Union McDowell

[MassVOL]

I did a search on the board and didnt find what I was looking for so here goes...
I am trying to do some uniform research on the Ninth Mass and running into a brick wall about the McDowell style hat. Everything I find just refers to forage cap with out specifying style of cap. I know they left Mass with militia grey uniforms and dress hats and were then issued uniforms by the Government in Washington on 20 August 1861. A picture taken in late 61 shows the officers at Catholic Mass in blue frock coats and a mix of dress hats and what look like McDowell brim hats.
Does anyone know where the McDowell style came from? Its period of use or any information at all about the cap? NJ ************ informed me that there was a manufacturer in Boston that made the hat. Anyone know whether it was available only through private purchase or was it issued by the Federal Government too?

Thanks,
Tom Gingras

[coffee boiler]

Re: Union McDowell

I'm not sure if you've looked in Langellier's "U.S. Army Headgear" yet but you may find your answers in there regarding the origins of the McDowell cap.

[Yellowhammer]

Re: Union McDowell

First, two questions:

Are you asking about the 9th Mass Infantry or the 9th Mass Battery. If you are asking about the battery, there is no shortage of good information about their uniforms and equipment including 'Hardtack and Coffee" by John Billings.

If you are asking about the infantry regiment, is your question referring to the headgear of the officers or the enlisted men? Since officers bought their own uniforms, you can't really compare the two. It is unlikely that the headgear of the officers would be an indicator as to what type of headgear the enlisted men would be wearing.

In your post, you state, "I know they left Mass with militia grey uniforms and dress hats and were then issued uniforms by the Government in Washington on 20 August 1861."

If they were issued uniforms by the government in 1861, it is unlikely they were issued "McDowell" style caps. Generally speaking, those are privately purchased items although there are some instances of them being issued.

[MassVOL]

Re: Union McDowell

I am reffering to the 9th MAss Infantry. You make an excellant point about the officers buying thier own uniforms and McDowell Style caps were available in Boston for private purchase.