Impressions Continued Work on Impression, Advice Needed

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

OK, so I'm starting to get a better idea of the kind of impression I want to pursue, and need some advice for going forward.

At the moment, I'm focused on picking up bits and pieces of my impression as I go along, mainly used gear, focusing on gear that isn't too branch specific (still trending towards artillery but I am ok falling in with infantry if needs be).

The only caveat to this is that I am generally trying to shape an Ohio specific impression, one tied to the Ohio Militia\National Guard. Basically if the gear was made in Ohio (Cincinnati Depot Canteens, OVM buckles, ect.), I have a preference for it. I'll admit a fondness for an early war impression to, I'd love to do a Cleveland Artillery impression. I really love the local aspect of Civil War history and I intend to portray that as much a possible, especially since I am mostly planing on doing small local events and living history presentations.

At the moment, I've acquired a nice Sack Coat for doing a fairly generic impression, and my pants are mounted trousers. I've got a nice tarred haversack, a new homespun red-check square shirt, tin cup, tin plate, tin & wood knife, fork, & spoon, and I have Cincinnati Depot style canteen which is on the way.

On my to do list are a spare square shirt in green check homespun, and possibly also a frock coat (may with LT rank unsure about that or if I should just do an enlisted frock).

Any suggestions on what to move on to next? I am trending towards maybe starting to put together my knapsack, since i basically have a uniform and mess kit put together, staring with the article itself... which brings up the question of hardpack or softpack, something I'd like to let the knowledgable weigh in on.

I've heard arguments for both, and I think I might be able to get away with doing a hard pack as was previously mentioned I am currently interested in doing a Cleveland Artillery impression. I have heard later in the war some Ohio units also got the old style hard packs when supplies of soft packs ran low. Would packing a tin plate in their be OK? The one I just picked up dosen't fit in my haversack, not that there would be room in there in the first place were I carrying a full load anyhow.

I might also look into getting better footwear in the future too... I will have to post some artillerists as depicted on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Cleveland who I've been using for reference. One is wearing mounted trousers, brogans, and gaiters!

 

[Belle Montgomery]

OK, so I'm starting to get a better idea of the kind of impression I want to pursue, and need some advice for going forward.

At the moment, I'm focused on picking up bits and pieces of my impression as I go along, mainly used gear, focusing on gear that isn't too branch specific (still trending towards artillery but I am ok falling in with infantry if needs be).

The only caveat to this is that I am generally trying to shape an Ohio specific impression, one tied to the Ohio Militia\National Guard. Basically if the gear was made in Ohio (Cincinnati Depot Canteens, OVM buckles, ect.), I have a preference for it. I'll admit a fondness for an early war impression to, I'd love to do a Cleveland Artillery impression. I really love the local aspect of Civil War history and I intend to portray that as much a possible, especially since I am mostly planing on doing small local events and living history presentations.

At the moment, I've acquired a nice Sack Coat for doing a fairly generic impression, and my pants are mounted trousers. I've got a nice tarred haversack, a new homespun red-check square shirt, tin cup, tin plate, tin & wood knife, fork, & spoon, and I have Cincinnati Depot style canteen which is on the way.

On my to do list are a spare square shirt in green check homespun, and possibly also a frock coat (may with LT rank unsure about that or if I should just do an enlisted frock).

Any suggestions on what to move on to next? I am trending towards maybe starting to put together my knapsack, since i basically have a uniform and mess kit put together, staring with the article itself... which brings up the question of hardpack or softpack, something I'd like to let the knowledgable weigh in on.

I've heard arguments for both, and I think I might be able to get away with doing a hard pack as was previously mentioned I am currently interested in doing a Cleveland Artillery impression. I have heard later in the war some Ohio units also got the old style hard packs when supplies of soft packs ran low. Would packing a tin plate in their be OK? The one I just picked up dosen't fit in my haversack, not that there would be room in there in the first place were I carrying a full load anyhow.

I might also look into getting better footwear in the future too... I will have to post some artillerists as depicted on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Cleveland who I've been using for reference. One is wearing mounted trousers, brogans, and gaiters!

