Brice’s Crossroads

June 9th-10th, 2007

Authenticity Requirements 

This event is for “authentics” only. We hope to present battlefield visitors with the most accurate and authentic portrayals of 19th century military life possible. Toward that end, we expect appreciate the cooperation of all participants in observing the following guidelines:

 Background

 The armies that fought at Brice’s Crossroads were for the most part made up of westerners. Many of these men were veterans of previous campaigns. They arrived on the field dirty and bedraggled from the hard march, but no in rags. They were well armed and equipped.

 General Appearance

 -Modern items should not be worn. This applies to obvious items like wristwatches, modern eyeglasses, athletic sock, jeans and modern footwear. It also applies to some less obvious, but equally anachronistic items like “dime store” bandanas and “cowboy” boots. (Modern underwear is acceptable so long as no part of it is visible.)

 -Exotic, non-military or non-period firearms should not be carried. Derringers, Hawkin rifles, flintlocks, etc. are prohibited. Ammunition should be rolled in appropriately sized paper cartridges. No flasks or powder horns.

 -Exotic or non-period clothing should not be worn. No moccasins, highland bonnets or coon skin caps. This is not the event for mountain men or cowboy wannabees. Nor is it an event for contingents of zouaves, marines or foreign observers.

 -We need enlisted men, not officers without commands. You may be a captain or colonel at home. But, if only you and one other pard are planning to attend, please don’t plan on coming as an officer unless you’ve made some prior arrangements about where you’re going to serve.

 Union

 -Federal troops at Brice’s Crossroads formed an expeditionary force of all arms drawn from the garrisons in and around Memphis. This force was, by all accounts, well equipped and supplied. They would have appeared pretty much as your basic late-war western federals with few items of non-regulation clothing or equipment.

 -Sack coats predominated. Trimmed shell jackets are also appropriate for artillery and cavalry. Frockcoats are acceptable, but their use is discouraged, particularly among privates and corporals. “New York” jackets or other unusual styles are prohibited. “Sky Blue” kersey wool trousers would have been almost universal. Dark blue is also acceptable for officers.

 -Hardee hats and forage caps were common headgear. Black or other dark colored civilian styles are also acceptable.

 -Army type wool or flannel contract shirts in various solid colors would have been common. Civilian style shirts in various colors and patterns are also acceptable. No “battle shirts” or bib front type shirts. When worn, military style vests in dark blue would have been most common. Civilian vests in dark colors are also acceptable.

-Federal pattern equipment and accoutrements appropriate for rank and branch of services should be worn.

 -Footwear should be black military type boots or brogans appropriate for branch of service (i.e. No infantry in knee boots and spurs.). Leggings should not be worn. 

-To create a more uniform appearance, we ask that corps badges not be worn.

 Note: We naturally anticipate having to exercise some flexibility in these guidelines in relation to galvanizing units.

 Confederate

 -Rebel forces at Brice’s Crossroads mainly comprised elements of Forrest’s Cavalry Corps. Forrest’s troopers were mostly mounted cavalry, but there was also artillery and an entire brigade of recently mounted infantry (Lyon’s Kentucky Brigade). The command was reasonably well equipped, with a substantial portion of the weapons, equipment and supplies captured from Federal sources.

 -Jean cloth shell jackets of various western patterns would have been most common. Re-dyed Federal sack coats were also sometimes used. Wool shells jackets are acceptable. Frock coats would have been fairly rare, except among senior officers. Butternut and other drab colors were common. Jackets were often untrimmed. When trimmed, yellow cavalry branch color would have been less common than say the blue collars and cuff found on many western depot jackets.

 -Jean cloth trousers, often corresponding to shell jackets in color and cut would have been fairly common. Blue federal trousers were also common. Other wool trousers are acceptable in drab colors.

 -Various civilian pattern shirts and vests may be worn. Federal shirts and vests are also acceptable.

 -Civilian style hats in various colors were the most common headgear. Federal Hardee hats are also acceptable. Forage caps and kepis would have been fairly rare. 

-Union or Confederate patterns of equipment and accoutrements may be worn as appropriate for rank and branch of service.

 -Union or Confederate pattern boots or brogans may be worn. Both armies were well reasonably well shod. No bundles of rags tied around your feet pleas. Leggings should not be worn.

 Note: Confederate infantry units will be portraying Lyon’s mounted infantry. Only recently mounted, these troops are described in Union accounts as looking and fighting very much like conventional infantry.

 Civilians

 -Everyday period civilian attire should be worn. Women should wear appropriate hairstyles and/or head covering. No pageant dresses or ball gowns please.

 Note: Period civilians will represent refugees and locals seeking protection or persons seeking to provide intelligence and assistance.

 Infantry

 -NCOs should not wear ceremonial items such as swords, baldrics, and sashes.

 -Bedrolls and packs were not worn into battle at Brice’s Crossroads. At the commander’s discretion, they may be carried during demos or the tactical, but should not be worn during the Sunday battle. 

Cavalry 

-Non-period saddles and harness should not be used. 

Artillery 

-Full scale field pieces only. 

Colours

 -The carrying of colours in the field will be limited based on organization of troops and availability of suitable colours. Early war flags (Bonnie Blue, Stars & Bars) will not be carried. Neither will patterns that are obviously a-historical to the battle or of modern design or material.

 Camps

 -The presence of modern intrusions such as ice chests, food and beverage containers, air mattresses, etc. should be kept to a minimum. These items should be removed from camp areas during hours of public access or remain carefully hidden from view. Aluminum tent pegs, red kerosene lanterns and other anachronisms should not be part of your camp set up.

The above authenticity requirements are intended to provide some minimum standards and basic guidance. They are not exhaustive. Units and individuals are encouraged to do some research and work on their own to build the best impressions possible, particularly if improvements are needed. Please do not put yourself or others in an embarrassing situation by failing to observe the guidelines. If you have questions or need clarification please contact on of the even coordinators.