US Regualrs in the AotC

[hardeeflag]

Does anyone know of any photographic evidence of US Regualrs in J.H. King's Brigade in the field? Being as far west as I am, the only infantry that served in New Mexico Territory was for the most part US Regular Army armed with '55 Rifle-Muskets. I have a pretty good idea what these guys were armed with etc. I was just wanted to get some photographic or documented evidence of what the Regualrs (15th, 16th, 18, & 19th Regts) were equipped with weapon & clothing wise in the Army of the Cumberland. Anyone have any info readily available they could post? Thanks.

[mark11]

Re: US Regualrs in the AotC

Rich,
In That Body of Brave Men by Johnson, in the picture gallery is a phtograph of 1st Sgt James Gageby of the 19th US who is wearing a fatigue blouse and what appears to by sky blue trousers, and a forage cap. There also is a photo of the band of the 15th US and while it is a little hard to make out, it looks like they are wearing both frock and fatigue blouses, sky blue trousers and a mixture of forage and Army issue hats(Hardee). I suggest you get a copy of this book it is very good.
I'm also from Az and if you are interested in getting back in with some Feds outside of the farbs out here please feel free to drop me a line.
email is wrifles@aol.com

[Johan Steele]

Re: US Regualrs in the AotC

I'm going to second Mr Robeson's reference to THat Body of Brave Men by Johnson, it's a priceless reference to the Regulars of the AoC. I have also seen reference to the men of the 2nd MN being equipped almost identically to the Regulars they were brigaded w/ in early War. Hardee Hats, Frock coats and dark trousers... though the Regulars were mentioned as carrying the new Springfield (1861's).

Good Luck

[coffee boiler]

Re: US Regualrs in the AotC

I'm going to second Mr Robeson's reference to THat Body of Brave Men by Johnson, it's a priceless reference to the Regulars of the AoC. I have also seen reference to the men of the 2nd MN being equipped almost identically to the Regulars they were brigaded w/ in early War. Hardee Hats, Frock coats and dark trousers... though the Regulars were mentioned as carrying the new Springfield (1861's).

Good Luck

Johan, do you know the approximate date of the above reference? The reference to the new Springfields may be referring to the 1855's if it is an early war reference.

The following link has a list of books related to regulars during the Civil War including Regulars in the Redwoods: The U.S. Army in Northern California 1852-1861 by William F. Strobridge and Army Regulars on the Western Frontier, 1848-1861 by Durwood Ball.

http://www.cwreenactors.com/~sykes/Equipment/equip_r.htm

You might also want to check out the Old Army webpage

http://www.theoldarmy.com/

[roundshot]

Re: US Regualrs in the AotC

For what it's worth, Eugene F. Ware in his delightful memoir "History of the 1st Iowa Infantry," talks of cleverly "liberating" an 1861 Springfield from a US regular prior to the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Ware called his new gun "Orphan," and noted that "Orphan was a Springfield rifle musket stamped 1861, probably made about March or April of that year." (pp. 292-293)

Bob Williams
Reilly's NC Btty.

[Johan Steele]

Re: US Regualrs in the AotC

Bob, the reference was to the 18th Regular Infantry, newly formed at the time. Probably between the 8 Dec 61 through perhaps the end of January 62. At the time the 2nd MN had a mix of Belgians and were just getting their Enfields (which they were less than impressed w/). IIRC the reference specifically mentioned being envious of the Regulars their having the latest in arms. Though you are quite correct in that they may well have been 1855's... though w/ the 18th being one of the new Regiments I suspect it would likely be the model 1861.