The Liberty Rifles hosted a living history at Brawner's Farm for the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Second Manassas, portraying the 21st Georgia Infantry.  The weekend included a tactical demonstration of the charge of the 21st Georgia, as they and the 21st North Carolina advanced head long into the Federal line, suffering 76% casualties before falling back. We demonstrated this charge for the public in real time, in conjunction with an NPS ranger guided tour on the battlefield.

"Georgia Jacket" Trim

The preferred jacket for the event is a "Georgia jacket," per photographic evidence of Georgia troops early in the war.  A pattern for the cuff trim is available digitally (be sure to set your printer is set to "Actual Size," not Fit to Page).

Lt. Col. Thomas C. Glover, 21st Georgia

Sgt. Lovette Teal, 21st Georgia

Co. F, 21st Georgia

Co. F, 21st Georgia
 

Impression Guidelines – 21st Georgia Infantry, August 1862

GENERAL

The Quartermaster General of Georgia reported that by March 1863, he had supplied 4,556 coats, 5,288 pairs of trousers, 4,646 hats, 5,449 shirts, and 5,744 pairs of shoes to Georgia troops in the field, with a large supply of clothing still on hand.

Appearance and clothing should be worn, this is after all the low point in terms of appearance, clothing, shoes, etc. for the ANV.  Dirty is good, but be subtle about it – don't go overboard.

Hair should be kept short, or "shingled" as Capt. Ugie Allen called it in a letter to his wife where he stated that all of the men in the company kept their hair shingled.

Pvt. Ivy W. Duncan, 15th Georgia

UNIFORM

Jacket/Coat:

  1. Georgia State Jacket shall be of grey or brown domestic cloth (jeans, cassimere, or satinet), with proper black scallop cuff trim, black epaulet facings, and 3/8" black tape trimmed collar.  A pattern for the cuff trim is available digitally (be sure to set your printer is set to "Actual Size," not Fit to Page).

  2. Frock Coat of domestic cloth

  3. Plain domestic cloth jacket with no trim.

Trousers:

  1. Civilian and military style trousers of domestic cloth.  Georgia Relief Hospital Trousers are a plus.  

  2. Federal trousers in limited numbers.

Shirts:

  1. Confederate Issue shirt of osnaburg - VERY common, issued in large numbers throughout the war, and preferred for this event.

  2. Federal Issue shirt

  3. Civilian shirts are fine but consider a wool flannel or printed cotton shirt, as opposed to "homespun check" styles

Headgear:  

  1. Civilian hat

  2. Kepi of domestic cloth

Footwear:

  1. CS, US, and civilian are all appropriate.  

 

EQUIPMENT – LIGHT MARCHING ORDER

Baggage:

  1. Civilian styles, coverlets, and carpet blankets as well as Federal blankets and ground cloths.

  2. US knapsacks and CS knapsacks that are appropriate to the time period.

Haversack: 

  1. CS or US is perfectly acceptable.  Should be a good mix of both.  CS bags should be copied from originals and be appropriate for 1862.

Canteen:

  1. CS or US are acceptable.  Should be a good mix of both.  Smoothside Federal Canteens, no corrugated.

Accoutrements:

  1. Good mix of CS and US accoutrements.  CS belts to include roller buckle, GA Frame, brass plate, and double billet and other similar styles.  No 7-rivet bayonet scabbards.  All accoutrements must be appropriate for 1862.

 Arms:  

***All arms and bayonets shall be in EXCELLENT working order, clean, functioning, and safe.***

  1. .69 caliber is the preferred arm, including m1816 conversions, m1842 Springfield, etc.

  2. m1861 Springfield is second choice

  3. m1853 Enfield