Stonewall_Greyfox
05-12-2008, 02:14 PM
Gentlemen,
While I understand that mainstream threads are not allowed here on the AC, I feel this has a place...as the VMI CWRT will be in presence at the event...is a company sized C/P/H group of young men, continually striving to improve the Civil War Era image of the Virginia Military Institute cadet...and of course has a strong focus on the participation of the cadets from the VMI in the battle of New Market.
If your'e between the ages of 16 and 25, and have an interest in portraying a VMI Cadet at the Battle of New Market...the following should serve as "guidelines" towards this impression:
Note: Items of each sub-category are listed in order of preference.
Headware:
Kepi/Low-Crowned Military Cap: Black "Navy-Blue"
McDowell Brim Forage Cap: Black "Navy-Blue"
Kepi/Low-Crowned Military Cap: Of color other than Black "Navy-Blue"
Waterproof Cap Cover: Numerous images show the use of a black waterproof cap cover...and documentation suggests that this was the only rain-gear the cadets had until the 1880's when they recieved waterproof raincapes.
No ornamentation of headware.
Jacket:
VMI Cadet Jacket: 6-piece body 5-9 button front, of the following materials; broadcloth, cassimere, jeans cloth. Colors will vary between cadet-grey, oxford brown, and sheep's grey...with a preference towards cadet-grey.
NC Jacket: ?
Richmond Depot III: 6-piece body, Blue-Grey English Kersey
Trousers:
Examination of original trousers and photographic evidence suggest a slight variation in trousers. Trousers should be high waisted, may/may not have pockets...trousers leg may have the following features: no trim, integral welted seam of black wool, woolen tape (ranging from 1.25-1.5 inches). If possible, please try to match the trouser fabric to that of the jacket.
Vest:
Vest may be of civilian or military patterns...if using a military vest, try to match the fabric of the jacket/trousers.
Shirt: An examination of the Institute regulations and the wartime cadet images, specify and exclusively show the use of white shirts...at this point not enough research has been completed to define a particular cut/pattern of the shirt, but please try to wear a white shirt if possible. Note: In Cadet Wise's reminiscent article for The Century Magazine, he notes wearing a cravat while on the march from New Market...it's possible these may have actually been worn into battle by some of the cadets...an examination of images through the archives shows the styles worn at the time....there should be no big and gaudy bows, but rather subtle ties, ranging from 1/2 to 1.5 inches in width.
Shoes: Military Shoes, should be blackened
Waist Belt: Black Waistbelt, with "Harness" buckle...typically interpreted to be a roller buckle. Belt width may vary 1.25-2.25 inches (internal dimension)
Cap Pouch:
Shield Front Cap Pouch (Black)
Other variation Cap Pouch
Bayonet Scabbard:
Gaylord Style Bayonet Scabbard, with Brass "Springfield" tip. (Black)
Other variation Scabbard
Cartridge Box:
0.58 cal cartridge box, with tins. Should have belt loops on back.
Other Variation Cartridge Box
Note: All accoutrements to be worn on waistbelt only (no use of box-belts "slings").
Canteen: Wooden "Gardner" style canteen.
Rifle/Musket:
M1854 Austrian Lorenze Rifle
M1851 Cadet Musket
M1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket
P1853 British Enfield Rifle-Musket
Drill Manual: Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics; for the exercise and maneuvers of troops when acting as light infantry or riflemen. Prepared under the direction of the War Department, by Brevet Lieut.-Col. W.J. Hardee (Richmond, Va.: J.W. Randolph, 1861). Note: this is a printing of the 1855 manual, not revised.
Buttons: If one has access to correct VMI buttons (cast, or small stamped variety, please use these for the jackets and caps)
Note: No knapsacks, blanket rolls, or haversacks should be worn into the battle. Documentation exists and is available through reading information contained in the VMI Archives, as well as several books that explicitly state that the cadets stripped down for battle, removing blanket rolls, haversacks, etc. at the base of Shirley's Hill (present site of 7-11).
