I haven't reenacted in a long time but still like to research the war's material culture. In the regimental order book of the 52nd New York Infantry at the National Archives, I found an order that I regret not copying down. As I recall it was a strongly worded command by the regimental CO to his men to stop wearing officer insignia such as hat cords and embroidered infantry badges.
I've seen quite a bit of this in photos--acorn hat cords and one image of an enlisted artilleryman wearing embroidered cross cannons. Has anyone else found orders prohibiting this behavior or evidence that it was simply tolerated?
I've seen quite a bit of this in photos--acorn hat cords and one image of an enlisted artilleryman wearing embroidered cross cannons. Has anyone else found orders prohibiting this behavior or evidence that it was simply tolerated?