Were you at the James A. Garfield Civil War encampment this past weekend? If not come to Hale Farm on 8/11 and/or 12...plenty of Ohio (and others-it's the largest ACW RE. in Oh) units there to pick their brains as well as Sutlers...I'll be there too...only I play a female Confederate spy

 

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

Alas, I wasn't as I had work! But my good friend and co-worker Dan McGill was there portraying Col. Garfield. My mother is headed to Hale Farm, but unfortunately I shan't be able to make it due to my work schedule... on the upside I will be heading out to the encampment in Marblehead in October. Ironically I am employed at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Cleveland, so I have been too busying working on Civil War stuff to do Civil War stuff, ha!

The other Monday we were visited by Gen Grant/ Kurt Fields, which was amazing. He even signed our guest register H.U. Grant- Washington City!

Do you know of any other small ACW events in Ohio? I am especially interested in things to do in the fall & winter. I continue to do research into my impression and acquire gear, mainly trying to decide at the moment what facet of my gear I ought to work on next. I should also have an article out this fall in my local historical society's newsletter covering the Cleveland Light Artillery and the Battle of Corricks Ford, I am strongly leaning towards portraying said unit and its successors (most likely the 20th Ohio Indepent Battery) as my primary impression. Were I not so green and poor I'd found my own unit as most of the "local" ones seem either to not be all that local or are disinterested in me.

 

[Si Klegg]

Hi, nice idea to do a State-specific impression and great that you are so close to Cincinnati and the items they made and issued. However, if you're looking to do something generic - especially if you are looking to do Living History interaction with the Public, then - in my opinion - you should dump the check shirts and equip yourself with an Issue Shirt.

A brief look at Wambaugh,White & Co's site contains the following:

Based on an original residing in a private collection in southern Ohio, this shirt represents just one of the three different styles of shirts issued to soldiers throughout the Civil War. Wool flannel shirts were manufactured by contractors from the start to the end of the war but quartermaster records show that an incredibly high number of issue shirts purchased by government arsenals and depots were made of gray cloth. In Cincinnati alone, gray flannel shirts accounted for over 80% of all issue shirts purchased for distribution.

The wool flannel Issue shirt is - again, in my opinion - ignored by most Union re-enactors

a. through lack of research
b. because a civilian check cotton shirt is far cheaper than a wool flannel shirt.
c. because you need an undershirt to wear it in warm weather! (I speak from experience here, wool flannel against your skin can itch like crazy!)

The other thing with any impression … do you intend to portray a soldier on campaign or a soldier based in his own State, say a Camp or Depot? Two very different impressions. It can work out pretty expensive doing both

 

[James Brenner]

Have you visited the Western Reserve Historical Society, now called the Cleveland History Center? If you're interested in the CLA, that's the place to visit. They have Barnett's papers which includes his draft attempt at a regimental history as well as a picture of the pre-war company (Company C) from Brooklyn. Their uniform at that time was essentially a battle shirt trimmed in red with a an 1850 cloth shako. The regimental history, appropriately titled The Cleveland Light Artillery (Cleveland: Cleveland Printing Company,1906; reprint Higginson Book Company), suggests that the unit entered the war wearing a mix of civilian and militia clothing. Once the 3-month CLA returned to Cleveland, Barnett's 6-gun "regiment" became the 1st Regiment, Ohio Light Artillery, and was reorganized and equipped in compliance with federal standards.
This means, of course, that the 20th OIB was not a successor to the CLA. It was an independent battery organized in August 1862 and not assigned to a specific regiment.

Also, if you're in Cleveland, the Cleveland public library has a great research section. Look at copies of the period newspapers for letters to the editor; some newspapers are on line. Also, the library has a copy of The Cleveland Light Artillery. The Gray's Armory in Cleveland has the iron 6-pounder captured at Carrick's Ford.

As a final comment, there is a great deal of information on both the CLA and the First Regiment Ohio Light Artillery; good background research on both of these units will help focus your future purchases.

