Kilts of the 79th New York

[79thReproductions]

With the creation of the 79th, or as they were called in 1858 "The Highland Guard", was a push for their highland identity. The 79th not only wore Kilts, but Highland jackets and Glengarries. While some used the 1850 Militia sword, others preferred a basket hilt instead. Heres some information on their unique kilt.

The 79th Wore box pleated Cameron of Erracht Kilts. The tartan was to the set, and not the line that is the standard for modern military kilts. The kilts had tartan straps and buckles not leather straps and buckles. Their kilts were lined with twill-weave white cotton. Like most kilts today, the 79th kilts had the fringe on the outer edge. THeir kilts were tall. This was because of the sporran cut out on their jackets.

The kilts only had two of the tartan straps, one on each side. An example of this is beautifully done by Matthew Newsome on his kilts.

The original tartan looks exactly like this modern sample of Cameron of Erracht.

The Cameron of Erracht used was purchased from H. Schulting in Scotland by the regiment. They bought it at $1/yard. For example, on May 24th 1861,
for $1,573.50, the 79th got 1,573 1/2 yards of tartan. They returned 280 yards.

If anyone is interested in learning more about the 79th by all means just let me know!

-Rachel Ford

[SnakeEyes]

Awesome, very informative. Thanks for passing this on!

Do you have any info on where and when the 79th were active? Like, any battle honours they recieved or anything?

[cavscout]

Here's another thread about this unit and other highland units in the Civil War.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...=79th+New+York

[79thReproductions]

This list is taken from

The Seventy-ninth Highlanders, New York volunteers in the War of the rebellion, 1861-1865, by William Todd

William Todd served in the 79th and wrote his book in the early 1880s. It was published in 1888.

Blackburn's Ford, Va -
Bull Run, Va.
Near Lewinsville, Va.
Lewinsville, Va.
Near Lewinsville, Va.
Bayle's Cross Roads, Va.
Bay Point, S.C.
Port Royal Ferry, S.C.
Pocotaligo, S.C.
James Island, S.C.
Secessionville, S.C.
Gen Pope's Campaign, Va.
Kelly's Ford, Va.
Sulpur Springs, Va.
Groveton, Va.
Bull Run, Va.
Centreville, Va.
Chantilly, Va.
South Mountain, Md.
Antietam, Md.
Fredericksburg, Va.
Vicksburg, Miss.
Green River Bridge, Ky.
Jackson, Miss.
Blue Springs, Tenn.
Campbell Station, Tenn.
Siege of Knoxville, Tenn.
Fort Sanders, Tenn.
Strawberry Plains, Tenn.
Armstrong's Ferry, Va .
Wilderness, Va.
Spotsylvania Court House, Va.
Ny River, Va.
Before Petersburg and Richmond, Va.
Hatcher's Run, Va.
Port Stedman, Va.
Fall of Petersburg, Va.

-Rachel

[macwilkin]

Not too long ago there was a move to reorganize the old 79th in the NY National Guard, complete with kilts for the "dress" uniform. Several NYC Scottish organisations had petitioned Gov. Pataki about it -- I never heard any outcome. Here is the article:

http://www.scotia-news.com/issue2/ISSUE02d.htm#pat

Rachel, do you have a copy of the plate of the 79th NY that the Company of Military Historians did many years ago. It is probably one of the best sources on the 79th's uniform (along with Don Troiani's work on them in his CW regiments series) out there.

I seem to remember a very good article in North & South magazine as well several years ago.

Cheers,

Todd

[kiltimabar]

There are also Civil War reenactor groups of the 79th, of which this is one:

http://www.geocities.com/highlanders_79th/

[79thReproductions]

"Do you have a copy of the plate of the 79th NY that the Company of Military Historians did many years ago"

I have no idea what that is. Do you have any information of what you are talking about?

And yes, I saw that article in North and South, It was written by a good friend of mine, Mark McKnight. Some have nothing but bad things to say about Mark, but I love him to death because he was one of the first people to do real in depth research on the 79th. His problem was that he found some bad sources along the way.

I have seen that 79th re-enacting group before. They are just south of where I live. I am not impressed at all because of their lack of authenticity. For example, some members wear kilts that are other then Cameron of Erracht. Most wear modern dress sporrans and leggings. All members that wear glengarries wear the "modern style" that has no resemblance to the tall, red, blue, and white ones worn by the regiment.

Ah! Sorry, I started ranting. Im very passionate about the 79th and preserving their memory honorably and correctly. Thats my main drive in getting a proper Kilt. I believe its what the whole uniform centers around.

-Rachel Ford

[ccga3359]

Do you have a copy of the plate of the 79th NY that the Company of Military Historians did many years ago

Rachel if I may - when quoting someone use the quote button that will put the entire text to be posted in your reply. You can then delete the parts that you do not wish to quote. Just ensure that the info between the [ ] brackets at the beginning of the quote (QUOTE= the name of person being quoted & thread #) and in the [ ] brackets at the end of the quote including the forward slash. Then write your reply below.

[andyfg]

Thanks, very interesting stuff.

[macwilkin]

Rachel,

http://www.military-historians.org/

The Company of Military Historians was founded in 1949 as an educational, scientific, and literary institution devoted to the study and dissemination of "information on the uniforms, equipment, history, and traditions of members of the Armed Forces of the United States worldwide and other nations serving in the Western Hemisphere."

The membership includes both professionals and amateurs in the field of American military history. On the rolls are not only historians, artists, writers, curators, librarians, teachers, and researchers, but people from virtually every walk of life. Among the members are serious collectors of militaria: uniforms, accoutrements, weapons, equipage, military miniatures, artwork, and books.

The Compnay did a colour uniform plate of the 79th many years, with an accompanying historical text. The plate is no longer available, but if you can find a copy of their book, "Military uniforms in America. Vol. III, Long endure : the Civil War period, 1852-1867" by John Elting and Michael J. McAfee, you will find a reproduction of the plate.

I highly recommend the CMH for any serious student of North American military history. I used them as a resource numerous times when I was working for the NPS.

Regards,

Todd