Note: These are intended to be guidelines only, and are not rules for participation in the event.
The VMI CWRT will be attending this event and conducting a Living History throughout the weekend camped around the Bushong Farmhouse. If you are interested in participating in the VMI Cadet Impression, can meet a good portion of these guidelines, and attend the Saturday drill session (led by VMI Cadets), please feel free to contact me via PM or email: paulboulden[at]hotmail.com. The senior cadets of the Virginia Military Institute will be travelling through the CS Camps Friday evening and Saturday morning in search of recruits.
Note: Contrary to popular opinion, the Cadets were not wearing "frock-coats" at the battle, nor coatees (coat with tails and 44 brass buttons~abandoned in Spring of 1861), nor white trousers. For a good idea of what the cadets were wearing into battle take a look in the Hall of Valor museum at the uniform of Francis L. Smith, and the Rifle & Accoutrements of Charles Read.
Additional Information May be found through the VMI Archives: http://www.vmi.edu/archives.aspx?id=..._72_0_3719_ 8
If you have any questions about these guidelines or questions of topics not discussed here...please do not hesitate to ask via; post, PM or email.
Below you should find several images of New Market cadets. Included in this batch of 10 images are 4 of the "10" New Market Cadets who ultimately lost their lives as results of wounds recieved during the May 15th Battle of New Market.
Top Row: C. Weston, J.B. Stanard, J.E. Wood, W.O. Harris, Sgt. W.H. Cabell
Bottom Row: T.G. Jefferson (of kin to president Thomas Jefferson), J.B. Gray, W.H. McDowell, A.W. Overton, A. Pizzini
Died on the field of Honor:
Killed in Battle or immediately following: J.B. Stanard, W.H. Cabell, T.G. Jefferson, W.H. McDowell, C.G. Crocket, H.J. Jones
Died following the Battle as a result of wounds recieved: Cpl. S.F. Atwill, A.C. Hartsfield, L.C. Haynes, J.C. Wheelright
Paul B.
While I understand that mainstream threads are not allowed here on the AC, I feel this has a place...as the VMI CWRT will be in presence at the event...is a company sized C/P/H group of young men, continually striving to improve the Civil War Era image of the Virginia Military Institute cadet...and of course has a strong focus on the participation of the cadets from the VMI in the battle of New Market.
If your'e between the ages of 16 and 25, and have an interest in portraying a VMI Cadet at the Battle of New Market...the following should serve as "guidelines" towards this impression:
Note: Items of each sub-category are listed in order of preference.
Headware:
Kepi/Low-Crowned Military Cap: Black "Navy-Blue"
McDowell Brim Forage Cap: Black "Navy-Blue"
Kepi/Low-Crowned Military Cap: Of color other than Black "Navy-Blue"
Waterproof Cap Cover: Numerous images show the use of a black waterproof cap cover...and documentation suggests that this was the only rain-gear the cadets had until the 1880's when they recieved waterproof raincapes.
No ornamentation of headware.
Jacket:
VMI Cadet Jacket: 6-piece body 5-9 button front, of the following materials; broadcloth, cassimere, jeans cloth. Colors will vary between cadet-grey, oxford brown, and sheep's grey...with a preference towards cadet-grey.
NC Jacket: ?
Richmond Depot III: 6-piece body, Blue-Grey English Kersey
Trousers:
Examination of original trousers and photographic evidence suggest a slight variation in trousers. Trousers should be high waisted, may/may not have pockets...trousers leg may have the following features: no trim, integral welted seam of black wool, woolen tape (ranging from 1.25-1.5 inches). If possible, please try to match the trouser fabric to that of the jacket.
Vest:
Vest may be of civilian or military patterns...if using a military vest, try to match the fabric of the jacket/trousers.
