12th Illinois Infantry Regiment, USV

[macwilkin]

While the 79th New York Infantry is certainly well-known on this forum for its adoption of Highland dress as part of it's pre and post-Civil War uniform, there was at least one other Federal unit that originally wore balmorals as part of its kit, the 12th Illinois Infantry, also known as the "1st Scotch Regiment". It's first officer commanding was Colonel John McArthur, who immigrated to the United States from Erskine, Scotland. He had served with the Chicago Highland Guards, a pre-war militia unit.

The noted artist Don Troiani featured an NCO from the 12th in his Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War.

Todd

[macwilkin]

The aforementioned Chicago Highland Guard is mentioned here:

THE WASHINGTON INDEPENDENT REGIMENT was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Shirley, its colonelcy being vacant by the death of Colonel William H. Davis. It's Major was W. H. Wallis, and there were no other regimental officers. It's companies were the Highland Guards, Washington Light Cavalry, Washington Rifles, Washington Grenadiers, and the Black Jager Rifles. These two regiments formed the Second Brigade of the Sixth Division, Illinois State Militia, commanded by Brigadier-General R. K. Swift, who had three aides with rank of major. These were William S. Johnson, Jr., John Ross and E. W. Griffin. Major Charles B. Brown was quartermaster. In January, 1861, the status of these several companies, formerly the pride and glory of Chicago was anything but satisfactory. The old militia system had borne heavily on both the time and finances of men and officers, and as the belief had been forced upon all that the showy glories of parade and drill did not compensate for a depleted purse or the possible neglect of more important duties, the military spirit had gradually died out, and the drill room had been abandoned.

-- http://www.taylorsbattery.org/Pre%20...0formation.htm