79th New York Highlanders Reg.

[macneighill]

There is one guy I know that portrays a member of the 79th. However, I haven't been in contact with him in quite some time. However, here are a few sources for your viewing, in addition to the great info above.

These are some reenacting groups out there that, portray the 79th NY. There should be a gallery on their website, along with historical info that might be of help:
Company A, 79th NY Volunteers
79th NY Cameron Highlanders, Company B
79th New York Cameron Highlanders
Cameron Highlanders of the Northwest

Here are some sources of general info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_New_York
http://www.nycaledonian.org/79th.php
http://militaryhistory.suite101.com/...von_hindenburg

The guys in my unit have been kidding me about getting a period correct kilt and, wear it out to some of our events. But, its not historically accurate for my unit, the 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Even though, the individual I portray, Assistant Surgeon William A. Collins, is of Celtic descent (my sources say, Ireland), there are no records of him wearing a kilt.

Just be careful of who you buy from. There are those that try to make a buck, and sell crappy stuff. Then, there are the better vendors that, make period correct uniforms and accessories. Just do the research first, then have fun with building your "kit" (period impression).

[O'Callaghan]

The guys in my unit have been kidding me about getting a period correct kilt and, wear it out to some of our events. But, its not historically accurate for my unit, the 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Even though, the individual I portray, Assistant Surgeon William A. Collins, is of Celtic descent (my sources say, Ireland), there are no records of him wearing a kilt.

AFAIK, kilts were probably not even worn in Ireland until after the US Civil War. Collins is a common Irish name, though.

[macwilkin]

If I may jump in and comment about Piobear's recent contribution and Rachel's response:

In the very first post of this thread, KR made this statement:

My Father is a re-enactor and does a great program called the history of the soldier. He wants to add the Scottish contribution to the American Civil War. Knowing my love of Kilts and most things Scottish he has asked me to join him as a representitive of the 79th.

Our local Sons of Union Veterans Camp also presents a "Parade of the American Soldier" program for local schools, civic organizations, Memorial/Armed Forces/Veteran's Day celebrations, etc. Basically we have a camp member representing a common soldier from each conflict from the Revolution to present day.

In our program, we attempt to portray the average enlisted man of the US Infantry. In general, we avoid officer impressions, and impressions from other branches of service, as we are trying to show the progression of uniforms and equipment over history.

In NPS living history, we are also taught to portray the average rather than the extraordinary. While the 79th's uniform is indeed impressive and certainly has a Scottish connection, I would daresay that more Scottish immigrants who served in both the Northern and Southern armies did not wear any "ethnic trappings". If the goal is to portray the average "sqauddie" throughout history, then I would go with Piobear's suggestions.

Of course, a historically-correct 79th impression would be fun to interpret, but with the caveat that the majority of Scottish immigrants and descedents who served would have never worn a kilt.

Regards,

Todd

[macneighill]

Just be careful of who you buy from. There are those that try to make a buck, and sell crappy stuff. Then, there are the better vendors that, make period correct uniforms and accessories. Just do the research first, then have fun with building your "kit" (period impression).

Sorry, I guess I should've been a little more detailed with this. I wasn't referring to a kilt. I was referring to your "other" items (i.e. sack coat, shell jacket, frock coat, belt, shirt, socks, canteen, haversack, etc.) .