TKfE WATCHDOG.

IVIL

Volume 12, No. 2 Guarding your interests... Calvary and Ordinance

How often have you seen these words improperly used musket dIjour is concerned, as I have several beauties to in place of "Cavalry" and "Ordnance"? There are, of course, select from. Of course, I did attempt to correct her other aspects of the Civil War just as commonly misused misunderstanding by reminding her that I am a Virginian. and misunderstood these days. Most of the public The Commonwealth of Virginia (something like a "state," misperceives our entire hobby at some level and to varying but do not call it that) hosted more than its fair share of the degrees. Let's take my wife, whom I have long referred to contests during the War of Northern Aggression, as it is by the endearing nickname of "The War Department," as a sometimes called in the Old Dominion. In fact, if I recall my barometer of the general public's level of Civil War history right, the Confederate government was housed in understanding. Like most people, including me, she is bright the city of Richmond for a while. "That's okay," she replied, in some areas, but rather dim in others. She graduated "Virginia is still 'Yankee.' They don't serve hushpuppies with from college "magna-cum laude," and I graduated ''thank the seafood around here and the tea is unsweetened." you lawdy." My last recorded brush with the world of the Apparently the present understanding of what constitutes mind was many years ago, unless you count the time I Northern or Southern ideology is based on culinary rather assisted my daughter with moving into her college dorm. than historical criteria. In case you thought the usefulness Back to my wife. Mind you, she has two Civil War of the hobby had been reduced to mere sham battle enthusiasts in the house (my son and me). It takes our entertainment, and there is no value to expertise in the family much longer than average to travel by automobile subject, let me remind you we still have a mission beyond because we habitually stop and read all the battlefield the marching and musketry, lest we forget that "none died historical roadside markers. The War Department certainly in vain." And we will move on from here with my promise should have developed a great understanding and not to bore you with any more domestic husband-wife appreciation of Civil War minutiae just by osmosis. However, chatter of the sort that made "Gods and Generals'' such the fact remains that this is not the case, and that is the compelling cinema in between the battle scene recreations. point; complete outsiders commonly misunderstand the An example of one way to improve the "mission" of our enactment hobby to an even greater extent. hobby took place in Lynchburg, Virginia last summer. My Here is a recent example. The War Department was unit, the Forty-fourth Virginia Infantry, Company K, proofreading an article that I was preparing for the DOG participated in an event there that revolved around a when she informed me it was spelled 0-R-D-I-N-A-N-C-E. recreation of a period church service, circa late June 1863. "No," I said, "One is about the city's leash law and the other The Army of Northern Virginia is on the march. Upon is about muskets and bayonets." Let me hasten to add that entering Pennsylvania they stop for the night and attend a this is the same woman who after serving over twenty-one country church where the chaplain is going to address them years of a life sentence married to me, and having given just before their fateful appointment with the Army of the me three beautiful children (but refused to let me return Potomac at nearby Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. them for cash as I sometimes do her other gifts) had recently The service took place at Thomas Road Baptist Church, summed me up as "nothing but a Yankee, anyway." This at the generous invitation of the regular pastor, Reverend was a statement I regarded as relatively unenlightened. I Jerry Falwell. There was a large crowd that Sunday evening, have great respect for .Yankees, without them, with whom as is common for that church. It appears to be built to hold would we enact the Civil War? And I did egg her on by a larger crowd than you might expect from a city the size of saying that some of the boys in gray that I fall in with had Lynchburg. The Virginia Grays, led by Jerry Holman, an unhealthy obsession with the Civil War. The response I marched in and played several tunes on fife and drum, expected from her was along the lines of "So, what's your including ''The Girl I Left Behind" and "Amazing Grace." Al point?" That would have been a valid response since one Stone, portraying General Robert E. Lee with his usual man's unhealthy obsession is another man's "authentic authority and grace, gave a brief opening statement. When impression." I certainly go to great extremes where my you meet people with his demeanor and class, you

Four C t the Nevvsstand. understand why Southerners of the time said, "I believe Skeered" and that "Lee surrendered, but he didn't." The there's a God, but I've seen Robert E. Lee." Then the driver was perhaps twenty-one years old, had his hat on chaplain, less portrayed than personified by Reverend Alan backwards, a Tasmanian devil tattoo shown off by a Farley, took the pulpit and casually pushed the microphone sleeveless T-shirt. He glanced briefly at us on his way to to the side. There is generally no need to amplify that voice his own appointment with fate (probably in the form of a of his, certainly not on this night, even in an enormous visit to the ABC liquor store). He gave both of us a nod that auditorium like Thomas Road Baptist Church. Reverend suggested an affirmation of his "Southern" values. In fact, Farley is a Southern gentleman in best sense of the term. nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing could be He embodies the correct amount of rectitude, sobriety and less authentic than this use of the battle flag, and frankly, I religious fervor, along with the de rigueurfire hazard beard, was embarrassed by it. What a stark contrast this young well-worn Bible, black coat and close-cropped graying hair. man's message sent compared to the one we had so Southerners traditionally like their holy-men shall we say, recently received from Reverend Farley at Thomas Road. enthusiastic, passionate and colorful and Reverend Farley In conclusion, our goal remains to educate and raise does not disappoint. This experience was not "like" a country the overall level of authenticity in the Civil War enactment church of 140 years ago; it was "transformed" into it when community and to conduct ourselves as true gentlemen. the reverend began his message. Sermons of that time Reverend Alan Farley will undoubtedly continue to reach were not platitudes to make one sleep better either at home the public with his mission, just as he reached nearly a or in the pew. When Reverend Farley finishes, which he thousand that Sunday night in Lynchburg. His workvalidates did with unusual dispatch in just under an hour, you have the significance of the good things enacting is about. Our been given a gift in the form of something to talk about on hobby is presently under attack on all sides by people who the ride home. do not understand what we do or why. It has never been My son and I were doing just that, still in our period more important than it is now to remember that what you attire, when a rusty pick-up truck with huge wheels passed do speaks so loudly that people do not hear what you say. our car in the fading light of that summer evening. The truck We are at a crossroads. This is the battle now, and it is one had a cheap Confederate battle flag in the back window, we must all do our best to win. along with bumper stickers suggesting that the driver "Ain't Mr. Barry

CIVIL WAR MUSIC The Birth of the Banjo, an Exhibit at the Katonah Museum of Art

What would a War Between the States enactor find of Just as one does not have to be a priest or minister to value in a banjo exhibit? The same could be asked about learn about mid-nineteenthcentury religion, you do not have an exhibition, lecture, or study of quilts, farming, literature, to be a musician to learn about mid-nineteenth century politics, urban life, buildings, citizen's clothing, industry, music. The "Birth of the Banjo" exhibit helped anyone better religion and any other aspect of mid-nineteenth century life. understand the material and popular culture of our nation The answer is this: Our impressions are incomplete without our industry and art from the years just before War. The some knowledge of the things that encompassed the lives entertainment that was centered on the banjo was our first of soldiers and citizens of the period. When we gain a better popular culture phenomenon. This entertainment, called understanding of what made them who they were, our minstrelsy, was intertwined with the culture of the men we portrayals will be more accurate. so carefully portray. The music of minstrelsy was not the The finest collection of antebellum and Civil War era music of the plantation slaves but a melding of Anglo-Celtic banjos and minstrel music ephemera were recently and African-American music played by white Northerners. gathered into a public display to educate anyone who would Minstrelsy was the first American exported pop craze to take the time to visit it. The "Birth of the Banjo" exhibit take the English-speakingworld by storm. opened at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New At the exhibit, I learned that; although the banjo came York on 9 November 2003 and closed on 1 February 2004. to America with the enslaved Africans, the rudimentary Banjo historian George Wunderlich and banjo collector banjos displayed craftsmanship beyond what most people Peter Szego made this exhibit a reality. It was the first exhibit associate with the mid-nineteenth century. I had not to feature the instruments of the antebellum era. Antebellum expected to see this. This enabled me to understand a little and.war era banjos have not previously been exhibited more about the life of men in that era. When gazing at the because only about 160 antebellum banjos are known to same minstrel show poster that many soldiers or their exist. Many of these are in museums that do not display families looked upon or while listening to the recreated them, but, this did not deter Wunderlich and Szego from sounds of minstrel music at the museum's listening stations mounting an exhibit of instruments that had never been I felt closer to the citizen soldiers of the 1860s. seen before. I highly recommend the "Birth of the Banjo" exhibit's t

Y-(CPR!h!G 2004 THPS WATCHDOG. catalog. It is a fifty-one-page book composed of fabulous Gallant Sons of Erin, No Irish Need Apply. This is a privately produced photographs, images, art and essays by scholars and musical history of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteer infantry. It contains fourteen tracks of period compositions and traditional tunes. experts in the field. It is still available from the museum by The songs are performed by a talented group of musicians (Todd Bryda, calling (914) 232-9555. Though the museum has no online Caitlin DeAngelis, Dave DeAngelis, Mark DeAngelis, Mark Lapoint and shopping, the catalog is available online at www.elderly.com Bill Meehan ail members of the enacting community. A forty page booklet for eighteen dollars. I am told it is the most popular catalog of lyrics and notes is included. For information on interactive notes, links to primary sources, ordering information and current pricing e-mail the museum has ever issued. galiantsonsQyahoo.com or visit the web site at www.28thmass.com. If this exhibit, or one like it, ever returns, I urge you to attend and hear the story that is told by the banjo. It is a Free and Accepted Minstrels of Old New Orleans by Charles Heggli, story that speaks plainly of America's history. Then you "will Daniel Partner and Edwin Sims. The CD contains seven songs dating between 1835 and 1861, which are representative of the America's first appreciate, as they did in the nineteenth century, the clear, popular musical entertainment. A descriptive sheet gives a brief history ringing tones of an instrument so deeply entwined with of each tune, but lyrics are not provided. The songs include "De Camptown American culture as a whole."* Races," "Mary Blaine," "Dandy Jim of Caroline," "Jenny Get Your Hoecake Done," "De 01' Jawbone," "Jim Along Josey" and "Old King Crow." The Ed Sims compositions are original and they are performed with period style instruments featuring the banjo rather than a fiddle as the core instrument, *Quote source: Phillip Gura and Jim Boilman's America's Instrument: as was the actual case. The performance was recorded without digital The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century. enhancement to keep the music in as pure a form as possible. For ordering information and current pricing e-mail [email protected] Speaking of period music-Here are a two CDs that have recently livened or visit www.danpartner.com. up the editorial office:

