Post American Civil War Kilted Regiments Uniform?

[gilmore]

For those who feel they MUSt wear Yankee uniforms:

http://cgi.ebay.com/79th-New-York-Hi...QQcmdZViewItem

[LordKiltClad]

I grew up in Texas, but I hate to point out as so many do, that the North did 'win' in practical sense of the word. And if the "south will rise again" they are taking their sweet time doing it.

Saw this on a T-Shirt at a re-enactment.
"I'd rather be in Texas where we actually were an independent nation for awhile, then in the South who just thought they were for awhile."

I looked up the plate, and the ebay listing. I contacted the seller who is a re-enactor/historian of the 79th. I'm going to talk to him and see what light he can shed.

You guys have been a huge help. Thanks for pointing me in right direction.

[79thReproductions]

The 79th did not have complete federal gear in 1861. They were issued militia jackets and sky blue infantry trousers for the Bull Run Campaign in mid may but still had the highland gear for ceremonial purposes and wore them often in July of 1861.

After that little outing, they realized the war would not be 90 days, and wore their highland uniforms again. This included Trews, 79th doublets, state militia jackets ect. From 1861 - 63 it was a mix between highland and federal uniforms. As you get further into the war, the less highland things there were and more federal.

And about the kilts, There is one documented case of a 79th officer wearing it to Bull Run but the regiment historian, W. Todds "THE SEVENTY NINTH HIGHLANDERS N.Y. VOLS. 1861-1864" page 22.

He took it off after a pig chasing incident and...him diving over a fence. Soldiers in other units saw this and commented harshly...."The next morning the captain appeared the next morning in ordinary uniform."

The 79th wore most anything. Its amazing to see these guys in a frock coat, trews and kepi. A Sack coat and Trews! I love seeing original images of them in miss matched uniforms like that because....it shows that they were not as federal as some would insist.

And...if anyone wants to know about the 79th, dont believe most of the things on the internet....its a double edge sword. You can either ask me, or my good friend and Mr. Beard at

Truth79NY@aol.com

[macwilkin]

The 79th wore most anything. Its amazing to see these guys in a frock coat, trews and kepi. A Sack coat and Trews! I love seeing original images of them in miss matched uniforms like that because....it shows that they were not as federal as some would insist.

Both the Company of Military Historians and noted CW artist Don Troiani have reproduced the "field expedient" look of the 79th in pieces of art, Rachel -- have you seen them? If not, you need to.

But I should point out something here: the 79th were Federal Volunteers -- you seem to be implying that they weren't. Some of their uniforms were not standard federal issue (perhaps that's what you mean), but they were not alone in this -- the various Zouave regiments tended to keep their uniforms throughout the war and not adopted federal-issue kit.

Again, check out the CMH and Troiani's work on the 79th.

Cheers,

Todd

[LordKiltClad]

Just read this on another posting.
http://www.americancivilwar.org.uk/n...egiment_16.htm
The uniform in the picture is close to what is described for an officer post civil war.....hmmm I think I'll contact that Group and see where it leads me.

[itsupmekilt]

try the editors of civil war times. i do remember reading articles on their clothing description for many of the irish and iron brigrades.

[LordKiltClad]

A couple of links the 2 guys sent me where they base some of their information from. Not sure of the validity of what they told me now.

http://www.newworldcelts.org/american.htm

http://www.geocities.com/firstvirginia

Information on the 79th from the Scottish American Military Society
Formed in 1859 as a volunteer regiment in New York from a corp cadre of ex-British Cameron Soldiers. Enlisted mainly Scots and Scottish-Americans and modeled after the Cameron Highlanders of the British Army. They wore the Cameron tartan kilt and Highland pattern jacket in dark blue with red trim and Glengarry bonnet. Mustered into Federal service for the American Civil War in 1861. By mid-war, uniform conformed to Union regulation. Embodied for the entire length of the War. Enlisted 795 men and took over 558 casualties. Initial 6 companies mainly Scots and then with expansion to 1000 men, Irish. Known to be very "clanish" and not friendly to American Scots and other "Americans" who joined. By mid-war, the Irish outnumbered the Scots. The Unit went back to kilts and the highland variation on the standard issue blue army coat after the war as formal dress and subsequent reenlistment into military units that moved west. This main unit disbanded in 1876, as members were moved to other units to protect the frontier.

Still locating the other sources the guys came up with. The information your giving me is quite helpful.

[Iain dubh]

Never mind... for some reason I didn't see the other replies....
Aye,
Iain

[79thReproductions]

Ok. Heres a few pictures of soldiers in the 56th New York. They had NO highland gear whatsoever. For fun, I even am doing members from each company, just so nothing slips through.

Company A

Company B

Company C

Company D

Company E

Company F

Company G

Company H

Company I

Company K


Nothing. Only the regulation sack coats, shells, and frocks. The pants are also federal blue trousers.

I REALLY REALLY doubt that your sources are good ones. Remember, not everything can be trusted.

-Rachel

[LordKiltClad]

Rachel, Thanks for the pictures.

My benefit of the doubt to the guys I'm helping comes from the NY Military Museum that stated the 79th was in full regulation union uniform by 1863. It was formed in 1861. So what were they wearing from 1861-1863?

Also a little of an update, the guys that are wanting to recreate a uniform are going for ceremonial use. That's gonna take more research. *sigh*.