I hope this helps a bit.

 

[Belle Montgomery]

'

Alas, I wasn't as I had work! But my good friend and co-worker Dan McGill was there portraying Col. Garfield. My mother is headed to Hale Farm, but unfortunately I shan't be able to make it due to my work schedule... on the upside I will be heading out to the encampment in Marblehead in October. Ironically I am employed at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Cleveland, so I have been too busying working on Civil War stuff to do Civil War stuff, ha!

The other Monday we were visited by Gen Grant/ Kurt Fields, which was amazing. He even signed our guest register H.U. Grant- Washington City!

Do you know of any other small ACW events in Ohio? I am especially interested in things to do in the fall & winter. I continue to do research into my impression and acquire gear, mainly trying to decide at the moment what facet of my gear I ought to work on next. I should also have an article out this fall in my local historical society's newsletter covering the Cleveland Light Artillery and the Battle of Corricks Ford, I am strongly leaning towards portraying said unit and its successors (most likely the 20th Ohio Indepent Battery) as my primary impression. Were I not so green and poor I'd found my own unit as most of the "local" ones seem either to not be all that local or are disinterested in me.

Not sure about any others except Zoar and that is semi annual. Kurt Fields and his wife were at JAG Historic site. I do know of a Confederate unit in Valleyview and they're great! They portray 4th VA PACS I have a feeling because of your tight work schedule it is going to be hard to have a unit interested seeing they require some sort of regular attendance. Have you considered starting out being a "wounded or disabled" guy with a crutch/limping or patched eye or bandages etc. escapee or something wearing a uniform (or even half of what's' left aka disheveled ) just walking around by yourself until you find a unit? Or a guerilla/bushwhacker type? Obviously with your keen interest in uniforms you're not interested in being a civilian until then. There are also Ohio CW reenactor Facebook pages too.
PS- tell ur friend Dan I was there in the riding habit with the female spies screen.
PPS- SO cool you work at S & S monument!

 

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

Thanks all for the responses... yes I've seen the Gray's cannon, I made a trip out to their wonderful museum a few weeks ago. The Reminsiscane of the Cleveland Light Artillery is the book I have been reading for my research on the unit... and yes it appears that there uniform for the early war was "dressed"! In fact there is a quote in there somewhere about a member of the 3 months battery/regiment tooling about camp in his shirtsleeves and underwear and nothing more! So I have some leeway in what I do in regards to my impression. I have seen the Battery C picture as well, not sure if that battle shirt was standard for just that gun section or for all of them, although I suspect the Cleveland portions of the unit were more elaborately, or at least more completely, clothed as those men would have been recruited from fairly affluent stock. Definitely have to drop by the WHRS someday and get their records.

Actually, the 20th & 19th OVIB were also successor units to the Cleveland Light Artillery, their commanders/recruiters Captains Smithknight & Sheilds respectively being veterans of that organization, and are listed in the book as such. Hence my interest, especially in Smithknight as he is reputed to have captured the gun at Corricks Ford... but that's an issue for another day!

I haven't totally worked out what my overall impression will be, other than I would lie to do some of it in camp/garrison as most of the events I would be doing would be local, and of course I have interest in Ohio specific equipment. Obviously the CLA would be great for a campaign impression as I love the WV campaign. Interesting info on the issue shirt visa vi Ohio manufacture, if I see a good used one in the future I'll get ahold of one. I plan on using my square shirts for some civilian work down the line in earlier time periods (1840s & 50s) so they will pull double duty most likely.

A question for an interim portrayal whilst shopping about for local units... is it plausible to say that I am detailed from as a messenger from an artillery unit to their attached infantry? I know many dispatches were sent, often by rider... was it done by foot as well if the distance between units wasn't too great? I know in later periods units sometimes had messengers who could relay dispatches from place to place...