PRODUCT REVIEW Columbus Depot Jacket from KSW Sewing

The DOG recently received an example of that warp. It is a very nice gray brown color of a medium hue. perennial favorite of the Army of the Tennessee the The trim is done in Family Heirloom Weavers medium blue Columbus Depot jacket this one made by a new company kersey. The body is lined in osnaburg also from Family KSW sewing. KSW Sewing is Bob and Kwangson (Son) Heirloom. The sleeves are lined in muslin. All thread is one Wait. Son who does all the sewing worked in a dress shop hundred percent cotton. Buttons are script "I" from the in Seoul, Korea where she did all the finish hand work. Bob Military Warehouse. does the research and locates patterns and materials. Here The example sent has one outside pocket and one is a brief description of the jacket as sent. Keep in mind inside pocket. It is the rounded front rear tail version. Six there are quite a few original examples in existence not to button front. Workmanship is excellent and very mention extensive research done on these garments that professionally done, with all seams well pressed. The main is readily available so I will not go into extensive detail here. construction seams are machine sewn with the topstitching, The basics are a six piece body with one-piece sleeves. pocket facings and button holes done by hand. The It is made from wool and cotton jeans and has an osnaburg buttonholes in particular are a thing of beauty. To some the lining with medium blue collar and cuffs. Some originals stitch count at four per inch may look a little wide on the had two interior pockets; others one interior pocket and topstitching, but it is still done with the same quality as the one outside pocket. Existing jackets also have either a rest of the garment. Also keep in mind, quality of rounded front with a slight curve or tail in back or a straight workmanship on original garments, especially Confederate squared front. The button count on Columbus Depot jackets clothing, can vary wildly. While there are some beautifully is five or six. made original officers and dress clothing, look at the work The pattern used for the KSW jacket is available from clothes and enlisted men's uniforms for details. As stated Homespun Patterns (now owned by James Country in the handout we received with the garment: "We prefer to Mercantile). Personally, I am unfamiliar with this particular talk or e-mail with a customer before starting on a jacket, pattern, but have used their gathered front shirt pattern with to make sure we get the order right." It sounds to me like success. I do know the Homespun patterns are based on they are customer friendly and will be willing to work out existing garments. This one was taken from a jacket in the any details or concerns you may have. Kentucky Military History Museum. It also compares well The price of the jacket as sent is $1 90. Turn around with the County Cloth pattern that was used for my personal time on orders is three weeks upon receipt of the order. Columbus Depot jacket. Mr. Simmons The materials used for the construction are as follows: The woolen jeans used for the body is from Family Heirloom KSW SEWING, 9009 Anna Street, Austin TX 78748 and Weavers and is their Sheep's Grey with a brown cotton (512) 280-6421 and waitfamilytxa netzero.com

SPRING 2004 THE WATCHDOG. 3 THE VIGILANT CITIZEN Women's Clothing, the True Costs of Accuracy

Accuracy does not necessarily cost more than a few years back for a whopping three dollars a yard on historically influenced stage costume, and both have their clearance, and bought enough lengths of it to piece together very admirable place in the world. Wearing an "accurate" a dress out of it one of these days. On the other hand, the dress on stage would be problematic (not designed for the better grades of man-made fibers can be just as costly as reality and rigors of stage wear) just as wearing man-made the best non-clearance natural fibers. fibers can be problematic in living history settings (not Everyone can afford accurate things-ifthey are willing designed for the reality and rigors of everyday "life" wear to take their time, plan their expenditures, possibly make and climate). some things on their own, and select impression options While I have friends who prefer a "theme camping" that do not require the most expensive fabrics. It is experience, I must admit I am hard pressed to understand possible-just not all at one shot, or to the fashion level of why. Camping is bad enough, without throwing in acetate a "Philadelphia politician's wife" right off the bat. dresses and poly-cotton undergarments, which is what my I sum up the "progressive stance" with the following friend owns. We are going on twelve years, and she is still questions: What did they haveldo in the era? Is that sweltering through heat exhaustion every single summer. situation/item available now? If not, can I create it? If it is Theme camping has its place-my own opinion is that not available, and I cannot create it, what is the best possible it should be done in private, so as not to confuse the public. substitution or other arrangement? As most events are held in somewhat educational settings It is a different thought process than my theme-camping (museums, battlefield parks, etc.), there is a reasonable friend uses. Hers is more "What do I want to wearluseldo, expectation from the public that what they see, no matter and how can I get that to work?" I prefer not to have to do what it is, is "of the period." the major back-story and justifications she comes up with When I go to a football game, no matter whether it is for her WW II surplus cape, Doc Marten boots and Highland NFL or the local guys in the backyard, I can legitimately Vest, or have to explain over and over to the questioners expect to see football, and if I am not familiar with the game, why X is not appropriate, why Y was not really used- whatever I see will be my lasting impression of what football because then the obvious question from a spectator is, looks like. If they played it with a hockey stick-well, that "Well, if you know it wasn't done this way, why are you could be a sport, but it is not football-and I may not have doing it this way now?" any reason to doubt them. I may come away very inspired Progression is a process that starts where a person is, about football, and go off and get a great hockey stick, right this second, and requires only that the person put into then be really upset when I go to join another football game practice the new information learned. That often does not and they will not allow me to use my really great, really cost a cent. I had heard for several years that "it's too well-made, really expensive hockey stick. It is not my fault- expensive to get accurate stuff-l have to work with my it is those darn guys out back, who did not show me the budget!" So about a year ago, I actually looked into what actual game they claimed to be playing. the current costs were for clothing from the skin out. Modern wedding gowns and Civil War dresses both involve about the same amount of technical work for me. I You Can Afford the Best Possible Solution. do not use modern wedding gown "technology" on a period Many times newcomers to the hobby of living history dress though because it does not suit the purpose of the hear conflicting information about the actual costs and dress. It is a waste of my effort; those same hours could process of putting together a basic historic wardrobe. This have been spent on the very simple techniques of the past, leads to a great deal of frustration when money is spent on and I will end up with a garment suited for the purposes of items shortly found to be inaccurate and inadequate to the living history, with a goal of recreating every aspect of needs of the newcomer! A complete wardrobe includes material and internal culture as closely as I possibly can. It more items than those mentioned here; aprons, collars, is a goal, and a process. outerwear and headwear are also needed, but the main I work on a very limited budget for our family. I have to costs associated with the base wardrobe include save up for my favorite fabrics, just as might anyone. Our undergarments, suportive garments, footwear and a dress. budget has at times been excruciatingly slim. I started as a How much does it really cost to start out with "Merchant starving college student as well, back when my grocery Row" clothing versus the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and custom- budget was fifty dollars a month in the 1990s. I still found made "starter gear" considered appropriate for a living ways to cut out ten dollars a month so 1 could save up for history participant with a progressive, accuracy-heavy mind- the appropriate fabrics that I needed. set? Accurate natural fibers can be found in all price The true comparison may surprise you. It is drawn from ranges-l even found some fantastic black silk taffeta a advertised prices from a range of on-line sources, and

SPRING 2004 THE WATCHDOG. assumes a basic willingness to attempt somehome sewing complex, fitting can be a challenge-and a good fit is vital on the side of the accurate starting set. to comfort. Luckily, excellent repro corsets and stays can be had from experienced custom corsetieres starting as Undergarments. low as $80; for a garment that can last up to ten years, the Many undergarments can be found ready-made, investment is wise. though quality on Merchant Row is extremely variable, and some merchant's wares may not be one hundred percent Skirt Support. cotton, or constructioned in a way consistent with actual Merchant Row typically stocks modern bridal hoop for historic garments. $35 to $60. These are made most often in dangerous nylon Ready-made chemises may be found starting around with poly-cotton trim, plastic boning, and a drawstring $26 (accurate versions starting around $45), poly-cotton waist-all items that do not conform to the historic data on "drawers" from $21 (from $40 in accurate cuts and fabrics), cages of the mid-nineteenth century. They also tend to wear and underskirts and petticoats from $38, with those skirts quickly (even if they do not go up in flames), so in natural fibers with appropriate trim and treatments starting replacements must be had every few years. closer to $50 and up. A basic set of chemise, drawers and Contrast this to historically-based options: a cage kit one underskirt ranges in cost from $85 to $135 and up; from Originals by Kay starts around $60, and a completed, additional sets will add another $85 to $1 35 and up. Most custom-sized cage (Dresden Dry Goods) can be had from women will need three to four sets of chemise and drawers, Mrs. Christen's Miscellanea for around $120. Either cage and at least two underskirts. will last many years with proper care, retain good value for Contrast that to good basics made at home: re-sale, and is made with materials, construction and undergarments are an excellent place to save money in shapes appropriate to the mid-nineteenth century. A good the budget, as the materials are usually very inexpensive, cage of moderate size is a sound investment for women and these unseen items are the perfect chance to learn who wear hoop styles. and practice historic sewing techniques. There are even Another appropriate skirt support expenditure is for a free online patterns and instructions for items such as corded petticoat. (These are ideal for working impressions, drawers, chemises and basic skirts (see the author's and for those who will be near open flame of any sort.) web site); Past Patterns Nos. 706 and 707 are excellent Made at home, expect to spend $15 on materials; (and quite decorative). Plain white cotton works well for purchased from a reputable maker like Lynne Gaither, they these layers, and can be found for one dollar per yard in typically start at $75, up to $120 or so. thirty-six inch widths, without depending on sales. Using free patterns, this brings the cost of one set of chemise, The Understructure Summary. drawers and an underskirt to $18, or if using the One set of chemise, drawers, underskirt, supportive recommended Past Patterns to $45. The patterns can be undergarment, and skirt support from a Merchant's Row used multiple times. Replacement costs for additional sets source: $185 to $270 and up, or DIYICustom: $89 to $245. of chemise, drawers and underskirt will have fabric and thread costs only-around $1 8 per set, or $1 0 for drawers Dresses. and chemise sets. A woman will need one basic dress to start off. Purchased off-the-rack on Merchant row, she will find Supportive Undergarments. everything from a skirt of an inaccurate 1930s cotton print A corset or stays is vital for comfort and an accurate and a blouse for $65, to a decently made cotton wash dress line. Purchasingthrough Merchant Row, the buyer runs the in documented fabric for $200.Off-the-rack dresses rarely risks of non-period cut and construction, man-made fibers fit the figure properly, as individual women do not often and a very poor fit. Basic "off the rack corsets can be found conform to "industry standard" charts. In addition, there is starting at $65. In the author's opinion, off-the-rack corsets a great deal of similarity in the mass-produced dresses, so are a waste of money as the buyer will quickly realize the the individuality of the era is lost. need for a comfortable, well-fitted, appropriately constructed For one willing to learn historic fitting and sewing, supportive undergarment. several options emerge. Past Patterns' No. 701 makes an The DIY crowd, however, will find that making the corset excellent base (with good historic notes) and costs $12. at home is similar in cost to the off-the-rack version, and Add $30 for eight yards of a basic cotton reproduction print, the buyer retains control over fit, construction and materials. check or plaid plus notions (thread, hooks and eyes), and Averages costs for a home-crafted corset include: pattern even those with limited or nonexistent sewing background ($15 average cost), 1'12 yards coutil ($23), a busk ($18), can make a good basic dress for $42. For those willing to and boning ($lo), for a total of $66. It is also possible to break free from published patterns, books such as The buy corset kits starting at $55, though the fabric and boning Dressmaker's Guide to Fit & Fashion exist; making a dress lengths may not be ideal for the buyer's figure and needs. from this book's instructions will cost $45. Additional dresses Corsets are one area where a bit of a splurge may be using either method are made for materials costs only. warranted. While the actual construction is not terribly If a woman is confident enough to make her own 1 I SPRING THE WAR undergarments, but prefers to use someone with more Grand Summary. experience for a dress, the services of a good historic Basic woman's wardrobe, including one set of dressmaker will range from $1 50 in labor on up for a basic undergarments and supportive garments, one dress, and cotton dress. one pair of shoes:

