Carolina Legion Officer
Introductory Remarks
I hope the aspiring or current staff officer will find Lt. Williams’ impression guidelines of interest and practical use. While intended primarily to give guidance to new staffers, I would wager the suggestions contained herein will prove of benefit and direction to each of us as we evolve and perfect our existing impressions. I believe too that these guidelines, with the exception of staff specific areas of discussion, would prove equally valuable to anyone developing an officer’s impression.
Always be aware that while the accessibility to research materials is ever improving it will remain a constant that new information will continue to come to light and require reevaluation of what we once believed to be reliable and true. This, I believe, is what makes our avocation so interesting and challenging.
Finally, I would always advise you to portray the typical rather than the atypical for Confederate clothing and equipment usages offer numerous examples in the later category that are best left behind if we wish to achieve the former.
J.H. Stepp, Brig.Gen. Cmd’g
The Carolina Legion & 1st Brigade Southern Legion
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“Suitable For Active Service”
Developing an Accurate CS Staff Officer Impression
By
1st Lieutenant Robert A. Williams
AAIG, Carolina Legion
Developing an Accurate CS Staff Officer Impression
By
1st Lieutenant Robert A. Williams
AAIG, Carolina Legion
“There is a need of an abundance of competent staff officers by the generals in command. Scarcely any of our generals [have] half of what they [need] to keep a constant and close supervision on the execution of important orders.” So, Confederate artillery Colonel E. Porter Alexander viewed the essential importance of a having viable command staff organization to manage and maintain a large army in the field.
While the regulations regarding staff positions were vague in terms of how many and what types of officers should be required, there was at least some specificity in terms of how they should be uniformed. Confederate clothing regulations issued in 1861 ideally prescribed staff officers to wear a double-breasted frock coat of cadet gray cloth with buff facings. Rank would be denoted both by collar insignia and sleeve braid. Trousers were to be dark blue in color. Buttons were to be of “bright gilt’ with a raised eagle in the center, surrounded by stars. Appropriate headgear was detailed as a dark blue forage cap “similar in form to a French kepi.” Yet, in truth, there proved to be wide disparity between the desired status versus what staff functionaries actually adopted in the field. Since officers were required to furnish their own clothing until 1864, the myriad of supply sources resulted in a “look” that seldom met CS central government regulations.
Some came mighty close. Major Heros von Borke, on the staff of J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry division, described the uniform he purchased in Richmond in 1862 as follows: “A light gray frock-coat with buff facings, dark blue trousers, and a little black cocked hat with sweeping ostrich plume . . . which is as picturesque as it is suitable for active service.” He further validated this as “the regulation dress for staff officers.” Fortunately for posterity, von Borcke had his photograph taken in a variation of above described uniform.
For most new staff officers, acquiring a uniform was more evolution than revolution.
McHenry Howard of the 1st Maryland Infantry provides a glimpse of this metamorphosis in his delightful post-war recollections. Howard was serving as 1st Sergeant in the elite border-state unit when he was appointed in March 1862 to the staff of General Charles Winder. His uniform at the time being described as “shabby,” Howard proceeded to Richmond where he “bought a plain gray [civilian] coat, without sign of rank, to replace my soldier’s jacket.” He wore this through the Valley Campaign. In late May, a Baltimore acquaintance “gave me and sewed on my shoulders a pair of first lieutenant’s epaulets (though Federal) so that while not in regulation Confederate uniform I had now sufficient marks of rank.” Not until after the Seven Days did Lt. Howard obtain finer raiment in which he too had his likeness struck. This surviving photograph shows him resplendent in a gray double-breasted officer’s pattern frock coat, gray trousers, and a dark blue forage cap.
Another young man who received staff appointment at the same time as Howard was fellow-Marylander Randolph W. McKim. Formerly a color sergeant, McKim recalled with some embarrassment having no proper uniform during his early days serving as AAG for General George H. Steuart. Following the Battle of Port Republic McKim repaired to Stanton, VA for the purpose of obtaining a new uniform. This he did, which based upon a photograph taken at the time, consisted of a gray six-button shell jacket, dark blue cap with gold braid, and high riding boots. He carries a borrowed Federal staff officer’s sword captured at Manassas with a decorative “US” on the hilt. McKim averred that said markings stood for “United South.”
