Gods and Generals Question

[illreb]

I have one more Question to add to the many already posted. Can anyone tell me the unit dressed in Rev war uniforms. I can't seem to find any info on this unit anywhere. Thanks
Illreb

 

[hoosier]

There was a militia unit known as the Morgan Continental Guard that wore such uniforms. Based in Winchester, VA, they were mustered in as Co. K of the 5th Virginia Infantry, which would have put them under Jackson's command at 1st Manassas. I heard that a reenactors group representing that particular unit did participate in the filming of Gods and Generals, which makes it very likely that they were the soldiers you saw on the screen.

The presence of so many militia units dressed in all different styles and colors of uniforms led to plenty of confusion at the battle. I remember visiting the Manassas battlefield years ago and hearing a park ranger tell the story about a particular cannon on Henry Hill.

The story goes that a Union officer came upon a gun crew preparing to fire at some blue-uniformed soldiers across the field. He ordered them to hold their fire.

The leader of the gun crew remonstrated with the officer, saying that he was quite sure that the intended targets were Confederates. But the officer insisted that, if they were wearing blue uniforms, they must be Union, and repeated his order for the crew to hold their fire.

The crew obeyed the order and refrained from blasting away at the blue-uniformed soldiers. Those soldiers, who were, indeed, Confederates, moved in and captured the gun moments later.

 

[mfscw]

Kieth,
The episode George is speaking of was the capture of Rickett's and Griffin's batteries at approximately 2:30 p.m. near Henry Hill House. This was achieved by the 33rd Virginia commanded by Col.Arthur Cummings, who, had disobeyed Jackson's orders and charged the guns. There is an excellent painting of this by Sidney King, who along with many other paintings, did the famous one of Union Artillery at the base of Kennesaw Mountain.
Marc

 

[mfscw]

Pardon me, I meant to say Henry House Hill.

 

[illreb]

Thanks for the help, I did know of the uniform problems both sides had early in the war.( but never of rev. war uniforms) I had heard of the story of the gun crew at Manassas but didn't know the details. A similar I.D.problem caused Sigel's line to break and return to Springfield Mo. at the battle of Wilson's Creek. thanks again

Illreb