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Uniforms of the Militia of Virginia |
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| These uniform requirements are based on
the regulations set forth by Governor Barber in January 1812 for
Virginia Militia forces. These regulations can be found in the reference
series "Calendar of Virginia State Papers, January 1812" .
Hunting shirt: Blue in color with red trim at the single cape, cuffs and hem. Wrap-a-round style, held closed with the belt or 4 buttons, reaching to mid thigh in length. Trousers: Blue in color with red seams on the outside seam of the legs. Footwear: Black shoes with black half-gaiters. Headgear: Black round hat (today known as a short top hat) cocked up on the left side with a black fan cockade. A black over red plume also set on the left side of the round hat. Accoutrements: Of the US 1808 pattern which were being produced by the Virginia Manufactory of Arms under contract to the state prison in Richmond. This would consist of a 1808 pattern cartridge box and sling, black in color for both. There is little evidence that Virginia Militia forces used a bayonet baldric. Although thousands of bayonets were issued with the contract muskets and those produced by the Manufactory, no baldrics or scabbarbs are mentioned. Some accounts indicate that the bayonets may have been braised to the muzzle of the musket as was the practice in some of the European armies of the time. For the sake of safety and appearance we have chosen to wear baldrics, also black in color with a brass oval plate. |
Haversacks / Knapsacks: Haversacks were generally of the same pattern as those of the US Regular forces being linen or canvas with a three button flap. As for knapsacks, they are not mentioned in the uniform requirements. It is believed militia men used what they had or were given a pattern similar to the US regular forces. Some knapsacks on the Lherbette pattern may have been used or a style from the Revolutionary War.
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