Sunday Picnic Uniforms
In October 1987 Paul Stevenson wrote an article, “Sunday Picnic Uniforms”, for Military Modelling describing the colourful dress worn by both sides during First Bull Run, Manassas, 21 July, 1861.
"Sunday Picnic Uniforms" was the catalyst which inspired the research and development of the complete orders of battle for every company that was part of the Manassas Campaign, Virginia, 16–22 July, 1861 for the armies of Northeastern Virginia, Potomac and Shenandoah.
Main styles of dress and colour
The article describes the uniforms of the Confederacy and of the Union, which were, apart from the few regulars on the northern side, composed entirely of citizen soldiers. Most of these were volunteers, but a great many had belonged to existing militia units all with their own mode of of dress, blue and grey being the most common. The “picture book war” started and ended at Bull Run.
The various styles of dress have been tabulated for most of the individual units in a chart which lists head-dress; coat, tunic, shirt, etc; collar; cuff; shoulder straps, shoulder scales or epaullettes; trousers; trim, braiding, kepi band, etc; trouser stripe; gaiters (Zouave units often with leather jambieres); equipment straps, belts, etc.
Illustrations by Bob Marrion
Black & white illustrations: Officer, Madison Rangers; Private Company H, Sixth North Carolina Infantry; Officer, Company B, Fourth Alabama Infantry; Private, Company A, Seventh Louisiana Infantry; Privates, Seventy-ninth New York Infantry; Private and Officer, Thirty-ninth New York Infantry.
Colour illustrations: Corporal. Fourth Alabama Infantry; Officer, Hampton Legion South Carolina Infantry; Private, Washington Battalion Artillery; Sergeant, Second New Hampshire Infantry; Drummer, Second New York State Militia; Corporal, First Rhode Island (Detached Militia) Infantry.
Acknowledgements
Contributions from Ron Field, Robin Forsey of the Confederate Historical Society, Richard Warren also of the Confederate Historical Society and Bob Marrion.
NOTE: For membership information of the Confederate Historical Society write to the Secretary: Andy Mowatt, 60 Stroma Way, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland KY7 6RD.
If you have information regarding brigade or company assignments and/or organisation please contact Jonathan Soffe at info@firstbullrun.co.uk.
Reference Material
The above painting, 'Capture of Ricketts' Battery', is by Sidney E King. The painting is oil on plywood, and is displayed in the Henry Hill Visitor Center at Manassas National Battlefield Park.