Putting together an kit (84th Royal Highland Emigrants)

[Sir William]

I appreciate the replies. The regiment leader is a bit of a stickler and said the material from WM Booth wouldn't be quite accurate. Looks like I'll have to find another way, probably from a shop.

I'm a bit surprised your new unit doesn't have a list of recommended sutlers from which to acquire the necessary items of your kit, especially since the items you need have to meet their specifications. They should have some recommendations for you on where to get your hose cloth, bonnet, sporran, leather gear, etc, as well as patterns available for your regimental, or an approved tailor. If they don't, then they shouldn't be complaining if you can't what you need. Your new unit has a responsibility in helping new recruits outfit themselves, otherwise they won't keep many new members.

My first Highland unit (we did the 77th for the F&I War and the 71st for the Rev War) had a small stock of some kit items like tartan and buttons on hand, and they provided recruits with a list of sutlers/vendors where you could acquire accepted muskets, bayonets, cartridge boxes, shoes, etc, as well as a suggested list of "acceptable" alternatives until you could acquire the more correct items (I used a heavily modified French beret in the beginning). Coat and wesket patterns were available so you could make your own clothing, or have it made if you lacked the skills or time. We also had a generally accepted time in which to acquire what kit you needed, understanding that it took time and money to assemble even the basics.