Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: Guns Garrett on July 04, 2018, 02:30:50 PM
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I started posting some of the information I found on my "I Give Up" thread, but it seemed more proper to in a new topic.
Kansas raised a total of four Volunteer regiments for the Spanish-American War, the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Kansas had provided 19 regiments during the Civil War, and continued the numbering when the occasion re-arose.
The 23rd was a "Colored" Regiment, of African-Americans. They served in Cuba from Aug 1898 to March 1899.
The 20th embarked to the Philippines in the fall of 1898 and served until October of 1899. During its time of service in P.I., it lost three officers and 19 men killed in action, 11 more died of wounds, and 35 men died from disease. Only four men were lost to desertion, and three members of the Regiment were awarded the Medal of Honor: Col Frederick "Fighting Freddy" Funston, Pvt William Trembly, and Pvt Edward White, for actions during battle at Pampanga River, near Calumpit, Luzon, Philippines.
The Treaty of Paris was signed Dec 10, 1898, officially ended the Spanish-American War, Spain ceding the Philippines to the U.S. for a payment of $20 million dollars. Most Filipinos were NOT happy, considering they merely traded one oppressive Imperialist occupier for another. On Jan 1, 1899, Emilio Aguinaldo declared himself President of the INDEPENDENT Republic of the Philippines.
At about 8 pm on February 4, 1899, Private William Grayson, along with Private Orville Miller and one other man advanced from Santol towards Blockhouse 7, suddenly encountering four armed men after about five minutes of patrolling. According to Grayson's account, he and Miller called "Halt!" and, when the four men responded by cocking their rifles, they fired at them and retreated to Santol. Personal accounts by Grayson claim that he "dropped" two and Miller one, but neither American nor Filipino official reports mention anyone being hit. Thus began the Philippine-American War, or "Philippine Insurrection", that lasted (officially) until July, 1902
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Although not directly related to the 20th Kansas, here's the account of General Funston's capture of Aguinaldo:
http://www.filipinoamericanwar.com/captureofaguinaldo1901.htm
Has a little of his story after the war. Interesting that both Funston's and Aguinaldo's sons were admitted to West Point, both in 1923.
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Another interesting note from the pictures accompanying this article-and many others on this site-no, or very few, suspenders on the American troops. Personally, I can't go without either suspenders or a belt, especially with the "high waistband" period trousers. But white suspenders are part of the iconic Span-Am outfit. Perhaps T.R. had a similar "problem" and wore suspenders, and since everyone models after him...…
Also, I see a couple of the officers under Funston wearing what appear to be belts with rectangular "US" buckles, more of them, as well as the Philippine Scouts carrying handguns, have a gun belt with a large "D" buckle.
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If you want the correct pattern suspenders, these are the best available.
http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/6864-US-M1887-Trouser-Suspenders/?bc=no
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If you want the correct pattern suspenders, these are the best available.
http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/6864-US-M1887-Trouser-Suspenders/?bc=no
There were at least 2 pair of these used at the Grand Muster.
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A photo of the 20th Kansas, entrenched, but no date given. Hard to determine if the sack coat is being worn, or a shirt with the cuffs unbuttoned...or a shirt with very loose sleeves. Several of the men have VIII Corps badges on their field hats, and note the various individualism shown in the shaping: regulation fore/aft crease, Montana peak, flat-topped, and "sugarloaf" styles. Very difficult to make identification of the weapons being used. About the only thing definable is the two rifles (2nd and 3rd from right) leaning against the side of the trench seem to have the longer "cleaning jag" type of tip, and the one in the center of the photo looks like a simple "button"-type end. None have rear sight visible, so cannot tell if the rifles are 1884 models. No ramrod bayonet, so not 87s.
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Another photo of the 20th KVI, showing an officer or NCO with what appears to be a 1873 "Artillery Model" Colt Single Action:
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I posted this on the other thread, but some comments.
