Change for MSG for Pea Ridge

[Tenthtexas]

Gentlemen,
especially those coming in the MSG Company, there has been some discussion about uniforms and arms for the Missouri State Guard for the event and want to put a primary emphasis on the following;
1- Need to emphasize mostly .69's for the company
2- clothing for the MSG needs to primarily be white (appler) uniforms. If that you are not able to get that by the event, then civilian attire is perfectly acceptable.

The changed to the guidelines come from accounts that Frank Aufmuth and the ranger, Steve Black, have as recorded. The white (appler) uniforms were taken from Albert Pikes Indian Forces.

These will be updated on the webpage but want to get that out there so you know about it as soon as possible.

Art Milbert

[huntdaw]

I realize there was discussion on this subject and some wanted to wear Appler style jackets. However, I have a few reservations about making this change.

It seems pretty close to the event to change the uniform guidelines. Plus, for many of us that do not have this kind of jacket, it will be very difficult to obtain one in time for the event. I, for one, do not know where to start to obtain one if I had a mind to.

I also wonder if changing these guidelines will make us compromise authenticity in the long run. Would it be better to have a company all attired in civilian dress or a company with a mix of undyed jackets and civilian dress?

I propose that having the mix of jackets and civilian dress will make for a less than authentic impression.

James Harding who served as quartermaster general for the State Guard states in his memoirs, "Service with the Missouri State Guard" that it was Rives and Burbridge's regiments, part of the 1st Missouri Brigade, that were issued these jackets at their camp on Cove Creek prior to Pea Ridge. These were not the only State Guard regiments at Pea Ridge. What were Slack's men wearing? Or Frost's? Or Rain's or Green's?

Point being, there were more State Guard troops than just the 1st. MO Brigade at Pea Ridge and I don't recall anyone saying we were to portray a specific Missouri State Guard unit.

So, are we to portray a company where everyone is wearing those jackets? It seems to me that if you go with that piece of clothing, then everyone should be wearing them and the proper accoutrements to make an authentic appearance. If we can't meet that, then should we not all be in civilian clothing? Would that not be a more authentic appearance?

I can see going with the jackets if that were put in the guidelines with enough lead time for people to obtain them if they wanted to do that impression but changing them 6 or 7 weeks out doesn't allow for that.

I don't have a problem with the jackets if that is the decision made. I'll show up in my civilian kit and it won't bother me at all to be in line next to fellows with those jackets because I think those jackets probably look pretty neat. I just wonder if we are doing a disservice to others and, at the same time, compromising our authenticity.

Just the musings of some guy with nothing else to do on a Friday night.

[Campjacksonboy]

Mike and all

First, relax because nothing has really changed. New thoughts have come out regarding the MSG. All I'm asking you to do is consider the information and let your conscience, beliefs, and knowledge guide your impression. Nobody is required to have an Appler coat

This may come as a shock to some of you but sometimes established historical thought is thrown out and suddenly changes when new information comes out. If this informaton was not shared that would truly be unauthentic. While this discussion may lack the well founded documentation of other impressions, what we do have is, at best, sketchy. Quite honestly I have been confounded for years about what the MSG looked like at Pea Ridge and so I broached the subject with Steve Black at Pea Ridge. As a Seasonal Park Ranger for the NPS I have a high level of respect for the staff at Pea Ridge, most especially Mr. Black and it is partly this reason that I am passing on the following:

There are presently two schools of thought about the MSG clothing at Pea Ridge. One believes is that the MSG pretty much looked the same as they did at Wison's Creek. The other believes that they were issued the undyed wool uniforms (white) that were taken from Albert Pike's Indian forces.

The problem is there is no conclusive evidence for either. Anyone that claims to have full knowledge and understanding of the MSG equipage is probably lying. If there be better knowledge out there let them come forward with the documentation. This is based on the best that I have been able to find and comes from the best conjecture of what the professionals have come up with. Therefore, if the best minds on the subject are debating civilian vs. white uniforms, its hard to compromise authenticity when secondary evidence supports both.

For those of you not as well versed it has been generally believed that only the Missouri Confederates got white uniforms just prior to Pea Ridge:

"Our regiment was uniformed here; the cloth was of rough and coarse texture, and the cutting and style would have produced a sensation in fashionable circles: the stuff was white, never having been colored, with the exception of a small quantity of dirt and a goodly supply of grease-the wool had not been purified by any application of water since it was taken from the back of the sheep. In pulling off and putting on the clothes, the olfactories were constantly exercised with a strong odor of that animal....Our clothes , however, were strong and serviceable if we did look and feel somewhat sheepish in them."
-Ephraim Anderson
2nd Missouri CSA

Where Missouri is concerned there were three armies at Pea Ridge. The Federal, the Confederates, and the Missouri State Guard. There is a difference between the Confederates and the MSG. They have the same enemy but one was fighting for the CSA and the other for the State of Missouri. There are reasons why the remaining members of the MSG refused to join Confederate Service. Some of us believe the clothing may have been an inticement to get the MSG men to go over to the Confederate Camp. There seems to be little to back this up.

So, on this account don't think of it as "the guidelines" are changing." Rather think of it as they are being expanded for both schools of thought.

If the guidelines should change at all it should be the weapons. It is basic knowledge that the MSG had acquired weapons and in this area was much different than the indifferently armed MSG that fought the early war battles of Wilson's Creek and Athens. Archaeological evidence at Pea Ridge supports .69 cal. Muskets. in Steve Black's words:

"True, some people here were using flintlock muskets but
they were M-1816's or M-1822 or M-1835. The MSG went on a huge buying spree in the fall of 61 and winter of 62 and bought all kinds of weapons and
accoutrements and the end result of that was the army the Price fielded
here."