 

[Legion Para]

Have you visited the Western Reserve Historical Society, now called the Cleveland History Center? If you're interested in the CLA, that's the place to visit. They have Barnett's papers which includes his draft attempt at a regimental history as well as a picture of the pre-war company (Company C) from Brooklyn. Their uniform at that time was essentially a battle shirt trimmed in red with a an 1850 cloth shako. The regimental history, appropriately titled The Cleveland Light Artillery (Cleveland: Cleveland Printing Company,1906; reprint Higginson Book Company), suggests that the unit entered the war wearing a mix of civilian and militia clothing. Once the 3-month CLA returned to Cleveland, Barnett's 6-gun "regiment" became the 1st Regiment, Ohio Light Artillery, and was reorganized and equipped in compliance with federal standards.
This means, of course, that the 20th OIB was not a successor to the CLA. It was an independent battery organized in August 1862 and not assigned to a specific regiment.

Also, if you're in Cleveland, the Cleveland public library has a great research section. Look at copies of the period newspapers for letters to the editor; some newspapers are on line. Also, the library has a copy of The Cleveland Light Artillery. The Gray's Armory in Cleveland has the iron 6-pounder captured at Carrick's Ford.

As a final comment, there is a great deal of information on both the CLA and the First Regiment Ohio Light Artillery; good background research on both of these units will help focus your future purchases.

I hope this helps a bit.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Don't get the officer frock. The differences between the officer and enlisted frock are immediately visible. I would stick with a sack coat anyway since it's right for any impression at virtually any time. If you're looking into a pack, the double bag soft pack was much more common. Basic brogans are the way to go to get started. Every branch wore them. You can get an adequate pair for under $100 from CnC Sutlery that will serve for the kind of fairly light service you're describing. Don't use monuments as uniform research. They were erected decades after the war, and depict a romanticized view of how the veterans wanted to remember, not what they actually looked like. Don't buy those inexpensive white canvas buckle gaiters sold all over reenacting; they bear little resemblance to anything actually worn.

 

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

Our monument was extensively researched by Levi T. Schofeild, an actual Civil War veteran. He spent the better part of a decade tracking down every detail, to the point of actually paying War Department staff overtime to get the details right on out 10 in Seige Mortar. He even went to Bannermans to inspect real surplus including CSA officer belt buckles and battle flags. He specifically criticized the inaccurate depictions of the war in contemporary monuments and strove to be as accurate as possible.

I'm specifically looking to copy the artillerist depicted with buttoning gaiters & brogans (they seem to be easiest to get hold of, just need for someone over at the trade blanket with the same shoe size to be selling). I have some pictures I'll post later tonight.

I suspect at least some sack coats were in the shipments of government clothes sent to the CLA during their three months, though I don't have totally documentation to back that up. The state and federal gov did issue them clothes several times but like most early war uniforms they fell apart.

I was thinking of doing the frock as a veterans enlisted frock which as I understand were closer to officers frocks (no sleeve trim). I would like in some ways to do a low rank officer perhaps 2nd lt? Anyways that would be for more formal events or to fill the knapsack.

 

[Belle Montgomery]

Our monument was extensively researched by Levi T. Schofeild, an actual Civil War veteran. He spent the better part of a decade tracking down every detail, to the point of actually paying War Department staff overtime to get the details right on out 10 in Seige Mortar. He even went to Bannermans to inspect real surplus including CSA officer belt buckles and battle flags. He specifically criticized the inaccurate depictions of the war in contemporary monuments and strove to be as accurate as possible.

I'm specifically looking to copy the artillerist depicted with buttoning gaiters & brogans (they seem to be easiest to get hold of, just need for someone over at the trade blanket with the same shoe size to be selling). I have some pictures I'll post later tonight.

I suspect at least some sack coats were in the shipments of government clothes sent to the CLA during their three months, though I don't have totally documentation to back that up. The state and federal gov did issue them clothes several times but like most early war uniforms they fell apart. I am contemplating doing an Lt impression though.

Scofield was certainly amazing...so many prominent buildings too including beautiful homes on Cleveland's Euclid Avenue aka "Millionaires Row" which is where my impression is originally from until she married a Virginia man and moved down South and got herself disowned by her family.

