Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

[Skutatos]

This is a photo from the National Archives' collection on Flickr. The title is "Camp of 44th New York Infantry near Alexandria, Virginia". I thought the amount of variation between greatcoats was interesting and they also have a neat looking camp.



Original here and higher resolution available:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/3995359677/in/set-72157624287859202

[Charles W. Mood]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Interesting that while the regiment is wearing their greatcoats, the officers do not.

Chuck Mood

[lukegilly13]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Thanks for the image. I always love a good greatcoat image! I wonder if the variation in color is as drastic as it appears in the picture? Sometimes colors pictured differently depending on the light and all...so I wonder how many are the same color and how many look different in the pic for whatever reason.
On the same note, on some soldiers there is a drastic color difference between their trousers and their overcoat.
I wonder who the lady and gents are in the archway (below the 44)?
Great picture..full of detail.

[PieBoy96]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Wow, great photo! Nice find, Nathan. I am not an expert in wetplate photography, but I have noticed that in my own wetplates, two items of a similar shade of color (like a US sack coat and dark blue trousers) appear drastically different in the photo. Sometimes I wonder if the way the weave reflects light has anything to do with it. Of course, only speculation.

[Tom Craig]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

The greatcoats are nifty...but that has to be the coolest camp I've ever seen! Brush arbors are neat, but those arches beat arbors all to heck! The shields, and what appears to be a corps badge on the main arch are super cool details.

Take care,
Tom Craig

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Looking at the other Civil War era images from the National Archives' Flickr account is worth it. There are several I haven't seen before and the details are interesting; knit sack coat being worn at Petersburg, Federal soldier carrying a leather-strapped fabric-covered tin drum canteen, gunners of a battery wearing identical contract issue shirts, etc..

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Looking at the other Civil War era images from the National Archives' Flickr account is worth it. There are several I haven't seen before and the details are interesting; knit sack coat being worn at Petersburg, Federal soldier carrying a leather-strapped fabric-covered tin drum canteen, gunners of a battery wearing identical contract issue shirts, etc..

Brian, can you post thast knit sack coat picture?

[yeoman]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Yes sir, the National Archives photo stream on Flickr is a terrific site and I have it set on my favorites bar.

This is another view of camp with Alexandria in the background.

The same image in original size...


This found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnatio...7624287859202/

[bAcK88]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

This image, also from NARA's flickr account is also pretty neat.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/3995349285/sizes/o/in/set-72157624287859202/

Does anyone know anything more on the double breasted jackets that a good number of these kids are wearing?

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Attached are cropped images of the soldier wearing the knit sack coat, and the soldier wearing a covered tin drum canteen. The sack coat is one of the few I've found in images that isn't the gray variety worn by the 7th NYSM. Note the brass buttons and binding on the cuff edge.

Bill, there is another photo of an artillery battery standing behind their guns, and the men are wearing the same double breasted short jackets. They're wearing forage caps too, but some of the officers appear to be wearing Navy caps. Perhaps a detachment of Naval artillery?

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Pottzblitz! Really a knit sack coat. I hope that keen eyes will find more pitures. Thanks Brian!

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

There are so many interesting details hidden within so many photos in this collection that I'm hard-pressed to find the time to sort and post them. As for the knit blouse, it looks the same as the one in the tintype owned by Paul McKee, down to the (probably) military buttons and binding. The coat in Paul's image also has an exterior pocket if you look closely.

[FortyRounder]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

You can't trust the captions on some of these photos. In one that is titled "Camp of 71st NY" there are two guys with "22" on their caps.

[Skutatos]

Re: Camp of 44th NY Infantry, Greatcoat variation.

Found the following in the regimental history of the 44th New York, available free from google books:

Winter 1864:
"After the streets and tents of the regiment had been put in superior condition, a beautiful arch was erected at the foot of each street. All the arches, except the central arch, were of similar design and construction, elaborately and beautifully trimmed with evergreens, and the letter of the Company suspended from the center of the arch.

The central street was wider than the other streets, its arch was higher than the other arches, with canvas attached to framework on which in large letters were names of the different battles in which the regiment had been engaged. The officers' tents were placed at the head of the street, due regard being had to intervening space. As a whole, it was an ideal camp and maintained with scrupulous care. It was the pride of the whole regiment and did not require drastic orders to keep it in excellent condition."

And about the photgraphs:
"On Sunday, the 20th day of March, an artist came from Brady's famous war-time picture gallery in Washington and took different impressions of the camp from which large pictures were made, many of which are still preserved by members and friends of the regiment. The picture showed the regiment faultlessly formed at dress parade, with the entire camp in the background. Another picture was taken showing the officers present with the regiment in full dress uniform, standing in the central arch. This, too, was an excellent picture, and many copies of it are preserved."