Based on this, a '16, flint, conversion, or '42 should be preferable over a squirrel rifle. The park would like to see us with pre-1861 weapons. Irregardless, for those of you that have nothing else, the civilian rifle or shotgun will get no flak from me (but a 12 guage shotgun can fire .69 balls.)

As mentioned earlier, not sharing these thoughts and information would be a true compromise of Authenticity. Now that it's out there feel free to do what you think is best.

As for me, I'm an officer, and will be dusting off the old militia tailcoat.

Maybe now we can discuss the use of knapsacks and haversacks among the Missourians. Anyone???
Frank Aufmuth

[mslaird]

It seems pretty close to the event to change the uniform guidelines. Plus, for many of us that do not have this kind of jacket, it will be very difficult to obtain one in time for the event. I, for one, do not know where to start to obtain one if I had a mind to.


Sir, in an interest to help with this particular question... Rob Wiseman, here on the forum, is a good person to get in touch with about the white MSG jackets. Hope this helps.

[roundshot]

Another account mentions that these jackets had large wood buttons and when worn with black accouterments, the coats displayed nicely. Also, Anderson mentions the issue of "cartridge boxes and belts with CS on them," which were likely the rope border CS pattern.

[Tenthtexas]

Mike,
I appreciate your thoughts on this and you express a very real concern about the impression. No worries though, the civilian attire will be fine and is accurate. Additional information has surfaced and wanted to put it out there. Me putting it at the top of the list 7 weeks before probably not a good call on my part in making it most desired.

Art Milbert

[MissouriStateGuard]

If I can add something to the excellent historical information already presented (by Mr. Comer, Mr. Williams, Tom Arliskis, Chris Houk, just to name a few) in this discussion.

Like many unit presentations in the living history arena, portraying the Missouri State Guard is a specialty impression. As with other impressions, to do it accurately involves conducting extensive research. But it is also unlike other unit impressions in several ways, offering many unique and frustrating challenges.

The Missouri State Guard was an enigmatic organization. Called into service following the Camp Jackson affair and the civil strife that followed, the Guard was organized largely “on the run.” As such it lacked a centralized location for training and equipping an army. The most logical place to conduct such efforts, the state capitol in Jefferson City, was taken in June by Federal forces. This loss also had another undesired effect: there was no central repository for army documents. Thus the majority of morning reports, ordnance returns, requisitions, and the myriad of forms and paperwork accompanied the army as it steadily traversed the countryside just ahead of an ever advancing enemy, to be destroyed, lost, or recycled as cartridge papers.

Lacking an effective quartermaster system the State Guard army became self-sustaining, living of the land. In turn its soldiers laid aside their arms and performed as farmers, millers, herdsmen, butchers, bakers & cooks, lead miners, armorers & artificers, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, and tailors.

As the Federal army advanced across Missouri the State Guardsmen increasingly found their homes and families behind “enemy lines.” Documenting their service through letters was a risky endeavor; first the bearer had to traverse enemy-held territory to deliver the missives, and then the presence of such proof of treasonous activities, if found, often meant fines and/or imprisonment for the recipients. Of the letters that were sent few seem to have survived, or may yet lay undiscovered, further limiting our knowledge of this group.

In the same vein there are few “letters to the editor” from soldiers in the field, who wished to keep their friends and neighbors apprised of their activities through their local newspaper. First, the letters had to get to the editor; second, the editor had to decide if printing such a letter was worth the seizure of his press and imprisonment.

I have seen only two images of State Guardsmen identified to specific individuals and specific dates, so photographic documentation offers little guidance.

Another reason for the dearth of information is the relative short existence of the Missouri State Guard. Men originally enlisted for just a few months, and the bulk of the army existed less than a year. Those who entered Confederate service spent three years fighting and dying far from Missouri; of course those who died wrote no post-war reminiscences- those who survived often placed greater narrative effort in their accounts of “real” battles in Mississippi and Tennessee. Those who returned to their homes found themselves subject to arrest and imprisonment; in addition they were expected to enlist in Federal service as state militia. Little blame can be applied to them for failing to publicize their State Guard service.

In the nearly twenty years I have researched the Missouri State Guard I have been both elated and frustrated by the information found. I will qualify my work as “in progress.” I have tended to concentrate on the period of June to September 1861, so the period between the victory at Lexington and the Battle of Pea Ridge is a new arena. The information presented here covers roughly a 6 month period, from November 1861 to April 1862, and comes from Northern and Southern eyewitness accounts, participant journals and post-war reminiscences, and newspaper articles. What follows is not meant to be a definitive treatise on the Missouri State Guard at Pea Ridge; rather it should be seen as a springboard for further research and discussion. I along are responsible for the content and the many mistake in punctuation and grammar.

One interesting, and quite rare, account of Missouri State Guard service at Pea Ridge comes from a letter written by an anonymous member of the 6th Infantry, 8th Division, Missouri State Guard, seventeen days after the battle to his cousin in Virginia, in which he states the following:

1) When Price’s army abandoned Springfield their train was 9 miles long, and included “all our supplies from the South yet undistributed, besides a heavy train which had just arrived the day we left [12 February.]”

2) His regiment was issued thirty rounds per man. He alludes they had Mississippi rifles, and several times mentions “fixing bayonets.” As some of the M1841 rifles taken from the Missouri Depot in Liberty, Missouri, in April 1861 ended up in the hands of Guardsmen in Jackson County (part of Rains’ Eighth Division area) the author may have been thus armed.

