Wearing a Great Coat

[clyons]

I will be attending a civil war Christmas Service and was wondering when wearing a great coat does one wear the cartridge belt and haversack on the outside of the coat or under the coat. Sorry if this question sounds stupid I just want to be accurate.

Chuck Lyons
10 IL Infantry

[50th VA Corporal]

I never could get all my accouterments over the greatcoat, under the cape, to fit comfortably. With a correct weight greatcoat there is the added bulk to contend with.

I too am curious on how others deal with this situation.

[akcampaigner]

Here are some photos of Federal soldiers wearing overcoats and equipment.

[Poor Private]

I was just outside tonight and yesterday during our first annual blizzard. I was having some pictures taken while wearing my uniform. I had no problems wearing my leathers on the outside of my great coat.
The only thought I had was where do you wear your canteen? it was 10* out and water would soon be frozen in the canteen on the outside of a great coat. It would be uncomfortable to wear it under the great coat with the buttons fastened and the leathers on, and not so easy access. Now what do I do with my haversack? Frozen salt pork and anything else that had a high moisture content yummy.

[79th New York]

Do you have the information for that 9th Corp image?

[Rob Weaver]

Good assortment of photos. Yep - your stuff goes outside the overcoat. A remember to loosen the straps on your knapsack. I remember getting numb fingers because the straps were too tight. Yes, your water and food will freeze if far enough from your body heat in cold enough weather, and I think that would have been considered an acceptable cost of soldiering in those days. At the same time, armies tried not to maneuver in the depth of winter, either, so you would be carrying your gear for at most a few hours while walking a guard post. I don't think a corporal of the guard would fault a soldier for carrying his canteen under his overcoat. Any evidence that soldiers carried a canteen of hot liquid (coffee or tea) snugged up under an overcoat, like a hot water bottle?

[johnduffer]

" At the same time, armies tried not to maneuver in the depth of winter, either, so you would be carrying your gear for at most a few hours while walking a guard post. "

It's true winter quarters was the preferred norm but Fort Donelson, Stones River, Fredericksburg and Nashville show that best laid plans...

John Duffer

[lincolnsguard]

If you were going to a church service, civilian and most cases militiary service. I'd think your musket and 'couterments should be left with the camp guard. Canteen and haversack on the outside of your coat.

Who brings a gun to church?

[Silas]

Even in winter quarters, there is much activity in the field with picket/guard/outpost, gathering wood, moving supplies, keeping camps orderly and et cetera.

[lincolnsguard]

If you have Guard or Fatigue, you ain't a goin' to church.

Now if someone is holding a service at the "Guardhouse" or during a fatigue, well that's a horse of a different color. But, our initial poster says he's attending a "Christmas Service." I would assume it's an "organized" deal where "Chaplin Joe" or some local Man of the Cloth is holding some type of organized Christmas Church Service. Where he's in camp, your arms and acouterments are stacked and under the Camp Guard. And, I don't see the Grand Guard holding services unless it's some impromptu thing at one of the "reserves."

"Church Call would be sounded and the men formed..."

Historically speaking that is...