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Documents > U.S. Army Uniform Regulations, 1861 & supp.
 
For Officers

1442. All officers shall wear a frock-coat of dark blue cloth, the skirt to extend from two-thirds to three-fourths of the distance from the top of the hip to the bent of the knee; single breasted for Captains and Lieutenants; double-breasted for all other grades.

1443. For a Major-General - two rows of buttons on the breast, nine in each row, placed by threes; the distance between each row, five and one-half inches at the top, and three and one-half inches at the bottom; standing-up collar, to rise no higher than to permit the chin to turn freely over it, to hook in front at the bottom, and slope thence up and backward at an angle of thirty degrees on each side; cuffs two and one-half inches deep to go around the sleeves parallel with the lower edge, and to button with three small buttons at the under seam; pockets in the folds of the skirts, with one button at the hip, and one at the end of each pocket, making four buttons on the back and skirt of the coat, the hip button to range with the lowest buttons on the breast; collar and cuffs to be of dark blue velvet; lining of the coat black.

1444. For a Brigadier-General - the same for a Major-General, except that there will be only eight buttons in each row on the breast, placed in pairs.

1445. For A Colonel - the same as for a Major-General, except that there will be only seven buttons in each row on the breast, placed at equal distances; collar and cuffs of the same color and material as the coat.

1446. For a Lieutenant-Colonel - the same as for a Colonel.

1447. For a Major - the same as for a Colonel.

1448. For a Captain - the same as for a Colonel, except that there will be only one row of nine buttons on the breasts, placed at equal distances.

1449. For a First Lieutenant - the same as for a Captain.

1450. For a Second Lieutenant - the same as for a Captain.

1451. For a Brevet Second Lieutenant - the same as for a Captain.

1452. For a Medical Cadet - the same as for a Brevet Second Lieutenant.

1453. A round jacket, according to pattern, of dark blue cloth, trimmed with scarlet, with the Russian shoulder-knot, the prescribed insignia of rank to be worked in silver in the center of the knot, may be worn on undress duty by officers of Light Artillery.

For Enlisted Men

1454. The uniform coat for all enlisted foot men, shall be a single-breasted frock of dark blue cloth, made without plaits, with a skirt extending one-half the distance from the top of the hip to the bend of the knee; one row of nine buttons on the breast, placed at equal distances; stand-up collar, to rise no higher than to permit the chin to turn freely over it, to hook in front at the bottom and then to slope up and backward at an angle of thirty degrees on each side; cuffs pointed according to pattern, and to button with two small buttons at the under seam; collar and cuffs edged with a cord or welt of cloth as follows, to wit: Scarlet for Artillery; sky-blue for Infantry; yellow for Engineers; crimson for Ordnance and Hospital stewards. On each shoulder a metallic scale according to pattern; narrow lining for skirt of the coat of the same color and material as the coat; pockets in the folds of the skirts with one button at each hip to range with the lowest buttons on the breast; no buttons at the ends of the pockets.

1455. All Enlisted Men of the Cavalry and Light Artillery shall wear a uniform jacket of dark blue cloth, with one row of twelve small buttons on the breast placed at equal distances; stand-up collar to rise no higher than to permit the chin to turn freely over it, to hook in front at the bottom, and to slope the same as the coat-collar; on the collar, on each side, two blind button-holes of lace, three-eights of an inch wide, one small button on the button-hole, lower button-hole extending back four inches, upper button-hole three and a half inches; top button and front ends of collar bound with lace three-eights of an inch wide, and a strip of the same extending down the front and around the whole lower edge of the jacket; the back seam laced with the same, and on the cuff a point of the same shape as that on the coat, but formed of the lace; jacket to extend to the waist, and to be lined with white flannel; two small buttons at the under seam of the cuff, as on the coat cuff; one hook and eye at the bottom of the collar; color of lace (worsted), yellow for Cavalry, and scarlet for Light Artillery.

1456. For all Musicians - the same as for other enlisted men of their respective corps, with the addition of a facing of lace three-eighths of an inch wide on the front of the coat or jacket, made in the following manner: bars of three-eighths of an inch worsted lace placed on a line with each button six and one-half inches wide at the bottom, and thence gradually expanding upward to the last button, counting from the waist up, and contracting from thence to the bottom of the collar, where it will be six and one-half inches wide, with a strip of the same lace following the bars at their outer extremity - the whole presenting something of what is called the herring-bone form; the color of the lace facing to correspond with the color of the trimming of the corps.

