future.

Thank you for contributing,

[rebyank]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Thanks for the Idea, that is what I will do. As soon as I get the pics, I will post them here.

[VMI88]

Use of the term "Bummer"

Ian,

I'm not picking on you because I frequently catch myself using non-period terms, but "bummer" has always been one of my pet peeves! As far as I know this is not a period term for a fatigue cap or army cap, but one of those things that crept into the hobby via collectors or Centennial reenactors. If anyone knows of period use referring to a cap, please correct me, but as far as I know its only period usage is a late-War reference to Sherman's foragers. The term has even crept into respectable publications, such as the otherwise excellent "Army Blue - The Uniforms of Uncle Sam's Regulars".

Other common non-period terms I've noted are "leathers" (for accoutrements), "shell jacket" (for roundabout or army jacket), and "mucket" for an item of cookware. I'm sure others could name many more.

Like I said, I catch myself using these terms as well, but I think it's worth reminding ourselves in an effort to improve our first-person impressions. By the way, I'd like to see the pictures of the cap and hat when you can post them!

[theknapsack]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Hey Ian,

I would love to see the pictures of both hats. Is there any chance there is a picture of the interior of the forage (or both) hat(s)? I've been looking into labels on the hats, so that would be great. I believe you have my e-mail.\

Thanks,

[Yellowhammer]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Bill,

Good points all.

Regarding the correct name for jackets, I've seen the term "uniform jacket" appearing quite often. Below is an excerpt from a US QM return of goods on hand at various facilities July 1, 1864 showing how various jackets are listed on official US QM returns.

Uniform jackets: Cavalry
Uniform jackets: Artillery
Uniform jackets: Infantry
Uniform jackets: Zouave
Uniform jackets: Knit (0 on hand total)
Uniform jackets: Invalid Corps

Another term I think is terribly overused is "brogan." In period returns and QM references, "shoe" and "bootee" are most frequently used. In fact, according to Ernest Peterkin's landmark article on the Federal shoe, the only time to the word "brogan" appears in QM documentation is a in a line item for "negro brogans" which were apparently issued to free black laborers.

Just as an aside, "brogan" is defined as "a heavy work shoe reaching the ankle."

[markj]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Greetings John,

Yes, indeed, use of "brogan" seems to be a recurring point of contention. I can, however, state that the Indiana QM General used the term in his 1863 report to the General Assembly itemizing state military contracts. I've also seen a January 1862 letter from a guy in the 20th Indiana, discussing his "army brogans," that was published in the Indianapolis Daily Journal.

I checked Vicki Betts' site and got numerous antebellum and wartime "hits" for brogans. Here's a sample:

GALVESTON WEEKLY NEWS, January 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 1
Why is it, that at the Government Shoe Factory here, in charge of Capt. Wharton, good, strong, well made brogans are turned out at an average price of not over $6 per pair, while individual shoemakers about town, charge such exorbitant rates for a similar article, not a whit better.
The material is the same. Texas leather, and Texas material and work altogether, and the prices paid for the labor and material are about the same.
The exemption of shoemakers from the conscript law is, in view of their exorbitant charges, an injustice to the rest of the community.
Special legislation is, however, almost invariably deficient; its sins of commission and omission require so much tinkering, that we presume the shoemakers, like the farmers, will escape judgment.
A pair of brogans, no better than those being made for the government here, cannot be had at private sale, or be made to order, for less than sixteen to twenty dollars.
**************************
However, most of the time I just see "shoes" used in official documents and correspondence.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[markj]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Greetings,

Here are a couple more references to brogans:

MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL [JACKSON, MS], February 2, 1863, p. 1, c. 6
The Comfort of the Troops.--For several days past the quarters of Major Mason, chief quartermaster of Lieut.-General Polk's corps, have been the scene of unusual activity. Wagon after wagon, loaded with clothing, shoes and tents, have been dispatched to the various regiments and brigades. Our brave boys will soon be comfortably clad in new clothes, well shod with serviceable brogans, and protected by ample tents. The woolen mill at this place is daily turning out a fine supply of goods for the use of the army. Our troops indeed are rapidly being provided with all that is necessary for their comfort. Captain A. S. Camp, of Gen. Cheatham's division, has of course been actively engaged in supplying the wants of his command. He is never absent or negligent where the brave Tennesseans' wants are to be supplied.--Shelbyville Banner.

and this....

STANDARD [CLARKSVILLE, TX], March 12, 1864, p. 1, c. 2

Home Manufactures.

