The goal of Company E. 37th Virginia Volunteer Infantry is to field a historically accurate Army of Northern Virginia unit, with soldiers striving for the most accurate impression, appropriate to the unit and time period in question.  In general terms, the primary impression shall be a Army of Northern Virginia impression suitable for the time period of late 1862 through early 1864.  This accuracy will extend to both the appearance and conduct of the unit.  The 37th virginia , will provide to both its members and the public, when present, an impression of an ANV unit consistent with the best available documented historical research and sources of authentic uniforms, accoutrements, weapons, and other equipment. 

The following is an itemized guideline designed to assist current members and recruits and to serve as a tool for maintaining high levels of authenticity and military bearing. 

I.  Uniform

 

A.  Headgear

1.  Civilian Slouch Hat - Black, Brown, or Gray.  Edge of brim as well as hat band should be bound with silk ribbon, hand or machine sewn on.  Leather or Cotton Duck sweatband should be hand sewn in.  

 

2.  CS issue hat - Wool Felt, hand-stitched leather sweatband, label in crown, double stitched.

 

3.  Hardee Hat - Black wool felt with hand-stitched leather sweatband, label in crown, double stitched on brim

 

4.  Kepi or Cap - Gray jean wool, tarred canvas or leather bill, leather or painted cloth sweatband

B.  Shirts

1.  Civilian Shirts - Fabrics must be woven of 100% natural fibers, i.e. cotton or wool.  Plaids and checks should be woven.  Basic assembly may be machine sewn, but exterior details and buttonholes shall be hand sewn.  Buttons shall be of appropriate size and made of glass, bone, agate or wood. 

 

2. Military Issue Shirts - Fabrics must be woven of 100% natural fibers, i.e. cotton or wool.  Military issue shirts were made of primarily of heavy unbleached muslin, osnaburg, or wool flannel.  Basic assembly may be machine sewn, but exterior details and buttonholes shall be hand sewn.  Buttons shall be of appropriate size and made of glass, bone, agate or wood.  In either case, no prints or machine stitched button holes. 

C.  Jackets / Coats

1.  Army of Northern Va Jacket -  Richmond Depot style jacket.  The time period of the impression shall dictate the proper "Type" of jacket.  Spring '62 through Spring '63 - "Type I" made of Jeans, Cassimere, Satinette, or Kersey;  Spring '63 through Summer '64 - "Type II" made of Jeans, or Cassimere; Spring '64 through Appomattox - "Type III" made from Blue/Grey Kersey (English Army Cloth / County Cloth K1 or K7).  Jackets will be fully lined with cotton osnaburg with one internal breast pocket.  The 9-button front is standard although 8-button fronts are acceptable in limited numbers. When rank insignia is worn, only cotton or woolen tape trim shall be used, which should be hand sewn directly onto the sleeves.  Embroidered patch rank type insignia are not permitted.

1.  Commutation issue jackets - For impression of troops in the commutation period, (April '61 through Winter '62/Spring '63) any issue commutation issue jacket as identified as issued to soldiers in Virginia.  Jackets shall be of appropriate type of and color of material.  Commutation jackets shall be hand topstitched and must have hand sewn button holes.  Trim and buttons shall conform to identified examples .

 

4.  Frock Coats - Frock coats may be used in appropriate circumstances.  Early war impressions may use identified militia style patterns.  Plain untrimmed frock coats may be used by NCO's at any time but discretion should be used to ensure that the frock coat would be appropriate for the specific time, place, and unit.

 

5.  Officer's Uniforms.  Uniforms worn by officers will follow identified patterns and materials.  Frock coats of kersey, satinette or broadcloth are preferred during the '61 though '63 time period.  Frock coats worn by officers should generally be trimmed.  Identified examples should be used as a guide.  Short jackets should be used as well during Spring '63 through Appomattox.

 

6.  Civilian Frock Coats/Sack Coats.  As a limited number of soldiers were wearing civilian made clothing at any given time, the use of this type of clothing should be limited.  Only correct period styles and materials shall be used.  Hand top stitching and hand sewn buttonholes are required.  Authentic fabrics are required, with no modern synthetic blends or 100% woolen materials dyed with modern synthetic dyes.

D.  Trousers

1.  Civilian Jean - Original Patterns in gray, blue, brown or black.  Hand topstitching, with hand sewn button holes Buttons of bone, composition or stamped tin.

