Scotsmen in gray.

major bill

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
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Aug 25, 2012
Most American think of British Regulars in the red uniforms when they think of Great Britain joining in the Civil War. But they forget that places like Nova Scotia allowed her militia companies to select their own uniforms. Many Nova Scotia militias chose gray uniforms and The Halifax Scotish Rifles are one that selected gray. It appears that only the piper of The Scotish Rifles wore a kilt. Their officers and the Sergeant Major wore a plaid scarf across his chest. In January 1862 the Halifax Scotish Rifles switched to rifle green uniforms.

The Halifax Rifles (Irish) wore gray with green facings. Another unit, the Irish Volunteer Rifles, also chose gray with green facings. The Chebucto Greys (English) also wore gray.

So it would appear if the British had joined the Confederacy in the war, at least some/most Nova Scotia militiamne would be wearing the right color of uniforms.
 
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This did cause some confusion. When private James Le Guire landed in Boston on the way to visit relative in Memphis in 1861 authorities found his gray Halifax Rifles uniform which Le Guire had brought with him to show his relatives. The misinformed private was arrested for being a Confederate officer and sent off to a military prison. He was released when it was found he was a British subject
 
Who in the world could confuse this 1862 era Halifax Rifles uniform for a Confederate officer?

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The 12th Illinois Infantry under Scotsman Col. John McArthur were initially clad in gray uniforms and the Glengarry caps. McArthur was born in Erskine on the River Clyde. They were known at the 1st Scoth Regiment for a time. Funny name as since any Scotsman will tell you, Scot is the man, Scoth is the drink. The gray uniforms were gone before they fought at Ft. Donelson but the caps stayed at least through Corinth in October, 62. Thanks to Don Troiani who allowed me to use the image for a newspaper article some years ago.

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Part of an illustration by Richard Hook from The Confederate Army 1861-1865 (1) South Carolina & Mississippi by Ron Field. The Union Light Infantry of Charleston. They had formed in 1807 by the Scottish residence of Charlesc on and were still active by the start of the Civil War. They became Co. F 1st South Carolina Infantry Battalion and the Co. 27th South Charleston Infantry. Any of our member recognize the plaid?

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Not plaid, it's called tartan and just off the top of my head it might be either Scotland National or Black Watch.
 
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