1457. For Fatigue Purposes - a sack coat of dark blue flannel extending half-way down the thigh, and made loose, without sleeve or body lining, falling collar, inside pocket on the left side, four coat buttons down the front.

1458. For Recruits - the sack coat will be made with sleeves and body lining, the latter of flannel.

1459. On all occasions of duty, except fatigue, and when out of quarters, the coat or jacket shall be buttoned and hooked at the collar.

Buttons

1460. For General Officers and Officers of the General Staff - gilt, convex, with spread eagle and stars, and plain border; large size, seven-eighths of an inch in exterior diameter; small size, one-half inch.

1461. For Officers of the Corps of Engineers - gilt, nine-tenths of an inch in exterior diameter, slightly convex; a raised bright rim, one-thirtieth of an inch wide; device, and eagle holding in his beak a scroll, with the word, "Essayons," a bastion with embrasures in the distance surrounded by water, with a rising sun - the figures to be of dead gold upon a bright field. Small buttons of the same form and device, and fifty-five hundredths of an inch in exterior diameter.

1462. For Officers of the Corps of Topographical Engineers - gilt, seven-eighths of an inch exterior diameter, convex and solid; device, the shield of the United States, occupying one-half the diameter, and the letters T.E. in old English character the other half, small buttons, one-half-inch diameter, device and form the same.

1463. For Officers of the Ordnance Department - gilt, convex, plain border, cross cannon and bombshell, with circular scroll over and across the cannon, containing the words "Ordnance Corps;" large size, seven-eighths of an inch in exterior diameter; small size, one-half inch.

1464. For Officers of Artillery, Infantry, and Calvary - gilt, convex; device, a spread eagle with the letter A, for Artillery - I, for Infantry - C, for Cavalry, on the shield; large size, seven-eighths of an inch in exterior diameter; small size, one-half inch.

1465. Aides-de-Camp may wear the button of the General Staff, or of their regiment or corps, at their option.

1466. For Medical Cadets - same as for Officers of the General Staff.

1467. For all Enlisted Men - yellow, the same as is used by the Artillery, &c., omitting the letter in the shield.

Trousers

1468. For General Officers and Officers of the Ordnance Department - of dark blue cloth, plain, without stripe, welt, or cord down the outer seam.

1469. For Officers of the General Staff and Staff Corps, except the Ordnance - dark blue cloth, with a gold cord, one-eighth of an inch in diameter, along the outer seam.

1470. For all Regimental Officers - dark blue cloth, with a welt let into the outer seam, one-eighth of an inch in diameter, of colors corresponding to the facings of the respective regiments, viz.: Cavalry, yellow; Artillery, scarlet; Infantry, sky-blue.

1471. For Medical Cadets - same as for Officers of the general Staff, except a welt of buff cloth, instead of a gold cord.

1472. For Enlisted Men, except companies of Light Artillery - dark blue cloth; sergeants with a stripe one and one-half inch wide; corporals with a stripe one-half inch wide, of worsted lace, down and over the outer seam, of the color of the facings of the respective corps.

1473. Ordnance Sergeants and Hospital Stewards - stripe of crimson lace one and one-half inch wide.

1474. Privates - plain, without stripe or welt.

1475. For Companies of Artillery equipped as Light Artillery - sky-blue cloth. All trousers to be made loose, without plaits, and to spread well over the boot; to be re-enforced for all enlisted mounted men.

Hat

1476. For Officers - of best black felt. The dimensions of medium size to be as follows:

Width of brim, 3-1/4 inches.
Height of crown, 6-1/4 inches.
Oval of tip, 1/2 inch.
Taper of crown, 3/4 inch.
Curve of head, 3/8 inch.

The binding to be 1/2 inch deep, of best black ribbed silk.

1477. For Enlisted Men - of black felt, same shape and size as for officers, with double row of stitching, instead of binding, around the edge. To agree in quality with the pattern deposited in the clothing arsenal.