 

2.  Civilian Wool - Identified style and pattern, hand-sewn button holes   Buttons of bone or composition.

 

3.  Military Issue - Richmond Depot style - Mule ear pockets, no yoke.  Back belt with buckle.  Made from jeans or cassimere for time period of Spring '62 through Winter '64.  Wool kersey of the proper weight may be used for Spring '64 through Appomattox.  Buttons may be bone, composition, or jappaned tin of the proper style.  Confederate issue wooden trouser buttons are acceptable in limited numbers after Spring '64.  Hand finished top stitching and button holes.

 

4.  Military Issue - Other Depot Styles.  Side seam pockets, no yoke.  Back belt with buckle, and made from jeans or cassimere.  Buttons may be bone, composition, or jappaned tin of the proper style.  Confederate issue wooden trouser buttons are acceptable in limited numbers after Spring '64.  Hand finished top stitching and button holes.

 

5.  Federal Issue Trousers.  These should be avoided under most circumstances, but discretion is granted to units who have conclusive evidence that captured federal clothing was used by the unit they are portraying at the specific time of the intended impression.  Sky blue kersey of proper weight and weave, with hand finished button holes are required.  Sky blue Richmond depot trousers will be allowed.

E.  Suspenders / Braces

1.  Civilian - Any type of period civilian model with tin or brass buckles.  No buckles of nickel - or other plated metal.  Any stitching should be hand sewn.

 

2.  Canvas or Ticking - hand stitched with hand sewn button holes.

F.  Drawers

1.  Civilian Pattern - Cotton Osnaburg or muslin, cotton or wool flannel.  Bone, glass or wood buttons with hand sewn button holes.  

 

2.  Military Pattern - Cotton Osnaburg or muslin or cotton flannel.  Bone, glass or wood buttons with hand sewn button holes.   

G.  Socks

1.  Civilian Socks, particularly hand knitted cotton or wool

 

2.  Military Issue Socks, machine knitted cotton.  Proper pattern and finishing.  

H.  Shoes

1.  Confederate Issue Shoes  

 

2.  English boots or shoes - Military or Civilian Styles

 

3.  Identified Civilian boots or shoes - Boots and shoes of a civilian pattern which have been identified are permitted.  For impressions after Winter 1862, boots had generally limited use in most infantry units.

 

4.  Federal Issue Shoe - Generally limited Confederate use.  (EOG/US - page 191)  

I.   Waistcoats / Vests; Civilian Made - Period civilian or military styles.  Made from correct wool, jean, cassimere or satinette.  Wool kersey and linsey-woolsey, or cotton.  Fully lined, hand topstitched, with hand sewn button holes. 

 

II.  Blankets / Tentage, etc. 

 

A.  Blankets

1.  Civilian - 100% Wool or Jean - No synthetic blends.  Should be muted earth tones.  Browns, grays, and blue are acceptable colors.  Bindings should be hand sewn.

 

2.  Quilts - "Homespun" i.e. all hand made - All natural fibers.  No "bright" or otherwise modern colors.  No modern patterns.  Size variable from 40"x72" to 50"x80".

 

3.  Captured U.S. Issue - U.S. Issue blankets of either gray or brown. 

B.  Tentage -  A campaign style impression shall be the norm in the vast majority of events.  Shelter halves or small rain flies may be used if they are of the proper pattern.

1.  Captured shelter half, early war style (shorter version), 100% canvas with NO brass grommets or rope.  Hand sewn button holes with bone buttons.  Limited use

 

2.  Confederate "issue" rain fly - Cotton canvas grommets of appropriate size and material.  Dimensions should generally be no more than 8 ft x 12 ft.
 

C.  Gum Blankets / Ground Cloths

1.  Linseed soaked cotton canvas - with or without grommets.

 

2.  Linseed oil & Lamp Black mix painted cotton canvas or drill - with or without grommets.

 

3.  Confederate Issue Oil Cloth - Canvas painted with oil or enamel paint.  With or without grommets.

 

4.  Captured Federal Issue - Rubber blanket or poncho. 

 

5.  Rubber coated linen or cotton sheeting.  Imported, limited use.

III.  Accoutrements

 

A.  Haversacks

1.  C.S. Issue - Bag of identified C.S. pattern.  Button or buckle enclosure. 

 

2.  U.S. Issue - Bag of identified U.S. pattern.  Tarred type with buckle and inner bag with hand sewn button hole(s). 

B.  Canteens - To be used according to time period of impression

1.  Wooden Style - Made of cedar/cypress/cherry/etc.  Various styles.  Confederate and British manufacture. (EOG/CS - page 209)

 

2.  Tin Drum Style - Various styles and sizes.  Avoid oversize or very large canteens of this type.  With or without jean or wool cover.  Strap may be cotton, linen or leather or a properly documented style.  Leather straps must have proper hardware.