3) On the march south to Arkansas he and his fellow soldiers bivouacked without tents or blankets. They suffered much from the ice and cold dressed in their “light clothes.”

4) They received 3 days rations on 2 March and were ordered to cook them in preparation of moving on the Federal army.

5) Once he finished these rations (on the 5th) he had nothing but “a little raw corn I snatched from the horses” until after the battle, two days later.

One word of caution with this account- given that the author writes with such a dramatic style, quoting poetry and making grand flowery statements, and since it is written to a female relative, I take with a grain of salt such statements as "bayonets were fixed… for the wild death dance would soon begin" and "we charged with fixed bayonets." Maybe his regiment had them, and then again maybe such statements were made to improve his literary drama.

I will say his statements about the lack of tents and blankets, and rations are echoes by men in Price’s Missouri Brigade, notably in Rives’ regiment. Their reprieve from hunger came when they overran the federal sutlers’ stores at the Elkhorn Tavern. This feast, however, was not enjoyed by most of the men of the Missouri State Guard (except perhaps Greene’s Second Division), as the bulk of the Guard forces were posted further east in the area of Clemons’ field.

In order to make a more rapid march upon the enemy Van Dorn ordered that his men carry only their weapons, 40 rounds of ammunition, three days rations, and a single blanket. The immense supply train of the Army of the West was left near Camp Stephens, along with all tents, bedding, extra clothing, mess, and camp equipage. In addition, due to a mistake in orders, the ordnance train which was to accompany the army took the wrong course and never arrived. Price’s men would fight the entire two day battle with their initial 40 rounds, supplemented by what ammunition they could scavenge from the enemy casualties.

Despite its efforts to secede in October 1861, the fate of Missouri was given little importance by the Confederate government. Perhaps due to its precarious position, surrounded by Union states and occupied by Federal forces, or perhaps as a result of the growing enmity between Jefferson Davis and Sterling Price, little support in the form of arms, uniforms, or equipage was forthcoming from Richmond. What is certain is the Confederate government had little to give, and had greater priorities in the hierarchy of recipients.

State money appropriated to purchase such supplies was spent to purchase goods in Memphis and New Orleans, the first of which began to arrive in Missouri in the fall of 1861.

Peter D. Lane was another State Guard private serving with Rains’ Division. He recalls that Price received “500 muskets and a couple of batteries of new cannon (of 3 or 4 pieces each) together with a considerable lot of other munitions of war” while at Cassville, Missouri, in late October and early November 1861. Lane makes few comments about the retreat from Missouri before Pea Ridge, other than how the cold weather, snow, and ice caused great hardships among his fellow soldiers. In Arkansas the cold weather caused several deaths from exposure. Unfortunately for us Lane was detailed to guard prisoners in Bentonville, Arkansas and was not an eyewitness to the Battle of Pea Ridge.

Private Griffin Frost of A Company, 1st Infantry Battalion, Second Division, Missouri State Guard, recalled being in Springfield on 27 December 1861 and seeing some State Guard officers “busy distributing clothing. Our Division received five wagons, not yet given out to the men.” In January 1862 Frost, recently elected captain to command his company, observed his men “…in their tents, wrapped in blankets, or hovering around the fire trying to keep warm.” On 12 February Frost wrote that “some 80 or 90 wagons, loaded with clothing, arrived from the South, but before they could be distributed we heard the enemy were advancing upon us.” He further writes of his men continuing to have access to their tents and blankets through their retreat to Northern Arkansas. Unfortunately Frost fails to elaborate on his company’s actions at the Battle of Pea Ridge beyond a few uninformative lines.

James Harding, quartermaster-general for the Missouri troops, contracted for medical supplies, arms, and ammunition in Memphis. He was disappointed when only two-thirds of his order (some 80 wagons) was delivered. Most of these supplies arrived in Springfield and were unloaded just hours before Curtis’ Army of the Southwest threatened that post. Harding expressed his pride that, despite the urgency to evacuate, only one keg of mule shoes was abandoned. He did, however, have to hastily distribute some supplies: a box containing 60 pair of trousers and a number of tents were given to members of Gates’ Missouri Cavalry regiment.

Later Harding did oversee distribution of the uniforms and accouterments in the Missouri Camp at Cove Creek, Arkansas.

Advantage was taken… to issue to the troops the clothing, blankets, etc., which had been so long in the wagons, and which there was great need… the jackets and pants were of white linsey, with big wooden buttons, with which Rives and Burbridge’s regiments were furnished… These clothes were real nigger clothing, but were warm, of good material, were uniform in color, and far preferable to no clothes at all. The black belts and equipments set of the linsey very nicely, and the regiment looked really well in their working clothes.

As Harding notes, these uniforms went to Burbridge’s and Rives’ infantry regiments in the 1st Missouri Brigade and not to the Missouri State Guard units. Another source claims the supply was exhausted before all of Rives’ regiment could be uniformed, leaving their ranks with an incomplete appearance. Harding mentions no additional uniform issuance to any other Missouri troops.

Several post-battle articles give some clues to how the Missouri troops appeared to eyewitnesses. A newspaper correspondent, in Springfield following the battle, commented on the appearance of some 3-400 rebel prisoners taken in the fight at Pea Ridge. “They were [ragamuffins] all without uniforms, clad in homespun, blue or butternut in color, with some of the oddest hats imaginable, of all sizes and shapes.”

A second correspondent, this time in Rolla, Missouri, apparently saw the same groups of prisoners. Having marched from Springfield they were being loaded into cars to be entrained to St. Louis.