Footwear. Merchant Row: $285 to $530 K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Payless sometimes carry DIY/Custom: $209 to $445 man-made boots with rubber soles that are thought of as Savings over Merchant Row: up to $321 "passable" for historic use. These run only $1 5 to $30, but have several negative factors: man-made materials rarely Additional sets of chemise and drawers and a dress: look like leather, and do not allow the foot to breathe; these shoes cannot be re-soled as they wear, and so must be Merchant Row: $11 2 to $285 replaced every few years. DIYICustom: $40 to $21 0 A basic reproduction boot, such as the Rose from Savings over Merchant Row: up to $245 Fugawee, starts around $75, and has a leather sole that can be repaired and replaced every few years for around Which can your budget afford? $1 5. Higher end stock boots and shoes (from Robert Land Elizabeth Stewart Clark for example) range from $80 and upward. Custom work is EDITOR'S NOTE: somewhat more expensive. While the initial investment is Several years ago the DOG published an article on our web site about greater, leather shoes or boots in accurate patterns are the the basic cost of an accurate military impression. I recently had the opportunity to see a similar study of women's garments. I asked Elizabeth better choice, as the wearable life is longer, and the comfort Clark to prepare a print version. The article is taken from one on her web level dramatically higher. site at http:/lelizabethstewartclarkandcompany.com.htm. Mr. Christen

PUBLISHER'S NOTES The Armi Sport Enfield is a copy of a Tower 1862 made by the Birmingham firm of Joseph Wilson. It is an exact For Fatigue Purposes... copy, with a couple interesting idiosyncrasies unique to that I am very pleased to report that all copies of Patrick particular firearm. The lock and barrel are polished bright, Brown's For Fatigue Purposes.. . have been purchased or not because this is more authentic, but because this distributed. A'decision on a second printing or publication particular original was, and Mr. Barry has tuned the lock to of a revised work with additional volumes on other Federal duplicate the trigger pull and hammer pull that is specified uniform items will be made later this summer. A few copies in Dr. C.H. Roads' British Soldiers Firearms 1850-1864for may be available at the visitor center book store at the the Enfield. The factory finish was stripped off and the stock Gettysburg National Military Park or from the Jersey Skillet was refinished with boiled linseed oil. The stock has the Licker. I wish to thank all our subscribers who supported circular stamp for Birmingham Small Arms Trade. A the DOG'S first publishing venture. photograph will be posted on our web site soon. We hope to have Catherine Kidd Wilson's A Study in Greene, Xenia and Green County, Ohio in the Civil War as In the Field. well as Craig Lee Barry's two-volume set, Lock, Stockand Staff members will be in the field with our impression Barrel, Authenticity Improvements for the Enfield and improvement display at The Henry Ford's Greenfield Village Springfield Rifle-musket for sale by this coming October. Civil War remembrance event in Dearborn, Michigan over Decoration Day weekend at the end of May. In 2005 the Enfield Rifle-musket Raffles. DOG will be a co-sponsor of this event. Visits to other The DOG has donated one of two Armi Sport Enfield events, beside Franklin and Cedar Creek, for the balance rifle-muskets modified by Mr. Barry with the accuracy of the year have not been determined. improvements outlined in his forthcoming book, Lock, Stock and Barrel, to the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation. The Request for Articles. Enfield will be raffled off by the foundation this coming At the request of a number of subscribers we are October as part of their continued fundraising efforts. soliciting the community for more articles on subjects related Information on how to purchase chances can be obtained to civilian items, as well as alway looking for military from the foundation, PO Box 229, Middletown, VA 22645. subjects. The number of products (military and civilian) The other Enfield will be raffled off by the DOG during submitted to the DOG for reviews have dropped off sharply. the 140th Franklin, Tennessee event in early October. There I would like to keep or editors and reviewers busy, so if you will only be two hundred chances sold on this weapon. Each see an item that may be of interest, or yourself care to do a ticket cost ten dollars and can be obtained from the DOG survey of a particular item, contact me. at our regular postal address. Please mark "Enfield" in the Mr. Christen memo line of any check or money order. THE WA LOOKING AT ORIGINALS A Federal Cap Pouch from 1861