 

[James Brenner]

Kudos. It sounds like you've done quite a bit of research. That's good.

Here's a brief description of a CLA uniform: "Although we had been in service six weeks, we had but just received our uniforms that morning. My pants, when I put them on, were about six inches too long and the sleeves of my blouse ditto. After marching all night in the rain, my trousers only came down as far as my knees, they shrank two inches in two hours. [They were] shoddy uniforms and tore as easily as so much paper and were no protection whatever from the weather." "Active Service, or Campaigning in Western Virginia", Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, Issue 3, March 1862. Note: Available at the Cleveland public library.

Also, the Cleveland Morning Leader, 17 June 1861, includes a report in which S.D.P. wrote, "Major Kinsman of the Cleveland Artillery arrived in Grafton on Saturday evening with a battery of 6 and 12 pound rifled cannon for Colonel Barnett's artillery."

Since you're interested in the three month OVM, have you considered a non-artillery impression? The 14th through the 23rd OVMs (infantry) were in state service when they participated in the western Virginia campaign. Of those regiments, only one deployed as a distinct unit: the 14th out of Toledo. The state ignored its own militia laws and, instead of mustering in complete regiments, it opted to call on companies from throughout the state which were then organized into regiments. The 19th Regiment drew on volunteers from the Western Reserve. Company B was from Youngstown; C was from Warren; D, Ashtabula; F, Chardon in Geauga county; G, Cuyahoga Falls in Summit county; I, Ashtabula; and K from Akron.

Descriptions of their uniforms are rather thorough. "The state has put us off with muskets that bear the date 1846 … we received a part of our uniform today. Our pants are a light blue and our coats are to be roundabouts of dark blue and trimmed with U.S. buttons." Jeffersonian Democrat, 7 June 1861

"Our uniform consists of light blue satinet pants (poor quality), a pair of drawers … a bluish-gray flannel shirt … a pair of shoes … a blue cloth cap with a wide front piece, a pair of havelocks, and a blue-gray blanket. Our equipment are a knapsack, haversack, canteen, cartridge box and strap, a bayonet sheath, a cap box, an OVM belt and buckle; also an 1846 musket and bayonet. We received our coats or gray cloth roundabouts with Army buttons and made of pretty good cloth." Jeffersonian Democrat, 28 June 1861.

"Our regiment received the balance of the uniform which consisted of gray jackets, made in military style, with E Pluribus Unum buttons as trimming." Three months in camp and field : diary of an Ohio volunteer / by a musician, Co. H, 19th regiment. www.Hathitrust.org.

""Nearly all of the men are armed with muskets and many of the companies had a partial uniform of red or gray shirts." Cleveland Morning Leader, 29 May 1861.

The gray jackets are interesting. The state adjutant general, in April 1861, directed that state uniforms be of gray wool with black trim. Many of the newspapers carried detailed descriptions of the cut, color, and trim. Some (but not all) of the state regiments received either complete or partial gray uniforms. In May 1861, the federal government directed that all state volunteers have blue uniforms of the U.S. pattern, but may of the state units had already been issued gray uniforms. The 24th through the 27th Regiments (state reserve forces), for example, received gray uniforms, but were not allowed to engage with the enemy until they received blue uniforms.

As for their service, the 19th served throughout western Virginia and was at Rich Mountain. Company C was sent home in disgrace for destroying personal property while on campaign. The court martial never materialized because witnesses were not available.

Finally, if you're serious about a distinctly Ohio officer impression, there's a picture of Captain Frank Buell, B Company, 18th OVM, in Jewett Palmer's, Historical Sketch of Company B, Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, available online at archive.org. It's a head and shoulder shot, but the full view is available in Frederick Todd's, American Military Equipage, Vol. II, State Forces. Todd notes that the image is from the Campus Martius museum in Mariette where Co. B originated. There are a few things that stand out in the full photo concerning the uniform: Buell is wearing epaulets, not shoulder straps. His cap is a shako, and his coat is dark blue with light pants. He's carrying a M1850 field and staff officers sword. I imagine replicating his uniform could be pricey and would be of limited use should you fall in with a unit. However, if you're planning to interact with the public on an individual basis, it's something to consider.