The Telegraph has been shown some samples of goods made in Texas, at a small factory which Capt. Wharton has succeeded in getting under way. He states that there will be six spinning jennies of ten spindles each, and a wool carding machine successfully at work—with power looms. In six months twenty-six more spinning jennies will be completed.—they will be driven by steam, and will turn out six hundred and fifty yards of cloth per day or enough to clothe one hundred soldiers.—The manufacture of rope is already begun, and the manufactory is expected to produce yarn for socks, blankets, cotton, wool, and mixed goods. The machinery for the factory has been entirely by Texas mechanics, and set in operation by Mr. J. K. Mitchell. An iron foundry has also been set in operation by the energy, and enterprize of Capt. Wharton, which will furnish ovens, skillets, and cooking utensils for nearly ten thousand men, at about 25 cents per pound. This foundry also makes kettles for making soaps, and candles. Mr. T. s. Hammett, formerly a merchant in Galveston, now a private in the Confederate service, is the superintendent of the foundry. A hat factory is also about to be commenced, capable of turning out 1000 hats per month, and at a cost not exceeding $3 each. Almost the entire operative force is made of detailed soldiers. A year ago Capt. Wharton commenced a government shoe factory, which is now capable of making 1000 pairs good brogans per month, at a cost not exceeding $8,50 per pair. Leather is supplied in abundance at schedule prices, and private tanneries have increased rapidly. Tailor shops, tin shops &c., have also been put in operation by the energy and enterprize of Capt. Wharton, who commenced without experience. This shows what one patriotic man can do, when he exerts his talent and industry for the benefit of the country, and should stimulate others to follow this noble example.—Austin Ga.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[VMI88]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Regarding the correct name for jackets, I've seen the term "uniform jacket" appearing quite often. Below is an excerpt from a US QM return of goods on hand at various facilities July 1, 1864 showing how various jackets are listed on official US QM returns.

John,

You are correct: I was thinking in terms of "gray" only.

Regarding the "brogan" discussion, this is a case of a term that was used during the period, but just not the most common or correct term. Other examples I can think of are "frock coat" and "pants". Yes, these terms were in use and can be found in period documents, but "dress coat" and "trousers" were much more frequently used.

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

My favorite reenactor terms are;

Emergency blanket, Nipple instead of cone, Mucket rather than cup or boiler, calling caps hats, and Worms instead of wipers or ball screws.

I look forward to those photos.

[markj]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

Hi Bill,

"Other examples I can think of are "frock coat" and "pants". Yes, these terms were in use and can be found in period documents, but "dress coat" and "trousers" were much more frequently used."

With malice toward none and charity to all, you're incorrect when it comes to use of "pants."

As Exhibit A, I give you extracts from the 1862-1864 clothing account book of Company F, 54th Virginia Infantry (NARA RG 109, Ch. VIII, Vol. 81). All monetary amounts are in CS money and there are listings for 95 men:

"Clothing a/c commencing 8th Oct/62 and ending 31st,, December 1863"

Sergt William McKinnon
1 Jacket
4 Pants
5 Drawers
5 Shirts
4 [pr] Shoes
2 [pr] Socks
1 Caps [sic]
1 Overcoat
2 Hats

[Total:] $125,00
Private Moses Akers
1 Jacket
2 Pants
4 Drawers
5 Shirts
3 [pr] Shoes
1 Blanket

[Total:] $82.50

Private Daniel Harles
2 Jackets
2 Pants
4 Drawers
5 Shirts
4 [pr] Shoes
1 [pr] Socks
1 Overcoat
1 Hat

[Total:] $121.00

Private Dandridge Akers
2 Jackets
6 Drawers
6 Shirts
6 [pr] Shoes
2 Hats

[Total:] $87.50


Private George P. French
3 Jackets
3 Pants
5 Drawers
5 Shirts
3 [pr] Shoes
3 [pr] Socks
1 Hat

[Total:] $116.00


Private Ross Hardy
3 Jackets
4 Pants
5 Drawers
8 Shirts
5 [pr] Shoes
3 [pr] Socks
1 Blanket
2 Hats

[Total:] $155.50


Exhibit B: Just to show use of "pants" wasn't just a "Virginia thing," I looked at all the surviving clothing and order books for Brown's/Palmer's Brigade (also NARA RG 109). These cover the period roughly December 1861-Spring 1864. Units included in this brigade were the 23rd (Newman's) TN BN, 18th TN, 26th TN, 32nd TN, & 45th TN. Without exception, "pants" or "pant" was used in entries pertaining to clothing issues. The 45th TN seems to have been rather well-dressed: Many men got "cashimere" (cassimere) jackets and pants.

Interestingly, the Virginians did use the colloquial "JackCoat" (i.e., jacket) and "slips" (apparently a localism for socks) in their account books.

Regards and best wishes,

Mark Jaeger

[VMI88]

Re: Pics of 23rd IN bummer

My favorite reenactor terms are;

Emergency blanket, Nipple instead of cone, Mucket rather than cup or boiler, calling caps hats, and Worms instead of wipers or ball screws.

I look forward to those photos.

Ah, yes, you've reminded me of my all-time favorite: "cap and ball" for "percussion"!