UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
"Unionist Scouting Party in the Virginian Woods in the Neighborhood of Alexandria."
~ June 13, 1861 ~
(The Illustrated London News)
~ Alf Killen's Company ~
Unionist Homeguards / Guerillas
~ Alf Killen's Unionist Homeguards/Guerillas represents the Western Theater ~
The Western Theater Federal was generaly a more rugged individual (both in looks & character) than his Eastern Theater counterpart just by the very virtue of the region he hailed from. This was also reflected by the clothing he wore. Their uniforms were spartan & utilitarian, and in the case of the Unionist homeguards / guerilla units may include portions of civilian or enemy uniforms (further details mentioned below).
For the most part items utilized for our main impression as Ferguson's Independent Co. can be utilized for this impression. Only where there is significant difference is it included here.
~ Our main Federal impression date(s) is 1863 to 1864 ~
Our Federal impression date begins with the formal mustering date of Killen's Unionist Homeguards (August 27, 1863) to Alf Killen's death (Feb. 15, 1864).
~ REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIFORMS AND ACCOUTERMENTS ~
(...as they differ from Ferguson's Independent Co.)
1. HATS: Slouch-type Hats: Fur -or- wool felt slouch; black or brown in colour; with rolled brim. Ribbon around base of crown & brim. High or low crown. Correct period linings encouraged.
*NO* yellow or blue hat cords! There should be no brass insignia on these hats. Brims maybe turned up on the side / or in front in styles acceptable to the period. (*Note: Clearwater Hats & Tim Allen Hats great source for appropriate styles) ---*No* floppy "Hillbilly" brims!
Forage Caps: (1858) Federal forage caps, plain with no insignia.
2. JACKET: Federal 4 -button Sack Coats *ONLY* (no Federal Frock or Shell jackets), lined or unlined; with Federal Eagle style buttons with plain shield *ONLY*.
Eagle buttons with branch of service letters (I /A /C) in shield are for officers *only* & should not be worn by the rank and file.
May accept Civilian sack coats on a *very* limited basis. Materials should be: Butternut /or medium (non-charcol/dark) Gray in wool or period jean material, or black / brown / or gray broadcloth with plain buttons.
Overcoats: Federal styles in either mounted or infantry patterns are acceptable (infantry pattern is the preferred item).
4. VESTS : If worn, Federal military pattern with buttons as listed for sack coat the preferred item.
However, if civilian sack coat is worn any correct period cut civilian wool vest maybe utilized. Maybe of any of the wool colours found above, or in checked or tapestry patterns. Buttons maybe any correct period style of brass / pewter / bone / wood /or fabric covered.
5. TROUSERS: Any correct period cut U.S. (mounted or infantry) pattern and colour (sky blue), no trim... C.S. Butternut/or Gray jeanwool trousers maybe utilized (or civilian trousers with a complete civilian outfit). Fit should be loose. *NO* stripes on trousers!
6. FOOT GEAR: Boots should be "shotgun" top (mid-calf to just below knee) or "knee flap" style. Boots are *NOT* to extend above the top of the knee. Shoes: documented US issue Brogans; or Jefferson Bootee (Dragoon Ankle Boot). Colour is black leather (or russet; if worn with civilian clothing) with pegged or sewn soles.
8. BELT: Leather with Oval U.S. buckle, or a Federal sabre / NCO belt with the appropriate Federal eagle buckle. Federal belts are black only!
Note: All leather equipment for Federal impression should be black in colour.
~ STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION! ~
Postwar Photo of Felix Begley
veteran, 39th KY Mtd Inf. (US)
date unknown
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