What is your Regiment?

[US Scout]

Since the GAF National match is an NCOWS match, I'm going to throw around some NCOWS type info.

For the match, if you are shooting for "level one", all of your gear, clothes, etc, should be of the period.  This means you mix and match equipment.  An Infantry coat, with cavalry boots, and a artillery carbine, and a civilian handgun would be level one.

If your are shooting for an "Originals" impression, you should pick a unit, and equip yourself exactly as that unit was equipped.

Books


Books brings up an interesting point - one that the GAF has encouraged everyone to do.

I'd be interested to know if you have selected a particular regiment (or other unit) to portray.  Not just the branch or service, but an identifiable unit from history.

If so, let us know what unit you selected and why, the time period, and how you stand at putting together the uniform (and arms).

US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines

[US Scout]

Since I've asked the question, I'll go ahead and answer it to start the thread.

For CAS purposes, US Scout is associated with the 2nd Colorado (1861-65), the 37th Infantry (1866-69), the 4th Cavalry (1870-80) and the 3rd Cavalry (1880-?).

I have field uniforms for them all, but no dress uniforms. 

I chose the 2nd Colorado because I was born in Colorado and the 2nd fought in Missouri where I was raised.  They were armed with the Starr revolver and carbine, and later were also issued Merrill and Gallagher carbines, and Colt and Remington revolvers.  I have the Colt and Remington revolvers but decided that, as an officer,  I would equip myself with a Spencer to re-captured from a Confederate guerrilla.  Spencers were carried by other units, such as the 11th Kansas, that operated with the 2nd Colorado, so they would have at least been available. 

As the War wound down, Scout received a regular commission in the 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry, soon redesignated the 37th Infantry and posted in Kansas and Colorado.  The 37th was unique in being the only post-war infantry regiment armed with the Sharps rifle.  Since I already had one, I thought this would allow me to put it to use sometime.

In 1869, the Army went through a major reorganization and Scout found himself in excess when the 37th was disbanded and consolidated into the 3rd and 5th Infantry Regiments.  Not unlike other excess infantry officers, he found himself assigned to the cavalry, in this case the 4th in Texas.  I chose the 4th because I think Mackenzie was one of the best commanders of the time.  They were armed mostly with Spencers and a mix of Colt and Remington revolvers, all of which I have.  They later were issued the S&W American (which I hope to see produced again some day), and the Colt Richards conversions.  Mackenzie also got the regiment fully equipped with the Schofield when it came out. 

Scout was promoted to junior major of the 3rd Cavalry.  I chose the third because they are the direct descendent of the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, which I used to portray long before CAS was conceived.  It seemed a good way to resume that relationship.  They were armed with the Colt SAA revolver and 1873 Springfield carbine. 

I'm slowly putting together a shooting outfit for Marines of the Civil War, post-Civil War, and Spanish-American War periods, but that is more difficult because the Marines typically carried long-arms not permitted in SASS or even NCOWS.

US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines

[Major Matt Lewis]

For the purposes of the GAF Muster, I am considering, if I decide to go with "The Originals" of doing something with the 1st Maine Cavalry.  I found one source that stated that the entire regiment was outfitted with Henrys.  I also have a new pair of 1860 Armys....I will look to a couple of books I found as resources.

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[Ottawa Creek Bill]

Sergeant, Apache Scouts, 6th Cavalry, Company B Arizona Territory under Generals Crook and Miles during the years 1871-1886. This spans the later years of Cochise and the warring years of Goyathly (Geronimo) that covered most of Arizona, New Mexico and the northern half of the Mexican Territory. It also covers the time that Al Sieber, Tom Horn and Micky Free were civilian scouts for the 6th for which I also have a interest. The rank Sergeant is because I was a hard rank NCO buck sergeant during the Vietnam War and a real pisser, all you old army types should know what that means

Bill

[Delmonico]

Well for the most part since I'm not going to have time to shoot the matches, I'll stay with my hired civilan Camminsary perrsona and keep the grub coming, since this is a special event, we ain't gonna be stuck with army grub, not with unit funds, good sutlers and foragers around.  (No I don't know where these chickens came from. )

But since I work close with many of the Nebraska National Guard at work I've decided to put together something around the turn of the century along that lines.  I met a Seargent thats in charge of the NG museum that has a bunch a stripes runnin' both ways on his sleeve and since he likes my cookin' and my idea he's offered any help I need.  solomon Butcher has some photos from the time period and more exist when I have time to bother the Sgt. Major so I'll have it done some time this summer.  For firearms, I'd like to have a trapdoor forager, but may have to wait, but don't thin anyone would object to the cook havin' Great-Great Grandpa's ol Zulu hangin' around the camp.   

