'61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

[Missourian1862]

Hello,
(To whomever has knowledge of this particular subject)

I am currently doing research on clothing, weopons, and other items of the typical U.S. Marines during the Civil War. Still, I have not found a whole lot, and definitely not enough to help create my impression. I'm sure there is some good, authentic impressions, and knowledge out there on this because I have heard of these people, but these folks are few and far between. I am trying to locate, meet, or trade information with any other U.S. Marine Corps Living Historians out there. Or even somebody who knows anybody who has found good information, especially photos, it would be greatly appreciated if that were passed on to me. I'm finding Navy ships logbooks, and a few records, but that is all so far.

If anybody knows anything at all on the U.S. Marines, and even the few bits and pieces of documentation on Confederate Marines, please pass it on.

Thank you Gents,

Patrick Henderson

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

There is a vast wealth of information on the Marine Corps starting at your fingertips on the keyboard and followed up by the books. I suggest starting with some of the background information from the US Navy and Marine Living History Association and US Naval Landing Party websites (there is some useful research material throughout both sites), check particularly the bibliography or book selection available. This is just a start, as there are several others on this forum that can suggest some detailed literature to get you going as well.

[Major Dad]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

I have spent the last two years acquiring a Civil War Marine Major's Uniform (as I am a retired US Marine Corps Major) and slowly found a wealth of web sites, books, and articles on CW Marines. Start with the following web sites and go from there.

https://www.usnlp.org/index.htm

https://www.geocities.com/bobmarines/uniforms.htm

https://www.csa-marines.org

https://www.navyandmarine.org

I even found a defarbed 1861 Springfield with bayonet with the correct US Marines markings. White leather is difficult but available.

Semper Fi
Major Dad

[markj]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Start with this very typical USMC contract bid solicitation (see attached).

I've got lots of other pdf files from the New York Times and other sources. I just have to dig them out.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Mike Ventura]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Major Dad:

First of all, sir, the rules of this forum require the signing of a full name to each post. This can be easily accomplished by activating the "automatic signature" feature.

Secondly, I wonder how realistic the impression of a USMC major during the ACW is in the world or re-enacting, since the Commandant during the period was a only a full colonel? As a former USMCR O4, I can empathize with your desire to replicate your real-world rank with that in the ACW. I'm just wondering where you would use this? Unless, it is just for your own enjoyment.

Semper Fi

Mike Ventura
MAJ USMCR 1968 - 1975

[ScottCross]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Here is a website with some fantastic USMC images taken in May 1866. The uniform had not changed since the Civil War. http://www.antiquephotographics.com/.../dosdemayo.htm

[toptimlrd]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

One contact you may want to drop a line to is Joe Blunt (known here as spongebucket). He does a Marine impression and is very knowledgeable.

[Shantyman]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

I am happy to say my secondary impression is in fact, a U.S marine.
( I am also happy to say i've spent hours reacherching this :) )
In 1861 the United states congress inlarged the marines to 97 officers and i think about three thousand enlisted. They werent used to their full capability but they served as detatchments on most US ships and fought a few land and sea-to-land battles

unifourm details are highly regulated,and would take hours for me to post. The full and unabriged version of unifourm regs are here http://www.navyandmarine.org/histori...orms/index.htm

Also, the actual period correct buttons for the jackets are hard to find dose anyone know a vendor who has them? the fatuige jacket and frocks as well as white Leathergear can be purchased through mercury supply sutler

Steven Flibotte
Liberty Hall Fifes and Drums

[Bill Shea]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Take a look at the Kearsage Afterguard site. These are some of the 5th NH boys as well as others. They might be able to point you in the right direction.

Bill Shea

[easttnfed]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Take a look in the September and October issues of the CCG. I covered the Marines during the Civil War in several articles in both issues. You may find a wealth of knowledge there.