The need to supply so many soldiers caught the Ordnance Department by surprise with the outbreak of hostilities in the spring of 1861. The numbers of volunteers requested by President Lincoln far exceeded anything the departments comprising the War Department had ever experienced before. Thus, despite a commutation system, which reimbursed the states for units raised, armed and equipped by them, the Ordnance Department quickly had to expand its own reliance on contractors for accoutrements and other necessary equipage. The expanded use of contractors for the procurement of cap pouches (and other necessary items) was specifically authorized by Chief of Ordnance General James W. Ripley in a letter dated 5 May 1861 to Major William A. Thornton, commander of the New York Arsenal. [I] For cap pouches at least, there was virtually no reliance on contractors before the Civil War. Nearly all cap pouches used by the Regular Army or supplied to the states under the Militia Acts of 1808 had been produced within the FIG 1. This previously unpublished image of Captain Ordnance Department, primarily at either Allegheny or George T. Balch was taken at West Point in late 1864 or Watervliet Arsenals. The item had not even been included early 1865, when he was an instructor at the US Military in the definition of a "set" of accoutrements supplied by Academy. [Courtesy USMA Library, Special Collections and contractors until 1861, as "Before that date [5 May 18611, Archives Division] cap pockets & picks were supplied from Watervliet Arsenal." [2] While there may have been a perception that Springfield Armory. Captain Balch is worthy of a short Watervliet was the principal supplier of cap pouches across digression here as he was one of the important 'behind- the decade of the 1850s, its total production of 48,147 the-scenes1operatives of the Ordnance Department for a pouches was little more than half of Allegheny's total majority of the War. After serving Dyer at Springfield, Balch's production of 87,634. [3] Further, total production of cap talents were requested in Washington and he was pouches at all arsenals during the Civil War came to only transferred to the Ordnance offices there. He had great 97,640, which paled in comparison to the nearly two and organizational skills and did such a fine job that he was one half million supplied by contractors. [4] Production within recommended for promotion to Chief of Ordnance himself the Ordnance Department amounted to less than five upon Ripley's retirement in September 1863. However, percent of its total requirements during the war, accounting President Lincoln would not agree to jump him so many for the scarcity of arsenal-marked examples today. grades (although Lincoln had done virtually the same thing Because of the varieties allowed by the states under in 1861 when he made Captain Montgomery C. Meigs, an their own procurement systems, the relative newness of engineer officer, Quartermaster General). A compromise the item to all contractors and somewhat lax inspection was reached whereby Colonel George D. Ramsay was procedures within the Ordnance Department, a number of made Chief, but the "real decisions" would be made by different styles of cap pouches were received by the Balch. In effect, after September 1863 Balch ran the Ordnance Department or otherwise entered Federal service Ordnance Department for a year. This worked until Dyer at the beginning of the war. All were supposed to have was named to succeed Ramsay and became Chief in conformed to the "Pattern of 1850," as no new pattern was September of 1864. Dyer wanted nothing of Balch's authorized by the Department until 1862. This article will surreptitious "assistance," whereupon Balch was sent to not examine the different styles of cap pouches delivered West Point as an Instructor of Ordnance and Gunnery for in 1861, but will focus on one cap pouch that can be well the remainder of the War. For "meritorious service" during documented to the fall of that year. the War, Balch was brevetted lieutenant colonel and retired A cap pouch in the author's collection bears the maker's from the service on 1 December 1865. He died mark of A.C. McClallan & Co., which was located in on 15 April 1894 and the record of his efficient service during Springfield, Massachusetts. This pouch was part of an order the war faded away. [5] made by Captain George Thatcher Balch (FIG I),a principal As can be seen in FIGS2 through 6, this particular cap assistant to Major Alexander Dyer, commander of the pouch remains in virtually unused condition. We know McClallan delivered it to the Springfield Armory in loops are one-half inch wide, both edges are tooled and September 1861 as part of three thousand cavalry the loops will accominodate a two inch wide belt. accoutrement sets ordered by Balch. (Having been made Captain Balch was so pleased with the contractor's work for cavalry use, the contract is not part of Paul D. Johnson's he wrote in a letter of recommendationto Chief of Ordnance listing of 1861 contracts for infantry accoutrements.) [6] It General Ripley on 26 September 1861, "1 shall send exhibits features typical of Watervliet-style cap pouches tomorrow by express to you one set of cavalry throughout the War. [7] Fundamental to that style was a accoutrements manufactured by A.C. McClellan [sic] & Co. one piece outer flap, with an integral, elongated tab to of this city, a sample of 1000 sets ...Mr. McClellan's engage the brass closure button. In addition to a tooled accoutrements speak for themselves, and if any more of edge, the letters "US" were stamped into the leather (without these goods are required, I respectfully request that I may periods in this case, but observed with both one and two be allowed to give his house another order. I also wish that periods after the letters on other early cap pouches). As these accoutrements may be put into the hands of troops expected on early-war cap pouches, the outer flap has "high who will appreciate them." [8]SO unknown is this contractor's shoulders," a term used by the author to describe the work that even today his name is confused with that of the narrowing of the outer flap well up on the body of the pouch, general. which resulted in a long tab to engage the brass button and In the same letter to the Chief of Ordnance, Captain the exposure of much of the pouch body. The characteristic Balch stated he intended to introduce a change to the pouch of "high shoulders,'' present in both the 1845 and 1850s pattern on future orders, which would include riveting on pattern pouches, would continue well into 1862. the belt loops. "I intend to have all the cap pouches furnished The well-formed cap pouch body on this example differs on my orders rivetted [sic], and, I know they will wear twice from many of the pouches delivered in 1861 by having a as long for it." [g] Balch had no authority to make the change nicely defined edge. On the other hand, it does exhibit the on his own initiative. Normally a pattern change should have typical sloped sides and bottom of most 1861 pouches. required a Board of Ordnance Officers recommendation, The result is the closure button projecting at about a review by the Chief of Ordnance and final approval from seventy-five degree angle rather than straight down (at the Secretary of War. However, because he had more ninety degrees), as was typical of later pouches. The pressing matters there was no admonition from Ripley that somewhat unusual shape of the brass closure button is such a change to the pouch should not be made. nevertheless very similar to that seen on other, Wilkinson- Balch was ahead of his time adding rivets to belt loops marked examples, possibly reflecting the utilization of the on cap pouches, a feature more commonly encountered same subcontractor for fittings. on pouches delivered beginning a year later. As Balch noted, The maker's mark used by McClallan was unusual in this change was to be implemented after the McClallan that it is ink-stamped on the inside of the outer flap (FIG 4), contract, confirmed by the fact that the latter's pouches did the only mark thus observed for contractors. Generally the not have rivets in the belt loops. However, we know Balch makers' marks are stamped into the leather, often that of did, indeed, implement the change for deliveries only to the inner flap. The mark on this cap pouch matches that Springfield Armory through a pouch delivered by P. Jewell observed on a very early example of the new revolving pistol & Sons of Hartford, Connecticut, under a 16 November 1861 cartridge box introduced in 1861 (FIGS 7 and 8). This contract Balch made for one thousand sets of infantry particular box was also delivered in September 1861 as accoutrements. These Jewell-marked cap pouches were part of the three thousand sets of cavalry accoutrements, also of the Watervliet-style, and had four small, "non- and it, too, shows no evidence of having been issued. standard" rivets on the belt loops. The fleece lining is glued and tacked only to the inner With Balch's glowing recommendation it is a wonder flap with four short stitches that do not go through the outer why McClallan never took another contract for flap, indicating the fleece was sub-assembled before the accoutrements, or even bid in response to an inner flap was sewn in place. In this case the inner flap has advertisement. He certainly did not face a tough inspector, been reduced in length to 2V4 inches long, with small end as some other contractors did. And we can only guess why pieces attached by eleven stitches. The back of the pouch at least some of McClallan's accoutrements appear never has a round shape at the bottom and a gradual transition to have been issued. With the pressing need for to the outer flap, rather than the "stepped cut" seen on many accoutrements early in the war it is hard to believe they pouches made in the 1850s. The edge has been trimmed were not immediately issued, but rather overlooked after close to the stitching only on the front, rather than to the Balch's departure for the remainder of the war. For whatever "knife edge" seen on some other pouches (FIG 6). The reason, the survival of such well-documented cap pouches cone pick is well-formed with a P-shaped loop and has a gives us a chance to see what the Ordnance Department pointed end. As expected the belt loops on these McClallan was acquiring in those hectic opening months of the war. examples are not riveted. That feature would be Fred Gaede implemented by Balch only at Springfield shortly thereafter, and not generally on cap pouches until the fall of 1862. The NOTES: [l] Chief of Ordnance General James W. Ripley to Major William A. Thornton, 5 May 1861, Entry6, Letters Sent to Ordnance Officers, Record Group 156, Office of the Chief of Ordnance, Nationals Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC (RG 156, OCO, NARA). [2] Captain Robert H.K. Whitely to Chief of Ordnance General James W. Ripley, 30 May 1861, Entry 21, Letters Received, RG 156, OCO, NARA. [3] Totals of cap pouch production for the years 1848 to 1860, inclusive, compiled from the Annual Reports of the Chief of Ordnance to the Secretary of War. [4] "Entry 940," Summary of the Weekly Statements of Stores Manufactured at the Principal Arsenals, RG 156, OCO, NARA. The assistance of Paul D. Johnson in completing these compilations is gratefully acknowledged. [5] Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, From Its Organization, September 29, 1789 To March 2, 1903 (Washington: GPO, Two Volumes, 1903), Vol, I, page 185 [6] Paul D. Johnson, Civil War Cartridge Boxes of the Union Infantryman (Lincoln, RI: Andrew Mowbray Publishers, 1998), pages 136-40. [7] The other style of cap pouch was first manufactured at Allegheny Arsenal and has what was referred contemporaneously as a "full front" outer flap, with a separately attached latch tab. Many Allegheny-style cap pouches would be delivered in 1862 by contractors, identified by the stamped names on the surface of the inner flaps. [8] Captain George T. Balch to Chief of Ordnance General James W. Ripley, 26 September 1861, Entry 21, Letters Received, RG 156, OCO, NARA. [9] Ibid. Fred Gaede, the former editor of the Company of Military FIG 2. Front view of the McClallan-markedexample, clearly Historians journal, Military Collector & Historian, has showing a characteristic of early Civil War cap pouches. contributed to the DOG before, most recently on Note how the outer flap narrows to the latch tab before the characteristics of the Federal issue infantry blanket of the entire body of the pouch is covered. This produces an outer Civil War (WINTER 2000). This article contains excerpts flap with what the author has termed "high shoulders." from his current effort, a forthcoming book, The Cap Pouch in the US. Service, 1833-1896.All images (except as noted) were provided by the author.

I-, . T-wy:m

FIG 3. Back view of the same pouch. Note the relatively narrow belt loops, which lack rivets; the rounded shape of FIG 4 and 4A. Interior of the outer flap of the cap pouch, the pouch body; five tack holes that have not been struck showing McClallan's distinctive stamped maker's mark. by a closure stamping; and little skiving of the leather outside Enlargement of maker's mark. of the seam on the backside.

SPRING 2804 THE WATCHDOG. 9 FIG 5. One of the "non-standard button shapes found on FIG 7. Front view of the early War, McClallan-marked many early War cap pouches can be seen on this McClallan revolving pistol cartridge box. This box was delivered with example, as well as several other contractors in the New the cap pouch in September 1861. England area. This suggests one machinist may have been supplying several contractors with fittings for their accoutrements.

r 14""--'-+, \I 1 FIG 8. Interior of the cartridge box outer flap, showing the same distinctive oval mark as seen on the cap pouch , stamped onto the leather.

4' I i FIG 6. A side view of the McClallan-markedexample (left) and the Jewell-marked example referred to in the text. Note the skiving of the McClallan example has been lightly done on the back piece and strongly cut back on the front edge of the pouch body. That on the Jewell example has been strongly cut back on both edges, resulting in a "knife edge" seam of outer flap and pouch body. It took a skilled leather FIG 9. Fronts of the McClallan-markedpouch (left) and the worker to make skives like that without cutting into the Jewell (right), showing the "sharp" edge to the pouch body stitches and ruining the piece. (Because of that many on the former, contrasted to a "rounded" edge of the later. reproductions are not skived at all.) As the war progressed The rounded edge was more characteristic of the arsenal- skiving was reduced and the technique changed. made pouches both before and during the Civil War. THE VIGILANT SOLDIER A Manual for Battalion Bayonet Exercise