Another detachment of our troops arrived yesterday with about 400 prisoners, captured at the battle of Pea Ridge… They were without uniforms, some of them barefooted; others, without coats; some of them with an old bag, a piece of carpet, or part of a bed quilt on their shoulders; others with broken hats; some with the linings of their pantaloons visible; generally with long hair and unshaven faces- a motley crew as ever was seen.
As many of the prisoners were recognized by local citizens and refugees from Springfield it can be assumed they were part of Price’s Missouri army, and were identifiable as having been former neighbors of the witnesses or having made themselves known in the months they were encamped around that city.

After Pea Ridge, Price’s army was broken up, with most of those in Confederate service following Price across the Mississippi River. Arguably these were his best-armed and equipped troops, having received arms, uniforms and equipment in February at Cove Creek. A correspondent of the Charleston, South Carolina Tri-Weekly Courier, viewing Price’s Missourians in Corinth only one month after Pea Ridge, commented on their appearance:

Every man has come from his homestead fitted with the best and strongest that loving mothers, wives, and sisters could put upon him. And the spectacle presented as they are drawn up in line, whether for marching or inspection, necessarily forms an arabesque pattern of the most parti-colored crowd of people upon which human eyes ever rested. Some are in black- full citizens dress, with beaver hats and frock coats; some in homespun drab; some in grey, blue, and streaked; some in nothing but red shirts, pants, and big top boots; some attempt a display with the old fashioned militia uniforms of their forefathers… Their weapons are not less miscellaneous than their personal appearance. At first very few were armed with any thing but ordinary shot guns and rifles, and to an extent such is the case at present…
Despite a partial issue of uniforms less than two months before, and despite the capture of thousands of stands of arms and accoutrements during the previous nine months, the best of Price’s army still appeared to this observer to be an army of citizens, with some military weapons, but still armed with civilian firearms.

Continuing with the effect the captured arms may have had on the appearance of the Missouri State Guard are several more period accounts. In December a large force of State Guardsmen were captured in their winter quarters/assembly area along the Blackwater River near Milford, Missouri, on 19 December, 1861. One newspaper reported:

The plunder brought into the city with the prisoners filled several cars. The most interesting portion is embraced in a lot of splendid shot guns, some four hundred in all. The [Federal soldiers] are of the opinion that it would be impossible in any section of the country to collect such an assortment of first class shot guns. Many of the weapons are recognized as worth from fifty to seventy-five dollars apiece.
The Missouri State Guard did benefit from a number of military muskets and rifles obtained from the Arkansas state troops and from capture at Cole Camp, Neosho and Carthage, and Lexington. Several thousand weapons for an army variously reported as being 10,000 to 30,000 men, with a large number unarmed. After Wilson’s Creek and Lexington many of the Guardsmen reported left the ranks and returned to their homes. For some their six month term of enlistment was complete. For others, crops had to be brought in and families prepared for the coming winter. It was understood by the MSG command that these men would return to the ranks in time for the Spring offensive. Price had a hard enough time gathering forage and subsistence for those who stayed in the camps at Osceola and Springfield- at least he didn’t have to feed and cloth those who went back home. “Hundreds are leaving the army daily,” recalled Griffin Frost in December 1861, “[they] say they must go home before they enlist again.”

Primary sources offer very little evidence regarding whether those who left took their weapon, or if every soldier who left could or would return. It is a little clearer that new recruits were expected to provide their own weapons and equipment, as stated by Sterling Price in December 1861:

Come with supplies of clothing and with tents, if you can procure them. Come with your guns of any description that can be made to bring down a foe. If you have no arms, come without them, and we will supply you as far as that is possible. Bring cooking utensils and rations for a few weeks.
From the time Price’s army took Springfield in August 1861 until just days before abandoning the town to Curtis’ advancing Federal forces in February 1862, representatives of the Missouri State Guard were actively collecting firearms from the civilians in Greene County for the expressed purpose of “arming the state troops.” The firearms taken were listed simply as rifles and shot guns, and receipts were issued for reimbursement in state script. Several dozen citizens, however, objected to the forced seizures and filed theft charges against the named and unnamed agents in criminal court, giving us a lasting account of these historical events.

Reference to armaments in period newspapers are somewhat helpful; unfortunately they are too often nonspecific to exactly whose troops they refer. One post-battle account has victorious Federal soldiers gathering “muskets, clothing and shotguns… strewn along the woods,” while another boasts “thirteen cannons were taken, besides thousands of shotguns.” Slight more specific is this account, taken from the Cleveland Daily Herald: “Many of the Confederate arms were excellent, embracing Minnie rifles, Enfield muskets, and good United States muskets; but the greater portion were [sic] rifles and shot guns.” Captain Hickory Rogers, a Confederate Arkansawyer in charge of ordnance following the battle, remarked that the fighting was fierce, with “…a large portion of our troops being armed with common hunting rifles and shot guns.”

A more direct account comes from LTC Francis Herron, commanding the 9th Iowa Infantry, who was wounded and captured by members of the Second Missouri Brigade at Elkhorn Tavern. Writing in April, just after his exchange, he said of his captors: “Two-thirds… were armed with muskets, many of them of the Springfield and Enfield patterns, and having saber bayonets. The balance had shot guns and country rifles, with usual variety.”

I have not heard of the “two schools of thought” in regard to the State Guard receiving an issue of uniforms prior to the battle, or in fact at anytime during their existence, and I haven't seen the figure of "8,000" uniform sets being received by the Missourians. I would be most interested in seeing any documentation that may exist in these two areas.

