27th Va Monroe Guards early war uniform

[Jozar]

Hello to you all,

Some time ago I read somewhere that at the reenactment of First Manassas in 1986, there was a group portraying the Monroe Guards, co. D, 27th Virginia.

They had done a lot of research and wore a Dark blue frock coat, trousers, and a two tone shako with a wreath with " MG ", and as equipment they had a white belt and militia style cross belts.

Does anyone have a picture of this, or more information about this uniform, I want to find out of this uniform had trim, and what colour, and what the two colours of the two tone shako were.

Information about uniforms of the other companies of the 27th Virginia are also welcome.

Thanks and best wishes,

Johan Heitzer
The Netherlands

[BobDenton37thVA]

Dear Johan,

The 1860 Virginia Militia "standard" (which was only very loosely followed by various units) specified a dark blue frock coat with matching dark trousers. The shako, white belt and crossed bayonet/cartidge box straps were not mandatory, but seemed to be quite common.

We do have a picture of a member of Co. K, 37th VA ("The Washington Independents") in a similar uniform that was taken early in the war. It's of note that Co. K. was one of four pre-war militia companies that formed the "core" of the 37th when the war started, and they were, "drilling without expectation of what side they would fight on...", interestingly enough.

In the case of this particular photo, the frock coat is similar to a Federal enlisted man's frock, although it lacks any trim (e.g. piping). Also, the sleeves are extremely straight (not "D" shaped), very much like a civilian frock coat of the period. The coat also has large, VA State Seal buttons; of course it's impossible to tell if they are gilt or pewter, but they do look like domed buttons (not coin style).

The trousers are also dark, but appear to have a dark welt or piping running down the outer leg seam. As the subject was seated, and the photo is basically from the hips up, it's difficult to tell much about the trousers.

In the case of Company K, they seemed to have obtained a supply of McDowell-style forage caps, which were fitted with 1" hat brass on the crown reading "VA37WI" (i.e. Virginia, 37th, Washington Independents). This hat resembles a style that was manufactured by a particular firm in Norfolk which supplied both VA and NC troops.

I regret that I cannot post the photo here, but it's part of a private collection that was sent to the NC Museum of History for identification, and we don't have permission to reprint or publish.

Your servant, et c.,
Bob Denton
Co. K, 37th VA

[Jozar]

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your quick and interesting information,

Best Wishes,

Johan Heitzer
The Netherlands

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

I remember that unit, I do have a photo of them from 1986....somewhere. I'll try to find it, but it might take me a few weeks.

Sincerely,

Greg Starbuck

[Canebrake Rifle Guards]

In the meantime, here is a photo of an unidentified member of the Bedford Rifle Grays, a company of the 14th Virginia infantry. You can find several Virginia companies in this sort of uniform, gray pants & frocks, gray shakos with black bands.

Greg Starbuck

[Jozar]

Hello Greg,


Many thanks for the 14th Va picture, and the coming 27th Va picture, I am looking forward to it !

This is a great help, many thanks.

Best Wishes,

Johan Heitzer
The Netherlands