Federal issued black pants

[major bill]

In January of 1862 Michigan received 3,000 pairs of black pants to issue to the regiments forming in Michigan. Does anyone know how many pairs of black pants were purchased by the Federal government in early 1862? I am going on the assumption that Federal issued, black uniform items were not uncommon.

 

[BTWhite61]

It likely did not last long. Ten years ago I studied a black infantry greatcoat that was worn by an early war Wisconsin soldier, and I used to own a pair of black kersey trousers that shared some similarities to other early war varieties. In addition to the black trousers, the state of Michigan also provided her early volunteers with black greatcoats that can be see in some early war photographs. Earl Coates and I believe Don Troiani found evidence that uniforms of non-regulation color were sometimes shipped west including black, dark blue, and gray greatcoats.

 

[major bill]

Michigan did issue three styles of gray uniforms.