[Gripmaker]

For the 2006 Muster I have chosen my old standbys. Uniform of a CSA cavalry captain by the name of Montgomery Little (far removed cousin) who was Forrest's best friend and commander of his escort until killed in March, 1863. Also will be Brigadier General Henry Lewis Little (another late relative), Corps Commander under Price and VanDorn also killed in action at Iuka, MS Sept. 19, 1862. I shall be flying his HQ flag and the flag of one of his best known units of the war...the 5th Missouri, CSA. All uniform pieces and weapons are exactly as they were carrying when killed, ie. 61 Navy pistol and with Genl Little, his Leech and Rigdon staff officer's sword.  Since I have only one rifle, an 1892 Winchester clone, it shall have to suffice as something they dreamed about during lulls in the regular courses of conflict. It has to be this way as neither carried a longarm of any kind.

Also will have field uniform remnants of another Capt. of military scouts who was mustered out of Co. A, Seventh Cavalry at Ft Abraham Lincoln, Neb. on May 15, 1876. His present time is 1892 and he is equiped with experimental accessories from Watervliet Arsenal, NY which were field tested and subsequently retained by him (albeit illegally) when he left the service. Just a gray haired old man who has seen too much in his lifetime and just wants to be left alone.

It will be fun to once again return to Iowa and visit old friends, relatives and places (Pastored in Marshalltown for 11 yrs in 70s and 80s). Glad it will be before the real cold weather arrives as I remember the winter of  82-83 when temps were a minus 27-33 in January and windchills dropped that by 100 degrees. Had 4' of snow in my front yard for another 6 weeks. It was 70+ here today.

[Chantilly]

Going as a Vivandiere.  I have the jacket but the rest isn't finished yet.  I got this jacket off ebay    but need to figure out what regiment it was tied to.  The 1st Louisiana Coppens had the same design but in gold, not red.  Anyone have any ideas?  The question is....What is this regiment?


Though I most likely will get the outfit more right than not, I'll be shooting the smokeless in my regular pistol and rifle.      I don't have blackpowder guns of the era and since I'm not likely to shoot them much at all, I don't think I'll invest in Civil War era weapons.  So, no originals at the GAF Muster 2006 for me. (I did get a rather cool girlie knife for Xmas though - antler handle - very chic.)  Besides, I'd rather invest in clothes.   

[Chantilly]

RCJ - You are a doll and quite a wonderful dancer as well!  I appreciate your offer but I wouldn't know the first thing about handling a C & B.  I would take you up on a dance though!

By the way, I've been doing more research on that zouave jacket and think I've solved the regiment question - 1st LA Special Batallion Co B - Wheat's Tigers.  Hmm...confederates...losing side....Oh my....red shirt and light blue and white striped bloomers and a red nightcap!   

Actions

Seneca Fall (June 28, 1861) 1st Bull Run (July 21, 1861) Somerville Heights (May 7, 62), Front Royal (May 23), Middletown (May 24), 1st Winchester (May 25), Mount Carmel (June 1), Cross Keys (June , Port Republic (June 9), Gaines' Mill (June 27 - Major Wheat killed), White Oak Swamp (June 30), Malvern Hill (July 1 - Battalion was then disbanded at conclusion of Seve Days Campaign)

Officers


Capt. Alexander White; 1st Lt. Tom E. Adrian; 2nd Lt.(and quartermaster) Sam P. Dushane; 2nd Lt. Edward Hewitt

Non-Commissioned Officers


Orderly Sgt. Robert Ritchie; 2nd Sgt. Charles Lewis; 3rd Sgt. William Keller; 1st Cpl. Cornelius Malloy; 2nd Cpl. William Granger; 3rd Cpl. Michael Welshl; 4th Cpl. William St. Clair. Vivandiere: Lavinia Williams.

