Gen. Price and the Missouri army

[lks312]

Re: Gen. Price and the Missouri army

The 3rd Louisiana received their undyed uniforms while at Snyder's Mill, Mississippi in March 1863. The 26th Louisiana received theirs also in March 1863 in the area of Vicksburg. I don't have any info on when the Georgians received theirs ( I believe it was Cumming's Brigade) but most likely it was also in the Vicksburg area.

As for Appler receiving an undyed Jacket, obviously the MO brigade did receive "Columbus depot" style uniforms in late 1862, (many units in Mississippi have left accounts describing such) but uniforms do wear out and need replacement. It's possible that this was the case with Appler. As for his surviving jacket, I have read 3 different accounts about it:

1. that he wore it at the battle of Corinth
2. that he wore it at Champion's Hill, was wounded and captured in it
3. that he was issued it while in the hospital at Vicksburg after being wounded at
Champion's Hill ( by this account he became a prisoner when the city was surrendered)

Now I don't claim to know which is the correct story on this jacket. I just remember the hospital issuance account had been posted several years back on the old Delphi Forums Confederate uniform discussion board when Appler's jacket was discussed there. The important thing about it for me is that it shows the Rebs at Vicksburg were issued both CD style uniforms and undyed uniforms.

Larry Shields

[Michael Comer]

Re: Gen. Price and the Missouri army

Larry,

I understand your point about the possiblity of a CD wearing out between issue in late '62 and another issue of jackets in spring of '63.

As I said earlier, we'll probably never know the whole story but can be grateful that that particular jacket survived as a record of a Confederate soldier in the West. For me, it is special because there just isn't a lot of Missouri Brigade stuff that survived the war. I would really like to see it some day.

[lks312]

Re: Gen. Price and the Missouri army

Michael,

You're sure right about Appler's jacket being an important record of a CS western soldier. I wish there was more access for us to see the surviving uniform and equipment items that all too often are kept in storage (which I also understand for preservation purposes). If it weren't for the internet I would never have even known about the jacket in question. I would really like to see more detailed photos of such items posted here on the AC forums by those who get a chance to see and photograph them. I don't get to travel as often as I'd like so I don't get to go to the museums and historic sites to see them.

Larry Shields

[Ken_Irvin]

Re: Gen. Price and the Missouri army

Larry is right about Appler not being in the !st Mo Brigade at Pea Ridge and would not have been issued said clothing from CS government. At least the uniform at Mo. Historical Society. Appler was in Martin Greens Second Division MSG prior to crossing the Mississippi river in the spring of '62. John Thomas Appler was born in 1842 in Fredrick County MD. The family moved to Hannibal, MO in the early 1850's. He enlisted in Captain JD Feagans company K of the Fourth Mo. Inf. on April 28,1862at Memphis Tn by Col. Green for the war!

Present for duty up to Corinth. His wounding is documented" Sept-Oct 62, Missing since battle of Corinth". He was also listed on the rolls of POWS captured and paroled by US forces at Iuka, Corinth and Hatchie Bridge dated Oct 13, 1862.

On the back of one ot the CSR's not dated "Was engaged in Battle of Farmington, Iuka,Corinth, captured in the retreat, exchanged and rejoined company about Nov. 20. Engaged in the battle of Bakers Creek severly wounded and left in enemys hands. Exchanged and rejoined co. at Demopolis Oct. 10, 1863. Was granted indefinite leave of absence to go home being permanently disabled Oct. 15,1863".

Its unlikely that the Appler uniform was issued prior to the spring of 63. His diary states " Monday, Jan 19 (63) Our Brig. was uniformed yesterday." Assuming he drew a complete uniform as the other Missourians have claimed. Four months later his entry for May 16 "to-day hard fought battle, our forces retreated, myself , Albert& Lambert wounded myself dangerously& all three prisoners, laid on battlefield all night."

Four months would have transpired since jan. the hard campaigning south of Vicksberg would have taken its toll on his clothing. I think it is most probable that he recievedthe uniform we call the Appler uniform in early to mid spring prior to the retreat from the Grand Gulf/ Port Gibson area. just my opinon.

Doug I believe the photos that you posted were taken on a trip Kevin Stewart, myself, Frank and Chris Saxton were at. Kevin and I have viewed the uniform twice. I have some notes from one of the visits, but they are far from Jensen/ Childs/ standards. Four piece body, one piece sleeves, nine buttons. Frank makes particular note of the point at the rear of the coat, I never notived it being very exagerated. Of particular note to me was the general shoddy construction of the jacket, trousers not so bad. I also thought that the coat and trousers were of similar color/ hew. Aged in the same case same lighting conditions? Most likely.

But this is of a curious note. One of the news articles written in the 20th century about the wearer and uniform states " The uniform is of the original gray material rather course in texture. The old suit is complete and is being worn at reunions by Capt. Appler." So should we take this 20th century reporters words to heart. Was the uniform gray then, when he wrote the article? Was it gray at Champions Hill, probably. Only speculation, I think it probably was.

Just my two cents worth on old JT Appler. By the way after the war Appler became a union printer/ clerk for the St. Louis Republican and worked 32 years. He lived to the age of 80. he helped organise the Confederate cmemtary at Springfield Mo. In 1908 he recieved the Southern Cross of Honor from the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Ken Irvin
The Skulkers Mess