A posed photo of a group of the 20th Kansas, with a corporal and a medic. They are wearing the 5-button fatigue blouse, no pockets, piping, or cuff button visible, so I'm thinking 1883 fatigue blouse? (help me out here, Drydock). Mills belts are lighter in color than the blouse, so evidently khaki, with "H"-shaped buckles. Hard to tell if trousers are khaki or blue, but leggings look darker (brown M1895/97?). Rifles appear to NOT have the Buffington rear sight, so probably M1873. State Volunteer units were likely to have a mix of variations of the same model, as other photos appear to have both 73 and 84 Trapdoors.
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Here is a photo of the 20th "outside Manila" (probably Caloocan), Feb 1899. Looks like khaki trousers and leggings, blue Mills belt, blue Army shirt with long-sleeved undershirt. Again, a lot of variety in hat styles. 2nd shooter from the camera appears to have crossed rifles and unit numbers on his hat. 4th shooter down has something on the front of his hat, looks small, so maybe an VIII Corps pin. Bayonet has round disk in scabbard - probably marked "US", but cannot determine if it is attached with wire loop, or clip to belt. I think clip cuz I would think with the wire hanger the scabbard would "hang" lower from the belt.
Rifles all appear to have long rear sight bases, so...1884?
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A photo of the 20th Kansas, entrenched, but no date given.
The building in the back left looks familiar ::)
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Here is a photo of the 20th "outside Manila" (probably Caloocan), Feb 1899. Looks like khaki trousers and leggings, blue Mills belt, blue Army shirt with long-sleeved undershirt. Again, a lot of variety in hat styles. 2nd shooter from the camera appears to have crossed rifles and unit numbers on his hat. 4th shooter down has something on the front of his hat, looks small, so maybe an VIII Corps pin. Bayonet has round disk in scabbard - probably marked "US", but cannot determine if it is attached with wire loop, or clip to belt. I think clip cuz I would think with the wire hanger the scabbard would "hang" lower from the belt.
Rifles all appear to have long rear sight bases, so...1884?
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/113791-us-model-1873-bayonet-for-the-trapdoor-s (https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/113791-us-model-1873-bayonet-for-the-trapdoor-s) Brass hook. It's interesting that this picture shows Buffington sights (M-1884 Springfields) and the one above shows M-1879 rear sights.
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Another photo of the 20th KVI, showing an officer or NCO with what appears to be a 1873 "Artillery Model" Colt Single Action:
Hard to tell on the barrel length of the Colt but look at his holster. It appears to be for a 7-1/2" Cavalry model. Also, check out his boots. The look like they lace all the way up the front.
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I agree, the holster looks long enough for a 7.5" barrel, but the barrel of the pistol looks to be only about 1" longer than the ejector rod.
Putting those boots on if your camp gets attacked early in the morning would be a chore...
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It seems, in all my reading and net surfing, is that the 20th were issued the 1883 fatigue blouse, 1883 wool shirt, 1885 blue trousers, and khaki Mills belts with "H" buckle, brown leggings, and various variations of the Trapdoor. Later, they obtained khaki trousers and leggings, as well as blue Mills belts.
Photos of Volunteer uniforms, in various books and websites, if the items are identified, specify the 1883 blouse. I have found no photos or text that references the 20th being issued 1887 blue or later khaki blouses, only trousers.
A photo of the 20th's "Welcome Home" parade in Topeka (or Iola), KS in Nov 1899 shows them in the 1883 blue blouse, 1885 blue trousers, and 1895 cap
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Photos of Volunteer uniforms, in various books and websites, if the items are identified, specify the 1883 blouse. I have found no photos or text that references the 20th being issued 1887 blue or later khaki blouses, only trousers.
The blue blouse I have from S&S is an 1887, so wouldn't be exactly right for you. Looks like Quartermaster shop for your jacket.
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The various 5 button blouses from 1883 to 1898 were largely indistinguishable. In 1883 specifications were issued for a new blouse that was pretty much the same as the M1784, but without the piping.
HOWEVER: In 1884, new specifications were issued to add 3 outside accessed pockets to the blouse. This was not seen much, as the directive that all previous issue must be "Used up" remained in force. Then in 1890, new specifications were issued for a new 5 button blouse, with NO outside pockets (it had been decided that these tended to get overloaded, and sag open) instead it was intended to have 2 inside, slit pockets on each breast. Externaly it looks just like the 1883, but of better, smoother material.
