Getting outfitted in the 1st Virginia Regiment

Greetings!

In 2004 I joined the Regiment with a keen interest to better understand the realities faced in that epic struggle over 225 years ago. Of course, for many of us getting started in this hobby can appear an epic struggle of its own! Our goal here is to de-mystify the many new terms and long forgotten “How to’s” that faded away as times, technologies and materials changed.

The 1st Virginia Regiment is a large and diverse unit. While composed of a sizable Musket Line Company, a Rifle Section and a robust Artillery Section, we also have a well equipped Surgeon, Laundress and Distaff covering the many areas of the Continental Army. We’re initially filling the subsequent pages starting with items applicable to our Musket Company where many of our newcomer’s are getting outfitted (where I started and so have the most resources to add). We’ll keep adding items that apply to recruits in all of our areas and will welcome other members who want to take a turn at adding detail to their respective “section’s” areas. This site is always a “work in progress” and your feedback, corrections, views and questions are encouraged.

Anyone with comments, criticisms, or advice, I would be pleased if you would send it to me at: QM1stVA@aol.com.

Colonial Gothic

As a new recruit, you’ll want to acquire — or make — your clothing and gear as quickly as possible so you can begin to participate. Until you have all your clothing and gear the Regiment may be able to loan you items to allow you to participate. Please check with the Quartermaster to see what is in the “Loaner Locker” that you might use. In the meantime, here is some important information you need to understand before you start to put together your “kit.”

The First Virginia Regiment is one of the most authentic reenactment units active today, and we endeavor to keep it that way. Therefore, we have strict Authenticity Guidelines that we expect all members to follow. Please note: if you come to an event with an item that is not correct we will probably ask you to remove the offending item. To help you avoid inadvertently acquiring incorrect clothing and gear, we ask that you read and follow the guidelines contained here.

Suppliers of Authentic Goods
If you are going to purchase some, or all of your “kit” then we strongly suggest that you use one of the recommended sutlers (suppliers) for each of the items listed. There are many sutlers doing business in the hobby today that make reproductions of authentic clothing and gear. However, some are suppliers to similar, but different period groups, and while their goods may be fine for other hobbyists, they may not pass our strict authenticity standards. Also, some sutlers may sell some items that we deem correct for our use while other items may not be usable. We suggest you follow our recommendations closely when purchasing gear to avoid buying something you will not be able to use.

Clothing
The clothing items you will need include the following: Body Shirt; Overalls (riflemen may wear breeches or trousers); Weskit (vest); First Virginia Hunting Shirt; Regimental Coat (musket and artillery troops); Round Hat; Cocked Hat (musket and artillery troops); Blue Wool Gaiters with Red Garters; Neck Stock.

The first detail to pay close attention to is the use of correct fabrics. We portray Continental soldiers who were generally recruited from the lower class and were issued clothing made by contractors for the army. This clothing was made from the most common fabrics of the period: linen and wool. Both these fabrics were sometimes referred to by other names that indicated a certain weave or manufacturing process. For instance, the terms oznaburg (spelled in a variety of ways) and “cloth” were used to mean specific types of linen. Heavy wool used for coats was sometimes referred to as “broadcloth.”

Other fabrics, including silk and cotton were used during the late 18th century, but were generally less available to the common soldier or civilian. (Cotton was relatively expensive – Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, which revolutionized the manufacturing process, was a few years away from development.) Cotton was sometimes mixed with linen during the weaving process for greater strength during this period, and may have been slightly more available to the common classes at this time.

Fabrics to avoid include modern “muslins,” often touted as being (or at least looking) like colonial fabric. Also, any fabric with a mix of synthetic threads should not be used.

We recommend that if you wish to make your own clothing that you purchase your uniform fabric from our Quartermaster. Not only is it certain to be authentic, you will be able to buy it at a substantial savings. (If you choose to purchase fabric from a retail outlet, please ask the Quartermaster for recommendations.) You should obtain your patterns from the Quartermaster. Available patterns are provided with any kit the Quartermaster sells.

Accoutrements
Some of the items of gear you will need as a private soldier in the Musket Company include: Shoes; Cartridge Box; Bayonet Sling and Scabbard; “New Invented” Knapsack-Haversack; Haversack; Canteen; Eating Utensils; For Riflemen: Powder Horn and Shot Bag instead of a Cartridge Box.

You may choose to make some of your own accoutrements, such as the cartridge box, bayonet sling and bayonet scabbard. The Quartermaster may have patterns or kits for these items and can direct you to members who can help instruct on making some of these items. Most of the accoutrements you will need are available in a variety of correct styles from our recommended sutlers.

Eyeglasses
Modern eyeglasses should not be worn. In general, lenses were only available for reading in the 18th century and glasses for distance correction were not worn. For the most authentic appearance, contacts should be worn if needed. If that’s not possible, a number of sutlers sell reproduction eyeglass frames that your optometrist can fit with prescription lenses.

Hair
The typical military hairstyle of the period was long hair pulled back into a “club,” or “queue,” and tied with a black ribbon. In fact, if a soldier in the British army had thin, or shorter hair, his “queue” was stuffed to make it fuller or longer. Some of our members have hair long enough to tie back, others have purchased wigs and some have bought hair pieces that clip on and can be worn in a “ponytail.” While the Regiment has no specific requirements, having a correct hairstyle greatly enhances an 18th c. military appearance.

Facial Hair
In general, moustaches, beards and sideburns were not worn by American or British soldiers during the Revolutionary War period. Soldiers in both armies were expected to be clean shaven, although they may not have been required to shave every day (except perhaps for inspection or other formal duty). While a two-day beard is fine, we encourage soldiers to shorten sideburns, and remove beards and moustaches for events.

Weapons
The Quartermaster can help you determine the best source for purchasing your musket or rifle. Be sure to confirm the make, model and supplier for any musket you wish to purchase on your own to avoid purchasing an incorrect or inferior weapon. There were many technology and style changes with rifles in the late 18th century and obtaining the correct period reproduction rifle is extremely important.

Correct muskets for the Regiment include the Second Model “Brown Bess,” (Japanese or Italian); Model 1763 “Charleville,” (Japanese or Italian). The First Model, Long Land Pattern “Brown Bess,” (Italian or English) is considered correct, but less-preferred; the Model 1777 “Charleville,” is considered NOT correct.

Women and Children
If you have other family members who might be interested in participating with you, we welcome them. However, our “campfollowers” fall under the same strict authenticity guidelines as our soldiers. The staff of the First Virginia includes a Distaff Coordinator who can help with information about fabrics, correct patterns and other materials. Please let us know of your family member’s interest and we will contact them to discuss our requirements.