CS Cotton trousers?

[Aaron]

I am a living historian living here in Tropical Queensland Australia. Runnig around in the Bush
In a woollen uniform with temperature above 40C I wonder if CS units in places like Texas ( I guess it gets hot there) , had
Cotton trouser uniforms. Does anyone have any information. Is there a sutler who can provide.
Cheers Aaron

[Jon The Beloved]

Re: CS Cotton trousers?

Before you start to go the way of comfort...

So far as a more generalized impression for authenticity's sake... Ask yourself: What primary campaigns you find yourself being involved in portraying? What of your company/mess in your region? What campaigns are you planning to portray in the years ahead?

I encourage you to find at least two sources that would be appropriate for the portrayal you are shooting for and compare it to those of other progressives in your region and their intended portrayals. I feel like that will get you to a good balance you won't regret. Continue to do some digging and get together with other like minders. Ask great questions and be willing to help turn up answers to those questions. As far as comfort, sometimes one just has to "embrace the suck." That's always my best advice.

Towards an answer... There are some decent resources here on the AC as you search for "cotton cloth"/"cotton jean"/"made of cotton"/"cotton trousers/"cotton jacket" and look for discussions on CSRs and items found on a person at time of death or capture. You'll find things from researchers on the topic such as Fred Adolphus, Don Smith, Les Jensen, Cody Mobley, Nic Clark, Lee White, Members of the Texas Ground Hornets, the old 10th Texas, Independent Rifles and a handful of others better versed in the returns and artifacts from the Trans Mississippi Department of the West. You'll find discussion on "penitentiary jackets", "commutation systems", 'early war' state issues, and supply depot mysteries. You'll find the overwhelming majority of cotton uniforms to be used in warmer climates (i.e. TX, LA, AR) and seemingly simply out of necessity between quartermaster issue. Believe most of what you read and none of what you hear. : )

I see you're in Australia. Are you native or transplant? I look forward to seeing you in the field here in the states someday as I have seen the significance upon the countenance of those who've come across the pond to experience a quality event. Keep the watch out.

[Aaron]

Re: CS Cotton trousers?

Hi Jon,
In answer to your question I am a native of New South Wales.
Thank you for your reply. My company / mess consists of yours truly and a hunting buddy. We enjoy the use of black powder rifles and try to use clothing, equipment and implements of the era at our campsite. We know we are part of the Confederate army and at this stage that's about it.
I am looking forward to hopefully one day to witness or maybe even be part of an event in your country.
Who knows I may be wearing cotton attire. Of course I shall be armed with suitable historical documentation.
cheers Aaron

[marktaylor]

Re: CS Cotton trousers?

Aaron,
There is a great group of guys in Australia that re-enact the American Civil War. If you are not familiar with them, please send me a message and I will get you in contact. I know at least one of them is a member here (John Lawson / johnnyl79 on here).

[Aaron]

Re: CS Cotton trousers?

Aaron,
There is a great group of guys in Australia that re-enact the American Civil War. If you are not familiar with them, please send me a message and I will get you in contact. I know at least one of them is a member here (John Lawson / johnnyl79 on here).

Yeah, thanks Mark ,
Met John at a civil war round table here in Brisbane. It was he who put me onto Authentic Campaigner.



Dario Anderson

[RW0369]

Re: CS Cotton trousers?

Recently had this discussion with a friend of mine who is sginificantly more knowledgable than I am in regards to fabrics used. I came across a reference "Rebel Son's of Erin" to cotton trousers being issued to members of Gregg's Brigade (AoT) in Spring of 1863. In his opinion the cotton referred to would likely be either denim or hickory cloth. As far as style of trousers, the diary entry didn't elaborate.