I believe what you see on the 20th KVC are M1890 blouses. But of course, these to our eyes are unchanged from the earlier M1883, as was indeed intended! The Pocketed M1884 is very rare.
Oddly enough, in 1898 specifications were issued once again adding exterior pockets to the Blouse! But few of these would reach the field before being replaced wholly in 1902 by field Khaki/drab.
Virtually all .45-70 single row belts were issued undyed, of natural drab material. These would darken to brown/near black over time, with accumulation of dirt, sweat, etc. I believe that is what you are seeing here. With the issue of the Krag they would recieve blue dyed double row belts for .30-40 ammunition.
Reference:
"Uniforms, Arms and Equipment 1880-1892" Douglas McChristian
"American Military Belts and Related Equipments" R. Stephen Dorsey
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I had seen some references to the "1880's blouse" being " more finely tailored", or "more form- fitting" in the 1890's, and that the later blouses did NOT have buttons on the sleeve cuffs...just like in the photos I've come across. It never occurred to me that it was actually an actual later pattern. Odd that I have yet to find a supplier that lists an "1890" pattern blouse.
Thanks!
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The campus of Kansas State University at Pittsburg (Pittsburg State) has in its collection the effects of Cpl. James E. McFarland (1881-1941) who served in Co. D, 20th Kansas Volunteers. Among the artifacts are these uniform items:
“…a M1887 Enlisted Sky Blue Greatcoat with cape, M1884 Khaki Blouse, M1884 Khaki Blouse with Corporal chevrons, M1898 Blue Field Service Blouse, M1887 Trouser Blue…”
I would assume the “1884 khaki” items were the brown duck fatigue/stable frock uniform items…
Perhaps if I visit the campus, they will allow me to view them. We also have a Fred Funston museum in Iola, and the Kansas NG museum I can visit in Topeka.
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If they let you, be sure and take some good pictures to share, if possible.
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“Kansans a mile ahead of the line. Will stop them if I can.” - BGen Arthur MacArthur, Feb 1899
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https://books.google.com/books?id=Za0TAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA17&lpg=PA17&dq=fighting+twentieth&source=bl&ots=reZUwjcLwl&sig=uBAho_IfXyz38NAblur2766ElPk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiApc--xrjcAhVlT98KHXiyDiEQ6AEwBHoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q=fighting%20twentieth&f=false
This is a PDF of a "Souvenir Tract" printed and distributed when the 20th Kansas returned home in November 1899. Some of the photos, particularly those of them aboard ship departing the US for the Philippines, look like they are wearing the white cotton duck "Summer Sack coat" and trousers, of the 1884 fatigue uniform (McChristian, p.143). Since they are scanned B&W photos, they could possibly be khaki, but there is quite a contrast with the leggings some are wearing.
Photos taken while still at the Presidio show them equipped with 1878 blanket bag packs.
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Came across this the other day, and it kinda goes with this topic, and the theme of the 2019 Muster:
The Soldier's Song (Damn, Damn, Damn the Filipinos)
Tune: "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, The Boys Are Marching" ("Jesus Loves The Little Children")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2EowrQWFns
ln that land of dopey dreams, happy peaceful Philippines,
Where the bolo-man is hiking night and day;
Where Tagalos steal and lie, where Americanos die,
There you hear the soldiers sing this evening lay :
Chorus:
Damn, damn, damn the Filipinos,
Cross-eyed kakiack ladrones,
Underneath our starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag,
And return us to our own beloved homes
Underneath the nipa thatch, where the skinny chickens scratch,
Only refuge after hiking all day long,
When I lay me down to sleep, slimy lizards o'er me creep,
Then you hear the soldiers sing this evening song:
(Chorus)
Social customs there are few, all the ladies smoke and chew
And the men do things the padres say are wrong
But the padres cut no ice -- for they live on fish and rice--
Where you hear the soldiers sing this evening song:
(Chorus)
Usually associated with the Spanish-American War (I guess because of the "Krag" reference), it did not exist until 1899, and references the Philippine-American War.
