Regular Army Uniforms

[michael.shafto]

I am trying to get my group guidelines established for the round of 1861 events, to include Wison's Creek. What would a regular trooper have worn while on campaign. The regulation says the sack coat and forage cap are for fatigue purposes. Would combat count as "fatigue duty," or would a trooper be out in his MSJ, Hardee Hat, etc. I tried the search function, but didnt come up with much in regards to CAVALRY.

As of now, I am looking at forage caps with company letter ONLY, sack coats, dark blue trowsers, and Ankle Boots, as far as uniform. Am I heading in the right direction? Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated!

[MarkTK36thIL]

Well, what unit are you seeking to portray?

[michael.shafto]

Sorry, guess that would have helped. I am looking to do 2nd Dragoons, before the reflagging as Cavalry.

[AZReenactor]

The intended combat uniform was the Army Hat, and Frock Coat or Mounted Service Jacket. The fatigue cap and coat were intended for use by new recruits and for fatigue duties. Troops went into the field wearing the fatigue coat and cap because of shortages of the proper uniforms not because that was what was preferred.

Regulars would have been most likely fully uniformed prior to the war and thus would have most likley worn the regulation uniform. In the case of the 1st US Dragoons they left California wearing dark blue trousers, orange trimmed hats and Mounted Service Jackets, but also packed their fatigue coats and caps for fatigue duties.

The 1st California Cavalry drew from the stockpiled supplies in the Far West and likewise took the field wearing orange trimmed Mounted Service Jackets, dark blue trousers, and the army hat. On the march the California Troops (Led by a former Dragoon officer) were ordered to march in fatigue coats with untrimmed army hats; the uniform coat and hat trimmings were to be carefully packed in their knapsacks or saddle valises. (There is some indication that they preferred wearing the MSJ rather than the fatigue blouse even on the march.) They were still wearing the orange trim and dark blue trousers in late 1863.

[wavey1us]

The intended combat uniform was the Army Hat, and Frock Coat or Mounted Service Jacket. The fatigue cap and coat were intended for use by new recruits and for fatigue duties. Troops went into the field wearing the fatigue coat and cap because of shortages of the proper uniforms not because that was what was preferred.

Regulars would have been most likely fully uniformed prior to the war and thus would have most likley worn the regulation uniform. In the case of the 1st US Dragoons they left California wearing dark blue trousers, orange trimmed hats and Mounted Service Jackets, but also packed their fatigue coats and caps for fatigue duties.

The 1st California Cavalry drew from the stockpiled supplies in the Far West and likewise took the field wearing orange trimmed Mounted Service Jackets, dark blue trousers, and the army hat. On the march the California Troops (Led by a former Dragoon officer) were ordered to march in fatigue coats with untrimmed army hats; the uniform coat and hat trimmings were to be carefully packed in their knapsacks or saddle valises. (There is some indication that they preferred wearing the MSJ rather than the fatigue blouse even on the march.) They were still wearing the orange trim and dark blue trousers in late 1863.

Good info. It mentioned that the hat trimmings were to packed into saddle valises. I would assume the 1st CA Cavalry would have been riding Grimsley saddles?????? I have information from an Inspector General with regards the utility of valises vice saddle bags on frontier service.

[AZReenactor]

Yes, initially the 1st California were riding Grimsleys. However the saddles were old and/or poorly maintained and they were very quickly replaced with California saddles made by Main and Winchester Saddlery of San Francisco. From most accounts it looks as thoy they ended up with California Saddles and Grimsley tack.

When does your report date to. Sounds interesting.

One other thing interesting a out the California Volunteers is that they were also issued stock with their initial equipment draw and were still drawing them in late 1863. On the march they were likewise packed away and the men were permitted to wear cravats "in lieu of the stock." Carleton, who'd been a Major commanding the 1st US Dragoons at Fort Tejon commanded the California Volunteers aas though they were regulars and followed many of the pre-war regulations in detail.