In my opinion a living history event at Pea Ridge would be best conducted choosing either a documented Missouri Brigade impression, or a documented State Guard impression. Having an amalgamation of men in uniforms, with muskets and accouterments, in the same company as men in citizen’s clothes with shotguns and hunting pouches, is somewhat nebulous and would not be as common a sight as the former or the latter. It would be a better for interpretive option to chose one or the other, or represent both in two entirely separate groups.

One of the best living history events I have ever experienced was the 135th anniversary observance at Pea Ridge, where we represented Rives’ infantry at the Elkhorn Tavern. Participants were limited to one blanket and one hard cracker, with all tents, bedding, and cooking equipment excluded. No fires, either, in the 20 degree weather- all discomforts compounded by Van Dorn’s orders and experienced by the same men at the same place. No breakfast or dinner the next day (except for the single hard cracker), just a march up Rives’ avenue of attack up Tanyard Hollow to the Tavern, and conducting interpretive programs and firing demonstrations throughout the day. That afternoon we “overran” the sutlers’ tents and feasted on cured ham, soft bread, tins of preserved meats and fruits, desiccated vegetables, etc.; again, all documented to people, place and time.

Of course, since this event is sponsored by the park staff for the benefit of their visitors it should, ultimately, reflect the interpretive goals of Pea Ridge National Military Park.

V/R,
Kip

[huntdaw]

Excellent post Mr. Lindberg, thank you.

Having an amalgamation of men in uniforms, with muskets and accouterments, in the same company as men in citizen’s clothes with shotguns and hunting pouches, is somewhat nebulous and would not be as common a sight as the former or the latter.

That was the point of my post and I think it is a valid one. If we are to go with white jackets, then we should portray one of the units that were issued these uniforms as much as possible and not just throw it in as an afterthought.

Are we portraying part of the 1st Missouri Brigade or a unit of the MSG?

Since I have a white jacket in progress now, I would hope to portray the 1st MO Brigade at this point from the purely selfish motive that if I'm paying for a coat I want to be able to wear it. But, from the historical standpoint, I think we need to portray one unit or the other.

[Campjacksonboy]

We'll I'll do the Monty Python routine where I stand up and immediately get shot down. And the poor guy that chooses "obvious cover" gets blown up.
Since I started the confusion I guess I ought to try and minimize it, For fear that I may end up with zouaves with camel hair fezzes and militant tie-dyed hippies in the ranks. (no offence intended toward the hippies)

The stuff that was posted earlier came from when I conferred with the people at Pea Ridge. This seems to be what they want to see. At that place clothing is still not fully understood for the same reasons Kip mentioned above. However, with the comments on weapons, that comes from archaeological findings and shouldn't be blown off.

Kip is probably the most knowledgeable person about the MSG and his post above is very helpful being that he is the best person that could have ever posted here. I highly suggest his articles in the book Sterling Price's Lieutenants.
Frank Aufmuth

[huntdaw]

If you're coming as a Missourian to this one, let's get those registrations in. The event isn't that far away.

[MissouriStateGuard]

All,

Here are a few more related accounts for Pea Ridge:

This description of the appearance of Price's men left behind in Springfield, February 1862 (incidentally, one of these would have been Frank James) comes from a correspondent of the Chicago Tribune 18 March 1862. This is the first post-Wilson's Creek reference I have found to distinctive insignia.

About four hundred of Price’s Missouri] sick were left in the Court House, in two churches and in a large hotel, which had been converted into hospitals. A green or red stripe sewn upon their sleeves (the mark of the beast) was the only indication of uniform about them. Otherwise they were the same miscellaneous copper-bottoms as all of Price’s horde of ‘beggars coming to town.’

The following is also from the Chicago Tribune 8 April 1862 and may be pertinent in that the 25th Illinois was engaged at the Elkhorn Tavern on the second day, facing Price's Missouri army:

Some of the boys were stripped of their clothing, boots, and valuables, and were returned with a secession outfit. Lieut. West of the Twenty-fifth Illinois, was robbed on the field of a gold watch; $250 in money, a good suit of clothes, and even his boots, and came into camp with a butternut suit, and copper-bottomed like a rebel of the first order.
As I come across additional sources for the appearance of Price's Missourians at Pea Ridge I will post them, too.

V/R,
Kip

[Old Cremona]

If you're coming as a Missourian to this one, let's get those registrations in. The event isn't that far away.

I was looking at this thread, and it suddenly dawned on me, "I need to do this event."

I confess, I'm a better civilian than a soldier; several people around here can attest to that. But perhaps that's more appropriate in the MSG that elsewhere.

Should be good and cold this year- it always is for this event. But seeing all my old friends will compensate for the suffering!

[Old Cremona]

If I might just add,

Reading Kip Lindberg's post is such a treat. Sure hope to see you there, Kip!

[Campjacksonboy]

...Well the events a month away and that's my pitch for any last minute registrations. (Including mine). The company is shaping up nicely.
Forward Missouri!
Frank Aufmuth

[mslaird]

Hello MSG commanders,

I was curious as to how many you will have coming to the event so far, if you don't mind me asking. I have been bombarded with questions from friends and family here locally that are curious to know. Thanks.

R/S

[Campjacksonboy]

So far a dozen. Now why would the locals care how many Missourians are coming?
Frank Aufmuth

[mslaird]

It is the anniversary and they like to come out and see all of us when we do programs. They were wondering how many enactors would be present hailing from outside our area local area. (Northwest Arkansas/Southwest Missouri/Northeast Oklahoma) They are looking forward to seeing you folks as well. The word has spread about it. Thanks for the information. I will see you there.

