He was issued a bayonet-fitted, Model 1859; double set trigger, Sharps.52 caliber breech loading rifle. Some in Company E were armed with heavy telescopic target rifles. The government also supplied Bill with black leather shoes, brown leather knee length gaiters, an itchy white shirt, Austrian gray pants, a kepi hat, a waist belt, a cartridge box, a canteen, a square mess kit, and two unique ensembles: a fur-covered knapsack, and a distinctive green-dyed nine-button frock coat with rubber buttons-instead of the customary brass-to prevent reflection of light. The uniform, a new one was issued every year, being different from any other in the whole army, provided more than camouflage. It instilled comradeship and fierce pride. Soldiers became warriors. The insignia was brown on black.
Lorrie