1478. Medical Cadets will wear a forage cap according to pattern.

Trimmings

1479. For General Officers - gold cord, with acorn-shaped ends. The brim of the hat looped up on the right side, and fastened with an eagle attached to the side of the hat; three black ostrich-feathers on the left side a gold-embroidered wreath in front, on black velvet ground, encircling the letters U.S. in silver, old English characters.

1480. For Officers of the Adjutant-General's, Inspector-General's, Quartermaster's, Subsistence, Medical and Pay Departments, and the Judge Advocate, above the rank of Captain - the same as for General Officers, except the cord, which will be of black silk and gold.

1481. For the same Departments, below the rank of Field Officers - the same as for Field Officers, except that there will be but two feathers.

1482. For Officers of the Corps of Engineers - the same as for the General Staff, except the ornament in front, which will be a gold-embroidered wreath of laurel and palm, encircling a silver turreted castle on black velvet ground.

1483. For Officers of the Topographical Engineers - the same as for the General Staff, except the ornament in front, which will be a gold-embroidered wreath of oak leaves, encircling a gold-embroidered shield on black velvet ground.

1484. For Officers of the Ordnance Department - the same as for the General Staff, except the ornament in front, which will be a gold-embroidered shell and flame, on black velvet ground.

1485. For Officers of Cavalry - the same as for the General Staff, except the ornament in front, which will be two gold-embroidered sabres crossed, edges upward on black velvet ground with the number of the regiment in silver in the upper angle.

1486. For Officers of Artillery - the same as for the General Staff, except the ornament in front, which will be gold-embroidered cross-cannon, on black velvet ground with the number of the regiment in silver at the intersection of the cross-cannon.

1487. For Officers of Infantry - the same as for the General Staff, except the ornament in front, which will be a gold-embroidered bugle, on black velvet ground with the number of the regiment in silver within the bend.

1488. For Enlisted Men, except companies of Light Artillery - the same as for officers of the respective corps, except that there will be but one feather, the cord will be of worsted, of the same color as that of the facings of the corps, three-sixteenths of an inch in diameter, running three times through a slide of the same material, and terminating with two tassels, not less than two inches long, on the side of the hat opposite the feather. The insignia of corps, in brass, in front of the hat, corresponding with those prescribed for officers, with the number of regiment, five-eighths of an inch long, in brass, and letter of company, one inch, in brass, arranged over the insignia.

1489. For Hospital Stewards the cord will be of buff and green mixed. The wreath in front of brass, with the letter U.S. in Roman, of white metal. Brim to be looped up to side of hat with a brass eagle, having a hook attached to the bottom to secure the brim-on the right side for mounted men and left side for foot men. The feather to be worn on the side opposite the loop.

1490. All the trimming of the hat are to be made so that they can be detached; but the eagle, badge of corps, and letter of company, are to be always worn.

1491. For companies of Artillery equipped as Light Artillery, the old pattern uniform cap, with red horsehair plume, cord and tassel.

1492. Officers of the General Staff, and Staff Corps, may wear, at their option, a light French chapeau, either still crown or flat, according to the pattern deposited in the Adjutant-General's office. Officers below the rank of field officers to wear but two feathers.

Forage Caps

1493. For fatigue purposes, forage caps, of pattern in the Quartermaster-General's office: dark blue cloth, with a welt of the same around the crown, and yellow metal letters in front to designate companies.

1494. Commissioned officers may wear forage caps of the same pattern, with the distinctive ornament of the corps and regiment in front.

Cravat or Stock

1495. For all officers - black; when a cravat is worn, the tie to be visible at the opening if the collar.

1496. For all Enlisted Men - black; leather according to pattern.

Boots

1497. For all officers - ankle or Jefferson

1498. For Enlisted Men of Cavalry and Light Artillery - ankle or Jefferson, rights and lefts, according to pattern.

1499. For Enlisted Men of Artillery, Infantry, Engineers, and Ordnance - Jefferson, rights and lefts, according to pattern.

