Confederate caps with brass numbers

[major bill]

I was looking for an article in some old Military Images magazines and noticed there were several images of Confederate soldiers wearing caps with brass letters and numbers. Would it be safe to assume this was mostly in the early part of the War?

Would have the Confederate government or State government have issued the letters and numbers or would the unit or the men themselves provided them?

 

[tullock]

I was looking for an article in some old Military Images magazines and noticed there were several images of Confederate soldiers wearing caps with brass letters and numbers. Would it be safe to assume this was mostly in the early part of the War?

Would have the Confederate government or State government have issued the letters and numbers or would the unit or the men themselves provided them?

Mainly early War I would think, although worn well into 1862 by units in the ANV especially.For example Private Robert Campbell, Company A, 5th Texas, wrote about an incident in July 1862 "The way he knew I was a Texan, was by my cap. In those early days of the war nearly every soldier had his Co. number of regt. and state on his cap in fancy brass letters."
On 4th February 1862, the QM of the 33rd North Carolina Infantry issued 1000 letter 'N's, 1000 letter 'C's and 2000 number '3's to his Regiment. Each of the 10 companies receiving an equal number.

 

[AUG]

In the photos of the 1st Texas Infantry in winter quarters, 1861-62, they are wearing forage caps with unit designation and what looks like a star.

1st Lieutenant Eli H. Baxter. MG for Marshall Guards, Company E, 1st Texas Infantry.

Also in this image Richard J. Bailey of the 3rd Arkansas is holding a kepi with unit designation.