Confederate Orders 2008
Beardless Club wearing South Carolina Frockcoats
Charlestown Museum Collection
Welcome to the confederate military page. You will find all the information you'll need to participate as a Confederate soldier at the Skirmish at Wolcott Mill.
Command Staff; The Medich Battalion Command Staff
Confederate Guidelines for the Skirmish at
Wolcott Mill
By written Chris Suppelsa / Edited by Dave Prince
Pvt. Earlt
Charlestown Museum Collection
2008 Event Standards
Purpose - The purpose of these guidelines is to
attempt to recreate the men of the 14th South Carolina Infantry Regiment during
the Antietam Campaign during the fall of 1862 (September). The 14th South
Carolina
was chosen because it is representative of the majority of the Army of Northern
Virginia during this time period..
Your impression is that of a Confederate infantry unit of A. P. Hill's "Light
Division" covering the Army of Northern Virginia's movement back into Virginia
after the Battle of Antietam.
General
Notes - As the purpose portraying the 14th South Carolina is to create a generic
portrayal of the typical units that rushed to Shepherd's Town to push the 5th
Corp back across the Potomac to allow the Army of Northern Virginia time to
return to Virginia. We ask that there be no
state or unit specific equipment in the ranks. This includes but is not limited
to North Carolina Sack Coats, Texas hat insignia, or Kentucky Muffin Buttons.
Thank you for your cooperation.
It is acceptable for some men to be missing parts of their accoutrements. It would be nice to see some men go without bayonets and haversacks, but, let’s not go overboard on this (limited numbers only!! However slowly, during the Bristoe Campaign supplies were still arriving from Richmond.)
Please note - In order to create a more authentic environment we will not allow the use of work boots, tennis shoes, sombreros or any 20th century items at this event. You will be asked to remove them. If you refuse you will not be allowed to participate.
All items
are listed in descending order of preference.
Headgear
Civilian Slouch Hat
Richmond Depot Kepi
Generic Confederate Kepi
Note- All headgear should be devoid of any decorations and/or animal parts.
South Carolina Frockcoat
Charlestown Museum Collection
Military Jackets
Untrimmed Confederate Frock Coat (see pictures of originals) ( This is the preferred coat for our event
Richmond Depot Type I
Commutation Jackets
Note - no Sack coats, Depot Jackets, or Richmond Depot II's (these were issued yet)
Shirts
Confederate Issue Shirt
Civilian Shirt
Trousers
Richmond Depot Trousers
Civilian Trousers
Captured Federal Trousers
( limited
numbers)
Drawers
Confederate Issue Drawers
Civilian Drawers
Socks
Confederate Issue Socks
Civilian Socks
Note- Every participant is encouraged to bring at
least 2 pairs of socks.
Shoes
Confederate Issue Shoes
Imported English Shoes
Captured Federal Shoes
Belts
“Georgia Frame” Belt
Roller Buckle Belt
Imported English Belt
Forked Tongue Belt
Captured Federal Belt
Cap Boxes
Confederate Manufacture Cap Box
Imported English Cap Box
Captured Federal Cap Box
Scabbards
Confederate Manufacture Scabbard
Federal 2 Rivet Cap Scabbard
Imported English Scabbard
Cartridge Boxes
Confederate Manufacture Cartridge Box
Imported English Cartridge Box
Captured Federal Cartridge Box
(Should
have box and breast plates)
Haversacks
Confederate Manufacture Haversack
Captured Federal Haversack
Haversacks made of period correct homespun or tapestry material (limited quantities)
Canteens
Confederate Manufacture Canteen
Captured Federal Canteen (Preferably with a cotton strap)
Firearms
M1862 Richmond Rifle
M1853 Enfield Rifled Musket
M1861 Springfield rifle
Note - It is recommended that all firearms be “defarbed”.
This is not a requirement but is an excellent way to improve your personal
impression
Blanket
Confederate Blanket
Civilian Blanket – (Civilian wool blankets with proper identifications)
Captured Federal Blanket (limited numbers)
Period correct coverlets
Quilts (limited quantities)
Note – There is very little evidence that quilts were used in any large numbers by Confederate soldiers during the war. Historical research does point to some use of coverlets by troops in the later part of the war. Most evidence points to Confederate issue blankets. The Battle of Gettysburg had just been fought there would be a large presence Federal issue blankets in the ranks. Several dairies and journals point out that a Federal blanket was a prize to be taken by all Confederate troops.
Ground cloth
Confederate Painted Blanket
Civilian Oilcloth
Overcoat
(Optional)
Confederate Issue Overcoat
Federal Enlisted Man’s Overcoat
Civilian Overcoat
Tentage - (Confederate Troops will be in a fixed
camp)
A-Frame Tents
Tent flies
Federal Shelter Half
(limited numbers)
Note – If carried, you should carry only one shelter half. Iron tent pegs (ARE DISCOURAGED.) If you use a shelter tent we would prefer that it is pitched as a shebang.
If you have an A – Frame or a Tent Fly please bring them. We wish to portray an Authentic Confederate Camp. There was very little use of shelter tents by the Confederate Army during the War Between the States. We realize this is a step forward in Confederate Reenacting and we will allow the use of shelter halves at the Skirmish at Wolcott Mill 2007
Knapsacks
Confederate Manufacture Knapsack
Blanket Roll
Captured Federal Knapsack
Imported English Knapsack
Note - All participants are encouraged to wear knapsacks
and/or blanket rolls into battle. We are portraying a Confederate unit on the
advance and they would be carrying all personal items and equipment with them.
Mess Gear
As a rule, all participants should possess a cup, plate and
utensils. It is recommended that all participants form into “messes” of 2-4 men
in order to divide the workload and to carry mess equipment such as a hatchet,
skillet, small coffee pot etc…
Personal Items
All personal items such as cards, nightcaps, and pipes are
permitted, as long as they are appropriate to October 1863. However, bear in
mind that you are portraying a soldier on campaign, and would have to carry all
of your possessions with you.