 

3.  U.S. Issue - Smooth side type - used throughout the war but more prevalent '61 - '63.  Bulls Eye Type used after spring '63.  With or without jean cloth or wool cover.  Strap may be cotton, linen or leather or a properly documented style.  Leather straps must have proper hardware.

C.  Cartridge Boxes - Shoulder worn cartridge box slings shall generally be black leather, but painted canvas with leather end tabs are acceptable.  Buff leather should be limited to early war and militia impressions.

1.  Any Army of Northern Virginia identified box.

 

2.  Richmond Arsenal )

 

3.  English Made Imported Enfield Pattern Cartridge Box

 

4.  Christian S. Storms (CS Storms of New York, NY - Contractor box)

 

5.  Captured Federal issue 1855 .58 cal Cartridge Box - Early versions, general use.  Later war issue, limited use.  Model 1842 .69 cal. boxes and follow on variants for either belt or sling carriage.

D.  Cap Pouches

1.  Any Army of Northern Virginia identified pouch.  Generally black leather.  Russet leather - limited use.

 

2.  Tarred canvas, limited Confederate use

 

3.  Federal Issue - Black Leather - Shield front or other common type.

 

4.  Imported S. Isaac's & Campbell

E.  Belt Plates / Frames / Waist belts - Belts to be made with leather, preferably black as russet was generally issued on a limited basis within the ANV.  Painted canvas for later war use is acceptable.  Buff leather should be used for very early war or militia impressions except imported British types.

1.  Any Army of Northern Virginia identified plate or buckle.

 

2.  Georgia Frame Plate

 

3.  C.S. "Forked - Tongue" Buckle

 

4.  Roller Buckle

 

5.  Richmond Arsenal - painted canvas - Roller Buckle or used with plate.  Issued after Summer '63.

F.  Bayonet Scabbards - Bayonets shall have an appropriate scabbard in order for it to be carried.  Scabbards shall have a proper metal tip.

1.  Any identified ANV frog and scabbard.

 

2.  Imported English frog and scabbard. )

 

3.  U.S. non-regulation 7 or 8 rivet pattern.  Limited use.

G.  Knapsacks - (Optional)

1.  Mexican War Pattern

 

2.  Imported English - S. Isaac & Campbell

 

3.  Confederate Issue - Manufacture of any above style.

 

4.  Federal Issue Double Bag - Limited Confederate use

IV.  Weapons

 

All orginial muskets must look new and be in safe and proper working order.  Proper modifications of reproduction weapons must include removal of all anachronistic workings, burnishing of questionable parts, replacement of barrel bands, and stamping of correct markings.  Weapon type should be appropriate for impression.  All soldiers should posses a bayonet appropriate for the musket or rifle they are carrying.  Bayonets shall have an appropriate scabbard in order for it to be carried.

 

A.  US 1842 Harpers Ferry or Springfield .69 cal. Smoothbore.  Stock finished in boiled linseed oil.  Burnished finish.

 

B.  US 1842 Harpers Ferry or Springfield .69 cal. Rifled, rear sight.  Stock finished in boiled linseed oil.  Burnished finish.

 

C.  US 1855 Rifled Musket .58 cal.  Maynard primer with alteration to standard percussion caps.  Stock finished in boiled linseed oil.  Burnished finish.

 

D.  US 1861 Rifled Musket .58 cal.  Springfield or Gov't Contractor.  Stock finished in boiled linseed oil.  Burnished finish.

 

E.  US 1841 Harpers Ferry (Mississippi Rifle)  .54 or .58 cal.  Acceptable for NCOs and for units with documented use.

 

F.  P1853 Enfield, .577cal.  British Manufacture.  Blue or Burnished finish.  Stock finished with boiled linseed oil.

 

G.  1862 or 1863 CS Arsenal - "Richmond" Rifled Musket .58 cal.  Burnished finish.  Stock finished with boiled linseed oil.  Appropriate for units with documented use.

 

H.  Virginia Manufactory musket - .69 cal.  Altered to percussion.  Burnished finish.  Stock finished with boiled linseed oil.   Appropriate for units with documented use.

 

I.  US 1816, 1822, or 1835 musket - .69 cal.  Altered to percussion.  Burnished finish.  Stock finished with boiled linseed oil.   Appropriate for units with documented use.

