Uniforms at Mill Springs
March 16th, 2007
- What did the Second Minnesota wear at Mill Springs on 19 January 1861? We know that most had dark blue trousers before that date. Assuming Company K’s issue was not unique, once in the field the entire regiment could have worn frocks or blouses, depending on the situation or their orders. On the morning of the battle, police guard drummer William Bircher sounded the alarm. He recorded:
- “Sergeant of the Guards Pomeroy poked his head into the guard tent and ordered me to beat the long roll. I beat that long roll standing in front of the guard tent in the rain. I was only about half dressed. Some of the men were so excited they did not pull on their shoes. ‘They fought in their stocking feet all day.”
- Several letters / journals describe the near-panic to get out of their tents so that they would not “miss the war.” Lt. Jeremiah Donahower wrote:
- “Roll call usually occurred fifteen minutes after reveille, after which we returned to our tents, and while engaged in a strenuous effort to put my foot into my wet boot, that significant sound of the snare drum - omen of danger, the long roll, came from our guard tent; a monotonous beating on the drum that puts action into men and brings them into line quicker than will any other call, not excepting even the bugle call to breakfast.
And when the rattle of the drum reached my ears I tugged and pulled the harder, and it yielded and both boots were on and grasping my sword and belt, but forgetting my haversack and giving no thought to my over coat, took my place in rear of the first platoon.
Things nessesary [sic] to personal comforts were not remembered under the excitement produced by the startling sounds of the “long roll,” and possibly if I had not gotten my foot fast in the leg of my second boot, I might have gone into line wearing a boot on one foot and a shoe on the other, so gleefully did I hear the danger call. I missed the over coat, but being wet was not a new condition to be in, but to be hungry for breakfast, and dinner and for supper, with nothing to eat since six o’clock on Saturday evening, and all the knawing in the stomach due to my haste and thoughtlessness in not slinging the little bag containing my coffee, bacon and crackers on my shoulder before leaving the tent, was an oversight I during that day promised myself not again to be chargeable with, and I kept that promise. But I did succeed in getting into my boots, and it was well for me I did.”
It can be argued that while on campaign, and in inclement weather, the men would have worn fatigue blouses. When the alarm sounded some may have remembered their great coats. Since the regiment formed in quite a rush, it seems unlikely that there was much concern as to ‘uniform discipline.’ Men were probably wearing whichever hat or coat they could grab in a hurry. - This is not to suggest a total hodge-podge of uniforms for wear at the event in September 2007, though while reenacting the battle it might be accurate. But at other times, when the Western Brigade is representing the Second Minnesota Volunteers in their camp at Logan’s Crossroads, uniformity of dress would have been the norm. Dress parades, guard mounts and other ceremonial functions would most likely have been in frock coats, with headgear as uniform as possible – probably forage caps (based on the photograph above). In inclement weather, great coats would have been worn.
- Stephen Osman has also documented the ordnance of Minnesota volunteer regiments. The Second Regiment left Fort Snelling armed with percussion conversion Model 1816 .69 calibre muskets and Model 1855 58 calibre rifle muskets.
- Mill Springs 2007 offers a great opportunity to improve our early war Federal impression. Minnesota companies of the Western Brigade have elected to wear dark blue trousers for the event and recommend that all who are able should wear frock coats and Model 1858 army hats.
- We sincerely recommend that other companies do the same.
Jim Moffet
Special Orders from First Federal Division
March 8th, 2007
Special Orders for Shiloh have come down from Division. You can check them out here.
A note about Mill Springs
January 25th, 2007
This is part of a message sent by General Dolive, and pertains to Mill Springs. It seems a good way to practice using this.
4. Mill Springs is the official NSA event. It was voted on by all Brigade Commanders in 2002 that they would make their best effort to get their men there. While things change our commitment is based upon our actions. Unlike recent events we have full control over all facets of the men’s participation in this event. If you want a remote camp we’ve got it. Cavalry action is up to what Terry wants to do, both mounted and dismounted. We have over 700 acres available off the battlefield for a tactical. Bill Niekirk and his staff are looking forward to having us and making this the best event possible.
More to come on Mill Springs in the newsletter and upcoming months.
I like the part about the tactical
YOS
Mike L
Mike L
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January 7th, 2007
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January 5th, 2007
Colonel Mike Lavis, our fearless leader.
Content moving
January 5th, 2007
We have the member units and the history and philosophy stuff moved. There will be some changes that are necessary but…we’ll get to them when we get to them. 
Welcome to the new look of the Western Brigade!
January 4th, 2007
We’ll be working on this site over the next couple of days, migrating content from the old and sadly defunct website(more on that later) as well as making some additions we feel you will find useful.
Bookmark our new domain and check back real soon!
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