[boreguard]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

THis is a volunteer hobby and therefore all are free to do what they want, but I can't help but raise an eyebrow at the amount of people who get into the hobby and want to do "special impression" . So much so that at many small events the specialist out number the real fighting force of the period, the plain ole infantry soldier.

Good luck in your research, and may I suggest you not settle on the first "specialist" you meet to develop your final impression. I say this and am writing only because I had to endure a group of MARINES at the Beauvior event this past weekend. I was informed after morning reports were returned to me that "Marines didn't have companies", as well as later when I referred to what was their clueless captain I was informed that he was a "master".

CHOKE AND PUKE. THey couldn't manuver on the field, they couldn't follow orders, and they think everyone should know all the ins and outs of their "special impression".

I've strained my desire to remain professional by my comments herein, so let me say that I'm the biggest fan of the corp and have a rich and long family history associated with it and to see the corps represented in such a poor way heats my blood just a little.

I wish you success in research.
Dennis Neal

[Missourian1862]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Yes, Jeremy.
I'm afraid I don't know what CCG is. I believe it is a magazine you're talking about, .. and what does it stand for?
Thanks for the info, really.

Patrick Henderson
(Phineas Baker)
Clay County, Missouri
Tater Mess

Take a look in the September and October issues of the CCG. I covered the Marines during the Civil War in several articles in both issues. You may find a wealth of knowledge there.

[toptimlrd]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Yes, Jeremy.
I'm afraid I don't know what CCG is. I believe it is a magazine you're talking about, .. and what does it stand for?
Thanks for the info, really.

Patrick Henderson
(Phineas Baker)
Clay County, Missouri
Tater Mess

CCG = Camp Chase Gazette

[Missourian1862]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Dennis,
Oh and I understand your being disqusted with them looking so terrible, I would cringe too!
No, I have only researched this Because there is almost no information out there in the usual History of the Marine Corps books, on Marines during the Civil War. It is ignored. -Well, there is always a summarized 1 1/2 pages on what they did during it. I would like to not just do Marine impressions full time and only that. --Rather, I already do impressions of Army of Tennessee Confederate Soldiers, and Missouri State Guardsmen. So very much into the soldierly life already.
Well, stay in touch.

Patrick Henderson
(Phineas Baker)
Smith's Fork, Clay County, Missouri
Tater Mess

THis is a volunteer hobby and therefore all are free to do what they want, but I can't help but raise an eyebrow at the amount of people who get into the hobby and want to do "special impression" . So much so that at many small events the specialist out number the real fighting force of the period, the plain ole infantry soldier.

Good luck in your research, and may I suggest you not settle on the first "specialist" you meet to develop your final impression. I say this and am writing only because I had to endure a group of MARINES at the Beauvior event this past weekend. I was informed after morning reports were returned to me that "Marines didn't have companies", as well as later when I referred to what was their clueless captain I was informed that he was a "master".

CHOKE AND PUKE. THey couldn't manuver on the field, they couldn't follow orders, and they think everyone should know all the ins and outs of their "special impression".

I've strained my desire to remain professional by my comments herein, so let me say that I'm the biggest fan of the corp and have a rich and long family history associated with it and to see the corps represented in such a poor way heats my blood just a little.

I wish you success in research.
Dennis Neal

[Missourian1862]

Re: '61 -'65 U.S. Marine Impression?

Hello, Mike
Just testing out my signature to see if it Saved to the system

Major Dad:

First of all, sir, the rules of this forum require the signing of a full name to each post. This can be easily accomplished by activating the "automatic signature" feature.

Secondly, I wonder how realistic the impression of a USMC major during the ACW is in the world or re-enacting, since the Commandant during the period was a only a full colonel? As a former USMCR O4, I can empathize with your desire to replicate your real-world rank with that in the ACW. I'm just wondering where you would use this? Unless, it is just for your own enjoyment.

Semper Fi

Mike Ventura
MAJ USMCR 1968 - 1975