Since many staff officers advanced from positions in line units it was only natural that they continued to wear the uniforms made according to the regulations put down by their respective states. The state “Army” regulations for Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina all called for the use of grey single-breasted frock coats with a seven or nine button front. Rank was to be designated by Federal-style shoulder boards or straps. Uniforms of this type are well illustrated in this image, showing officers of the 1st North Carolina State Troops in their regulation, although likely privately made, coats. Officers from South Carolina wore similar uniforms of dark blue cloth as prescribed for “Volunteer Forces” of the Palmetto State.
Other photos and surviving examples document the frequent wearing of double-breasted frock coats, at least for studio portraits. Cadet gray broadcloth and gray satinette seem to be the most commonly used fabrics but coats made of various colors of jeans cloth are not unknown. This “regulation” uniform is well illustrated in the attached photograph of Georgia Colonel G. Moxley Sorrell of General James Longstreet’s staff. Later in the war, stout blue-gray English kersey wool also came into wide usage. In most cases, rank insignia was confined to the collar only since sleeve braid was both expensive and difficult to obtain.
While the regulation frock was undoubtedly the desired garment for dress occasions, comfort, practicality, and plain old economics drove many staff officers to adopt other forms of dress while in the field. Thus, shell jackets, sack coats, single breasted frocks, and even pleated tunics became commonplace among CS staff officers as the war progressed. It is perhaps worthy to note that in the Museum of the Confederacy’s Uniform collection for company and field grade officers, 83% are double breasted frocks, 12% are shell jackets, and 5% are single breasted frocks. Of the frock coats, 73% are of Cadet Grey broadcloth or English kersey while the remaining 27% are of either jeans or satinette. Of course, since dress coats were often reserved for “extra” occasions, their high survivability rate cannot be considered statistically representative.
The wearing of shell jackets in the field was likely much greater than the above sampling would indicate. In addition to the McKim photograph, there is the surviving 1862 image of Lieutenant James B. Washington of General Joseph Johnston’s staff. His uniform exhibits a decidedly personal flair with large “patch” pockets and dark tape trim around the periphery of his jacket.
Later in the war staff officers were allowed to draw uniform items direct from the CS Central Government clothing depots. As such, their attire reflected use within the armies they served. One documented late-war staff officer’s jacket was worn by B. F. Pendleton of the Stonewall Brigade. Pendleton’s jacket is a government issued imported jacket made by Peter Tait & Co. of Limerick, Ireland. Although an infantry command, the blue-grey kersey jacket of English army cloth sports a red collar and a mix of infantry and staff buttons (Image VII). Two other surviving jackets made of similar material worn by staffers also survive. One has a Trans-Mississippi provenance and the other a Coastal North Carolina affiliation.
Headgear, buttons, and trousers were whatever an officer could readily obtain, and that included liberal use of captured Federal items. Many early war staff officers who had seen previous Federal service wore their blue regulation uniforms into the field. One particular item that saw extensive usage by CS line and staff officers throughout the conflict was the “muffin style” Federal eagle staff button.
Confederate manufactured staff buttons are generally found only on late war issued uniforms and sites.
Swords were nearly universally carried by staff officers, more as a symbol of rank and authority than for personal defense. While both the U.S. Army and the Confederacy produced so called “staff officers swords,” edged weapons actually used in the field were of every conceivable type and pattern. By way of research, a listing of Confederate swords by type, manufacturer, and owner currently in the collections of the Museum of the Confederacy can be downloaded at this site: https://www.ctsi.net/~moc/oldsite2/images/swordlist.pdf
In light of the above research the following suggested guidelines are proposed for staff officers of the Southern Division. It should be noted that one size does not fit all. Where possible, every effort should be made to modify an impression based on event, time-line, and theater of the war:
Headgear
1) A dark blue or gray officer’s pattern forage cap or kepi of wool broadcloth or jeans always works. It may be made with or without gold rank piping but trimmed caps are quite natty and may trump the need to wear rank insignia elsewhere. This also includes McDowell pattern caps, particularly for early war. Brass “Golden Age” civilian buttons are often found on private purchase officer’s military caps and are much recommended.
2) A well-constructed slouch hat in gray, brown or black with appropriate ribbon and binding. Officer’s quality hat cords are fine but try to avoid Federal branch of service color hat cords. Embroidered cap or hat ornamentation is acceptable but please no other types of brass. Hats were often turned up on the side and worn with a plume. It’s a look we should probably see more of (and not just for cavalry).
Uniform Coats
The double-breasted frock coat as defined by regulations is an excellent first choice for dress occasions and also works well for most events. But as described earlier, time and place may dictate what outer garment is best for certain field impressions. So single-breasted frocks, shell jackets, and sack coats also have their place in the food chain. Be guided by research, quality materials, and good taste when clothing the “outer man.” Hand worked buttonholes are strongly recommended. A little flair to your attire will do much to enhance your image as a “staff fop.”
