NC Artillery Regt. Jackets

[LHV1861]

My ancestor was in the 3rd NC Art. Regt (40th NCT), and during the Battle of Bentonville they were referred to as the "Red Infantry". They were primarily garrison troops on the NC coast until the fall of Fort Fisher. My question is, does anyone know what type jackets the NC garrison artillery were issued, or specifically this unit? I'm looking particularly for late war issue. I've read that some Tait jackets were issued to NC troops in late '64/early '65. Would these artillery units have had a) Tait jackets and b) would said jackets have the red collars, trim, etc.? Thanks




Jeff Felton

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: NC Artillery Regt. Jackets

I've read that some Tait jackets were issued to NC troops in late '64/early '65. Would these artillery units have had a) Tait jackets and b) would said jackets have the red collars, trim, etc.? Thanks
Jeff Felton

You pretty much answered your own question.

The Cape Fear defense section was sort of the red-headed step child of the state and it received a motley assortment of equipment and uniforms from mid '63 through '64. Late '64 and early '65 Form 20 & 40 requisitions reflect a more standardized NC issue. They show pretty much the same quality and quantity heading down the river that field troops were receiving in Virginia. For a more refined answer, NCDoA&H has a wealth of information at your beckoned call.

I recommend that you also look into what was being sent north from Charleston to supply the section.

[LHV1861]

Re: NC Artillery Regt. Jackets

Thanks Garrison. Funny I was at the Archives today transcribing some 2nd NCT letters. Only reason for the question was, and I know this event is mainstream, 145th Bentonville. I thought it would be pretty cool to find what type jackets my g-g-grandfathers unit were wearing and then dress accordingly for said event. Neat way that I could honor his memory IMHO on the same field he fought.

[roundshot]

Re: NC Artillery Regt. Jackets

Visit Ft. Fisher itself. They have on display in their museum replicas of two jackets worn by members of the garrison copied from originals. One is a standard 6 button NC shell with red collar and cuff trim (added after issue). Another is an untrimmed Tait jacket (Copy of the MC Glennan jacket in the MOC)to which red collar trim has been added (also a later addition). Also, English artist Frank Vizetelly made an on the spot sketch during the naval bombardement (later watercolored) that shows the men in grey and brown jackets and pants. Nearly all the cannoneers have on red forage caps. There is some evidence that these caps were of the waterproof variety.

[LHV1861]

Re: NC Artillery Regt. Jackets

Thanks guys. That answers my question.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: NC Artillery Regt. Jackets

"The Interior of the North Eastern Salient of Fort Fisher during the attack of the 13th 14th & 15th of Jany [sic]." Wilmington [North Carolina, 1865 Jan. 13-15. 1 drawing : (graphite* and) watercolor on paper; 25 x 71 cm.
AMs inscription on verso.
Unsigned.
Subject: Battle scene inside Fort Fisher depicts fierce fighting with cannon balls flying through air. At foreground (left) three soldiers are wounded, (right) cannons with soldiers firing on the enemy. Distance shows explosions, Cape Fear River and far shore.
Engraved in ILN, 1865 Mar. 18.



Repository: Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
Location: pf
Call No.: MS Am 1585
Creator: Vizetelly, Frank, 1830-1883.
Title: Frank Vizetelly drawings,
Date(s): 1861-1865 and undated.
Quantity: 32 items in 6 portfolio boxes (2.5 linear ft.)
Language of materials: Collection in English.
Abstract: Drawings by artist and British war correspondent, Frank Vizetelly, of American Civil War scenes. Includes a few of Vizetelly's drawings of military subjects in Europe and also one drawing by artist and war correspondent, Alfred R. (Alfred Rudolph) Waud.

* my note, based upon physical observation