"Wheat's Battalion, as it was known during and after its organization, did not acquire the title of "Tigers" until after Bull Run. In that battle they were reported to have met the charge of the (Fire) Zouaves, and throwing down their muskets, with a yell they countercharged with their long knives and routed their enemies.

From that time on they were called "Wheat's Tigers". But the title was derived from one company of the battalion, Captain White's company, organized in Point Coupe, La. They were mostly river men, steamboat men left without an occupation. They took upon themselves the name "White's Tigers", which was quite easy to transpose into "Wheat's Tigers", and as such they were thereafter known. They were proud of their commander, Major 'Bob' (Roberdeau) Wheat, and he was as proud of them. He always led and while leading them was fatally wounded at (First) Cold Harbor when Jackson struck McClellan's right and crumpled it up. Wheat's last words were: "Bury me on the field, boys" and his wish was complied with.

That was the last battle in which the "Tigers" were engaged as "Wheat's Battalion" (italics added by SG). They were but a skeleton, and immediately, or very soon thereafter, consolidated with my fomer command, "Coppens' 1st Louisiana Zouaves", Lieut. Col. Gaston Coppens commanding, which was then composed of four companies, and, having been roughly handled during the battle of Seven Pines, May 31-June 1, had suffered severe losses.

The two battalions consolidated served as one unit under Copens[sic] until after the battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam), where Colonel Copens[sic] was killed. From that time, or soon hereafter (the record is not clear), the Tigers and Zouaves ceased to appear as a unit. From all I have been able to learn, they were almost annihilated at Sharpsburg and were merged with Hay's regiment and brigade. Because of the circumstances mentioned, the brigade in which they were incorporated was erroneously termed "The Louisiana Tigers"

[Chantilly]

"notrious for ill discipline" - well, my husband would probably say I would belong with that group - he thinks I don't mind well!!  Can you imagine?! LOL   I can find blue and white pillow/mattress ticking but the stripes are narrower than the picture.  My salute to the military dress is made of red and white pillow ticking.  Hmm...met up with your regiment huh....does that mean you fired on me?   

How about this - 8th MO Infantry Co H (see picture)  I could make a minor change in the jacket design on the front to match the 8th MO Infantry.  I had an ancestor in the 8th Mo Cavalry.  I don't find any reference to the 8th Mo having any vivandieres though.  The Tigers definitely did.

[Gen Lew Wallace]

I used to be part of the 4th US Cavalry (Memorial) and 16th US Infantry (Memorial) at Fort Concho when I lived in San Angelo.  Now though, I'm on the East coast and I will just portray my hero Lew Wallace when he commanded the Middle Department and 8th Army Corps in Baltimore, Maryland; during which time he fought the battle of Monocacy and saved Washington D.C. and the Union. 

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Scout,

Since I protray a Staff Corps Officer, I am not part of any Regiment.  I do living history with the 7th Infantry Reg't, the 3rd Infantry Reg't. and the 1st Dragoon Reg't. [which became the 1st Calvary Reg't. in the 1861 re-organization].  The 3rd Inf & 1st Dragoone are recreated by the Frontier Army Living History Assoc. which promotes the Frontier Army Museum at Ft. Leavenworth, KS.  The 1s Dragoons and 3rd Inf. were assigned to Ft. Leavenworth at the time of the Mexican War.

I portray Capt. Wm. Emory of the Topog. Engineers who accompanied the Army of the West which included the 1st Dragoons and 3rd Inf. and went first to Santa Fe and then on to San Diego  He was a Brv't LtC by the end of the War.

I also portray Capt. John Gunnison who lead the 1853 Railroad Survey party that departed from Westport [now Kansas City, MO] and explored along the 38-39 parallels.  He was killed in SE Utah by a group of Indians and Mormons along with several others of his party.