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A display of Philippine War uniform items at the Fred Funston museum in Iola KS:
I do not have information of the names of the QmSgt or SgtMaj the uniforms belonged to.
I did not take this photo; I haven't visited the Museum yet. Perhaps soon I can visit, and get closer/detailed photos.
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Chorus:
Damn, damn, damn the Filipinos,
Cross-eyed kakiack ladrones,
Underneath our starry flag, civilize 'em with a Krag,
And return us to our own beloved homes
Didja ever notice Drydock's signature line?
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I must confess, while I have long known the lyrics to the Krag Soldier song, the melody has always escaped me.
Until now!
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I was researching if Infantry NCOs were issued sidearms for the Span-Am War/Philippine War, and found this old (closed) auction listing for an Arsenal-refurbished Colt SAA:
".... This is a typical mismatched artillery from an arsenal re-work. Accompanied by a letter from John Kopec regarding a possible re-work of Colt artilleries at Benicia Arsenal. Also included is a Springfield research service letter identifying this revolver as having been issued to 1st Sgt. William H. Blatchley, a member of Company F, 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry during the Philippine Insurrection. He joined the 20th Kansas Infantry in May 1898 and was mustered out in October 1899. During his service in Philippines, he & his unit were engaged in numerous fights & skirmishes, one of which Sgt. Blatchley is mentioned by name...."
So it appears I may try for an impression of a 1st Sgt (or some other Staff NCO) for my 2019 Muster persona, tho I have chosen to be a member of Company "G", which were mostly recruited from Montgomery County, KS where I live now.
Montgomery County KIA in the Philippines; Capt David Elliot and Pvt Albert Anibal from my hometown of Coffeyville, 2ndLt William McTaggart from Liberty, and Pvts Orlin Birlew and Alva Dix from Independence. The complete roster of all Company members is shown below:
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Just wanted you gents to know how much I have enjoyed this thread. My great grandfather was a member of the 20th Kansas. He was a Corporal in Company C. I'm told his uniform was donated to the local museum several years ago. I plan to make a visit to the museum and request to view uniform. If allowed to do so I would cheerfully share any photographs I am permitted to take.
Haven't been to a GAF event since they were held in Garnett, KS. May be time to make a trip to Nebraska in the near future. Your events sound like a lot of fun and a challenge to boot.
Thanks
Duck Creek
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Please do!
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Duck Creek,
Are you from anywhere around LaFountain or Neodesha? There used to be a ML club out northwest of Independence near Elk City that had a shooting range, that went by "Duck Creek Muzzleloading Club", or some such...
Do you know where your GrGrandad's uniform is on display? I have a photo (not mine) of the Fred Funston museum in Iola (posted here earlier) that has the blouses of a Quartermaster Sgt and Sergeant Major.
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I live in the Emporia area. I have heard of the Muzzleloader group you mentioned. The closest I ever got to shooting with that group was down at the Black Dog Trail range.
There was a very small GAF shoot at my place. Paul Swalina planned the shoot. I spent most of the weekend laid up with a kidney stone. We also had to cut things off short Saturday due to severe weather, as I recall. I believe Drydock attended the shoot.
Some time ago I was given a collection of ammunition my great grandfather brought back from the Spanish-American war. It is quite a hodgepodge (from both sides). .45-70, .30-40 Krag, 7mm mauser, and .43 Spanish Reformado. also a large cast iron ball that I assume is a piece of grapeshot from canister artillery round. Must have been a real headache for supply to keep up with!
Duck Creek
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I remember that, back in the trees not far from an old stage stop.
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That's the place! I was hoping my memory hadn't failed me (yet).
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I thought it was a good location and a fun match.
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Came across this newspaper clipping, concerning a member of the unit (Co. G, KVI) I am researching. Pvt Alva Dix of Altoona, KS, is described as being of the "Coffeyville Company". The VFW Post in Independence, KS is named the "Dewlen-Dix" Post. Dewlen was killed in WWI, and Dix killed in the Philippines 18 years earlier.
Also, below is a clipping with a roster of Company G.