American Civil War

[BoldHighlander]

Yes Sir! And I got your PM. I also make 79th sporrans, flashes, glengarries, correct pattern gray flannel shirts....Most everything 79th.

Do you have a website?

[79thReproductions]

Do you have a website?

I have a 79th myspace, but its nothing special. I do not have the resources yet to put one together yet.

myspace.com/79thnewyork

[Jack Daw]

I have me great great great grandpappy's thistle lapel pins. I wear one on my kilts.

An EXCELLENT heirloom, Nighthawk.

[Nighthawk]

An EXCELLENT heirloom, Nighthawk.

Among many others! We have his musket and journal, all his badges, hat sash, etc. He was transferred to an Ohio volunteer cavalry where he made officers rank, so the hat sash is from there. I also have ancestors (Leddy's) who were in the Irish Brigade.

[kiltedinUSMC]

I didn't know about the 79th. Wow you learn something everyday.

[Amoskeag]

Hey 79th
That's a very nice looking coat. I've got all kinds of tech questions about it. I never noticed the collar piping before, the reverse curve is quite unusual. The interior detail is very nice. What do you use for wool? I might just have to order one someday.
I've been doing 5NHV for a LONG! time and I am a self proclaimed "thread counter". I think the clothing of the period is what fascinates me the most and it's nice to have repops of some of the more unique items available. Post More History!
Bob

[creativeaccents]

Another case where the victor gets to write the history books. From where I am, looking north, it will always be "The War of Northern Aggression".

Matt

Matt, I believe that the good moderators here are trying to prevent another outbreak while also keeping the topic centered upon the uniqueness of that one unit. As all must surely know, there was a considerable Scottish and Irish presence on both sides, but even that isn't the central theme of this one topic.



Hate to say it, but you and I are both virtual dinosaurs, especially in these regards, i.e., both raised in a time and in places where the memories and sites were essentially fairly recent memories. For example, I well remember the stories of my grandmother from the SC low country that had been passed down re. Sherman's stroll through SC. And, I was raised in Atlanta where the trenches were in our back yards and mini-balls a common find. Sherman's army went through my yard here, having decided to bypass an easier path when he read that Johnston was waiting on the other side. The reminders are everywhere, still to be seen. I also have an original photo of one of my predecessors from the hometown of Stoneman in his GAR uniform. The other side of the family fought under Stuart. Eating "hopping john" on Jan 1 is still done for a reason. For our generation all of the memories were still fairly fresh.



Today, the Atlanta I grew up with is almost gone with the winds of change. Now, it is a huge, sprawling, international city with as many northerners, hispanics, asians and many more than the original "southerners". Even as a whole, most of the quaintness of the small towns has given way to international industry, franchises, and the pursuit of more for the sake of more. Before there was tv and video games, we used to play in the creek, build forts in the clay, sword fight with sticks, read stories of King Arthur and Robin Hood, and rock on the front porch listening to the old folks while snapping beans. Much of that too has changed.



I respect and understand your position, but don't know if many others of today really know where you are coming from. And, this is NOT a shot, don't think that most really care.

[macwilkin]

Matt, I believe that the good moderators here are trying to prevent another outbreak while also keeping the topic centered upon the uniqueness of that one unit. As all must surely know, there was a considerable Scottish and Irish presence on both sides, but even that isn't the central theme of this one topic.

Gents,

We've asked before, please keep this thread on topic & related to the 79th New York Regiments and its dress. The thread will be locked if this continues.

Regards,

Todd

[Riverkilt]

Well, you guys have wheted my appetite on this deal. Dug out an old Time Life book, Arms and Equipment of the Union. Found a quote there, "Sometimes entire units departed from the Federal norm as a matter of ethnic pride, expressed typically by a distinctive headdress. The men of the 79th New York, known as the Cameron Highlanders, wore glengarry caps fo the length of their enlistment, while their fellow Scotsmen of the 12th Illiniois wore tam-o-shanters."

12th Illinois? My great great grandfather served in the 152nd Illinois. I've got more books. So dug out Illinois in the Civil War and found after discussion of Illinois German regiments, "Other Illinois regiments were also organized by nationality or profession. Scots joined the 12th and 65th regiments, known respectively as the First Scotch and the Second Scotch."

So not to detract from the 79th NY, wondering if anyone has more info on the 12th Illinois tam-o-shanters and maybe the 65th Illinois too?

Ron

[macwilkin]

Well, you guys have wheted my appetite on this deal. Dug out an old Time Life book, Arms and Equipment of the Union. Found a quote there, "Sometimes entire units departed from the Federal norm as a matter of ethnic pride, expressed typically by a distinctive headdress. The men of the 79th New York, known as the Cameron Highlanders, wore glengarry caps fo the length of their enlistment, while their fellow Scotsmen of the 12th Illiniois wore tam-o-shanters."

12th Illinois? My great great grandfather served in the 152nd Illinois. I've got more books. So dug out Illinois in the Civil War and found after discussion of Illinois German regiments, "Other Illinois regiments were also organized by nationality or profession. Scots joined the 12th and 65th regiments, known respectively as the First Scotch and the Second Scotch."

So not to detract from the 79th NY, wondering if anyone has more info on the 12th Illinois tam-o-shanters and maybe the 65th Illinois too?

Ron

Ron,

There's not much out there. The noted Civil War artist Don Troiani did illustrate what the 12th uniform might have looked like in his book Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War. Basically, it was a gray uniform, typical of many militia companies found in the North & South, with a tam o'shanter/balmoral for headgear.

We have a copy of the book at the library at the park; I'll have to take a look and see what his sources are next time I'm there.

Regards,

Todd