Insignia
Regulations called for sleeve and collar insignia according to rank. Yet Federal shoulder boards saw much use during the first two years of the war. Your call. Sleeve braid is a matter of choice but you can’t go wrong by taking the conservative route. Plus, if you get promoted you can adapt your impression easier!
Buttons
As cited previously, Federal “muffin” pattern Eagle Staff buttons have much to recommend them, at least on double-breasted dress coats. Various state seal buttons are also certainly fine, but they can limit ones opportunities for varied impressions. For late-war scenarios, virtually any type of English made import button is in good taste.
Trousers
The regulations specified dark blue but gray, brown, or various shades of sky blue may also be worn. Pattern should be of period design. They may have a stripe down the outer seam according to rank/taste.
Footware
Boots were nearly universal among staff functionaries who spent many hours in the saddle. Patterns utilized should be according to documented examples in use at the time. However, since many who portray staff roles today often ride only Shank’s Mare, there are other more practical options. Civilian or officer’s “walking shoes,” or the usual US or CS made army brogans will therefore suffice.Socks
Wool socks in a variety of colors are recommended. Gray or brown are suggested. Cotton knitted socks are also authentic but do not wicker moisture as well. Please no modern hunting socks with brightly colored top bands.
Shirts
Made of natural fibers such as osnaburg, wool flannel, cotton flannel, or cotton muslins. Prints if worn should be of period design. White is also fine. Shirt buttons should of bone, white glass, tin, or shell. External pockets are cool.
Swords/Sword Belts
As described earlier in this text, virtually any type of period edged weapon will do duty here. The Federal pattern M1851 sword belt with rectangular two-piece Eagle plate was very popular among Confederate staff officers. Imported English “snake” belts and buckles or state seal two-piece patterns were also common. One plate that tends to be underutilized is the Richmond “CS” tongue and wreath sword belt plate. These were made by the thousands and are excellent for any generic Confederate officer impression, line or staff.
Side Arms
If you have a compelling need to “pack heat,” Colt Navy or Army model revolvers were among the most commonly used. Brass framed Confederate copies of these fine weapons are also appropriate. Either Federal pattern or less well constructed CS pattern holsters will suffice to carry same.
Haversacks: A partitioned haversack with inner liner or pockets is highly recommended to separate the greasy and crumbly stuff from your order book and paperwork. Officer’s pattern haversacks of either the Richmond Depot or Federal patterns are highly recommended. A painted Federal haversack also works but try to avoid CS white duck styles for obvious reasons.
Canteens
Tin canteens of the CS drum or Federal patterns (either smoothside or bullseye) are best. However, some officers carried various types of private purchase filter canteens and an occasional one of these provides some interesting and authentic variety.
Tin ware
Cups should be tin, not speckle ware or enamelware. Enough said.
Blankets
Made of wool of documented patterns including “NC” blankets, gray or brown Federal types with or without “US” stitching, or civilian styles. Homespun bedding including quilts and floor cloths are also fine.
A closing thought: Confederate staff officers were, in general, men of education, wealth, achievement, influence or all of the above. As such they represented themselves as gentlemen and dressed and behaved accordingly. Even when on extended campaign they sought to maintain a neat, clean, and soldierly appearance.
We owe it to their memory and good service to do no less in our portrayals.
For further enlightenment on this fascinating but little known subject, kindly refer to the recommended reading list below:
· E. Porter Alexander, Fighting for the Confederacy
· Heros von Borcke, Memoirs of the Confederate War For Independence
· J. Boone Batholomees, Buff Facings & Gilt Buttons
· Henry Kyd Douglas, I Rode With Stonewall
· McHenry Howard, Recollections of a Maryland Confederate Soldier
· Les Jensen, Guest Curator, A Catalog of Uniforms in the Collection of the Museum of the Confederacy
· R. Steven Jones, The Right Hand of Command - Use & Disuse of Personal Staffs in the American Civil War
· August V. Kautz, Customs of Service For Officers
· Robert E.L. Krick, Staff Officers in Gray - A Biographical Register
· Francis A. Lord, Uniforms of the Civil War
· Randolph McKim, A Soldier’s Recollections: Leaves from the Diary of a Young Confederate
· Bromfield Ridley, Battles and Sketches of the Confederate Army of Tennessee
· G. Moxley Sorrell, At the Right Hand of Longstreet: Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer
· Time-Life Books, Editors, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy
