Federal Infantry
Headwear
1. Forage Cap of correct blue wool with leather bill and sweatband
2. Hardee or Army Hat
Blouse / jacket
1. 4 Button fatigue blouse, lined or unlined with hand-sewn buttonholes and
proper construction
2. Infantry Jacket or State Issue Jacket
3. Enlisted 9 button Frock of proper pattern and construction
Shirt
1. U.S. Issue shirt of domet flannel, grey wool flannel or other issue of blue,
gray, or tan wool flannel
2. Civilian shirt of proper fabric and construction
Trousers
1. Federal issue
trousers of sky blue wool made from a proper pattern and correct construction
Suspenders
1. Proper period style suspenders with tin or brass buckles and/or hand-sewn
buttonholes
Drawers
1. Proper period style civilian or army drawers of correct construction and
fabric
Socks
1. Wool or cotton (or mixture) knitted civilian type socks (no elastic)
Footwear
1. Jefferson brogans (issue) properly constructed
2. Civilian shoes and boots of proper pattern and construction
FIELD EQUIPMENT
Tentage
1. Dog or shelter half tents (correct construction) preferred
Blankets
1. Gray or brown issue blanket of 100% wool
2. Civilian blankets of wool or wool/cotton mix
Gum blankets
1. Rubberized ground cloth (small grommets)
2. Painted ground cloth of proper construction
Knapsack
1. U.S. issue Double Bag
2. bedroll
Haversack
1. U.S. issue haversack
Canteen
1. U.S. issue smoothside (bullseye discouraged) with jean wool cover.
MUST HAVE A COTTON SLING- NO LEATHER SLINGS!
Waist belt
1. U.S. issue black leather (with keeper) and US buckle
Brass or Leather keeper allowed
Cartridge Box
1. U.S. issue Box. Must have sling and plate
Cap box
1. U.S. issue model 1850
2. U.S. Shield Front style (all cap boxes to be black)
Bayonet Scabbard
1. U.S. issue scabbard (black) with 2 rivets (or appropriate scabbard for weapon
used)
WEAPONS (in order of preference)
1. M1853 Enfield
2. M1861 Springfield
The 56th Ohio were equipped with 53 Enfield at the time of Vicksburg. The only
reason a 61 Springfield should be carried is if it is a last choice option.