Spurs

1500. For all Mounted Officers - yellow metal, or gilt.

1501. For all Enlisted Mounted Men - yellow metal, according to pattern (see par. 1620.)

Gloves

1502. For General Officers and Officers of the General Staff and Staff Corps - buff or white.

1503. For Officers of Artillery, Infantry, Cavalry, Dragoons, and Riflemen - white.

Sash

1504. For General Officers - buff, silk net, with silk bullion fringe ends; sash to go twice around the waist, and to tie behind the left hip, pendent part not to extend more than eighteen inches below the tie.

1505. For Officers of the Adjutant-General's, Inspector-General's, Quartermaster's and Subsistence Departments, Corps of Engineers, Topographical Engineers, Ordnance, Artillery, Infantry and the Judge Advocate of the Army - crimson silk net; for Officers of the Medical Department-medium or emerald green silk net, with silk bullion fringe ends; to go around the waist and tie as for General Officers.

1506. For all Sergeant Majors, Quartermaster Sergeants, Ordnance Sergeants, Hospital Stewards, First Sergeants, Principal or Chief Musicians and Chief Buglers - red worsted sash, with worsted bullion fringe ends; to go twice around the waist, and to tie hind the left hip, pendent part not to extend more than eighteen inches below the tie.

1507. The sash will be worn (over the coat) on all occasions of duty of every description, except stable and fatigue. 1508. The sash will be worn by "Officers of the Day" across the body, scarf fashion, from the right shoulder to the left side, instead of around the waist, tying behind the left hip as prescribed.

1508. The sash will be worn by "Officers of the Day" across the body, scarf fashion, from the right shoulder to the left side, instead of around the waist, tying behind the left hip as prescribed.

Sword-belt

1509. For all Officers - a waist-belt not less than one and one-half inch nor more than two inches wide to be worn over the sash; the sword to be suspended from it by slings of the same material as the belt, with a hook attached to the belt upon which the sword may be hung.

1510. For General Officers - Russia leather, with three stripes of gold embroidery on both sides.

1511. For all other Officers - black leather plain.

1512. For all Non-commissioned Officers - black leather, plain.

Sword-belt plate

1513. For all Officers and Enlisted Men - gilt, rectangular, two inches wide a raised bright rim; a silver wreath of laurel encircling the "Arms of the United States;" eagle, shield. Scroll, edge of cloud and ray bright. The motto, "E Pluribus Unum," in silver letters, upon the scroll; stars also of silver; according to pattern.

Sword and Scabbard

1514. For General Officers - straight sword, gilt hilt, silver grip brass or steel scabbard.

1515. For Officers of the Adjutant-General's, Inspector-General's, Quartermaster's and Subsistence Departments, Corps of Engineers, Topographical Engineers, Ordnance, Artillery, Infantry and the Judge Advocate of the Army, Aides-de-Camp, Field Officers of Artillery, Infantry, and Foot Riflemen, and for the Light Artillery - the sword of the pattern adopted by the War Department, April 9, 1850; or the one described in General Orders No. 21, of August 28, 1860, for officers therein designated.

1516. For the Medical and Pay Departments - small sword and scabbard, according to pattern in the Surgeon-General's office.

1517. For Medical Cadets, the sword and belt and plate will be the same as for non-commissioned officers.

1518. For Officers of Cavalry - sabre and scabbard now in use, according to pattern in the Ordnance Department.

1519. For the Artillery, Infantry, and Foot Riflemen, except the field officers - the sword of the pattern adopted by the War Department April 9, 1850.

1520. The sword and sword-belt will be worn upon all occasions of duty, without exception.

1521. When on foot, the sabre will be suspended from the hook attached to the belt.

1522. When not on military duty, officers may wear swords of honor, or the prescribed sword, with scabbard, gilt, or of leather with gilt mountings.

Sword-knot

1523. For General Officers - gold cord with acorn end.

1524. For all other officers - gold lace strap with gold bullion tassel.

BADGES TO DISTINGUISH RANK.

Epaulettes

1525. For the Major-General Commanding the Army - gold, with solid crescent; device, three silver-embroidered stars, one, one and a half inches in diameter, one and one-fourth inches in diameter, one, one and one-eighth inches in diameter, placed on the strap in a row, longitudinally, and equidistant, the largest star in the centre of the crescent, the smallest at the top; dead and bright bullion, one-half inch in diameter and three and one-half inches long.

