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Hi All, my great great grandfather, Thomas Howey, was in Company A of the 38th Illinois Infantry and served with this unit throughout the entire war, from the mustering in at Camp Butler in Springfield, Ill on July 15, 1861 to mustering out in Sept of 1865. (I am fortunate to have his muster roles and other documents). He fought in engagements in Missouri, Ark, Tenn, Georgia and was captured near the end of the war near Huntsville, AL and spent time in Cahaba Prison from Jan of 1865 to his release.
During the 150th, at times (as I will do a Confederate impression as well) I would like to portray my ancestor, however, I realize there is not a reactivated 38th Illinois around.
The firs engagement I can see that he was in was the Battle of Fredecktown, MO in Nov of this year. There is a reenactment and I have contacted them.
Beyond doing that each time , I was wondering if anyone else had a better suggestion.
As far as look, from what I'm researching, it looks like they started in the frock coats, as there is an image of a Sgt Travis in the Library of Congress in the 38th wearing a frock with shoulder scales. I know my great great grandfather was carrying an Enfield by mid war as it states it on his muster role three seperate times begining in 1864, but I'm doubtful that is what he had in 1861...maybe. I'd really like to get the look right as well as he progressed through the war. Any suggestions on that would be appreciated as well.
Thanks for the above in advance, Mike Boyd
During the 150th, at times (as I will do a Confederate impression as well) I would like to portray my ancestor, however, I realize there is not a reactivated 38th Illinois around.
The firs engagement I can see that he was in was the Battle of Fredecktown, MO in Nov of this year. There is a reenactment and I have contacted them.
Beyond doing that each time , I was wondering if anyone else had a better suggestion.
As far as look, from what I'm researching, it looks like they started in the frock coats, as there is an image of a Sgt Travis in the Library of Congress in the 38th wearing a frock with shoulder scales. I know my great great grandfather was carrying an Enfield by mid war as it states it on his muster role three seperate times begining in 1864, but I'm doubtful that is what he had in 1861...maybe. I'd really like to get the look right as well as he progressed through the war. Any suggestions on that would be appreciated as well.
Thanks for the above in advance, Mike Boyd