 

V.  Ammunition

 

A.  Each man will have a full 70 rounds in his cartridge box when the Company falls in at the beginning of each event .

 

B.  Each cartridge for .54 or .58 cal. rifles or rifled muskets will have no more than 65 grains of black powder.  .69 cal. muskets will contain no more than 80 grains of black powder.  No pyrodex or smokeless powder will be used.  Officer's revolvers will contain appropriate charges for the weapon.  No "wonder wads" are permitted.

 

C.  Blank cartridges shall not be carried loose in the cartridge box.  Proper tins are required.

 

D.  Each man will have enough caps to fire the required 70 rounds in his cartridge box.

 

E.  An effort should be made to have packages of cartridges with proper labels, according to the impression.

 

VI.  Safety

 

A.  In order to reduce the possibility of an accident or injury to a member of the unit, any guests, spectators or other reenactors,  Company Commander shall ensure that each participant under his command is able to perform basic loading and firing drill in a safe and efficient manner.  New recruits shall receive mandatory firearms safety indoctrination prior to participating in a battalion event.

 

B.  In order to participate in an event where firearms MAY be fired, every participant shall submit to a weapons inspection.  This inspection shall ensure that the weapon is in proper working order.  This inspection shall require:  A clean and clear bore, no loose or unsafe parts, and that the lock /safety performs in its proper manner.  Hammers shall be inspected to ensure they are centered so they strike the cone evenly and do not crush or deform the percussion caps.

 

C.  A cartridge box inspection shall also be performed prior to the commencement of each day's activities which may include the possible firing of weapons.  Cartridge boxes will have tins appropriate for the box.  No worms, ball screws or other cleaning gear may be carried in the cartridge box.

 

D.  In case of a weapon malfunction while on the line, the soldier shall pass his weapon to a file closer previously selected and identified as the safety officer, who will inspect the weapon and attempt to determine if it can be safely repaired.  If it is necessary to used a worm to clear the weapon, the file closer will make a determination if this is practical under the circumstances present at the time.  If it can be done safely, a worm may be used to clear the bore of the fouled piece.  The worm will then be immediately removed from the ramrod and the rod will be immediately returned to its pipes.  After the weapon is cleared the file closer will return it to the weapon.  Before firing the soldiers file partner shall inspect the weapon to ensure that the ramrod is back in its pipes.  The first round fired shall be aimed at the ground in front of the company.

 

VII.  Food

 

A.  Fruits and vegetables must be in season to a particular campaign area if one plans to carry fresh fruit.  Information regarding this will be provided by the Military Commander prior to each event in the newsletter.

 

B.  Types of meat will be:  salt pork, slab bacon, beef or ham.

 

C.  Year - round staples will be:  corn meal, beans, peas, white rice, goober peas, parched corn, early (red) potatoes, yams, headed carrots, onions, nuts, and flour.

 

VIII.  Cooking Equipment

 

A.  Frying pans should be made of stamped sheet steel riveted to either stamp steel or hand forged handles.  Cast Iron skillets are not correct to the period.  Documentation shows that soldiers used canteen halves as a creative substitute for a frying pan with forks, split branches or whatever available for handles.  A fork tree branch over the fire makes an excellent cooking implement  for meat.  A cast iron pot used by the company mess would be acceptable for appropriate events (Garrison Events).

 

B.  Metal fire grates and spits will not be used.

 

C.  Knives, forks, and spoons must be of Civil War style, the forks are generally three-pronged, and utensils are either bone or wooden handled.  DO NOT USE STAINLESS STEEL. Original utensils are affordable and can usually be found at flea markets, antique stores and civil war shows.  Reproduction utensils can be obtained by sutlers at reenactments and by mail order.  TRY TO GET ORIGINALS.

 

IX.  Camping

 

A.  Camp will be run in military fashion

 

B.  Soldiers will be subject only to orders from their own Officers and NCOs.  Nevertheless, all enlisted men shall show proper military courtesy to the Officers and NCOs of other units within the Battalion.

 

C.  On arriving to camp, you are expected to report to the military commander so you can be added to the company roll.

 

D.  If it becomes necessary to leave camp, members must obtain permission from the Military Commander or the next in command if the Military Commander is unavailable.

 

E.  Conversation in camp should be that of the typical Civil War soldier.  First person should be used unless otherwise instructed.  Modern conversation shall not be used.

 

F.  Firewood will not be hoarded in camp areas.  Each unit shall stockpile only enough firewood for each day they are in camp.

 

X.  Drill

 

We will predominately use  Infantry drill and tactics as published in Hardees Manual for Volunteers and Militia Tactics.