No CS, CSA or Upside Down US Buckles Please?

No CS, CSA or Upside Down US Buckles Please?
December 20 2010
Ned Jilton
Timesnews.net

Good reenactors and living historians work hard to make sure that everything they have and do is of the proper time period. You wouldn't want Abe Lincoln updating his Face Book page or Johnny Reb marching into battle with an AK-47. OK maybe some would on that last part.

Accuracy is the tough job facing the reenactors in Charleston SC this April when they stage the 150th anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter with three reenactment locations, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie and Liberty Square.

I have been reading the requirements and story line for the reenactors who will be in Charleston and they have some unique issues to deal with. Here, first is the story line the reenactors are to go by.

"The men we represent will have no knowledge of the trials ahead. Although they are far from being professional Soldiers, they are proud and cocky. The 1st South Carolina Artillery Battalion has the privilege of occupying the conquered fort and secessionist symbol. It's a time of Southern patriotism and war fever. The men have newly made uniforms and fresh equipment, none have seen any infantry action or been on the long campaigns. The troops are well provided for and comfortable.

The artillery bombardment, although fierce and exciting produced slight casualties. There have been few deaths outside of sickness and accidents. The grim realities of war are unknown and obscured by the euphoria of secession and the capitulation of Major Anderson's force. Everyone is celebrating and the scene is festive and the eyes of the world are upon South Carolina and the new Confederate States of America."

Think about this for a second. You ask one of these people what they think about Gen. Robert E. Lee their answer will have to be something like "Never heard of a Gen. Lee, I know of a Col. Lee that caught that traitorous John Brown and hanged him in Virginia."

That's right, to these people there can be no Gen. Robert E. Lee, no Stonewall Jackson, no state of West Virginia, and no Southern Cross flag. Beauregard is the top general at the time and the Palmetto flag is the battle flag with the Stars and Bars as the national flag. The photo with this posting is of the first Confederate flag, a palmetto flag, to fly over Fort Sumter. You can see it in the fort's museum.

As far as uniforms go some of the orders of the day read as follows. Remember that most of the Confederate action was South Carolina Militia so when they say SC it means South Carolina and not Southern Confederacy.

"No campaign or worn clothing, wear your best gear. All brass should be polished and shoes blackened; all leather is well oiled and all weapons are clean and rust free. Brass SC Buttons and SC Militia rank will be used. Federal Eagle Buttons can also substitute. No CSA or Confederate Issue buttons. Brass or Silver "Coin" Buttons are allowed. No Confederate Depot Issue clothing, none will be seen until October, 1862"

"Headgear is Gray forage or kepi, you are allowed to attach white cloth stars or palmetto trees to the tops of kepis and forage caps, according to period images. State pride is at it's zenith during this period."

"All leather will be in good to excellent condition. For enlisted, black leather gear slings, belts & straps are appropriate. Charleston U.S. Arsenal gear was distributed. Leave off the US plates and Federal Eagles. SC belt plates and ovals can be used. Militia plates and buckles are appropriate. Blackened waist belt with "SC" plate. No inverted US plates please."

This goes on for pages. Granted most of the reenactors involved will be from South Carolina and should have an advantage. But it shows the challenges ahead for all reenactors as we move into the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

Oh Yes, you Virginia reenactors remember that you can't call him Stonewall until after the Battle of First Manassas. I know, the name rightly belongs to the brigade.