In recent years, increasing numbers of Civil War living of Captain William C. Church. However, it was probably in the "low to history units have discovered the "joys" of performing mid thousands." Nevertheless, actual readership was significantly- perhaps four or five times-higher since most Journaleditions, particularly bayonet exercise according to the transmitted wisdom those sent to field units, offered by sutlers or newspaper vendors, or expounded in McClellan's, KeltonJs, or Cary's manuals, provided to such outlets as US Christian Commission reading rooms, among others. [A]Needless to say, troops in such units wield invariably passed through multiple hands. The Journalthus had a much their "liver scrapers" with varying levels of competency and greater influence in military circles than its official circulation figures might have suggested. enthusiasm (much like their 1860s antecedents) and Usually do so while assembled in formations ranging in size up to, and including, companies. BAYONET EXERCISE AT DRESS PARADE. Until recently, however, this writer was not aware of any "manual" specifically developed for the conduct of The following ~anualfor bayonet exercise at dress parade bayonet exercise at the battalion level. Therefore he was is sent to us by an experienced officer, who has used it with entire intrigued by the following lengthy item he encountered, in success: - the 5 March 1864 United States Army and Navy Journal, describing such a manual independently developed by an I. This may be included, among the exercises ordered by the unidentified Federal officer. The shoulder-strapped son of commanding officer, after the salute of the line. Mars was sufficiently proud of his brainchild to communicate it to the Journal, which quickly published it for the edification 11. The battalion being at shouldered arms, the Colonel of its readers. commands: The manual draws heavily from McClellanand should 1. Close ordex- I thus be readily understood by anyone familiar with that work. 2. MARCH! I It also provides useful guidance regarding the precise angle at which pieces are to be held when in various parrying The ranks are closed in the manner prescribed in section 356, positions-something not fully articulated in McClellan, [Revised United States Army] Regulations of 1863. et. al. What is more, the manual provides us further evidence that wartime commanders addressed errors, 111. The Colonel commands: gaps, or contradictions they encountered in tactical works 1. Right face!- and regulations by devising common-sense, in-house 2. In four ranks-FRONT! "fixes." 121 We have no immediate way to determine how widely At the first command, the battalion faces to the right, in four the manual was used. However, given its obvious efficacy, ranks, as prescribed in the [Casey 's] infantry tactics. its easy applicability, the high esteem in which the Journal When the battalion, at the second command, faces to the was held, and that periodical's large officer readership, the front in four ranks, the captains and covering sergeants retire to odds are quite good that some field and garrison the rank of file-closers, the captains on the right of the covering commanders did either adopt the manual for use within sergeants, and the color-bearers exchange posts with the their own units or, at the very least, "gave it a go." 131 The corresponding corporals of the third rank of the color-guard. If original Journalarticle has been edited slightly for clarity. there are two color-bearers, they retire, in their proper order, Mr. Jaeger through the interval between them, and the corporals advance NOTES: through the nearest intervals on the right and left. If there is only [I]McClellan, George 6.Manual of Bayonet Exercise Prepared for the one color-bearer, he retires by the interval on his left, and the Use of the Army of the United States. Philadelphia: J. 6.Lippincott & corporal advances by the nearest interval on the right. The file- Co., 1852. Kelton, J. C. A New Manual of the Bayonet for the Army and Militia of the United States. New York: D. Van Nostrand, 1861 (also refer closers face to the right and to the front, with the battalion. They to the widely available reprints of the "Fifth Edition Revised," New York: stand at shouldered arms. D. Van Nostrand, 1864). Cary, Richard M. SkirmishersJDrillandBayonet Exercise (as now used in the French Army) with Suggestions for the IV. The Colonel commands: Soldier in Actual Conflict. Richmond VA: West & Johnston, 1861. 121 Creative officers even invented new ways to reverse and rest on arms due to a frustrating lack of guidance in the Regulations and in 1. Atfive Cfoul; six, etc.) paces-Intervals.- standard tactical manuals. Jaeger, Mark D. "Performing Reverse--ARMS 2. To the front- and Rest on-ARMS: New Evidence from Civil War-Era Sources," an 3. Open ordez- article in The Watchdog, WINTER 2004 (12.1),pages 13-17. [3]The difference between "official" and "actual" circulation of periodicals 4. MARCH!- could often be very significant. This writer has been unable to find precise 5. On the centre-DRESS! Civil War-era subscription numbers for the United States Army and Navy 6. FRONT! Journal, which commenced publication in August 1863 under the aegis

SPRING 2004 THE WA2 At the fourth command, the first rank advances fifteen, the VI. At the conclusion of the bayonet drill, the men being at guard, second ten, and the third five paces. the Colonel commands: The bases of alignment are the men on the right and left flanks, and in the color-file (the right color-file, if there are two). 1. A'ITENTION!- At the fourth command, these guides, carefully measuring 2. Close order.- their distances, take post slightly in advance of the men of their 3. MARCH!- respective ranks, who will not pass them. 4. In two ranks.-FRONT!- At the fifth command, those on the flanks at once face 5. COLORS AND GENERAL GUIDES ON THE inwards, align themselves on those of the color-file, who face to LINE!- the right, and all invert their pieces. The several ranks promptly 6. GUIDES ON THE LINE!- dress on the centre. The file-closers rectify their own positions. 7. On the centre-DRESS!- At the sixth command, the officers return swords, the non- 8. Colors and guides-POSTS! commissioned officers in the rank of file-closers order arms, and the inverted pieces are shouldered, as the guides face to the front. At the first command, the men take the position of the soldier at shouldered arms, the officers drawing swords. V. The bayonet exercises (excepting the right and left volts and At the second command, the first, second, and third ranks blows) follow, in such order as the Colonel may direct-the file- face about. closers standing at attention. At the third command, the first, second, and third ranks close The commands of caution are separated from those of on the fourth, and stand faced to the rear. The color-bearers and execution, as in the common manual of arms; otherwise prompt corporals of the color-guard resume their places, passing through simultaneous movements are impossible. For example: the intervals by which they left them. At the fourth command, the battalion resumes the order of 1. Prepare to guard.-2. GUARD! battle, the Colonel and Adjutant maintaining their positions in 1. Parry in prime (second, &c.)-2. PARRY!- front. 3. GUARD! At the fifth command, the color-bearers (the first, if there 1. Thrust in prime (second, &c.)- are two) advance two paces, and the general guides fix the line, 2. THRUST!-3. GUARD! at a distance of about two paces from the front of the battalion. 1. Lunge in prime (second, &c.) and passade (or develop).-2. LUNGE!-3. GUARD! VII. The guides having retired, the Colonel commands: 1. Shorten on the right.-2. SHORTEN!- 3. THRUST!". GUARD! 1. Prepare to open ranks.- 1. Parry in second in retreat.-%. PARRY!- 2. To the rear.-Open order.- 3. GUARD! 3. MARCH!-FRONT! 1. Stock.-2. To the rear.-3. STRIKE!- 4. GUARD! Then follow such exercises as the Colonel may direct. 1. Leap to the rear.-2. MARCH! 1. Advance.-2. MARCH! .- VIII. The battalion will, with proper instruction, acquire the same 1. Retreat.-2. MARCH! precision, rapidity, and uniformity of movement, in the bayonet 1. Right-Reac-2. VOLT!- exercise, as in the common manual of arms. ATTENTION! IX. The inclination of the piece, in the tierce, quarte, high-tierce, If it becomes necessary to rectify the alignment of the ranks, and high-quarte parries, is not precisely fixed by the books of the Colonel commands: instruction. In these parries, at dress parade, the pieces, as seen from a 1. ATTENTION!- flank of the battalion, will incline forward at an angle of forty- 2. On the centre-DRESS!- five degrees with the horizon, and will appear vertical, as seen 3. FRONT! from the front. Otherwise these four parries should be omitted.

At the first command, the men take the position of the soldier X. In order to secure uniformity in the orders and movements, at shouldered arms. At the second command, the ranks are the Colonel, should, at the outset, thoroughly instruct and drill aligned, by the means indicated in paragraph 4. the officers and non-commissioned officers, and exercise a constant supervision of the instruction of the men; and, as soon as practicable, with the aid of the officers, drill the entire battalion. Observations on Leather Belts during the 1860s

