79th New York Highlanders Reg.

[Kilted Rogue]

Rachel, Thank you for the offer i will confer with my Dad and see if we are in the marked as of yet.

Did you make that jacket in the photos above?

Billy

[79thReproductions]

Please let us know how to order the glengarries. I have been searching for the two line red white and blue check and haven't had any luck until now. Thanks.

I sure will! Sit tight though, they are all hand made and take a bit of time. Im looking at about a month to get the run done.

Did you make that jacket in the photos above?

Yes. Here are some pictures of 79th jackets. By the end of the week Ill have some high resolution pictures for you of a soldier in a complete uniform.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=2153710

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=2013386

Be well!

[PiobBear]

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.

Now i have found out that the Kilt worn at that time was the Cameron of Erracht. What i was looking for was what else is needed to do the kit proper and where can one get the kilt so it looks the right period.

To accurately portray "the right period"; i.e; an infantryman of the 79th N.Y.V.I. during the War between the States, I would strongly suggest:

Sky blue trousers with a dark blue sack coat, a matching forage cap, black brogans, and a standard Federal issue cartridge box, cap box, belt, and Springfield rifle & bayonet.

On the other hand, if you're of Irish descent and wish to portray a soldier of the 69th N.Y.V.I. (the Irish Brigade), you would wear:

Sky blue trousers with a dark blue sack coat, a matching forage cap, black brogans, and a standard Federal issue cartridge box, cap box, belt, and Springfield rifle & bayonet.


Sorry, but somebody had to say it!

[beloitpiper]

To accurately portray "the right period"; i.e; an infantryman of the 79th N.Y.V.I. during the War between the States, I would strongly suggest:

Sky blue trousers with a dark blue sack coat, a matching forage cap, black brogans, and a standard Federal issue cartridge box, cap box, belt, and Springfield rifle & bayonet.

On the other hand, if you're of Irish descent and wish to portray a soldier of the 69th N.Y.V.I. (the Irish Brigade), you would wear:

Sky blue trousers with a dark blue sack coat, a matching forage cap, black brogans, and a standard Federal issue cartridge box, cap box, belt, and Springfield rifle & bayonet.


Sorry, but somebody had to say it!

Hahaha! Exactly what I was thinking.

[Kilted Rogue]

To accurately portray "the right period"; i.e; an infantryman of the 79th N.Y.V.I. during the War between the States, I would strongly suggest:

Sky blue trousers with a dark blue sack coat, a matching forage cap, black brogans, and a standard Federal issue cartridge box, cap box, belt, and Springfield rifle & bayonet.

On the other hand, if you're of Irish descent and wish to portray a soldier of the 69th N.Y.V.I. (the Irish Brigade), you would wear:

Sky blue trousers with a dark blue sack coat, a matching forage cap, black brogans, and a standard Federal issue cartridge box, cap box, belt, and Springfield rifle & bayonet.


Sorry, but somebody had to say it!

Do you have a source that says they didnt wear the Kilt?

and since we are being so specific that blue is called Kersy Blue.

[beloitpiper]

Do you have a source that says they didnt wear the Kilt?

and since we are being so specific that blue is called Kersy Blue.

The re-enactors claim the kilt was worn only for parades, never into battle.

[Kilted Rogue]

The re-enactors claim the kilt was worn only for parades, never into battle.

The re-enactors claim that the kilt wasn't worn in battle. So seeing as i am planning to do a quasi parade, the kilt would be appropriate

Historicly speaking is there any evidence of the kilt in battle or just mustering for battle in pants?

I know that re-enactors do tremendous amounts of research in to putting there kits together. Making sure that they are portraying that slice of history as close as they can. I lived with one for 25 years (my father) i can appreciate the attention to detail that these people put in to there work. I don't want to step on anyones toes who does this as a full time hobby. This is my research that i am doing now to better prepare for a program that i am apart of.

[macneighill]

Do you have a source that says they didnt wear the Kilt?

and since we are being so specific that blue is called Kersy Blue.