I hope this helps.

 

[7thWisconsin]

Our monument was extensively researched by Levi T. Schofeild, an actual Civil War veteran. He spent the better part of a decade tracking down every detail, to the point of actually paying War Department staff overtime to get the details right on out 10 in Seige Mortar. He even went to Bannermans to inspect real surplus including CSA officer belt buckles and battle flags. He specifically criticized the inaccurate depictions of the war in contemporary monuments and strove to be as accurate as possible.

I'm specifically looking to copy the artillerist depicted with buttoning gaiters & brogans (they seem to be easiest to get hold of, just need for someone over at the trade blanket with the same shoe size to be selling). I have some pictures I'll post later tonight.

I suspect at least some sack coats were in the shipments of government clothes sent to the CLA during their three months, though I don't have totally documentation to back that up. The state and federal gov did issue them clothes several times but like most early war uniforms they fell apart.

I was thinking of doing the frock as a veterans enlisted frock which as I understand were closer to officers frocks (no sleeve trim). I would like in some ways to do a low rank officer perhaps 2nd lt? Anyways that would be for more formal events or to fill the knapsack.

But the monument is already a secondary or tertiary source. Don't base a reenacting impression on it. Use the written descriptions, photos and existing artifacts as sources first. The monument, and other post war art work needs to agree with those also to be considered reliable.
Don't get an officer uniform unless you are filling an officer's role in reenacting. Many reenactors resent self-promoted sutler rangers, and many events do not allow an officer without troops to field. You're an admitted beginner at this point; private is enough rank. Also, if you need to stuff a knapsack for display, use a pillow. (Or better yet, the extra shirt and socks, letters, shaving gear and so forth that you actually need when you live out of a pack.

 

[Belle Montgomery]

Kudos. It sounds like you've done quite a bit of research. That's good.

Here's a brief description of a CLA uniform: "Although we had been in service six weeks, we had but just received our uniforms that morning. My pants, when I put them on, were about six inches too long and the sleeves of my blouse ditto. After marching all night in the rain, my trousers only came down as far as my knees, they shrank two inches in two hours. [They were] shoddy uniforms and tore as easily as so much paper and were no protection whatever from the weather." "Active Service, or Campaigning in Western Virginia", Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, Issue 3, March 1862. Note: Available at the Cleveland public library.

Also, the Cleveland Morning Leader, 17 June 1861, includes a report in which S.D.P. wrote, "Major Kinsman of the Cleveland Artillery arrived in Grafton on Saturday evening with a battery of 6 and 12 pound rifled cannon for Colonel Barnett's artillery."

Since you're interested in the three month OVM, have you considered a non-artillery impression? The 14th through the 23rd OVMs (infantry) were in state service when they participated in the western Virginia campaign. Of those regiments, only one deployed as a distinct unit: the 14th out of Toledo. The state ignored its own militia laws and, instead of mustering in complete regiments, it opted to call on companies from throughout the state which were then organized into regiments. The 19th Regiment drew on volunteers from the Western Reserve. Company B was from Youngstown; C was from Warren; D, Ashtabula; F, Chardon in Geauga county; G, Cuyahoga Falls in Summit county; I, Ashtabula; and K from Akron.

Descriptions of their uniforms are rather thorough. "The state has put us off with muskets that bear the date 1846 … we received a part of our uniform today. Our pants are a light blue and our coats are to be roundabouts of dark blue and trimmed with U.S. buttons." Jeffersonian Democrat, 7 June 1861

"Our uniform consists of light blue satinet pants (poor quality), a pair of drawers … a bluish-gray flannel shirt … a pair of shoes … a blue cloth cap with a wide front piece, a pair of havelocks, and a blue-gray blanket. Our equipment are a knapsack, haversack, canteen, cartridge box and strap, a bayonet sheath, a cap box, an OVM belt and buckle; also an 1846 musket and bayonet. We received our coats or gray cloth roundabouts with Army buttons and made of pretty good cloth." Jeffersonian Democrat, 28 June 1861.

