Authentic food and correct food preparation enhances any living history and becomes quite an enjoyable activity for a mess of “possums” around the campfire. Still, for many members of the Brigade, authentic cooking is viewed as quite daunting and many are discouraged from even trying to cook while in the field. Fortunately, similar to learning …
By Eric Mink, 4th Virginia A wonderful memoir was recently published from a Mississippian who served under the commands of both Jackson and Longstreet, entitled “A Mississippi Rebel in the Army of Northern Virginia” (Batton Rouge: LSU Press, 1995). When reminiscing about his neighbors leaving for war in 1861, he described the material produced by …
By Eric Mink, 4th Virginia The most perplexing of the Confederate soldier’s outfit seems to be his uniform. As we struggle to come to some understanding of the clothing of the Confederate soldier, I felt I would contribute a few items concerning the usage of imported uniforms from England. Beginning in late 1862, and continuing …
By Monte Akers One of the enduring legends of the War Between the States is that of the Rebel Yell. Various primary and secondary sources declare that the sound made by victorious Confederate soldiers was so singularly unique, so unforgettable, so commanding, that some federal units became demoralized and fled when they first heard it. …
By Bret Sumner, 4th Virginia Federal Canteens [1] As we all know, the Federal army was perhaps the most efficient quartermaster for the Army of Northern Virginia. There are numerous first person accounts of Confederate soldiers utilizing federal equipment, taken after a battle from yanks who no longer needed it. I recently read a first …
By Eric Mink and Brett Sumner of the 4th VA, Co. A In his recent catalog, Arkansas militaria dealer Gary Hendeshott offered for sale an original jacket owned, and worn, by Private Benjamin S. Pendelton of Co. B, 2nd Virginia Infantry. This jacket is of the “Peter Tait” construction and was worn by Pendelton when …
By Eric Mink The following requisitions were found in the Compiled Service Records (CSR) of Major Jacob R. Braithwaite, member of 33rd Virginia Infantry who served as Quartermaster for the “Stonewall” Brigade during Brigadier General James A. Walker’s tenure, 1863-1864. [No. 40] Special Requisition Sept 1st 1863 For, (2) Two Wall Tents + fly For …
For use in a modern-day encampment; a close copy may be made by combining instant coffee and Condensed milk. Condensed milk is the original, thick, heavy-sugar product invented by Dr.Borden in the 1830s. Although other brands may be found, I like to use “Borden’s” brand condensed milk. It brings me just a little closer to …
Military manuals and soldier’s accounts from the time of the Civil War indicate that the company roll was to be called three times a day: at reveille (the first formation of the day), retreat (near sunset), and tattoo (9-9:30 p.m.). It is apparent that these roll-calls were viewed as military formations and it appears that …
By Bret Sumner, 4th Virginia The purpose of this article is to provide a brief summary of preliminary research findings for the uniforms and equipment of the Virginia volunteer companies originating from the Shenandoah Valley in the Spring of 1861 that later formed part of the First Brigade under General Jackson at First Manassas. This …