What is a Doublet?

[OC Richard]

In the U.S. many of these civilian uniforms...took many dress cues from the more flamboyant British, French and Prussian Regimental dress uniforms...

Most pertinent to XMarks of course are the uniforms of the 79th New York State Militia





Their 1858-1861 dress uniform is fascinating, in that not a single part of it exactly corresponds with what was worn by the Highland regiments of Scotland at that time (or at any time).

Rather than doublets they wore jackets of a unique and complex cut. Their Glengarries had two-row dicing. Their sporrans had an interesting five-lobe cantle only seen in the USA.

Some of the things like the red & white diced hose with marl turnover cuffs, and 18th century style buckled shoes, can be seen in the contemporaneous The Highlanders Of Scotland.

[CollinMacD]

Most pertinent to XMarks of course are the uniforms of the 79th New York State Militia





Their 1858-1861 dress uniform is fascinating, in that not a single part of it exactly corresponds with what was worn by the Highland regiments of Scotland at that time (or at any time).

Rather than doublets they wore jackets of a unique and complex cut. Their Glengarries had two-row dicing. Their sporrans had an interesting five-lobe cantle only seen in the USA.

Some of the things like the red & white diced hose with marl turnover cuffs, and 18th century style buckled shoes, can be seen in the contemporaneous The Highlanders Of Scotland.

Although the 79th NYSM, Camron Highlanders, where one of several of the militia groups that I was talking about. They did have kilts, but never wore them when called into muster. The did have and wore trews during the Battle of First Manassas. Kilts were left behind. The uniform jacket worn when mustered in was the New York State Militia Jacket with Waterbury NY State brass muffin buttons. Uniformed Jacket piped with light sky blue, jacket was navy blue. After the battle of first Manassas, the 79th regrouped and camped in Alexandria, VA. It was then their Commanding Officer was replaced with Colonel Isaac Stevens, who was a regular US Army officer. The 79th did not like this, they barracked their camp, resulting in amutiny. Their camp was surrounded by the Army of the Potomac, cannon and rifles pointed at them, and they surrendered accepting Colonel Stevens. Several were court-martialed and spent time in prison. As a penalty, the regiment forfeited their regimental colors. During one review the 79th put a Camron plaid on a stick and used that as its Regimental Flag. The 79th, as of March 1862 uniform complied with US standards, under McClellan General Order 1, but did still wear the NYS Militia Jacket until most wore out by 1863. At the battle of Oxen Hill, 1862, Chantilly, VA, Now General Stevens was shot through the mouth, near a fence line as he picked up the US Colors and his last words were, "Onward Highlanders".

On other tidbit of US Civil War, General Lew Wallace, always carried a piece of Wallace Tartan in his vest pocket, especially at the Battle of Monocacy, where after the battle he removed it and waved it after the battle facing his troops.. As you know, Lew Wallace later wrote the book, "Ben Hur".

[tripleblessed]

OC, as you so often remind me, the depth and breadth of the knowledge available here is amazing.