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This link to an excellent set of archival records was sent to us by Harry Aycock.
The records apply specifically to the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, however they undoubtedly are representative of nearly all the regiments in Johnson's Command at the time. Among the most relevant documents are the descriptive lists of accounting of Pay and Clothing Records:
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Check out the ones for 1861. What's remarkable is the amazing lack of clothing and equipment among the 31st at this time. For example:
Hats or Caps
Required - 660; On Hand - 8; To Be Supplied - 652
Coats
Required - 660; On Hand - 11; To Be Supplied - 649
Pants-pairs (yes, they called them "pants" on the form, not "trousers")
Required - 660; On Hand - 24; To Be Supplied - 636
and so forth.
It would seem that the men serving in the Confederate Army of the Northwest were wearing a lot of non-standard clothing, which likely included both civilian and militia items.
Some other things of note:
1. Although there were nearly enough blankets for all the men, they were requiring two blankets for each man; however they only had 625 on hand;
2. Two flannel shirts were also required per man; again, they didn't have enough of them;
3. They had roughly enough knapsacks to equip at least 268 soldiers; therefore the rest must have improvised with blanket rolls;
This information also substantiates the statement by James Wood (1st Lieut., 37th VA Inf) who said that when they arrived in the Alleghenies from Camp Lee in Richmond, and met Johnson's men for the first time, the soldiers of the 31st and 25th Virginia regiments "marveled at our uniforms and equipment...their officers proclaiming, 'this is how real soldiers should look boys!'"
As our CS target impression will be the 31st VA, these data should provide some nice guidance for those wishing to craft a regimental time accurate portrayal.
Again, many thanks to Harry for providing this invaluable link.
Your servant, et c.,
Bob D.
The records apply specifically to the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, however they undoubtedly are representative of nearly all the regiments in Johnson's Command at the time. Among the most relevant documents are the descriptive lists of accounting of Pay and Clothing Records:
Check out the ones for 1861. What's remarkable is the amazing lack of clothing and equipment among the 31st at this time. For example:
Hats or Caps
Required - 660; On Hand - 8; To Be Supplied - 652
Coats
Required - 660; On Hand - 11; To Be Supplied - 649
Pants-pairs (yes, they called them "pants" on the form, not "trousers")
Required - 660; On Hand - 24; To Be Supplied - 636
and so forth.
It would seem that the men serving in the Confederate Army of the Northwest were wearing a lot of non-standard clothing, which likely included both civilian and militia items.
Some other things of note:
1. Although there were nearly enough blankets for all the men, they were requiring two blankets for each man; however they only had 625 on hand;
2. Two flannel shirts were also required per man; again, they didn't have enough of them;
3. They had roughly enough knapsacks to equip at least 268 soldiers; therefore the rest must have improvised with blanket rolls;
This information also substantiates the statement by James Wood (1st Lieut., 37th VA Inf) who said that when they arrived in the Alleghenies from Camp Lee in Richmond, and met Johnson's men for the first time, the soldiers of the 31st and 25th Virginia regiments "marveled at our uniforms and equipment...their officers proclaiming, 'this is how real soldiers should look boys!'"
As our CS target impression will be the 31st VA, these data should provide some nice guidance for those wishing to craft a regimental time accurate portrayal.
Again, many thanks to Harry for providing this invaluable link.
Your servant, et c.,
Bob D.
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