1526. For all other Major-Generals - the same as for the Major-General Commanding the Army, except that there will be two stars on the strap instead of three, omitting the smallest. 1527. For a Brigadier General - the same as for the Major-General, except that instead of two, there shall be one star (omitting the smallest) placed upon the strap, and not with the crescent. 1528. For a Colonel - the same as for a Brigadier General, substituting a silver-embroidered spread eagle for the star upon the strap; and within the crescent for the Medical Department - a laurel wreath embroidered in gold, and the letters M.S., in old English characters, in silver, within the wreath; Pay Department - same as the Medical Department, with the letters P.D., in old English characters, Corps of Engineers - a turreted castle of silver; Corps of Topographical Engineers- a shield embroidered on gold, and below it the letter T.E., in old English characters, in silver; Ordnance Department - shell and flame in silver embroidery; Regimental Officers - the number of the regiment embroidered in gold, within a circlet of embroidered silver, one and three-fourths inches in diameter, upon cloth of the following colors: for Artillery - scarlet; Infantry - light or sky blue; Cavalry - yellow.

1529. For a Lieutenant-Colonel - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, but substituting for the eagle a silver-embroidered leaf.

1530. For a Major - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle.

1531. For a Captain - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, except that the bullion will be only one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and two and one-half inches long, and substituting for the eagle two silver-embroidered bars.

1532. For a First Lieutenant - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, except that the bullion will be only one-eighth of an inch in diameter, and two and one-half inches long, and substituting for the eagle one silver-embroidered bars.

1533. For a Second Lieutenant - the same as for a First Lieutenant omitting the bar.

1534. For a Brevet Second Lieutenant - the same as for a Second Lieutenant.

1535. All officers having military rank will wear an epaulette on each shoulder.

1536. The epaulette may be dispensed with when not on duty, and on certain duties off parade, to wit: at drills, at inspections of barracks and hospitals, on Courts of Inquiry and Boards, at inspections of articles and necessaries, on working parties and fatigue duties, and upon the march, except when, in war, there is immediate expectation of meeting the enemy, and also when the overcoat is worn.

Shoulder-Straps

1537. For the Major-General Commanding the Army - dark blue cloth, one and three eighths inches wide by four inches long; bordered with an embroidery of gold one-fourth of an inch wide; three silver-embroidered stars of five rays, one star on the centre of the strap, and one on each side equidistant between the center and the outer edge of the strap; the centre star to be the largest.

1538. For all other Major-Generals - the same as for the Major-General Commanding the Army, except that there will be two stars on the strap instead of three, the centre of each star to be one inch from the outer edge of the gold embroidery on the ends of the strap; both star of the same size.

1539. For a Brigadier General - the same as for the Major-General, except that instead of two, there shall be one star instead of two; the centre of the star to be equidistant from the outer edge of the embroidery on the ends of the strap .

1540. For a Colonel - the same as for a Major-General, and bordered in like manner with an embroidery of gold; a silver-embroidered spread eagle on the centre of the strap; two inches between the tips of the wings, having in its right talon an olive-branch, and in the left a bundle of arrows; an escutcheon on the breast, as represented in the arms of the United States cloth of the strap as follows: For the General Staff and Staff Corps - dark blue; for Artillery - scarlet; Infantry - light or sky blue; Cavalry - yellow.

1541. For a Lieutenant-Colonel - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, but omitting the eagle, and introducing a silver-embroidered leaf at each end, each leaf extending seven-eighths of an inch from the end border of the strap.

1542. For a Major - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle, and introducing a gold-embroidered leaf at each end, each leaf extending seven-eighths of an inch from the end border of the strap.

1543. For a Captain - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, and introducing at each end two gold-embroidered bars of the same width as the border, placed parallel to the ends of the strap, at a distance from the border equal to its width.

1544. For a First Lieutenant - the same as for a Colonel, according to corps, omitting the eagle, and introducing at each end one gold-embroidered bar of the same width as the border, placed parallel to the ends of the strap, at a distance from the border equal to its width.

1545. For a Second Lieutenant - the same as for a the same as for a Colonel, according to corps omitting the eagle.

1546. For a Brevet Second Lieutenant - the same as for a Second Lieutenant.

1547. For a Medical Cadet - a strip of gold lace three inches long, half an inch wide, placed in the middle of a strap of green cloth three and three-quarter inches long by one and one-quarter inches wide.

