Period Portrayal Guidelines for Members of the

Chesapeake Signal Detachment

Training

Of course, if you're interested in joining our unit, you don't need to know anything ahead of time either about re-enacting or signaling to get involved. We'll teach you all the basics of signaling and give you helpful advice on the various accoutrements you'll need/want to portray a period Confederate signalist. Every event we attend includes time set aside for training and practice with the flag and the book.

Period Portrayal (Uniforms, camping, etc.)

The Chesapeake Signal Detachment does not have a standard uniform. In fact, the Confederate Signal and Secret Service did not have a uniform (unlike the Federal Signal Corps). Privates in the Confederate Signal Corps were drawn from a wide variety of infantry, cavalry and artillery units and, in general, wore whatever uniform they had (and the term "uniform" needs to be taken very loosely in a Confederate impression - so period civilian pants, for example, are an acceptable part of the impression). Here's the basic checklist for a uniform:

Hat - can be a kepi, forage cap, slouch hat or any period casual hat (certain civilian styles should be avoided - such as a top-hat or derby, though certainl not absolutely inappropriate)

Jacket - the jacket should be military, but color and material vary widely from grays to butternuts. A shell jacket or sack coat is most appropriate for active events, but enlisted man's frock coats can also be worn. Jackets should always be worn either completely buttoned or with the TOP one or two buttons buttoned.

Vest - when not wearing a jacket, because we are part of a general's staff, a vest MUST be worn. Vests can be civilian or military. In general, vests should be worn completely buttoned.

shirt - any collared or banded period shirt is fine.

tie - ties are not required, however, if wearing a collared shirt and no jacket, a tie should probably be worn (the shirt should be buttoned all the way to the top in any situation).

braces - a.k.a. suspenders in modern language. Generally these are a must in order to keep your pants up. Any period style braces - either "poor boys" or with leather tabs - are fine.

pants - if you're trying to match a certain impression (of a particular unit), then make sure the pants are appropriate to that impression. Otherwise, just about any pair of period pants will do. You'll find 4 buttons on the front (2 on the right and 2 on the left) for the front part of the braces and 2 on the back (1 on the right and 1 on the left) for the back part of the braces to hold up the pants. Period pants are button-fly (zippers weren't invented yet!). NEVER LET THE DRY CLEANER IRON A CREASE INTO YOUR PANTS!!

socks - gray wool socks are appropriate. Trust me, you'll be happy you're wearing wool socks!!

shoes - period military brogans are the best. You can wear civilian brogans or boots, but military brogans are probably the most comfortable, especially at re-enactments.

As I mentioned above, if you're trying to match the uniform of a particular unit, do some research and follow that unit's uniform pattern.

Other accoutrements you'll need are:

canteen - we won't let you go out onto the battlefield at a re-enactment without a full canteen of water. I recommend a stainless steel canteen with a gray wool cover for easiest maintenance.

haversack - a white canvas haversack is probably your best choice, but any over-the-shoulder strapped haversack (purse-sized bag for carrying stuff) will work fine. Getting an extra haversack or knapsack to hold other stuff you might want to leave in your tent might be a good idea.

"book" - a bound journal with lined paper for recording incoming and outgoing messages.

sharp pencil - plain wooden pencils are appropriate (no paint, no eraser) for ciphering with.

little cloth bags with rope ties - these are good for keeping little items and things like jerky.

Things you may want if you're serious are:

tent - white canvas dog or A tent. NO WALL TENTS (unless we elect you to be our captain).

wool blankets - unmarked gray wool blankets are good (other period styles are fine as well). The more the better if you're going to join us at a cold event.

gum blanket - this is a "rubberized" canvas ground cloth which is good to put you bedding on to keep it from getting wet

poncho - like a gum blanket, with a slot for your head to go through

Things you might want:

gun belt - you don't really need a belt if you aren't going to carry a gun, though you're welcome to wear one. The buckle should be appropriate to the Confederate army.

gun holster - guns were worn butt forward (NOT western style!!!!!!).

pistol - any period reproduction percussion pistol is fine. More common models are preferable (e.g., a .36 or .44 caliber Colt or Remington). You will be tested on gun safety by the Captain or the Sergeant before you are allowed to carry a gun on the field with us. Your gun will also be inspected before and after it is loaded before carrying it on the field.

cap pouch - should be black leather and worn in front of the pistol on the right-hand side (left-hand side is O.K. for you lefties).

pistol cartridge "box" - for holding pistol cartridges. Should be worn on the back of the belt.

telescope or marine glass (binoculars) - can be useful on the field for seeing what's going on at long distances.

musket - NO! Signalists did not, in general, carry them and we don't like to give the impression that we're prepared to fall in as infantry. Of course, you can own one for your own enjoyment and bringing it to certain living history events for display is fine.

Now, undoubtedly you'll want to bring along some farb (21st-century gear) to add to your comfort level. Unless you don't want the sergent to yell at you, here are some tips on how to hide the farb:

sleeping bags and air mattresses - use your wool blanket(s) to cover this stuff up during the day. We only try to hide the farb from spectators, since they are only around from 9-5, you don't have to worry about them seeing this stuff at night

coolers - many sutlers carry canvas covers specifically designed for hiding coolers. Any piece of canvas or plain white cotton material that completely covers the cooler is fine. The more you can make it look like it's NOT a cooler, the better.

storage – Many sutlers sell wooden boxes designed to store extra goods you bring with you, just remember if we get a good rain you may be walking this stuff to your car.

food – We aren't as organized as our Yankee signalists when it comes to feeding time at camp, so you should probably plan to fend for yourself. We sometimes will do group sandwiches for lunch. Please contact our Captain, one of our NCOs or the Webmaster before an event to find out if we've organized any food for the event.

cell phones - these fit in your haversack, so no problem here.

Webmaster: Private Lee A. Taylor, C.S.A.