"Jackson's Valley Army Uniforms" Topic

Just a basic question. My thinking and reading leads me to believe by early to mid 1862 the fancier uniforms worn at Manassses would have been worn out yet the depot system was not yet up and running and most uniforms were produced under the commutation system? As such I would expect a mix of frocks to shells with shells predominating, some trim on jackets and even pants, more kepi's or forage caps than slouch hats compared to later in the war, and a larger mix of colors than the typical English import cloth of 1863 on?

I would agree. I think I'd use the word "uniform" very loosely.

The Confederate Uniform Guidelines for the 150th anniversary re-enactment of McDowell have some good comments on the appearance of the troops from Jackson's and Johnson's commands.

link

The one source on the troops Ewell brought to the Shenandoah is Taylor's statement that the Louisiana Brigade arrived in the Valley wearing "fresh gray clothing and white gaiters". The exception was the one company of zouaves (the Tiger Rifles) in Wheat's Battalion. They appear to have retained their distinctive uniforms at least until the end of the campaign.

Good link thanks

Two more items from my notes.

The 15th Ala is listed in Frederick Todd, American Military Equipage, Vol II, (1983) p. 630 as being issued gray frock coats, gray pants and caps that "that fell over in front" in November 1861.

According to Ross Kimmel, "Enlisted Uniforms of the Maryland Confederate Infantry: A Case Study, Part I", Military Collector & Historian, 41/3 (Fall,1989) pp. 98-108 the uniform worn by the 1st Md cannot be identified, but it is possible it made use of some of the first Richmond Depot Type I jackets. The Marylanders could not draw on a home base of civilians so would have been first in line for depot supplied clothing. Clothing requisitions for April and May 1862 both mention the issuance of only jackets and caps. An 1867 illustration of the 1st Maryland at Harrisonburg (6 June 1862) also shows the men in kepis and short jackets.

State clothing provision for Loiusiana troops came later in the year, with over $600,000 USD being spent on the task for approximately 20 units. Typical was that received by the 3rd Louisiana Infantry in Missouri during September. Each man was given "one red flannel shirt, one cotton shirt, one plaid linsey shirt, to be worn over the cotton shirt, one pair of plain linsey or flannel drawers, one pair of heavy woolen jeans pants and a long jacket, lined inside with linsey, and padded on the shoulders to carry the gun with ease". This was elsewhere described as being "of substantial material known as jeans, being greyish-blue in color with the exception of company K (Pelican Rifles), which is of dark brown". The cloth for this issuance were also produced at the State Penitentary, being subsequently made up by the ladies of Baton Rouge. Uniforms sent to the 1st and 2nd were lost. the 4th and 5th regiments also received their during September. On 19th August 1861 Lieutenant-Colonel Charles De Choiseul wrote "I am getting new fatigue uniforms, for the entire command, of a light blue heavy cloth, a very pretty and servicable uniform indeed". A member of the same regiment wrote on 1 October 1861 "the new uniform is now all here complete, and I can assure you to see 1000 men dressed all alike makes for a different impression on a spectator than a variety of colors, caps, and hats, coats and jackets, and such like mixtures".

The whole of General Rishard Taylor' Louisiana brigade, composed of the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Louisiana Regiments, plus Wheat's 1st Special Batallion, were reviewedin this uniform, plus white gaiters, during May 1862.That received by the 8th revealed the problems the State Penitentary experienced producing cloth of standard quality and color. Some of the clothing was in appearance as "absurd as a harlequin dress, the body and sleeves being of diverse colors and materials".

Uniforms of the Civil War: An Illustrated Guide for Historians, Collectors, and Reenactors – PAge 208

By Ron Field, Robin Smith

Is the "long jacket" a frock coat or a type of long shell, or a sack?

Guess a picture is the best answer to my question. Looks like a shell and from what I remember elsewhere black trim although accoring to Thomas G Rodgers, Irish- American Units of the Civil War the 7th received essentially the same uniform with a 9 button shell jacket and light blue trim so I suppose either is acceptable

What I am trying to work up, for every regiment and battery that fought in the valley, is something along these lines plus their division and brigade assignment at each battle. Still have some work to do (adding slots for different commanders at each step of the campaign, etc.) and a lot of blanks to fill in

Type Infantry
Regiment Name 7th Louisiana "The Pelican Regiment"
Regiment Commander Colonel Harry T. Hays
Weapon US M1842 Musket
Weapon Color/Trim Bright Steel Barrel & Furniture Walnut Stock no Patchbox
Flag
Uniform Grey Shell, Pants, Caps, White Gaiters, Blue Trim
Uniform Reference Thomas G Rodgers, Irish- American Units of the Civil War
Winchester 550?
Cross Keys 600?
Port Republic 600?