If I may chime in here . . my first thought is, US Army regulations, 1861. But, as there were quite a few states that, issued their own special uniforms, or what are known as "non-regulation uniforms", not all uniforms were to exact Army regulations. You may also want to read the "Regimental History" of the 79th New York. And definitely, may I also recommend reading personal accounts from the officers and soldiers of the 79th NY (i.e. personal memoirs/recollections, official reports, etc.). Even reviewing period photos (and not just those of the 79th NY wearing the kilt). Most of the War time photos were "staged", per se. These were taken in some kind of a studio (whether out on the field under the cover or a sheet of cloth or branches or even a backdrop cloth with some props). You will notice that I said "most", not all photos were staged. These are the photos you see of a soldier with 3 pistols and a sword in his hand or, a group of officers/soldiers sitting in chairs/standing, each staring in a different direction (this was typical of the period).

Besides, I don't think that, kilts would have been very practical for fatigue duty or, even out on the field of battle during the American Civil War nor, that the Regiment would have wanted to wear them under such conditions. Here is an account (from http://www.celticpiper.net/79th.htm):

It is not clear if all of the pre-war companies (six companies of about 50 men each) were given the full-dress uniform with kilts. In common with other pre-war militia units, each company may have had a different uniform, and each soldier probably was issued various orders of dress. Whereas the full dress uniform consisted of Glengarry (Scottish cap), tunic, kilt, sporran (hairy purse), hose (socks), and buckled shoes, a second uniform consisted of kepi (typical Civil War cap), tunic (the same as the full dress tunic), tartan trousers, and normal Army shoes. When the regiment went to war in 1861 it was this second uniform which was worn. Numerous photographs and engravings show that the full-dress tunic and tartan trousers were worn on active service. As the war progressed and these unique items wore out they were replaced by standard Army-issue blue trousers and navy blue “sack coats”. By mid-war the 79th NYSM was scarcely distinguishable from any other Union regiment.

However, here are a few sources to check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Ne...nteer_Infantry
http://www.celticpiper.net/79th.htm
http://militaryhistory.suite101.com/...von_hindenburg (1st paragraph)
http://www.79thnycompanya.org/history1.htm (2nd paragraph)
http://www.79thnycompanya.org/history2.htm (3rd little paragraph)
http://www.americancivilwar.org.uk/n...egiment_16.htm (the 3rd paragraph under the photo)
http://79ny.50megs.com/79faq.htm
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/79th-New-York

[macneighill]

Historicly speaking is there any evidence of the kilt in battle or just mustering for battle in pants?

There was a battle report from First Manassas that, only one member of the Regiment wore a kilt into that battle. I don't remember where that source is though .

[macneighill]

The re-enactors claim that the kilt wasn't worn in battle. So seeing as i am planning to do a quasi parade, the kilt would be appropriate

I think the mentality with that is, most reenactors prefer to portray the "typical" or "common" soldier. Which is fine, btw. Specialty impressions are a little more complex, per se. It takes a lot more research, a LOT more money and such, to give the most accurate portrayal. I know, my impression is a specialty impression. I portray a Surgeon or, an Assistant Surgeon (depending on the event). My impression is one of the most expensive ones in the hobby. I have one surgical kit that costs $700 (and that's the small one), the other kit I want runs $18,000 (these are just the surgical kits, nothing else). That one is a capital surgical kit. So yes, specialty impressions are more complex but, are a lot of fun too.

So, if I were you, I'd go through with it. As for wearing what the actual 79th wore, research what they wore and imitate it .

I know that re-enactors do tremendous amounts of research in to putting there kits together. Making sure that they are portraying that slice of history as close as they can. I lived with one for 25 years (my father) i can appreciate the attention to detail that these people put in to there work. I don't want to step on anyones toes who does this as a full time hobby. This is my research that i am doing now to better prepare for a program that i am apart of.

You are right about that. However, the hobby has been plagued with those that, just put on something that "looks" right. And at the same time, its been plagued by what's called a "stitch counter". Creating an ongoing war between the two views. I'm not saying both are bad. Just whatever it is you do, do it historically accurate. Research documents on the 79th (i.e. organization, uniforms, reports, records, etc.) and, do the best you can. Besides, it seems that Rachel is great wealth of knowledge of the 79th NY . . stick with it.