79th New York Highlanders Reg.

[79thReproductions]

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!

Sir, I hope it was not your intention to sound very condescending and imply that I have no real understanding about the uniforms worn by the 79th let alone how to do it accurately.

Billy's initial question was in regards to the Kilted parade uniform worn by the regiment and I answered that staying in the scope of his question.

Now please, educate me on the proper uniform on the 79th from 1861 - 1865.

Was it the uniform worn on the Bull Run campaign in late July of 61 that included surplus Dark blue trousers, horse collar, the m39/m57 belt, m57 C. Box, Shield Cap Pouch, some filter canteens/New York Depot canteens with the jean cloth cover - No jack chain{string}- russet leather strap, McClellen Kepi with hand made white cotton havelocks?

Or rather the uniform adopted by the new recruits in April - May of 61 that consisted of the Military Set Cameron of Erracht Modern trousers, New York State artillery militia jacket, Grey wool flannel shirt from Einstiend & Co. of New York City, m1857 belt &cartridge box, shield pattern cap pouch, New York depot canteen, militia framed knapsack, McClellen Kepi, 1816 or 1842 Springfields?

Did you know the 79th used Enfield for the duration of the war not the Springfields that you suggested? Anywho....Please check your sources. I will show you mine if you would like.

Company K of the 69th New York State Militia, 1st Bull Run 1861



Sorry, I just had to say it.

[BoldHighlander]

Besides, it seems that Rachel is great wealth of knowledge of the 79th NY . . stick with it.

As a fellow researcher of the period, and a source for two books on Confederate guerrilla Capt. Champ Ferguson (my ACW 1st person impression) plus a source for an upcoming book on the Hessians during the AWI (shameless plugs & about the only time I shall do that), I'd strongly concur with the above statement.
Stick with Rachel

[79thReproductions]

Billy here is some information on the glengarry with some pictures.

I just uploaded some pictures of my latest glengarry. I have not added the insignia yet. Appropriate insignia is a New York Excelsior badge (Same emblem as can be seen on the NY30 Button) This badge could be placed on the glengarry by itself or on a ribbon, 1/2" Brass "79" forward of the NY badge, silver thistle. (usually placed over the 79 forward of the badge).


















Here is an original pre/war time glengarry with post war insignia:

(Photo taken at the Gettysburg Museum by Aaron Clark. aclark79@yahoo.com)

[PiobBear]

Sir, I hope it was not your intention to sound very condescending and imply that I have no real understanding about the uniforms worn by the 79th let alone how to do it accurately.

If you'd re-read my post, you'll notice that I quoted, and was therefore referring to, the original poster, not you.

Billy's initial question was in regards to the Kilted parade uniform worn by the regiment and I answered that staying in the scope of his question.

No; you assumed that. Nowhere in his original post does he state "Kilted parade uniform". One can just as easily infer that he erroneously thought that the 79th NY wore kilts all the time.

As you're the resident expert, precisely how many times is it documented that the average infantryman in the 79th wore a kilt after the parade through New York City that was photographed on June 1st, 1861?

Enfield or Springfield; my point is that to accurately portray the life of an average soldier of that regiment during the War, it sure as hell wouldn't be in a kilt!

[Derek Conley]

This thread is great; the information is priceless.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

While some members of this forum may be as sure of Hell, as I am confident of Heaven, the point seems to be recreating the uniform of the 79th, for the dual purposes of instructing and entertaining the general public. Since the general public won't take it personally if the re-enactor isn't wearing period undergarments, or the proper period belt plate, or is shorter, taller, younger, older or fatter than the average soldier of the period, I fail to see what all the agro is about.

Obviously a kilted soldier will be more interesting than someone in a sack coat and kepi, with their pant legs tucked into their socks.

So, Mr. would-be 79th lecturer/re-enactor, my advice to you would be to ignore all of the expert nit picking and hurled invectives, go with the kilt, and get your message across to the public.

[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

[PiobBear]

Obviously a kilted soldier will be more interesting than someone in a sack coat and kepi, with their pant legs tucked into their socks.

So would a soldier in a full-length ballroom gown and bustle. However, if your objective is to present an educational portrayal of history, not Hollywood fantasy, it'd be equally inappropriate.