1548. The shoulder-strap will be worn whenever the epaulette is not.

Chevrons

1549. The rank of non-commissioned officers will be marked by chevrons upon both sleeves of the uniform coat and overcoat, above the elbow, of silk or worsted binding one-half an inch wide, same color as the edging on the coat, points down, as follows:

1550. For A Sergeant Major - three bars and an arc, in silk.

1551. For a Quartermaster Sergeant - three bars and a tie, in silk.

1552. For an Ordnance Sergeant - three bars and a star, in silk.

1553. For a Hospital Steward - a half chevron of the following description, - viz.: of emerald green cloth, one and three-fourths inches wide, running obliquely downward from the outer to the inner seam of the sleeve, and at an angle of about thirty degrees with a horizontal, parallel to, and one-eighth of an inch distant from, both the upper and lower edge, an embroidery of yellow silk one-eighth of an inch wide, and in the centre a "caduceus" two inches long, embroidered also with yellow silk, the head toward the outer seam of the sleeve.

1554. For a First Sergeant - three bars and a lozenge, in worsted.

1555. For a Sergeant - three bars, in worsted.

1556. For a Corporal - two bars, in worsted.

1557. For a Pioneer - two crossed hatchets of cloth, same color and material as the edging of the collar, to be sewed on each arm above the elbow in the place indicated for a chevron, (those of a corporal to be just above and resting on the chevron), the head of the hatchet upward, its edge outward, of the following dimensions, viz.: Handle - four and one-half inches long, one-fourth to one-third inch wide. Hatchet - two inches long, one inch wide at the edge.

1558. To indicate service - all non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, who have served faithfully for the term of five years, will wear, as a mark of distinction, upon both sleeves of the uniform coat, below the elbow, a diagonal chevron, one-half an inch wide, extending from seam to seam, the front end nearest the cuff, and one-half an inch above the point of the cuff, to be of the same color as the edging on the coat. In like manner, an additional half chevron, above and parallel to the first, for every subsequent five years of faithful service; distance between each chevron one-fourth of an inch. Service in war will be indicated by a light or sky blue stripe on each side of the chevron for Artillery, and a red stripe for all other corps, the stripe to be one-eighth of an inch wide.

OVERCOAT

For Commissioned Officers.

1559. A "cloak coat" of dark blue cloth, closing by means of four frog buttons of black silk and loops of black silk cord down the breast, and at the throat by a long loop á échelle, without tassel or plate, on the left side, and a black silk frog button on the right; cord for the loops fifteen-hundredths of an inch in diameter; back, a single piece, slit up from the bottom, from fifteen to seventeen inches, according to the height of the wearer, and closing at will, by buttons, and button-holes cut in a concealed flap; collar of the same material as the coat, rounded at the edges, and to stand or fall; when standing, to be about five inches high; sleeves loose, of a single piece, and round at the bottom, without cuff or slit; lining, woolen around the front and lower border, the edges of the pockets, the edges of the sleeves, collar, and slit in the back, a flat braid of black silk one-half inch wide; and around each frog button on the breast, a knot two and one-quarter inches in diameter of black silk cord, seven-hundredths of an inch in diameter, arranges according to drawing; cape of the same color and material as the coat, removable at the pleasure of the wearer, and reaching to the cuff of he coat-sleeve when the arm is extended; coat to extend down the leg from six to eight inches below the knee, according to height. To indicate rank, there will be on both sleeves, near the lower edge, a knot of black silk braid not exceeding one-eighth of an inch in width, arranged according to drawing, and composed as follows:

1560. For a General - of five braids, double knot.

1561. For a Colonel - of five braids, single knot.

1562. For a Lieutenant-Colonel - of four braids, single knot.

1563. For a Major - if three braids, single knot.

1564. For a Captain - of two braids, single knot.

1565. For a First Lieutenant - of one braid, single knot.

1566. For a Second Lieutenant and Brevet Second Lieutenant - a plain sleeve, without knot or ornament.

For Enlisted Men.

1567. Of all Mounted Corps - of sky-blue cloth; stand-and-fall collar; double-breasted; cape to reach down to the cuff of the coat when the arm is extended, and to button all the way up; buttons (1467).

