"10th USCT Zouaves" Topic

On the fb page Brothers Gone Before I just read a period newspaper article from Norfolk, VA, Nov '63, which describes the new Zouave uniforms of the newly formed 10th USCT regiment. The article lists blue jackets trimmed red, blue pants and white leggings and a blue fez and green tassel. The regiment served almost two years. So, these Af-Am Zouaves, the only ones I've seen evidence of, would make a distinctive addition to a wargamers USCT brigade. I'll be painting mine as soon as the order of minis arrives. Blue Moon 15mm for me. And I'm thinking of either a red or green sash, since they are cast on the miniatures and there is no mention of a sash in the brief newspaper article description.

They were formed as part of the Corps d' Afrique on the Gulf Coast, which would (I guess) help account for their exotic uniform. They were actually the 10th for a relatively short period of time. As a snapshot in time, they are a nice way to break up the sameness of a wall of Union blue.

Another person posted on the same fb page copies of two QM letters in March 1864 approving 750 Zouave uniforms for the 10th USCT, so they wore them long enough from the fall of '63 until mid or late spring of '64 to warrant a replacement set for every soldier. And yes, a little variety is nice in the Union army on the tabletop, even if this regiment will also be blue or over blue, but with some colorful trim.

I wonder why none of the noted historical artists have featured this unit? If they dressed in such a unique uniform, the regiment would be a splendid subject.

The QM list includes 739 "Zouave Scarfs". Those were likely the waist sashes.