Columbus Depot Jackets

[Spurlock]

Does anybody know how prevalent Columbus Depot jackets would have been in the Ga. Militia?

Greg Sheppard

[Coatsy]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

First off don't forget to sign your name on the forum.

Second, Civilian coats and homespun military patterned coats were the most common. The Georgia Depot jackets might have found their way to the Militia, but they were definitely behind the first two choices.

All of the contemporary accounts describe the Georgia Militia in home made or civilian coats.


See the Bragg and Scaife books and Watkin's "Co Aytch" has a fun account of the militia.

[jones56ga]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

Perhaps in and around Atlanta they may have received military clothing...But how PREVELANT it would have been? I dont know. My ancestor A. Atkinson served in the militia around Atlanta. He mentions, in letters, his clothes several times, but never mentions receiving government clothes. A civilian jacket/coat might be a safer bet.

[csabugler]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

Pure speculation here, but even around Atl the general failings of the supply system for the confederates makes me think Militia would not have gotten much. IMHO, it would be easier to leave the CDJ at home than to document it in the militia.

[North_State_Rambler]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

Below is a 1864 tintype of one of my ancestors from Elbert County, who was called up with the "Second Division" (extremely young and extremely old). His unit went through Atlanta, but he ended up guarding prisoners at Andersonville. Obviously difficult to make out much in the way of detail, but it is one more image to add to the pile.

[csabugler]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

Wow, how old was he?

[North_State_Rambler]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

Wow, how old was he?

Sixteen years old, twelve years younger than I am now. All the hype, cool stuff, and peer pressure aside, he is the actual reason I signed up for this event, and why I will definitely be in attendance, come hell or high water.

[hpotter]

Re: Columbus Depot Jackets

Naturally the militia had been an organized body for longer than the convicts, but just recalled a note made by Major G.W. Nichols, Sherman's aide-de-camp. He mentions seeing a large group of captured convicts from the Oconee river actions and how most were still wearing their state penitentiary clothing. In reference to the topic, why weren't these men given something like a Milledgeville jacket? Probably because their was not a lot of time or priority to do so. The militia may of been the same way even in Atlanta. Move here, guard there, shift here, board trains for there. Who knows!!