Zack
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2017
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
Hey everybody!
I have some specific questions about the uniform, equipment, and appearance of a veteran Union soldier during the Battle of the Wilderness. I've done some research of my own and looked at period photographs and illustrations but some sources have conflicted and a few things are still a little unclear. I was hoping you guys could help!
At the outset of the Overland Campaign, did the average veteran union soldier use a blanket roll, knapsack, or both?
Did the average veteran Union soldier carry a gum blanket? If so, how?
Did the average veteran Union soldier carry a shelter half or did they prefer to sleep on the ground while on campaign?
Did the average veteran Union soldier wear a forage cap or a slouch hat? How prevalent were slouch hats in the Army of the Potomac?
Did Civil War soldiers roll up their sleeves? Specifically, the sleeves of their jackets? Don Troiani and Brian Pohanka write that the 1st Texas "stripped to their shirtsleeves before attacking Devil's Den," but was this simply an isolated incident? Would a Union soldier also do this?
Did Civil War soldiers unbutton the top buttons of their jackets if hot? Bottom buttons?
How would a Civil War soldier carry a photograph? Would it be framed? Would it be with a writing kit or something? Stuck in a book as shown in Cold Mountain? Loose in a pocket?
Where would Civil War soldiers carry pipes and tobacco? Pockets? Haversack? Knapsack?
Some authors seem to suggest veteran Union soldiers liked to wear their hats at a "jaunty angle" and stick a feather in them. Was this really a common practice?
Any help would be greatly, greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
I have some specific questions about the uniform, equipment, and appearance of a veteran Union soldier during the Battle of the Wilderness. I've done some research of my own and looked at period photographs and illustrations but some sources have conflicted and a few things are still a little unclear. I was hoping you guys could help!
At the outset of the Overland Campaign, did the average veteran union soldier use a blanket roll, knapsack, or both?
Did the average veteran Union soldier carry a gum blanket? If so, how?
Did the average veteran Union soldier carry a shelter half or did they prefer to sleep on the ground while on campaign?
Did the average veteran Union soldier wear a forage cap or a slouch hat? How prevalent were slouch hats in the Army of the Potomac?
Did Civil War soldiers roll up their sleeves? Specifically, the sleeves of their jackets? Don Troiani and Brian Pohanka write that the 1st Texas "stripped to their shirtsleeves before attacking Devil's Den," but was this simply an isolated incident? Would a Union soldier also do this?
Did Civil War soldiers unbutton the top buttons of their jackets if hot? Bottom buttons?
How would a Civil War soldier carry a photograph? Would it be framed? Would it be with a writing kit or something? Stuck in a book as shown in Cold Mountain? Loose in a pocket?
Where would Civil War soldiers carry pipes and tobacco? Pockets? Haversack? Knapsack?
Some authors seem to suggest veteran Union soldiers liked to wear their hats at a "jaunty angle" and stick a feather in them. Was this really a common practice?
Any help would be greatly, greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!