Shirt: An examination of the Institute regulations and the wartime cadet images, specify and exclusively show the use of white shirts...at this point not enough research has been completed to define a particular cut/pattern of the shirt, but please try to wear a white shirt if possible. Note: In Cadet Wise's reminiscent article for The Century Magazine, he notes wearing a cravat while on the march from New Market...it's possible these may have actually been worn into battle by some of the cadets...an examination of images through the archives shows the styles worn at the time....there should be no big and gaudy bows, but rather subtle ties, ranging from 1/2 to 1.5 inches in width.
Shoes: Military Shoes, should be blackened
Waist Belt: Black Waistbelt, with "Harness" buckle...typically interpreted to be a roller buckle. Belt width may vary 1.25-2.25 inches (internal dimension)
Cap Pouch:
Shield Front Cap Pouch (Black)
Other variation Cap Pouch
Bayonet Scabbard:
Gaylord Style Bayonet Scabbard, with Brass "Springfield" tip. (Black)
Other variation Scabbard
Cartridge Box:
0.58 cal cartridge box, with tins. Should have belt loops on back.
Other Variation Cartridge Box
Note: All accoutrements to be worn on waistbelt only (no use of box-belts "slings").
Canteen: Wooden "Gardner" style canteen.
Rifle/Musket:
M1854 Austrian Lorenze Rifle
M1851 Cadet Musket
M1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket
P1853 British Enfield Rifle-Musket
Drill Manual: Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics; for the exercise and maneuvers of troops when acting as light infantry or riflemen. Prepared under the direction of the War Department, by Brevet Lieut.-Col. W.J. Hardee (Richmond, Va.: J.W. Randolph, 1861). Note: this is a printing of the 1855 manual, not revised.
Buttons: If one has access to correct VMI buttons (cast, or small stamped variety, please use these for the jackets and caps)
Note: No knapsacks, blanket rolls, or haversacks should be worn into the battle. Documentation exists and is available through reading information contained in the VMI Archives, as well as several books that explicitly state that the cadets stripped down for battle, removing blanket rolls, haversacks, etc. at the base of Shirley's Hill (present site of 7-11).
Note: These are intended to be guidelines only, and are not rules for participation in the event.
The VMI CWRT will be attending this event and conducting a Living History throughout the weekend camped around the Bushong Farmhouse. If you are interested in participating in the VMI Cadet Impression, can meet a good portion of these guidelines, and attend the Saturday drill session (led by VMI Cadets), please feel free to contact me via PM or email: paulboulden[at]hotmail.com. The senior cadets of the Virginia Military Institute will be travelling through the CS Camps Friday evening and Saturday morning in search of recruits.
Note: Contrary to popular opinion, the Cadets were not wearing "frock-coats" at the battle, nor coatees (coat with tails and 44 brass buttons~abandoned in Spring of 1861), nor white trousers. For a good idea of what the cadets were wearing into battle take a look in the Hall of Valor museum at the uniform of Francis L. Smith, and the Rifle & Accoutrements of Charles Read.
Additional Information May be found through the VMI Archives: http://www.vmi.edu/archives.aspx?id=..._72_0_3719_ 8
If you have any questions about these guidelines or questions of topics not discussed here...please do not hesitate to ask via; post, PM or email.
Below you should find several images of New Market cadets. Included in this batch of 10 images are 4 of the "10" New Market Cadets who ultimately lost their lives as results of wounds recieved during the May 15th Battle of New Market.
Top Row: C. Weston, J.B. Stanard, J.E. Wood, W.O. Harris, Sgt. W.H. Cabell
Bottom Row: T.G. Jefferson (of kin to president Thomas Jefferson), J.B. Gray, W.H. McDowell, A.W. Overton, A. Pizzini
Died on the field of Honor:
Killed in Battle or immediately following: J.B. Stanard, W.H. Cabell, T.G. Jefferson, W.H. McDowell, C.G. Crocket, H.J. Jones
Died following the Battle as a result of wounds recieved: Cpl. S.F. Atwill, A.C. Hartsfield, L.C. Haynes, J.C. Wheelright
Paul B.