Kershaws BDE at Fredericksburg

[HISTJUNKY]

Hello,

I have been trying to figure out what Kershaws brigade would have been issued just prior to Fredericksburg 1862, if anything? I am looking for uniforms and equipment. I have been trying to find references on this through accounts etc but my online search has proved limiting. The only form of pictures I can find is a sketch of Cobbs BDE on the stone wall and the paintings of Kirkland when he went out to give water to Fallen Federal troops. In the painting Kirkland wears what looks to be a RD II or I with no tape and blue SGT Chevrons is there any documentation backing this up? Could some of the Reg been issued RD Jackets by this time? Some time after Sharpsburg? I know the Commutation system was coming to a close and the Depot system was taking over at this point.

[HISTJUNKY]

Ok,

For anyone who is interested I found this quote off the AC forum its from the 7th SC. Depending on when they were finely issued this uniform.. could be an example of what some of Kershaws BDE looked liked.

"courtesy of Neill Rose.

H'dts 7" SC Regt, Aug 19, 1862

From the last paragraph....

"I have nothing more of interest to write you. Our conscripts are tolerably
well fixed for camp life; nicely equipped & when we get our new uniform, I
think the old 7" will astonish her neighbors. We are having a uniform made in
Rich at the Gov't rooms, dark steel mixed jacket with light blue pants. The
pants are to be lined throughout with osnaburys. Both cloths are heavy & good,

English manufacture. Some men in the Regt are opposed to it, but I have
forbade the Qt Mast paying out a cent of clothing money, & hence they must come

in. Kindest regards to Mrs. Bland. With wishes for your speedy return.

I am as ever,
Yrs truly
D. Wyatt Aiken"

Link to thread:
http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ish+army+cloth

Chris

[HISTJUNKY]

To all:

I ordered the Book Far Far from Home The Wartime Letters of **** and Tally Simpson, 3rd South Carolina Volunteers. It is an excellent look into a soldiers life in the ANV. How ever he does come from a rich family and brings a servant along in which he refers to often in his letters. So far I have come up with the following to possibly help through the below quotes. It would be a good "assumption" that the 3rd was in "Short jackets/round about coats" from July 1862 through at least January 1863.

" Camp Jackson VA
Friday July 18 1862

Our Regt has been uniformed [in] grey woolen cloth and round about coats."

and

" Dec 3rd 1962

Notice

Owing to the fact that winter, cold disagreeable winter, is now on hand, and that all privates in the army are oftentimes exposed to its severity, both in camp and on picket, it is therefore earnestly solicited by one T. N. Simpson - Priv, Co A, 3rd S C Regt- that a nice comfortable sack coat be made for him by the inmates of Mt jolly, "Oposum corner", Anderson District, South Carolina. he would like it made of thick, substantial cloth, lined from collar to tail, and fit similar to one R W Simpson's black over coat, and sent on the very first opportunity. As he has nothing but a short jacket without an overcoat for this severe weather, he needs the above mentioned article very badly indeed."

Also he asks for some clothes and I think he gets them On Dec 2nd but does not list all contents of package:

"
Camp Near Martinsburg [Va]
Sep 24th 1862

Well, to my clothing. I want two or three pair of woolen socks, a strong pair of boots, a couple of shirts woolen, and a couple pair of woolen drawers, scarf, two handkerchiefs, pair of woolen gloves, sleeping cap. I am without blanket and oil cloth, they having been stolen from me the day of the fight after we had unslung knapsacks to enter the fight. Where are the blankets Mrs Latta sent me? Send one of them. I will draw one in a few days. You can make me an overcoat such an one as Buddie would recommend, but don't send till I write for it as I may not be able to carry it. I will not want any leggings if I get my boots. I am afraid my wants will tax you all too much."

"
In Camp near Fredericksburg
Tuesday Dec 2nd 1862

The box from Laurens has come, and I am glad to say that my bundle of clothing and the nice little box of peach leather are now in my possession"

Will throw this in there as well as I think its neat he mentions being issued "regular English army shoe".

"
Richmond Va
Friday 23rd May 1862

I am much in need of clothing, in fact almost shoeless and hatless. I suppose by this time Ma has received my letter in which I reported my condition with reference to cloths. my boots are still living, but in the last gasp of death, but we will draw from the Government the regular English army shoe this evening or tomorrow. My hat hat is on my head and that is all; whither it does much good or not I can't say. the worst part of it is there is no prospect for another. however I have made requisition for one."

If I find more will list but this is where I am at to what could pertain to the Fredericksurg time frame. Oh also he had a blanket at Fredericksburg as he references it:

"
Fredericksburg
Thursday Dec 18th 1862

As soon as James heard that I had gone into the fight, he packed up my blanket and started to where I was."

Thanks
Chris

[HISTJUNKY]

this photo is from this web site:http://www.blackconfederatesoldiers....iforms_58.html

But it does put the 2nd South Carolina in short/roundabout Jackets.. Circa unknown. However in Simpson letters he does talk about 6 Slaves were in his company and that the QM would allow rations for up to 8. Funny though Simpson does not call them slaves but Negros and Blacks.



Does any one have any opinions or information on this matter?


Chris