1568. All other Enlisted Men - of sky-blue cloth; stand-up collar; single-breasted; cape to reach down to the elbows when the arm is extended, and to button all the way up; buttons (1467).

1569. For Cavalry - a gutta-percha talma, or cloak extending to the knee, with long sleeves.

Other articles of Clothing and Equipment

1570. Flannel shirt, drawers, stockings, and stable-frock - the same as now furnished.

1571. Blanket - woolen, gray, with letters U.S. in black, four inches long, in the centre; to be seven feet long, and five and a half feet wide, and to weigh five pounds.

1572. Canvas overalls for Engineer soldiers - of white cotton; one garment to cover the whole of the body below the waist, the breast, the shoulders, and the arms; sleeves loose, to allow a free play of the arms, with narrow waistband buttoning with one button; overalls to fasten at the neck behind with two buttons, and at the waist behind with buckle and tongue.

1573. Belts of all Enlisted Men - black leather.

1574. Cartridge-box - according to pattern in the Ordnance Department.

1575. Drum-sling - white webbing; to be provided with a brass drum-stick carriage, according to pattern.

1576. Knapsack - of painted canvas, according to pattern now issued by Quartermaster's Department; the great-coat, when carried, to be neatly folded, not rolled, and covered by the outer flap of the knapsack.

1577. Haversack - of painted canvas, with an inside sack unpainted, according to the pattern now issued by the Quartermaster's Department.

1578. Canteen - of tin, covered with woolen cloth, of the pattern now issued by the Quartermaster's Department.

[...]

Military Store-keepers.

1627. A citizen's frock-coat of blue cloth, with buttons of the department to which they are attached; round black hat; pantaloons and vest, plain, white or dark blue; cravat or stock, black.

Miscellaneous.

1628. General Officers, and Colonels having the brevet rank of General Officers, may, on occasions of ceremony, and when not serving with troops, wear the "dress" and "undress" prescribed by existing regulations.

1629. Officers below the grade of Colonel having brevet rank, will wear the epaulettes and shoulder-straps distinctive of their army rank. In all other respects, their uniform and dress will be that of their respective regiments, corps or departments, and according to their commissions in the same. Officers above the grade of Lieutenant-Colonel by ordinary commission, having brevet rank, may wear the uniform of their respective regiments or corps, or that of General Officers, according to their brevet rank.

1630. The uniform and dress of the Signal Officer will be that of a Major of the General Staff.

1631. Officers are permitted to wear a plain dark blue body-coat, with the button designating their respective corps, regiments, or departments, without any other mark or ornament upon it. Such a coat, however, is not to be considered as a dress for any military purpose.

1632. In like manner, officers are permitted to wear a buff, white, or blue vest, with the small button of their corps, regiment, or department.

1633. Officers serving with mounted troops are allowed to wear, for stable duty. A plain dark blue cloth jacket, with one or two rows of buttons down the front, according to rank; stand-up collar, sloped in front as that of the uniform coat; shoulder-straps according to rank, but no other ornament.

1634. The hair to be short; the beard to be worn at the pleasure of the individual; but, when worn, to be kept short and neatly trimmed.

1635. A Band will wear the uniform of the regiment or corps to which it belongs. The commanding officer may, at the expense of the corps, sanctioned by the Council of Administration, make such additions in ornaments as he may judge proper.

Taken from:
Revised Regulations for the Army of the United States, 1861. (Philidelphia: Geo. W. Childs, 1862)

Supplimental General Orders:


General Order 102 (November 25, 1861)
(III.) In time of actual field service, officers of cavalry, artillery, and infantry are permitted to wear the light blue overcoat prescribed for enlisted men of the mounted corps.

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL MCCLELLAN


General Order 286 (November 22, 1864)
Officers serving in the field are permitted to dispense with shoulder straps and the prescribed insignia of rank on their horse equipments. The marks of rank prescribed to be worn on the shoulder-straps will be worn on the shoulder in place of the strap. Officers are also permitted to wear overcoats of the same color and shape as those of the enlisted men of their command. No ornaments will be required on the overcoat, hats or forage caps; nor will sashes or epaulets be required.

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR


 
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