[Thomas Alleman]

Is MI close to MO, damn I want to go, so many great descriptions of Van Dorns army and yeah a I got a one of dem der white jackets. How I am I going to get it dirty if I do not get to wear it at a event, hey Comer could you come and pick me up so I can go? I will get to MO this year. I have been to Pea Ridge and it is a pristine place. Hey maybe Hodge will be out filming you guys, HA HA. I am trying to go to Athens and Of course Marm's, I should just get a job out there and I can go to all the MO events. Hey is there any historic building restoration jobs out there? Well sounds like a great L/H, do take lots of pics for those who cannot make it.

[roundshot]

Just FYI, for some of you guys seeking a close approximation of the stamped CS "rope border" buckle issued to Missouri troops pre-Pea Ridge along with their MH&G accouterments, Blockade Runner (dare I say it!!) has something you might find of interest: http://www.blockaderunner.com/Catalog/catpg23.htm.

Scroll about 2/3 of the way down the page to the "Rope Border buckle." It's not a true copy of the original item (some difference in lettering) , but it's about as close as anything out there today as far as a reproduction of this buckle. Not an endorsement, just a FYI.

If anyone doubts these were issued, read Anderson's "Misssouri Brigade."

[huntdaw]

hey Comer could you come and pick me up so I can go?

If you can get in the area, I can sure get you the rest of the way. But, I ain't comin' to Michigan to fetch you.

[23rdIllinoisIrish]

So far a dozen. Now why would the locals care how many Missourians are coming?
Frank Aufmuth

Frank,
Most assuredly to marvel at our quick Missourah wit...

It is the anniversary and they like to come out and see all of us when we do programs. They were wondering how many enactors would be present hailing from outside our area local area. (Northwest Arkansas/Southwest Missouri/Northeast Oklahoma) They are looking forward to seeing you folks as well. The word has spread about it. Thanks for the information. I will see you there.

Mr. Laird,
Come by and visit us in the Holmes camp after the hostilities. Will you be wearing that stunning commutation jacket? :sarcastic

[mslaird]

Not this time around although it is a nice jacket and a job well done, I will be with the 3rd Louisiana Infantry at Leetown for the event.

[MissouriStateGuard]

I recently had the opportunity to review "The Battle Raged... With Terrible Fury:" Battlefield Archeology of Pea Ridge National Military Park," dated November 2005. This is the final report of the archeological survey conducted at that site between 2001 and 2003. It is a highly interesting document numbering nearly two hundred fifty pages.

The authors state their ability to survey areas of the Pea Ridge battlefield was limited by thick underbrush and timber density. Therefore they concentrated on the open fields around Leetown, and Cox's and Clemons' fields near Elkhorn Tavern. But most of the thicker woods around Elkhorn Tavern, incorporating much of the route of advance and areas held by the Missouri State Guard, were unable to be included. A usual crew consisted of between 6 and 12 metal detector operators working through a series of sweeps at intervals of approximately 15 feet.

The small arms projectiles recovered can be broken down into the following groups:

409- .69 (should read .65) caliber round balls (these may include case shot balls)
156- .69 Minie Balls
129- unidentified pieces of lead too deformed from impact to classify
125- .58 Minie Balls
41- .54 caliber round balls
38- .31 caliber balls, probably buckshot
21- .54 caliber Minie Balls
21- .36 round balls
17- .44 conical bullets
16- .44 round balls
12- .36 conical bullets
6- .52 Sharps bullets
1- .56 conical bullet
1- .50 Maynard bullet
1- .32 "non-military" ball

Also of interest are that only four percussion caps, all musket size, were recovered (and two of these were of modern variety attributed to reenactors.)

The overall conclusion for small arms-types present is based on the recovery of these small arms projectiles from across the entire battlefield. The conclusion: "Archeological record clearly demonstrates shotguns and country rifles were present in very small numbers." Only one "non-military" bullet was recovered, along with a civilian backaction lock, triggerguard, and a flintlock hammer. Thus, they conclude, the majority of those involved in the fight had military weapons. They also conclude that the many eyewitness reports stating many of the Southern forces had civilian weapons are erroneous.

This is the identical conclusion the same archeological team made following their survey of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, where the authors' stated "the ratio of civilian weapons used on the battlefield is much lower than popular memory would indicate." Again, participant accounts stating that large number of civilian weapons were present and used were given little validation; this includes an explanation that State Guardsmen claiming to have used "shotguns" really mean "muskets" as muskets fired shot, too.

I personally have a few issues with such blanket statements. I don't know that the recovery of one thousand bullets from a two day battle involving nearly 30,000 troops can present anything more conclusive than to demonstrate the type and caliber of weapons present. Claiming the bullets recovered reflect the number of such caliber weapons on the field assumes two things: every participant fired a like number of rounds, and the recovery of these bullets is a true reflection of the numbers present, but still undiscovered.

The possibility that Federal forces fired more ammunition than Southern troops, thereby skewing the ratio of projectiles recovered and the authors' conclusion, is not addressed. However given historical records that state many of the Missouri troops entered the fight with less than 30 rounds, while the Federals had 60 rounds plus a reserve, this is a possibility worth consideration. (The same can be said for Wilson's Creek, with Federal accounts claiming complete exhaustion of their 60 rounds and MSG soldiers claiming to have fired less than 10 rounds during the entire battle.) Also worth considering is that a State Guardsmen loading a common rifle with loose powder and patched ball could not load and fire as quickly as a Federal soldier with a musket and buck and ball cartridges; therefore leaving fewer projectiles for future recovery.