As dedicated Civil War enactors, we might well wonder as blood and egg albumins, and shellac to produce how seriously modern makers study the items that we wear attractive surface finishes. Vegetable tanning is a generic and use. Are they faithfully reproduced or even a reasonable term to cover the process of making leather by the use of facsimile? We certainly pay plenty to obtain the correct look, tannins obtained from barks, woods or other parts of plants but are we getting that in the leather we purchase? The and trees, as distinguished from "mineral tanning." uniform, the most visible part of an enactor's kit, seems to Vegetable tanning materials occur in nearly all forms of have a wide range of what is considered authentic details, plant life. Color and particular properties of the tan extracted i.e., correctly sewn buttonholes, cloth and buttons and even are the main considerations. Earth salts containing alum advice on how to correctly wear it. Some enactors look like as a tanning agent to produce soft white leather was history froze them cryogenically and they have only recently discovered later. The alum leathers could be dyed with been thawed out, while others look like costumed props for naturally occurring dyestuffs in various plants to get the the sideshow at a carnival. Careful study of period desired coloration. photographs suggests that we may be missing an important During the period of the War Between the States, part of our reproduced military impression. Specifically, vegetable tanning of leather took place in a pit. This method some of our leather accouterments are quite a bit different is referred to as "pit tanning." The leather was put into a from the originals. hole or pit dug in the ground and then covered with a mixture Ever think about the leather that we wear? Is it correct? of water and wood bark. Bark was spread in the bottom of More than likely, if purchased from a field merchant at an the tanning pit, and then hides and bark alternately stacked event, it is not. Putting aside the question of pattern and until the pit is full. A foot of tanbark covered the pit, and the sewing methods, is our leather today a good representation whole well trampled down and kept moistened for three of the period counterpart? Perhaps we should cover some months. In the 1860s this process took as long as six to history of leather working to decide this question. eight months using oak bark and the same process for Leather working is one of the oldest crafts known to hemlock bark was five to seven months. Unpacking the pit humankind. An early discovery was to cure the leather with was a risky business, because the hides were very soft wood-fire smoke. Softening and making the dried skins and vulnerable to tearing. To stop the action of the acetic pliable and water-resistant may have involved the use of solution, alkaline dressings were then applied. Ingredients animal fat. Vegetable tanning may have resulted from noting included soft soap, boiled meal and dog, pig or fowl dung. [I] the beneficial effects of hides that had lain in pools of With the discovery and introduction of basic chemicals rainwater, which had absorbed tannin tree bark, or from like lime and sulfuric acid, tanners gradually abandoned attempts to dye skins with the juice of bark, berries or nuts. their traditional methods and leather production slowly It seems likely that man may have discovered how to make became a chemically based series of processes. Sir leather when animal skins left lying on a wet forest floor Humphrey Davy, the inventor of the coal miner's safety became tanned naturally by chemicals released by decaying lamp, also investigated some of these processes. At the leaves and vegetation. end of the nineteenth century, the demand for softer, Leather articles have since been created from the skin lightweight footwear with a fashionable appearance, and a of an animal in a laborious and often unpleasant process. general rise in the standard of living created a demand for The earliest leathers were made by first immersing the raw soft, supple, colorful leather The traditional vegetable tanned hides and skins in a fermenting solution of organic matter leather was too hard and thick for these requirements and in which bacteria grew and attacked the hides or skins, thus, the use of the salts of the metal chromium was adopted resulting in a loosening of the hair or wool and some and chrome tanning became the standard for modern dissolving out of skin protein. The hair or wool was then footwear and fashion leathers. It produced the soft, supple scraped off with primitive blunt stone or wooden scrapers leather demanded by the modern age. Today, leather is and fat or meat still adhering to the flesh side was removed tanned differently. This affects the look of modern leather in a similar manner. Tanning, the conversion of pelt into products, and particularly how the leather feels. Therefore, leather was done by dusting the raw stock with ground up it is more difficult to get leatherwiththe same characteristics bark other organic matter and placing them in shallow pits as the leather used in the manufacturing of Civil War or vats of tannin solution. Further additions of ground bark, accouterments and equipment. Armed with the knowledge were made from time to time until the tannin solution had of how leather was made in 1860s, we may well look upon penetrated right through the skin structure, taking up to the modern leather reproductions in a more critical light. two years for very thick hides. The leather was then hung Some years ago while on a tour at a Virginia battlefield up for several days in open sheds. The dressing of the museum, an original officer's sword belt caught my eye. It leather involved paring or shaving it to a level thickness, was on display in a glass case. There just inches from the coloring, treatment with oils and greases, drying and final glass this belt looked very different than the leather officer's treatment of the grain surface with waxes, proteins such belts offered for sale at events by modern field merchants. In fact, it did not resemble those belts at all. It was detailed folded over and sewn with diamond pattern down the whole with stitches and thin folded leather, connected by a buckle belt. It carries an 1851 US Officer's buckle and plain sword that slipped back and forth to adjust it. This example had a snaps. The brass buckle is another subject, too. Once you two piece Virginia buckle attached. It was so different from are able to see the difference, the modern field merchant's reproductions I had to question if this was just a one of a belts seemed almost out of place. While correct leather is kind belt, and not representative of period officer's belts. one problem, the sewing is another, as few suppliers are One shortcoming we as enactors will demonstrate is the willing to recreate the correct style. Of course, not all belts tendency to over-react to evidence from a single example, were folded and sewn. The expense to the army would be extolling it as "correct," and all others wrong. We must be prohibitive. The features of each of these belts made them careful to examine a significant number of samples to almost unique to the owner. A variety of different belt styles ensure the relevancy of a particular item. I researched are found, an example of a Model 1851 field and company several dozen sword belts, and guess what? Thin folded officer's belt appears on page 200 of the Echoes of Glory leather sword belts were not uncommon in the US Civil (US) volume. A Confederate sword belt appears to be a War. folded design in the picture on page 69, of William C. Davis' Now that I knew what I wanted, and knew it was book The Commanders of the Civil War. An example of a authentic for my Confederate officer's impression; I only solid leather officer belt is found on page 186 and 187 of had to find a decent reproduction. How hard could that be? the Echoes of Glory (CS)volume, which belonged to South Well, setting out to find a reproduction of this belt proved Carolina Captain H. T. Douglas. On page 189 various belts quite a challenge. In fact, I could only locate one currently are shown made with solid leather. It is interesting to note being sold. Historic Clothiers offers an officer's belt for $360, is that most of the higher ranking officers had the higher but the stitching appeared to be white linen and I wanted quality belts this hold true in boots and haversacks for my thread to be rosin and beeswax coated, which imparts officers. Enlisted equipment generally seems to be more a grayish color. A reliable leather merchant was solicited to simple and durable. custom make one. "Too much work," was his reply. The Setting out to complete a leather belt project is not demand was not there for such an item, he told me. Yet something that should be taken on by an amateur. A good how could that be known if no one offers such a product? It foundation in handcrafts is essential. Vegetable-tanned was pointed out to this leather maker that a large number leather is not so easy a medium with which to work, and of original sword belts had been researched, and that there obtaining all the proper tools can be costly. This particular were many examples this type of leather belt. For the sake project took two years to complete. To make afolded leather of accuracy, the correct one should at least be available as belt like the original I first contacted some leather makers a custom order. "Not enough money in it for the time for research as to the particulars in crafting such an item. involved was his final answer. Clearly I was on my own The monumental task of cutting, shaping and the actual here, so I decided to "do-it-myself." sewing of this material proved to be an ordeal. As Photos in archives revealed all sorts of sewing patterns suggested, my first attempt was to make a standard belt, that held the folded leather. The period equipment catalog and that first effort taught me just how difficult it was to by Schuyler, Hartley and Graham (see appendix) detailed create one of these items. A careful use of a punch and drawings of the belts it offered for sale. This catalog featured waxed linen thread still produced a horrible, zigzagging swords, sword belts sword knots shoulder boards and other example of a belt when compared to the steady even items a prospective officer might need. US Army stitches of surviving originals. A buckle procured from Regulations were not much help, as the following excerpt Hanover Brass in Virginia was the only saving grace that describes the officer belt in detail: made this belt barely usable. Undeterred, my next attempt was better, but still lacked the tight stitches (eight to an 1509. For all Officers-a waist-belt not less than one inch) found on the originals. The final attempt (and may I and one-half inch nor more than two inches wide add the last belt this enactor will ever make) turned out to be worn over the sash; the sword to be quite satisfactorily. One secret was to warm the beeswax suspended from it by slings of the same material slightly before running the linen thread through to coat it. as the belt, with a hook attached to the belt upon Also, I kept my thread length at about fifteen inches. Longer which the sword may be hung. strands proved more prone to knotting and tangling during 1510. For General Officers-Russia leather, with the laborious stitching process. The final product reasonably three stripes of gold embroidery on both sides. represented the original, and to finish it an 1851 officer's 1511. For all other Officers-black leather plain. buckle finished with a brass slip adjustment buckle was 1512. For all Non-commissioned Officers-black added. leather, plain. The correct hardware takes some effort. The belt buckle was a particular challenge as more bad examples than good A photo in the US Archives shows the belt I wanted currently exist in display cases. Patience is required to find was worn by US Colonel Joshua A. Varian of the Eighth a good reproduction. One thing to look for is the detail of New York Infantry. His belt is thin, blackened leather that is the casting. The better examples have been "sand" cast I from original molds, or duplicated from the maker's own the bark from this plant to the point of extinction it in the Northeastern collection. If you examine the buckle closely, details should United States. Formerly hides were sent from South America to New York and New England and then hemlock was used to tan them. The show up clearly. Careful attention is required to avoid post- leather was sent to Europe. This continued until the hemlock bark was war designs. It is best to research a plate before buying it. almost all gone. The hemlock tannins will not dye black with the iron A plate maker should be able to document where the mordents. To get around this fact a staining was done with logwood to give the irons a place to fix. The reason tanners liked this bark was due particular reproduction came from. The 13/4 inch width to the fact it took less time to tan than oak. Hemlock takes one month needed for the belt buckle proved to be the hardest item to shorter time to tan than oak. There is a higher weight gain with hemlock find. The hook used in this example was hand made from than oak. This is important due to the fact leather was sold by the pound brass wire. Reproduction snaps for the belt were similar to until the middle 1880s when measuring machines were invented and the original. leather switched to being sold by the square foot, as it is today. Quebracho is obtained from the heart-wood of the quebracho tree which grows in This belt is a work in progress where I make periodic South America chiefly in Argentina and Paraguay. Ordinary or warm improvements, learning as I go. It has now taken on the soluble Quebracho is the natural extract rich in condensed tannins. This look of the original and field wear has made it a uniquely type of bark give a leather color close to what the hemlock bark tanned personal item. Some effort is required to maintain the leather leather would have looked like during the 1860s. This is the most common bark used in vegetable tanning done today in the United States. and brass; you will want it to last. If you should decide to make your own, stand back and examine the iob carefullv. REFERENCES: Take the necessary time and develop the skill needed to Eighty Years' Progress of the United States: A Family Record of American make the folded belt by starting with simpler belts first. In Industry, Energy, and Enterprise (Hartford: L. Stebbins, 1867) Diderot, Denis, A Diderot Pictorial Encyclopedia of Trades and Industry the end if your efforts get close to the quality of the originals, Hartley, Dorothy, ~ostCountry Life. you will have done very well. A project like this helps the Davis. William C., Rebels & Yankees: Battlefields of the Civil War (New serious Civil War enactor appreciate the skill and York: Salamander Books, 1991) craftsmanship of the period belt makers. Davis, William C., Rebels & Yankees: Commanders of the Civil War (New York: Salamander Books, 1991) James Carver Davis, William C., Rebels & Yankees: Fighting Men of the Civil War NOTE: (New York: Salamander Books, 1991) [I] Oak bark contains practically no coloring substances and therefore Editors of Time-Life Books, Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the permits very bright and light-resistant leathers and gives leather fullness Union (Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1991) and softness and at the same time a fine, closed grain. In leathers tanned Editors of Time-Life Books, Echoes of Glory, Arms and Equipment of the with oak bark the grain resistance to breaking load is higher than that Confederacy, (Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1991) achieved with any other vegetable tannin. Hemlock bark was most used Schuyler, Hartley and Graham, lllustrated Catalog of Civil War Military often by the tanners of the 1860s. Tanners favored hemlock and stripped Goods (New York: Dover Publications, 1985 reprint)

