What is a sentinel hat?

major bill

Brev. Brig. Gen'l
Forum Host
Joined
Aug 25, 2012
Obviously a hat to wear when on sentry duty or watch duty. But what did a soldier mean when he said 'sentinel hat'?

It appear that it was some type of hat a loved one at home might knit for a soldier.
 
It sounds like you are referring to what the modern military calls a watch cap. It's just what it sounds like, a warm hat designed to keep your body heat from escaping through your head while you are on guard duty or some other outdoor duty in cold weather.

I don't know if I've personally read an account where a soldier called it that, but that's all it could be. There are numerous extant examples in books including some reproduced for reenactors.
 
"Cousin Lucy wrote me, that Miss M. was knitting something for a soldier, which soldier she strongly suspects was me. I shall certainly appreciate it very highly, as I will also appreciate the sentinel cap which you said Mrs. Wiley had kindly offered to knit for me." Letter Thos. J. Goree wrote to his half-sister in Texas from Virginia.
 

Learn About Us
About CivilWarTalk
Contact the Webmaster
Meet the Staff
Link to CivilWarTalk
Join Our Community
Register
Browse Forums
View Today's Discussions
Search the Forum
Get Help
FAQ
Student Guide
Forum Rules & Etiquette
Copyright / DMCA

     Contact Us CivilwarTalk on Facebook CivilWarTalk on YouTube CivilWarTalk on Twitter RSS Feed

Bringing the American Civil War and More to Life.
© 1999 - , CIVILWARTALK, LLC - Site Version 10.0

SlaveryTalk.com - SecessionTalk.com - CivilWarTalk.com - ReconstructionTalk.com
Back
Top