The Richmond Greys itself was formed in 1844, as part of the state volunteer corp., assigned as part of the 19th Virginia Line Militia. In 1851 the state authorized formation of state Regiments. The "Greys" becoming part of the then formed 1st Virginia Volunteers.... In 1856 the respective companies were designated Letter designations. The Greys were assigned as Company-A. April 1861 they were sent to Norfolk. They like several other companies of the 1st Va Vol. were not present in Richmond when the 1st Va was officially accepted into Confederate Service. The Richmond Greys thereafter became Company-G of the 12th Virginia Infantry for the remainder of the war.
There are other photos existent, part of this same series of these photographs. Others show some of the troops not donning greatcoats at the time showing their fatigue (shell) jackets. The same style and trim fashion, as was popular in that region, later adopted and copied in later Richmond Depot (Type-I) clothing issues early war. Some of the companies of the 1st Va were wearing black greatcoats in 1861. Most of the respective companies had their own unique style uniform.