The Most Neglected Piece of Equipment

This article will consider a very inexpensive piece of the ranks (not take a hit or worse yet, load it again) and equipment that has the ability to cause grief way out of deliver the clogged firearm to the designated "ordnance proportion to its cost. The part is commonly called a "nipple" sergeant," NCO or other knowledgeable firearms person and it is screwed into the bolster area of the musket. In a in his unit for evaluation. Usually, a couple of pokes through well maintained firearm, this part is easily removed. In many the cone with a "pick" will clear the obstruction and return neglected enactor muskets, it is frozen to the barrel and it the soldier to action. Why is this part of the firearm so prone requires the professional services of a gunsmith to remove. to clogging? In FIG 1 shows the different parts of the Model The nineteenth-century term for this part was the "cone," 1863 US Springfield cone. FIG 2 shows a cross section of and I will hereafter refer to this part by that name. The term a modern reproduction cone. It is immediately obvious that "nipple" originally referred only to the top half of the cone, the vent through which the flash travels shows a subtle above the threads and the shoulder. In other words, the difference in configuration between the two cones. The modern term is inaccurately used by enactors, as so many original cone has a "figure-8" configuration, and the modern others are. vent is shaped like an elongated "V" or funnel-shaped. The The cone is the essential part of the percussion firearm effect of this is that the modern cone, with its tiny "pin hole" which conveys the flash from the percussion cap, sends it bottom vent tends to become clogged with residue after through the flash channel and into the black powder charge repeated firings. There are several reasons why this in barrel. There the charge hopefully ignites and goes happens. The fulminate in the percussion cap is quite "BANG," thus creating the by-products black powder is corrosive, and is in fact harder to remove than black powder famous for, with much acrid smoke and a huge mess. Then soot. The reality is that this area of the musket is not as we all leave happy. Just imagine the field day Sigmund thoroughly cleaned as the barrel, or even at all. Most unit- Freud would have with the meaning of all of this. level "field cleaning" advice warns against removing this Leaving psychoanalysis to the professionals, when a part until you are home, usually out of fear for fumbling the firearm fails to fire in the ranks, the soldier should fall out of cone and losing it in tall grass. This is also true of "clean- I THE WATCHDOG. out" bolster screws if your musket has this feature. First almost immediately when fired with blank black powder off, that "advice" is worth what you paid for, nothing. It is rounds. The DOG, in conjunction with field merchants, very simple and always advisable to carry a spare notably Dennis Boettcher of Fair Oaks Sutlery, brought this replacement cone threaded for your musket (see chart) in matter to the attention of the good folks at Taylor's & Co., the "incidentals" pouch of your cartridge box. If you are and the hole was immediately changed back to the old prone to be clumsy and careless, as I am, carry a spare design. [2] clean-out screw for your Springfield as well. The P-53 Finally, there is one last worth noting about the cone. Enfield rifle-muskethas no bolster clean-out screw to worry They are not interchangeable. Even within the same about, so just carry an extra cone. They are prone to other manufacturer, as counter-intuitive as it may seem, different damage (like cracking) during an event as well, so, better model muskets have different thread patterns. The safe than sorry. Always carry an extra. You may keep a Euroarms 1861 SpringfieldICS Richmond does not have comrade in the fight even if you do not need it yourself. the same size thread as the Euroarms Enfield. The Armi If you want to greatly reduce the chance for clogging Sport Enfield and 1842 US Springfield share the same size and the resulting misfires, there are a couple easy steps to thread, but their 1861 US Springfield used to be 511 6 x 24 follow. First, always carry a vent pick with you. This is a pre-1998 (now all Armi Sport cones are 8 x 1 mm). The blunt-ended piece of wire with a circular or T-shaped end cone should screw in easily, without binding. Complicating for you to grasp. For less than a dollar you can buy one at things, the date of manufacture does not generally appear most general line field merchants. Keep a couple on hand anywhere on the reproduction firearm. If you have to force as they prove easy to lose. Also, you may find that your the cone in, you run a strong risk of damaging the screw comrades will borrow yours and, in the heat of battle, fail to threads in the bolster. The miss-fitted cone can "blow out" return it promptly enough for your needs. Generally, run a of the bolster during firing, becoming a sizeable missile pick through the cone after firing every five to six caps and with potentially disastrous results. It is recommended that you will largely avoid clogging of the vent. When you "field you replace the cone on your musket with a quality stainless clean" the musket after the battle, remove and soak the steel replacement at the start of each campaign season. cone in your tin cup full of hot soapy water, cleaning the Please refer to the following table for the correct size bolster while the crud in the cone loosens. After a few replacement cone for your musket. Keep in mind that minutes remove the cone from the tin cup and clean the manufacturers may change thread patterns without notice, vent. The pick can be used to clear any debris present. Put and that this table considers only the more common three- a dab of oil or (preferably) white, lithium-based grease on band Italian reproduction muskets and rifle-muskets the threads and secure the cone back in the bolster "thumb currently available. It is not intended to be an exhaustive tight". The shoulder of the cone should seat snugly against list, only a guide. the bolster, but should not be over tightened. Remember, Mr. Barry you want to be able to easily remove it for cleaning and NOTES: maintenance again just after firing. [I] [I]In a pinch a paper clip can be unbent to form a vent pick. This makeshift The narrow vent opening at the base of the modern pick should not be used in the field as part of your impression. Back at home a vent can cleaned with a pipe cleaner. The problem with pipe cone invites another common "fix" often recommended at cleaners is that they can leave some lint in the vent, so hold the cone to the unit level, and that is "enlarging" or drilling out the bottom a light source, and look into the vent to ensure that it is clear of debris. of the cone. The best advice is not to do this-period! If [2] Rather than drilling out the vent opening of the defective cone, one you ever intend to live fire, you should always use a standard can replace it with a quality stainless steel cone for a cost of about five dollars. The stainless steel cone provides a more consistentflow of gases vent cone. Otherwise, you risk what is called a "flashback." from the cone into the ignition chamber. In other words, they are "hotter." A "flashback" occurs when the charge from the cap enters Because they are hotter, they burn off more of the fulminate from the the bolster and encounters resistance in the form of the cap and they are less prone to clogging. The slightly thicker "nipple" part lead slug compacted against the black powder. The charge, of the cone holds the percussion cap better, so no squeezing of the sides of the cap is required to hold it on. Finally, they hold up better. They or a portion of it, takes the path of least resistance back are less prone to "mushrooming" from repeated strikes from the hammer. into the vent. If the vent opening is drilled large enough, This is the single most important thing you can do to improve the this can also happen even with a blank charge. The performance of the musket, second in importance to keeping the bolster "flashback" will blow the hammer far enough off the cone very clean. Publisher's Comment: Before any readers twist their drawers in a knot or worse yet, unsubscribe, let me make a comment about the to make the spent percussion cap, or fragments of it, into a dreaded word, stainless steel. The DOG is not advocating stainless steel missile. This missile can easily hurt your comrades-in-arms, tin cups or canteens here. Since the steel used in reproduction rifles is or yourself, possibly causing injury or blindness. If you do not made in period blast furnaces, nor does it have the same exact attempt to curb your misfires, the correct way is to keep chemical composition, it is my personal opinion that in the interest of firearm safety, one might choose to use a stainless steel cone without the cone and bolster clean and free of any accumulated fear of being "totally unauthentic." This is an item that is much less fouling. There is one exception. What if you have a defective noticeable than any other anachronism that I can imagine. It falls is the cone? Recently, a Taylor's & Company Armi Sport Enfield area of ear plugs (and since I am as deaf as most enactors) the little reproduction cone was redesigned with a smaller than orange dots in my ears are hardly a concern when on the firing line, and in the same sense a small glint of stainless steel should not be anymore standard vent opening. The new vent design was less than of a concern. Mr. Christen the size of the point of a pin. Needless to say, these clogged ("Most Neglected..." continued on page 19) I PRESERVATION Interview with SHAF