 

[Guns Garrett]

Chantilly:
  So YOU"RE the one who outbid me on that Jacket!  I presume you bought the one that finished on Monday, with the two pair of trousers ( one red, one striped) and the hat.  Penny (Megan O'Ruckus) is thinking of do a Vivandiere inpression as well, but she was going for the 114th Pennsylvania.  That's the unit "French" Mary Tepe was a member of.  There is a good website - www.114thpa.com  - great links for just about any info you may want - even a sutler that does several types of Zouave uniforms.  There are also photos of two original men's uniforms, several angles/closeups of each  The jacket you bought is very similar to that of the 114th Pa. but they had light blue cuffs on the sleeves.  The most distnictive thing other than color, is the tambeaux designs on each breast - the 114th's design is very close to what I see in your photo. There are several photos also in the book "Echos of Glory - Arms and Eguipment of the Union" including a Vivandiere uniform, though not quite so ornate, it is of the same style - "Reform," or "Bloomer".  Penny's still deciding, but once she hears about your ideas, you may get a "messmate".
Guns

[Chantilly]

Tell that girl to get in gear!  This will be great fun!  I didn't bid against you for a jacket and trousers that finished Monday.  I actually got the jacket about 3 months ago with nothing else but haven't gotten around to figuring out what went with it until this thread started up and reminded me that I needed to get on with it.  I have now found the blue and white stripe fabric for the pantaloons.  The vivandiers wore a short skirt over the pantaloons so I've ordered the blue wool for the skirt.  I'll have to make the gaiters/leggings because the sutlers all have buckle gaiters and the correct ones would button.  I don't find any that button.  I will need to be bribe my sister in law to make all those button holes!  Then, I'll need a red cotton shirt, but that will be the easiest part.  I thought I should push to get this finished by the NCOWS Convention and give it a "wearing without shooting" run.    Are you going to the convention?  We could have a GAF gang at the convention!  LOL

[Guns Garrett]

After I had posted, I realized there was no way you got that outfit. I was just giving you a hard time, anyway.
Won't make it to the Convention, but you be sure and have fun for me, won'tcha?
Guns

[Pitspitr]

Company "C" 9th infantry 1876-78.
I went with "C" because they built and spent a lot of time at Ft. Hartsuff.

[RattlesnakeJack]

As many know,my primary GAF impression is an officer of the Royal Highland Regiment (the Black Watch) - in the 1880's and 90's timeframe.

However, my original personna, from when I first got started in "frontier action shooting", also has a decided military element: "John M. 'Rattlesnake Jack' Robson" was a real-life character in the Canadian West, and in 1885 served as a Scout with the Rocky Mountain Rangers an irregular mounted unit of Provisional Militia (which has been referred to as "cowboy cavalry") raised specifically for Canada's North West Rebellion emergency that year.  He served with the two Troops of Rangers posted to Medicine Hat.  For more information on him, and the original Rocky Mountain Rangers (namesakes of our local cowboy action club) visit my website:

http://members.memlane.com/gromboug

[US Scout]

As many know,my primary GAF impression is an officer of the Royal Highland Regiment (the Black Watch) - in the 1880's and 90's timeframe.

Really?  I hadn't noticed? 
 

Just kidding!  If you haven't seen Rattlesnake Jack up close and personal wearing his full Highland regalia, you don't know what you've been missing.  A photograph just doesn't do him justice! 

US Scout
Bvt Col of Marines

[Charles B Gatewood]

Lt. Charles B. Gatewood
U.S. 6th Cavalry
Co. H

Normally I would be leading Apache scouts and or working with the White Mountain Apaches on their
reservation. But for the last several months I have been busy looking for cyclones and hunting
grey wolves. ( Figure the last part out and I will donate a case of Colorado Cellars "Cavalry" Port
wine to our next muster.)
Here's wishing everyone a great 2006!
Lt. C.B. Gatewood

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy US Scout,

You sure are right about a picture being inadequate for realizing the stature of RJR.  I spent most of the Muster with a crick in my neck from talking to him.  And a most impressive uniform as well.

[Pony Racer]

Pards mine was pretty easy.

I am Commanding Officer of the USRCS Mcullough (sp)

A steam and coal burning cutter that still had sails to save money.

I am stationed on the Gulf Coast during the late 1800's and heavily involved in the Rum and cigar wars in the Caribbean.

PR