Another point worth consideration is the inability of metal detectors to locate smaller objects, such as civilian rifle balls and buckshot, at varying depths and soil conditions. The volunteer crewmembers used a variety of personally-owned metal detectors, each with different capabilities. While I did not participate in the Pea Ridge survey I have participated in other surveys, and I can say with certainty that the audible "return" from small objects are given less importance than louder "returns," especially in areas contaminated by more recent trash (aluminum foil, pull tabs, nails, etc.) and after several hours of hard survey work. The operator exercises much personal discression in choosing to mark and/or dig such weaker "returns." This may help to explain why only four percussion caps were recovered, and 38 buckshot.

A number of the .36 and .44 round balls recovered and identified as pistol balls carried the marks of "cloth patching impressions." I don't know of any revolvers which required a cloth patch; however it was necessary for common rifles.

Some of the impacted .54 round balls recovered bore no discernable rifling marks, indicating being fired from a smoothbore weapon. While the possiblity of their coming from smoothbore horse pistols is addressed, the possibility of their being fired from a shotgun is not considered.

Most of the .65 round balls have no marks present other than dimpling from the buckshot in "Buck and Ball" cartridges. The only mention these balls may have come from shotguns and not muskets is the single sentence: "As a mater [sic] of reference for size the .69-caliber round ball can be fired in a 12-gauge shotgun." Were .65 balls fired from shotguns at Pea Ridge? If you believe Corporal Nathan S. Harwood, G Company, 9th Iowa Infantry, they may very well have been. Harwood, recalling how his regiment faced the Missouri Confederates at Elkhorn Tavern, states "Many of the rebels were armed with double-barreled shotguns loaded with ball cartridge, and at short range [they] were terribly effective." [the bold italics are mine]

I would not go as far as to say that all, or even most, of the .65 balls were fired from shotguns and not muskets. But to discount the possibility that any were fired from shotguns is shortsighted.

I will extend the option that nearly half of the projectiles recovered could have come from civilian rifles and shotguns: the buckshot, the .36 and .44 round balls marked with cloth patches, the unidentifiable pieces of lead projectiles, and the .54 and .65 round balls lacking indications of rifling. They probably did not, but to say they could not seems as spurious a conclusion as saying they definately did.

As I said before I did not participate in this archeological survey, and I have not had the opportunity to view the recovered projectiles, so I have no firsthand information on how or why the projectiles were classified as they were. I can say, having read the report, that little effort was put into documenting primary source accounts covering weapons and ammunition in the hands of Price's Missouri troops.

In all fairness the authors probably did not have access to such accounts, and if they had they might have been able to present an additional view. I understand now that Robert Serio and a group of researchers have been for several years assisting the Pea Ridge interpretive staff in collecting these participant accounts. I have shared my sources with both Mr. Serio and the park, and will continue to do so. Hopefully in the near future we will all be better able to marry the historical and archeological records to get a more complete understanding of the armament of Missouri troops at the Elkhorn Tavern.

Until a more complete understanding is reached, I would encourage anyone interested in a Missouri State Guard impression to continue using the historical record of primary source accounts to direct their efforts.

V/R,
Kip

[Old Cremona]

Whew! I was getting a little worried about halfway through your post, Kip. The only weapon I have to use at the upcoming LH is a borrowed shotgun. It sounds like that's still okay, though.

[MissouriStateGuard]

Carl,

Keep your finger's crossed- there seems to be some confusion on whether shotguns will be allowed. Apparently the Pea Ridge staff told the WIG/4th Arkansas group that shotguns are not allowed per NPS black powder safety regulations and they cannot use them, even though historically the 4th Arkansas did have them at the time of the battle. However I know of no NPS regulation to prevent their use, and we have certainly used them at Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge in the past with no problem (the only concession made was not to place them in the rear rank.)

I really don't think this will be a problem, but there seems to be a miscommunication somewhere. I bet this will be cleared up before too long.

Regardless you are still bringing your banjo, right!:)

V/R,
Kip

[Campjacksonboy]

This is the first I've heard of that rule.
Frank

[trippcor]

As I posted on the other thread, this issue has been resolved. Shotguns will be allowed for both the MSG and 4th Arkansas impressions. I will update the website soon.

[Spewy]

Kip,

Too bad we'll be doing Federal this weekend or we could resurrect the
Silver Grey's "Flying Shotgun Squad".

[MissouriStateGuard]

Bob,

Yeah, twenty guys armed with double barrel shotguns makes for a formidible sight!

Lexington has never been the same.:(

V/R,
Kip

[fahtz]

I bet 20 dudes with original 5 foot long fowlers would be an awesome sight too!

[Campjacksonboy]

Has anyone noticed that most of the people posting on this thread aren't doing MSG? (Don't stop on my account)
With all this nostalgia about the Silver Grays who's in for Athens?...and before any of you can belly ache about the long drive or the heat I'm serving in the ranks.
Frank Aufmuth

[MissouriStateGuard]

Frank,

I will once again be crewing the log cannon at Athens with two other Silver Gray alumni, Dave Bennett and Bill Jordan. We are a "splinter faction," though, (or at least we will be when the gun blows up :D ) as the other Silver Grays who have spoken of attending will, I believe, be participating as Home Guards.

Kip

[Hairy Nation Boys]

What Home Guard company are they going to be with? Mine (Kahoka Home Guard) or the Holmes?

[Spewy]

This old "Silver Gray" plans on falling in with Holmes. But please don't tell Frank I don't want him getting upset with me for posting on this Thread and not doing MSG.

[fahtz]

MSG rules! Frank is now commanding every MSG event for the next 10 years.

[Campjacksonboy]

Don't worry Robert I don't know where you live (Yet!)

You won't have to worry about me at Athens either, but look out for my kids. I showed them your picture and told them they you were the guy that smased up their sand box a few years ago...
Xavier and Pompey are pissed. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Frank Aufmuth

[fahtz]

Frank,
You are calling down the heat of the world famous Bob Clanton...Better watch it man!

