Fed officers wearing civilian trousers

[KeystoneGuard]

All,
I seemed to have lost some research concerning federal staff officers wearing civilian trousers. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. I remember that my research led me to a few accounts of staff officers wearing dark blue cotton trousers...

[mississippian]

Well since officers provided their own clothing they could wear trousers that were of a "civilian" cut and with better quality fabrics than the standard govt. issue that enlisted men got. Of course it's usually dark or light blue in color. Cotton trousers would be a good idea in a place like the southern Atlantic coast or Louisiana.

Now, if you are looking for accounts of Officers wearing full on civilian clothing, then there are a few accounts. I think one of colonels in Sherman's division before Shiloh was known for wearing a suit of civilian clothing around camp.

Will MacDonald

[KeystoneGuard]

I do recall that account of Sherman's staff officer. I'm mostly looking for documentation on use of cotton civilian trousers. I have a pair of regulation dark blue trousers but looking for a different impression

[Rob Weaver]

In Bruce Catton's "Mr Lincoln's Army" there is a story that involves a Federal staff officer wearing corduroy trousers. IIRC, the incident, involving a dress parade, took place during the peninsula campaign.