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Uniforms of The West Point Battery at
Bull Run, July 1861
Bob Williams
prepared this for us in preparation for Manassas.
Good ideas that we can make happen!
In January of 1861
Lieutenant Charles Griffin of the Tactical Department at the United
States Military Academy was directed to form a light battery from
dragoon and artillery detachments serving at the post. The four-gun,
70-man command was immediately sent to Washington, D.C. where it
remained until July 4th. There, augmented by additional
guns and men, it was redesignated as Company (not Battery)
D, of the newly formed 5th United States Artillery
Regiment. It soon moved to Arlington from whence it began the march
culminating in the Battle of Bull Run on July 21st.
Because of the
multiple origins of this unit, the so-called West Point Battery was
said to be “a law unto itself” as far as uniformity was concerned. It
addition, the Army was again changing it’s regulations on trouser
color (from dark blue to sky blue) but enlisted men were directed to
wear their old uniform until worn out or stocks were depleted.
Griffin’s men therefore presented a somewhat heterogeneous appearance
on the Manassas battlefield. Yet, diversity in clothing should not be
construed as being slovenly in appearance. As regulars (By God!), they
saw themselves “a cut above” typical volunteer units of the day.
Uniforms were expected to be kept neat, clean, and in good trim, with
all buttons in place, brass polished and belts blackened!
Suggested impression
guidelines for our portrayal of the distinctive West Point battery in
the upcoming 145th Manassas reenactment are below. Items
are listed in order of preference:
Coat: 1.)
Regulation mounted services shell jacket trimmed for either artillery,
cavalry, or dragoon service, depending on “origin” of the member.
Those of you who have “non-artillery” patterns are encouraged to wear
them to add a little spice. Jacket should be in good condition and
soldierly in appearance. 2.) Standard 4-button Federal issue sack coat
of correct pattern . These were THE fatigue coat of the U.S. Army and
were worn on great numbers by all services.
Trousers: 1.) Dark
blue Federal issue trousers (Many regulars clung to these even thru
the mid-war period to differentiate themselves) 2.) Sky blue Federal
issue trousers.
Headgear: 1.)
Regulation black Hardee hat correctly trimmed for branch of service
(May be artillery, cavalry or dragoon). 2.) Regulation blue US issue
forage cap 3.) blue kepi 4.) Black civilian slouch hat. Try to
avoid these but if that’s all you got, then that’s all you got. If hat
brass worn, polish it. Havelocks for sun protection (?) are OK at this
stage of the war, but to be honest, they are a nuisance.
Belts: 1.) Belt
plates of the 2 piece Model 1839 artillery pattern, Rectangular Eagle
1851 sword belt pattern, or standard oval “US” pattern are all
correct. No belt is fine also. If worn, blacken belts and polish
brass.
Accouterments: 1.)
Standard Federal issue pattern covered smoothside canteen with
leather/cotton strap preferred. Other patterns (bullseye) OK if that’s
all you got.Tarred canvas Federal haversacks preferred also. Try to
avoid use of white haversacks if possible or other obvious Confederate
equipment unless you have nothing else.
Shoes: 1.) Federal
issue brogans or boots.
Other Items: Avoid the
penchant to wear bling-blings or other non military items on your
uniforms. These were absolutely against regulations. These include
Irish harps, fraternal order badges, “I Like Ike” buttons, coon tails
and other dead animal parts or adornments on caps, or anything else
where you are trying to make a statement or look cool.
These suggestions should be
easy enough for most every member to comply with. Your voluntary
observance will go a long way in presenting a correct representation
of Griffin’s Battery as they really looked at Bull Run |
