1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

[Possum]

Pards,

I had to drop out of the hobby for a while because of college and stupidly I sold most of my stuff, but I am coming back into the hobby.

Here is my question.

What jacket would be the best for a 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee generic impression? Because I was pondering on what jacket to get first?

Here are my thoughts

1.Type II Columbus Depot
2. Civilian Sack Coat
3. Military/Commutation Frock Coat

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Ghostrider_58]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

Rocky,

You can't go wrong with any of your choices. You may also want to consider the Dept. of Alabama jacket as well as the Atlanta and Mystery (Mobile) jackets I personally prefer the type II myself, but be sure to research the outfit you want to portray. Also, there is an excellent website on the CD jacket by Geoff Walden. There is a link to it on the "research articles" tab. Good luck and welcome back to the hobby!

[Possum]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

Thanks Ghostrider

My ancestors that fought in the Army of Tennessee were poor farmers from the central Alabama area none of them( 6 fought in the AOT) even knew how to write their own name( X's as signatures on their enlistment and surrender papers)

So, to honor these brave men, the youngest being 15 when he enlisted, I was thinking about making a commoner's civilian sack coat and wearing mostly civilian stuff. Only having my rifle, accoutrements, and canteen as military issued items.

Any further help is greatly appreciated.

[LWhite64]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

Rocky,
Like all things with the Army of Tennessee it depends on the time, the place, and the unit. Having said that, I would lean toward a Commutation items, like the Frock Coat from a soldier in the 29th Alabama that is on display at the Atlanta History Center, the boy's mother sent it to him just before he was killed at Peachtree Creek.

Lee

[tenfed1861]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

As Lee said,it all depends.Pick up a copy of Cadet Grey and Butternut Brown to help with your research some.As Lee also said,commutation uniforms would work very well.I would add on and said do a mixture of commutation and issue (I.E. a commutation jacket,civie slouch hat,a pair of issue trousers and an issue shirt).But before you do any real buying,get C.G.&B.B. and read from there.Hope this helps some.

[Possum]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

Lee,

Are you talking about the Red pillow ticking frock coat in Echoes of Glory?

[CYoungJSU]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

I'm going to jump in here Lee. The honorable Mr. White is refering is Pvt. Johnson's frock coat, a member of the 29th Alabama who was killed at Peachtree Creek during the Atlanta Campaign. A picture of it can also be found in the Time Life book dealing with the Atlanta Campaign.

Chris

[CYoungJSU]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

Rocky,

Here is a photo of said coat.





Chris

[sepoy1857]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

I would second Cullen's recommendation of Cadet Grey and Butternut Brown; it's an excellent resource.

[Possum]

Re: 1863-1865 Army of Tennessee Impression

Thanks, pards.

I just ordered a copy of the before mentioned book. I hope I can have a chance to read it soon. Taking 18 hours of college and working really drains you.