[macwilkin]

While some members of this forum may be as sure of Hell, as I am confident of Heaven, the point seems to be recreating the uniform of the 79th, for the dual purposes of instructing and entertaining the general public. Since the general public won't take it personally if the re-enactor isn't wearing period undergarments, or the proper period belt plate, or is shorter, taller, younger, older or fatter than the average soldier of the period, I fail to see what all the agro is about.

Obviously a kilted soldier will be more interesting than someone in a sack coat and kepi, with their pant legs tucked into their socks.

So, Mr. would-be 79th lecturer/re-enactor, my advice to you would be to ignore all of the expert nit picking and hurled invectives, go with the kilt, and get your message across to the public.

Sorry, Scott, but I have to disagree with you. It may not seem important, but speaking as a NPS trained interpreter & park ranger, I can assure you it is. Please see my previous post.

Regards,

Todd

[79thReproductions]

If you'd re-read my post, you'll notice that I quoted, and was therefore referring to, the original poster, not you.



No; you assumed that. Nowhere in his original post does he state "Kilted parade uniform". One can just as easily infer that he erroneously thought that the 79th NY wore kilts all the time.

As you're the resident expert, precisely how many times is it documented that the average infantryman in the 79th wore a kilt after the parade through New York City that was photographed on June 1st, 1861?

Enfield or Springfield; my point is that to accurately portray the life of an average soldier of that regiment during the War, it sure as hell wouldn't be in a kilt!

One could, you're right. That is why I tried to make it clear in my first post that it was a uniform worn on parade and not full time.

Your question is a hard one. The average soldier in the 79th did not posses a kilt. The recruits in the spring of 61 were only issues trews. Besides that, the parade you mention was not on Sunday, June 2nd.

Here is what the regimental history says with a mention of the uniforms worn on that day:

At three o'clock in the afternoon line was formed for
inspection and dress-parade, under the direction of General
Ewen. All the officers and many of the men wore
the kilts while the rest of the men were dressed in handsome
State jackets with red facings, blue fatigue caps
and Cameron tartan pants, these, with the kilted officers
and men, made our appearance quite picturesque. After
inspection and dress-parade the regiment was turned over
to the Lieutenant-Colonel, wheeled into column by platoons,
and, headed by Robertson's band, our journey to
the seat of war began. Our route led us past the residence
of Roderick W. Cameron, Esq., who had been an
officer in the regiment, but whose allegiance to the British
Sovereign prevented his taking an active part in the
war. His sympathies were with us, however, and his
wife took the opportunity of presenting us with a handsome
National flag, after which our march was resumed.
The day was exceedingly warm, and we felt very uncomfortable
under the strange loads of well filled knapsacks
strapped on shoulders unused to such burdens, but
the excitement drove all tired feelings from our., minds ; we marched down Broadway and to the Courtlandt street
ferry with a firm step and a steady front.
Arriving at the railroad station in Jersey City, we found
the train in waiting, and after some delay, oving to the
great crowd of people who had collected, we were put on
board the cars. The train was delayed in the station for
several hours, during which time Jersey's fair daughters
laid us under great obligations for the generous manner
in which they ministered to our comfort. At eleven
o'clock, amid the cheers and "God bless you's" of the
assembled multitude, the train moved out. Those who
had assembled at Newark early in the evening, despairing
of our appearance that night had gone home, and
only a few personal friends remained when, at midnight,
that city was reached.

Todd, William. The Seventy-ninth Highlanders, New York Volunteers in the War of Rebellion, 1861-1865. New York, NY: Press of Brandow, Barton & Co, 1886. 5-6.

The 79th wore the parade uniform a handful of times after that while in Washington city. Beyond that, They didn't. That is not the point of all of what I have been saying though and I have a feeling you know that.

To accurately portray the life of an average soldier of that regiment during the War, research what the 79th wore, said, did, how they carried themselves and emulate it. During the war there was no "Standard issue" items because the uniforms and gear supplied to them by the federal army had their own differences.

And honestly, This thread is not about the average infantryman in the federal army from 1861-1865. Its about soldiers in the 79th New York and the uniform to be worn with the kilt form 1860 - Early/Mid 1861. Lets bring it all around and focus on that again.