Guidelines

The impression should be a generic basic federal issue uniform.  These troops were on an expedition but were well equipped having come from Jacksonville (only 30 miles to the east).  Uniforms should be in relatively good condition.

Headwear: 

Forage cap w/o trim ONLY.

Hardee or civilian hats are allowed by officers only and should be kept to a minimum.

Coat:

Sack coats are preferred for enlisted.

Frock coat is allowed, especially for NCO’s.

Great coats at your own risk.  Florida can be tricky in February

Officers may wear commercial sacks, but frocks are preferred.

Trousers:

Federal issue sky blue kersey only.

Field and Staff Officers may wear dark blue with sky blue trim down the outer seam.

Shirts:

Federal issue shirts strongly recommended.

Civilian shirts are allowed.

Under Clothes:

Federal issue canton flannel drawers.

Civilian drawers allowed.

Socks: (At least two clean pair)

Issue cotton socks.

Civilian socks allowed.

Shoes:

Federal issue bootee preferred.

Civilian shoes allowed.

Civilian or Federal boots are allowed for officers.

Accouterments:

Federal issue accouterments of Pattern of 1857 and pattern of 1861.

All cartridge boxes should have plates and tins, NO EXCEPTONS.

Cartridge box slings with breastplate.

Sewn or 2 rivet bayonet scabbards.

Cap pouch.

Proper belt belt buckle – “U.S.”; “SNY” buckles are discouraged.

Weapons:

Enfield rifled muskets or ’61 Springfield are preferred.

’64 Springfield is allowed.

Bayonets are required.

Canteens:

Smooth side preferred.

Bulls eyes are discouraged.

Cloth or tape canteen slings only.

Covers of appropriate jeans and readily available cloth. 

Knapsacks:

’55 double bag is preferred, but ’64 model is accepted. **Bedrolls are discouraged since this army was well supplied and historical documentation states that they did have mostly packs.

Blankets:

Fed issue blankets ONLY.  No homespun blankets or quilts!

Haversacks:

U.S. issue painted haversacks.

Tentage:

Shelter halves are accepted, but not required (correctly made patterns only, NO BRASS GROMMETS). Sleeping under the “stars” is preferred.

Tin ware:

Correct tin dippers, boilers or coolers; your choice.

Proper tin plates, canteen halves.

Proper utensils.

Ammunition:

Each enlisted man should have a full cartridge box containing 40 rounds plus 60-80 more rounds correctly rolled and packaged with caps.  We will be supply each company with an ammo box.

IMPORTANT: 

Keep in mind that this event will focus entirely around a march. The total distance will be 12.5 miles in two days. So, pack light and bring only the essentials.  Remember, we don’t do this 365 days a year.  Our goal is to provide a quality immersion event that ensures the safety of all who participate.