"Our regiment received the balance of the uniform which consisted of gray jackets, made in military style, with E Pluribus Unum buttons as trimming." Three months in camp and field : diary of an Ohio volunteer / by a musician, Co. H, 19th regiment. www.Hathitrust.org.

""Nearly all of the men are armed with muskets and many of the companies had a partial uniform of red or gray shirts." Cleveland Morning Leader, 29 May 1861.

The gray jackets are interesting. The state adjutant general, in April 1861, directed that state uniforms be of gray wool with black trim. Many of the newspapers carried detailed descriptions of the cut, color, and trim. Some (but not all) of the state regiments received either complete or partial gray uniforms. In May 1861, the federal government directed that all state volunteers have blue uniforms of the U.S. pattern, but may of the state units had already been issued gray uniforms. The 24th through the 27th Regiments (state reserve forces), for example, received gray uniforms, but were not allowed to engage with the enemy until they received blue uniforms.

As for their service, the 19th served throughout western Virginia and was at Rich Mountain. Company C was sent home in disgrace for destroying personal property while on campaign. The court martial never materialized because witnesses were not available.

Finally, if you're serious about a distinctly Ohio officer impression, there's a picture of Captain Frank Buell, B Company, 18th OVM, in Jewett Palmer's, Historical Sketch of Company B, Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, available online at archive.org. It's a head and shoulder shot, but the full view is available in Frederick Todd's, American Military Equipage, Vol. II, State Forces. Todd notes that the image is from the Campus Martius museum in Mariette where Co. B originated. There are a few things that stand out in the full photo concerning the uniform: Buell is wearing epaulets, not shoulder straps. His cap is a shako, and his coat is dark blue with light pants. He's carrying a M1850 field and staff officers sword. I imagine replicating his uniform could be pricey and would be of limited use should you fall in with a unit. However, if you're planning to interact with the public on an individual basis, it's something to consider.

I hope this helps.

Hello James Brenner from up here from a suburb of Cleveland-maybe see you at Hale Farm?

 

[Western Reserve Volunteer]

I can understand events wanting to curb walk on Maj. Gens, but given our ranks are all fictional I don't see what the fuss among reenactors & within units is. Most are so old they ought to be pensioners not privates! But if people are going to be stubborn about it I'll be a private.

I might make use of those buttons off my old frock to try & recreate a early war state jackets now that I know more about them. No such thing as too many uniforms, I say!

I am generally wanting to stick to artillery since that's my interest area and my trousers are riding trousers but might cultivate an infantry impression too since there is a lot of overlap with in basic gear. I'd love to portray someone who switched branches... would it make sense for me to go artillery then infantry or the reverse when it comes to hypothetical service record?

 

[James Brenner]

Hello James Brenner from up here from a suburb of Cleveland-maybe see you at Hale Farm?

Regrets. I will not be able to be there. Maybe next year ...

 

[TnFed]

Scofield was certainly amazing...so many prominent buildings too including beautiful homes on Cleveland's Euclid Avenue aka "Millionaires Row" which is where my impression is originally from until she married a Virginia man and moved down South and got herself disowned by her family.

 

[TnFed]

Were you at the James A. Garfield Civil War encampment this past weekend? If not come to Hale Farm on 8/11 and/or 12...plenty of Ohio (and others-it's the largest ACW RE. in Oh) units there to pick their brains as well as Sutlers...I'll be there too...only I play a female Confederate spy

Ever do your impression in Hamilton Ohio?

 

[Belle Montgomery]

Ever do your impression in Hamilton Ohio?

Regrettably no

 

[Belle Montgomery]

Regrets. I will not be able to be there. Maybe next year ...

Please do-love to meet more people on here...they say it's the largest in Ohio, some say Zoar- but that's semi annual . Either way the prestigious Case Western Reserve University owns it and puts it on but I bet you knew that.