At the request of the publisher, contributor Gerard few dozen. Many more live in the tri-state region, but we Mayers (GM) sat down with Dr. Thomas Clemens, have members all over the US and in England, Canada Professor of History at Hagerstown Community College and and Australia. Many people who come here are moved by President of Save Historic Antietam Foundation (SHAF). the pristine condition of the area and want to support that. SHAF is one of the battlefield preservation organizations We are an organization blessed with historians! actively assisted over the years by the Watchdog. Sometimes I wish we had more fund-raisers, newsletter editors and secretarial/administrative folks, but for a GM: Thank you very much, Tom, for being willing to relatively small group we can boast about Dennis Frye, John speak with The Watchdog about the Save Historic Antietam Schildt, Richard Sommers, Joe Harsh, Perry Jamieson, Foundation. Long time readers know that SHAF is one of Brian Pohanka and several others. the groups supported by the publication. Can you tell us how SHAF came to be organized? GM: How important is the work of SHAF to helping preserve the Antietam National Battlefield Park? How Tom Clemens (SHAF): You are quite welcome, and it closely does SHAF work with the rangers in terms of helping is an honor to be chosen by the Watchdogfor this interview, with interpretive programs, maintenance of other needs of and a pleasure to talk with you. I will try to make a long the park? Does SHA F as a whole, or do any of its members, story much shorter. Like many similar organizations, we help with any historical research about the battlefield? began with concerned local citizens and a threat to a historic site. In our case it was me, John Schildt, Dennis Frye and Tom Clemens: Perhaps our biggest contribution to a lot of preservationists, historians and other people reacting Antietam National Battlefield was in 1989 when we to an unlawful rezoning. The Grove Farm, where Abraham aggressively pursued two projects. One was the new Lincoln was photographed meeting with General George General Management Plan that called for a restoration of B. McClellan, was re-zoned by our county despite a lot of the landscape and more ownership of land inside the NPS local regulations that made the act unlawful. We had no boundary. We campaigned locally and nationally for the experience, no money and no real plan, but we learned most expansive plan to be adopted. That same year we quickly. We sued our county commissioners and won, but also persuaded the county to create special zoning the case was appealed all the way to the highest court in categories for the private land within the NPS boundary Maryland where we lost. and the land around it. Not long after that we worked with That loss was probably a blessing in the long run NPS, the state of Maryland and other agencies to direct a because we vowed to not let another such action occur. lot of money to purchase easements on land surrounding We became, among other things, a "watch dog" ourselves, the battlefield. literally monitoring all local zoning decisions and listing all We do not do much with the interpretation of the historic sites for the county government so that their battlefield, but we do sponsor semi-annual "work days" ignorance could no longer be an excuse. We also took the where we assist in tree planting, brush and tree clearing, next step of raising money and seeing what we could fence building and other projects. These are sort of accomplish in a positive sense. We learned that positive maintenance and scenic restoration projects too, so we results, for instance preserving historic sites, could not be work with all segments of the NPS staff. achieved with negative actions like suing people. We had A few years ago we gathered some historical to become pro-active. information to assist the park's efforts, and many of us Our organization grew out of that lesson as we individually work with the park on historical issues, but it is incorporated, filed for 501 (c)3 tax-exempt status and started not a stated goal of our group. a publicity campaign that attracted a lot of attention and members. GM: Does SHAF have good relations with the municipal authorities or governing bodies in Sharpsburg, in Boonsboro GM: How many members does SHAF have at the or in the greater Washington County area? Does SHAF present time and how many of them reside in the local work harmoniously with, or has it perhaps been in opposition Sharpsburg area? Do any well known Civil War historians to, activities of local governmental bodies, such as any or Civil War reenactors belong to the organization? historical and cultural commissions or entities for Washington County? Tom Clemens: Our mailing list includes over 650 names, but some of those are Civil War Round Tables and Tom Clemens: By and large SHAF has good relations with re-enactor groups, so the exact number is uncertain. Very the local town governments and the county government few actually live in the Sharpsburg area, probably only a too. We workedwith them on the special zoning legislation and have served as an advisor on a few other things. At organizations is good and cooperative. Not too many have the same time we have not been shy about pointing out interest in Sharpsburg itself; the Chaney monument debate their failings, the recent Chaney monument situation is an found us on the other side of the fence from CWPT, but example. We do not consciously try to be their friends; we usually we cooperate with other groups. try to do what is right for the battlefield. SHAF is well represented on several historical boards and organizations GM: Has SHAF acquired any property that has since been in the county. We have such a long and diverse history in turned over to the Antietam National Battlefield Park? Are Washington County that Civil War is just a portion of it. there any planned acquisitions in the near future? Does SHAF have active and on going plans to help increase the G M : When SHAF speaks to local governmental entities effective holdings of the Antietam NBP? Does SHAF now about concerns, is its voice listened to more than not, or is own any properties that, at some point, might be turned it ignored, as has happened in the past concerning efforts over to the battlefield? to preserve or prevent continuing loss of historically significant terrain and features of the battlefield in Franklin, Tom Clemens: No, we have not. Our purpose when we Tennessee, site of the "Pickett's Charge of the West" in were formed was to focus our efforts on places outside the late November 1864? battlefield boundary. We envisioned a cooperative relationship with the NPS where they would deal with Tom Clemens: Because of the huge attention that can be combating threats and acquiring lands within their boundary brought to bear on our local officials, they usually are and we would help with sites where they had no jurisdiction. sensitive to things we say. They may not always do what There are a few places we would love to give to the NPS, we want, but they do hear us. And, as I said, there are a lot but it would require a boundary expansion, which means of historical groups in Washington County besides us. quite literally an act of Congress. These can be done with a sympathetic member of Congress representing your GM: Can you tell us some of the successes and failures district, but we do not have that. Our Congressman once SHAF has since its founding? Also, has SHAF received told me the NPS owned too much land and some should any support from larger Civil War preservation be sold. Needless to say, he lost my vote. organizations, such as the Civil War Preservation Trust? GM: Does SHAF help at all with preserving any historic Tom Clemens: Our first failure was losing the lawsuit with structures located in the village of Sharpsburg that existed the county commissioners. The court acknowledged we at the time of the battle?Also, has SHAF helped document were correct, but we did not appeal within thirty days so the the history of any structures which might be in danger of zoning, no matter how unlawful, stood. From that point we being demolished or which are under consideration for had a nice string of successes. We bought a house at nomination to the National Register of Historic Places or to auction in Sharpsburg that was endangered with the Maryland State Register of Historic Places? destruction. We sold to a person who restored it, and she is now on our board, Denise Troxell. Then the real estate Tom Clemens: Our acquisition of the house in Sharpsburg bust in 1991 helped us acquire forty acres on the Grove did lead to a National Register listing. Denise Troxell wrote Farm, then place where Lincoln and McClellan were a very comprehensive history of the house, which she photographed. With help from the state of Maryland and shared with SHAF. We have donated help to a few other the two organizations that joined to make Civil War structures, and we have provided information about others Preservation Trust, we had most of it covered and took a to appropriate groups, but again this is not out primary focus. mortgage on the rest. We resold that property a few years ago, at quite a loss, but now with restrictive easements. GM: Would you care to comment on the overall state of We also purchased and resold the Sharpsburg Train Station, affairs with respect to the controversy surrounding the and have recently acquired Tolsen's Chapel, a structure in Newcomer Farm on Maryland Route 34, just before the Sharpsburg used as a Freeman's Bureau school and a Middle Bridge, as one heads towards Boonsboro? church for freed slaves. We also bought the site of a signal tower located on the shoulder of Elk Ridge which may be Tom Clemens: William Chaney purchased the Newcomer the one photographed by Alexander Gardner. Farm and about 98 acres that SHAF and the NPS had our Perhaps our greatest accomplishment was working eye on for some time. He was willing to pay well over with the state of Maryland and Jim Lighthizer, President of appraisal price and so he acquired it. We opposed his the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT), identifying and application for a zoning exception to put a commercial buying scenic easements on nearly 5,000 acres outside of operation in the house, but lost. He did a fine job of restoring and around the NPS boundary. Our state spent over twelve the house, estimates on the cost would run over $400,000. million dollars, much more than any other state, to preserve He then applied to build a statue of R.E. Lee on the property Civil War sites, and a lot of that went to Sharpsburg. and we opposed that for a lot of reasons: Our relationship with other Civil War preservation First, his land was in the Union lines during the battle I DOG. and a Confederate statue there not only is inappropriate, individuals to join us in our work days where we help with but also misleads the general public. scenic restoration projects. Some good friends from the Second, it set a precedent that allows private Baltimore Light Artillery planted several large saplings last landholders within any NPS site to erect any monument to spring in the North Woods reforestation project, and it was anybody they want, and that too will degrade the a big help. interpretation of the site. Thirdly, the Board of Zoning Appeals overstepped their GM: Does SHAF sponsor or permit the sponsoring of any bounds when they allowed the monument, thus negating a reenactment events designed to educate the public to the portion of the special zoning category we helped create in importance of the fighting which occurred on at Sharpsburg the 1989, and we thought that was wrong. I have to say we on 17 September 1862, the single bloodiest day in American got some interesting mail from Lee fans calling us a lot of history? If so, how do interested reenactors obtain names, but our opposition was never anticonfederate and information on how to participate? it was unfortunate that people got that impression. Actually some well-known scholars of the Confederacy agreed with Tom Clemens: We have not ever sponsored any us and wrote letters of support for us. reenactments about the battle; that takes more logistical As it stands now the monument is up and our lawsuit support than we can muster. Several SHAF members against the Board of Zoning Appeals' decision has been assisted Dennis Frye with the Antietam events of 1997 and delayed. Lots of things may happen and we really don't 2002. We received some of the profits from the 1997 event. care to speculate. GM: How can interested readers, who are not already GM: Can those in the reenacting community help you in members of your organization, contact SHAF to join or your efforts to increase the holdings of the Antietam NBP? perhaps to help you with your work days? Or, can they help with efforts to return the battlefield to its original 1862 appearance as much as possible? If so, how Tom Clemens: SHAF's mailing address is PO Box 550, can reenactors help? Sharpsburg, MD 21782. Our phone is (301) 432-2996 and our web site is www.shafonline.org. We welcome the help Tom Clemens: Absolutely they can. We have several re- and support of your readers who wish to get involved with enactor units and individuals who contribute to us on a what we do. regular basis. We use that money to buy land and interpret Gerard Mayers sites off the NPS property. We also welcome groups or

Prior to thigV?f?h Y&~kedm"~@ti8~%~~~~~subscriber hope that Mr. Hagernan, or someone who has not found the "drilling out" to be a satisfactory solution, will reconsider Mr. Barry's logic at least for Eric Hageman. He stated that "Mr. Barry should not be recommending a rifle used on the firing line. Certainly, there is no need for a weapon the use of a stainless steel nipple." Hageman's solution is to, of course, used for non-firing display to have a stainless steel cone. This is as drill out the nipple portion of the cone to the next size standard drill bit. I much of a "personal choice" of a "best possible solution" as wearing period drawers, or not, as is often the case of some "authentic campaigners." Mr. Hageman also reminded me that the problem with sticking caps is often due to the nipple portion of the cone not having the correct (or any) taper. Mr. Barry and I certainly agree with him on that point. Mr. Christen Euroarms* Arm1 Sport Pedersoli

1861 US Springfield* 8 x 1 mm 8 x 1 mm 5/16 x 24

P-53 Enfield* 5116x20 8x 1 mm n/a

FIG 1. Parts of the Model 1861 US Springfield cone: 1855 US Sprlngfleld 8 x 1mm 8 x 1 mrn n/a a, nipple; b, square; c, shoulder; d, screw-thread and e, vent. [Rules for the Management and Cleaning of the Rifle Musket, 1842 US Springfield nla 8x1 mm nla Model 1863 (Washington DC: GPO, 18631 1816122 Fllntlock n/a n/a 5/16 x 24 Conversion

Table A. Cone ScrewThread Patterns. FIG 2. Cross-section of reproduction cone. The modern vent is shaped like an *Includes CS Richmond variation, and 1863 US Springfield, type I and 11. elongated "V," or a funnel-shape. Pedersoli replacements are available through "Flintlocks, Etc.," R. Beauchamp, PO Box 181, Richmond, MA 01254. **Also the post-1990 Parker-Hale Enfield. THE WATCHDOG. PO BOX 1675 WARREN, MI 48090-1675

Guarding your interests.. . ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION. The Watchdog. (ISSN 1067-2729) is published quarterly by The Watchdog Quarterly, Inc., a nonprofit corporation in the State of Michigan and an IRS 501 (c)3 tax exempt organization. Subscriptions (US and Canadian) are $1 5 annually, with $13 for each additional year. Foreign subscriptions are $20 (US) per year. Back issues and an index are available upon request. Send subscriptions, inquiries and submissions to the address above. Online payment through PayPal at www.paypal.com using the Ernail address below. Annual donations go to battlefield and historical preservation organizations.

The Watchdog accepts no paid advertising. Contributors receive no monetary compensation for articles. Contributors are solely responsible for the accuracy of their research and for any opinions expressed. They do GREG STARBUCK 11.3 retain copyright to individual article content. PO BOX 1 1592 Bill Christen, Publisher & Editor-at-fault LYNCHBURG, VA 24506 Lynn Kalil, Assistant Editor Jacob VanMeter, Technical Editor Craig Barry, Associate Editor Mark Jaeger, Associate Editor Kathryn Coombs, Associate Editor Lee Rainey, Associate Editor SPRING 2004 (12.2) Rick Simmons; Associate Editor IN THIS ISSUE Jomarie Soszynski, Associate Editor John Yingling, Associate Editor Larry See, Web Site Editor CW MUSIC: The Birth of the Banjo, an Exhibit at the Katonah Museum of Art PRODUCT REVIEW: Columbus Depot Jacket from KSW Sewing HAS YOUR SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRED? There is a number after your name on your address label that Women's Clothing, the True Costs of Accuracy looks like X.Y (X =volume , Y = issue, for example: the SPRING LOOKING AT ORIGINALS: A Federal Cap Pouch from 1861 2004 issue is (12.2). This number indicates the last issue of your A Manual for Battalion Bayonet Exercise subscription... unless you renew. If the box on the left is checked, Observations on Leather Belts during the 1860s your subscription has expired and you have received this issue The Most Neglected Piece of Equipment as a courtesy reminder. PRESERVATION: Interview with SHAF CONTACT BY TELEGRAPH. Ernail: [email protected] Expertly printed by John Chmelko of Eastown Printing Service, Centerline, Michigan web site URL: www.watchdogreview.com Copyright O 2004 All rights resewed

DOG.