79th New York Highlanders Reg.

[macneighill]

If you've never participated in a living history event, you'll have a blast. As for your impression, just do it.

As for my impression (Assistant Surgeon), I've had quite a bit of difficulty participating in "certain" events. Some in the realm of reenacting feel that specialty impressions do not belong at events. Well, I have a difficult time trying to understand that, considering that "we're" trying to educate others on the American Civil War. And, how can we do that if, we're only focusing on one aspect of the War (i.e. an Infantryman). We need to also show them the artillery, cavalry, medical corps, Provost, spies/scouts, Adjutant, Quartermaster, etc. (I could go on and on . . but, will save everyone the torture :mrgreen. I mainly focus on living history or static displays . . and give talks about period battlefield medicine and show period medical instruments.

Just hang with your Father. He's been a reenactor long enough to know what he's doing. And, Rachel is a great resource of info about the 79th NY .

[kiltimabar]

While I agree that in basic Civil War education there is utility in portraying an average, typical soldier, I think there is a lot to be gained in demonstrating that there were many departures from the average, and that this diversity was an important factor in affecting the war and its aftermath. The "average" soldier was not female, black, southern-born, West Point educated, a Zouave, or foreign-born, but there were some, even many, in all these and other categories and they all had their duties to perform.

I find it interesting to see the changes as the war went from a gay crusade in militia parade uniforms at the beginning to the mass-produced standardizations seen in the later stages, when the combat got down to the grim business of crushing the Confederacy. Let some portray the "average", others have a different story to tell.

And remember, "If it ain't fun, then you ain't doin' it right."

[79thReproductions]

Here are some interesting receipts from the spring of 61 when the 79th was preparing to move on Washington city. ith:



This is a receipt for 67 gray flannel shirts made by Lewis Einstein & Co. They paid $653.25 for them. Its made out to "79th Regt N.Y.S. Mil. Lt. Col Elliott" May 27th 1861

Here is another record of the sale:




This one has always interested me. Its Im crossing my fingers that someone might know a bit about "H. Schulting" ith:

Its a receipt for what seems to be the last know tartan purchase. I love their use of "Scotch Plaid"


1,573.5 yards were purchased at $1 per yard! They returned 280 yards leaving them with the cost of $1,293.50. May 24th, 1861

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Rachel,

Got it ! Thanks--

Scott