Bob,
In terms of Xavier, just make sure there is some fresh hot cut rod for MSG cannister shot laying around...he will pick it up and run.

I'll see you boys around at Pea Ridge...in some sort of impression. I might be bringing my Zouave impression. CIVILIAN Zouave of course!

[Spewy]

Frank I was just kiddin' around no need to call the wrath of your boys down on me. They scare me almost as much as Mitch's civilian Zouave impression.

[fahtz]

If that scares you Bob, wait until I dance atop the tavern by fire light...

[Campjacksonboy]

There we go leave it up to Mitch to remember the "bar shot incident."
I just told the boys I made a mistake and that it was actually Mitch. His name has been inscribed in the Wreted Clan, St. Louis Chapter's book of hate.

Xavier was a little younger back then but because he was 4 years younger he thinks it was you, Mitch, that burnt him with that hot piece of iron. I'm sure he'll get even some day after puberty kicks in.
Frank

[Old Reb]

Frank,
The truth about your son and the hot steel at Wilson's Creek has been documented elsewhere, and for your AC reputation I will not post it here, but the sorted story is well known among the Ground Hornets as is your ruthless behavior and whistle.

[Campjacksonboy]

Looks like I'm getting no help here. carry on.
Frank

[Campjacksonboy]

Ok Kip
I meant to IM you but I didn't have the time to look up your address.

Tactics. Earlier in 1861 we know some of the MSG were using Scott's.
However I know that Bevier mentions getting a copy of Gilham's sometime around Lexington. Is there any reason we should not go with Gilham's. The Bevier quote is the latest mention of tactics I have b een able to find between the summer of 1861 and Elk Horn Tavern.
Thanks for your help
Frank Aufmuth

[MissouriStateGuard]

Frank,

I know of two references to the use of Scott's in the MSG during Spring/Summer of 1861- one from Burbridge's regiment and one from a State officer handling requests for drill manuals.

Bevier wrote that in the summer of 1861 he observed one of the St. Louis companies (either the Grays or the Blues) at drill, and was fascinated by how they would move from two ranks to a column of fours at "Right Face." And as you said, at the time of Lexington, he obtains, "with infinite trouble," a copy of Gilham's. "By Christmas," he wrote, " {I] had one of the best-drilled regiments [5th Infantry, 3rd Division, MSG] in our Brigade."

Since Gilham's and Hardee's are so similar in the school of the company it's hard to tell what drill Bevier observed with the St. Louisians. I know Hardee's manual was available in St. Louis in the spring of 1861 as Sigel's men were provided locally-printed, German language editions.

So it would seem that all three manuals were available to these men in 1861.

I don't have any documentation for why you should or should not go with Gilham's (or for that matter Hardee's) for the weekend, especially if any of your men are unfamiliar with Scott's. When it comes to the manual of arms, however, you'll probably have to improvise anyway. None of these authors could foresee the need for a drill to cover a mixed command with flintlock and percussion weapons, common rifles and double barrel shotguns.

Good luck!

Kip

[Campjacksonboy]

Kip
In 1858 the Militia in St. Louis under orders from Gen. Frost first changed uniforms from the varied colored tail coats and other strange milita uniforms that made each company unique, to the dark blue frock coats and shoulder scales. Then got rid of their old muskets that had been converted to percussion in favor the the newer m1855 Springfields and finally they switched drill manuels. Scott's to Hardee's. I believe it was Joseph Boyce that described the change as "Oh wonder of wonders." Kelly's Company was in fact using Hardees. But I guess Gilham was the only thing Bevier could get his hands on.

Now there are some minor details in Gilhams that make it different from Hardees. One that they give different commands for Rifles and Muskets in loading in 9 and 10 times. Percussion muskets are loaded in 10 times. Between the commands, "Return Ramrod" and "Prime" they added "Cast About."
Also when firing from the shoulder Arms the musket is brought up in front of the body, perpendicular to the ground at "Ready". I'm sure there's some other more subtle differences that others could point out but those are the two big ones.

Oh yeah and "Shoulder Arms" and "Carry arms" are on the left shoulder.
It's so nice going back to more conventional impressions where I can just give one set of commands and stack arms.
Frank

[huntdaw]

So which manual are we going to follow at this event?

[Campjacksonboy]

I'm leaning towards Gilham's by virtue of it being the latest reference I have found mention of with the MSG.
Between Kip and myself, I don't think either one of us can definitively place any one paticular manuel in the hands of the MSG at Elk Horn Tavern. Logic: go with the last one that was mentioned prior to the battle.
Frank

[huntdaw]

Works for me.

[Thomas Alleman]

I am reading a book Life in the Confederate Army by William Watson and it gives a good account of his unit the 3rd LA. He talks about Wilson Creek,Pea Ridge, Arkansas, and the battle of Corinth. At the battle of Pea Ridge he talks about his brigade being attacked by US Dragoons and ready about the privations and poor rations and lack of clothing is very interesting. This is a plain narrative about what the ordinary man had to endure. How they did it I do not know.

[fahtz]

Robert Wiseman and Robert Serio have been pouring over some microfilm on the 3rd LA. I had a rather lengthy conversation with Wiseman the other night on the subject. One of the more interesting things that came out of it was the issue of uniform parts and such just before Pea Ridge. I hope Wiseman pipes in here as he has all the actual info on this.

[Campjacksonboy]

You see that's what I tried to say earlier although Mr. Black at the park could only give vague references. I ended up looking like the villiage idiot. So I hope he pipes up too.
Frank