Federal Sky Blue Kersey Trousers

[Ian M.]

If memory serves me correctly, sky blue replaced dark blue in the regulations for enlisted trousers in late 1861. Were sky blue pants seen before end of 1861, particularly in volunteer State units. Seems they were around as early as the very beginning, again if memory serves (which it doesn't always).

[RMD]

Re: Federal Sky Blue Kersey Trousers

USA General Order #3 24 Mar 1858: Dark Blue
USA General Order #108 16 Dec 1861: Sky Blue

According to research
http://www.adolphusconfederateunifor...downloads.html the dark blue was still on hand (at least at the San Antonio Arsenal) and was issued out (albeit to Confederate Units) as late as 1863. State units probably adhered to the 1861 uniform general order. I have only ever seen photos of Regulars wearing dark blue trousers.

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collecti...5734/resource/ One soldier wearing sky blue, another wearing what appears to be dark blue in the same photo.