Get Involved in the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters



Not ready to enlist? Still have questions? Try looking here or Contact Us.


Civil war reenacting is a fun hobby and a terrific way to study history. Sometimes the cost involved in reenacting makes people hesitate to get involved, but this should not stop you. It is possible to reenact at a very low cost, using loaner gear while you save to aquire more expensive items and buying only the essential gear. Used gear is often available to those who look for it.

To get involved in reenacting, there are three basic steps required. The first is to talk to us. Talk to a lot of different reenactors and find a group of people you like with a similar work ethic to your own. There are a lot of different ways to reenact and a perfectionist, or "stitch-counter", will not be comfortable in a group of relaxed reenactors, or vice versa. The Sharpshooters are somewhere in the middle: we require a certain level of autheticity and that a person makes an effort to learn and improve their presentation, but we also believe that everyone has a place in reenacting and strongly believe that families should be involved in reenacting together.

For more about finding a group to reenact with, go here.

The second step is to enlist. The Sharpshooters require membership in the Washington Civil War Association (WCWA) to participate in reenactments. This includes dues to that club. The Sharpshooters have an information form that recruits should fill out, including health information, but do not require dues.

For more about the paperwork to enlist, go here.

The third step in getting involved is to begin acquiring your equiptment. We have limited loaner gear, so it is important that you begin building your inventory. A good goal is to have one or two new and needed items at every event.

For more about the equipment you might need, go to the following:

Essential Gear for Reenacting
The "Early War" Impression kit
The "Late War" Impression kit
Other Gear
The Nearly-Infinite possibilities of Civilian Reenacting
How to Decide Who You Are (and what you need)


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Paperwork


The 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, Company D are a reenacting club under the umbrella organization of the Washington Civil War Council (wcwa). In order to participate in most Berdan events you must join the WCWA. You may visit the WCWA website directly at http://www.wcwa.net.

Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view these documents.

Please complete one of the following applications for each person who will attend reenactments:


Please also complete the corresponding waiver:


Please send your completed forms and WCWA Membership Dues ($25 single, $40 family) to Captain Derrick Sturgill, captain@berdansharpshooters.org

The Captain of the Sharpshooters keeps an information file on all Sharpshooter reenactors. It is important that relevant health and medication information be on file in case of emergency. The information disclosed will in no way prevent anyone from reenacting.



Now you are ready to begin learning the safety rules! Every reenactor, military or civilian, must become familiar with the safety rules. The safety test should be completed in the presence of an officer or non-commissioned officer of the Berdans. The safety test must be completed satisfactorily and approved by the Captain before the person may go on the battlefield.




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Essential Equipment for Every Reenactor

Now that you have enlisted with the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, you are ready to begin aquiring your necessary equipment. These are things that every reenactor should have, in some form. You have some room to play with these items, but try to think like the person you are portraying. Sure you can have a grey CS canteen, but how did you get a Confederate issue canteen when a union blue was issued to you?

These items are commonly available new and used at sutlers and online. Approximate used and new price ranges are given.

This is equiptment every reenactor should try to aquire during their first year of reenacting

Canteen or other water storage - minimum of one
$20-45
Water is the most important thing to have when reenacting. A person should drink 1-5 canteens full of water per day. It keeps you energized and able to stay cool. Water is vital even on cloudy days. You must keep watered to prevent heat exhaustion.
Canteens can be either tin or stainless steel. Stainless steel costs more, but won't rust. Some soldiers carry multiple canteens.
Civilians should keep some type of cup, jar or jug of water available to them.
Good, heavy socks - at least one pair per day
$5-65
It is best to have multiple pairs of socks if it is raining. We play in all weather and feel all the elements. The better you take care of your feet, the more fun you will have. Most people will never see you socks, so modern socks are usually fine. Avoid non-period colors. It is often nice to have one pair of period correct socks available for scenarios where your socks might be seen, such as a hospital demonstration or in camp.
This picture belongs to: Woman of Many Faces
Multiple shirts - long sleeved cotton in period print or solid color
$2-50
Whether a $2 shirt from the Salvation Army or a $50 authentic shirt from a sulter, little feels better than a clean, dry shirt. Sure, you can wear any shirt with you're uniform, but if you want to take off your coat or are a civilian, you need a long-sleeved cotton shirt. When buying modern, keep it simple, and try to avoid pockets.
This picture belongs to: Timeless Stitches
A good hat - period style, felt, wool, straw or bonnet
$15-45
A good hat is important to keep the sun off, another heat exhaustion precaution. Also helps prevent sunburn and keeps the rain off. Keep it simple. A Sharpshooter Forage Cap is always acceptable, but so are a lot of other types that you might have bought along the way to war. Try to keep country-western hats to a minimum.
Handkerchief - an all purpose tool
$1-10
Great for mopping up sweat, binding wounds, cooling down with cold water, or drying the eyes of a fair maiden (when clean!) handkerchiefs are valuable assets. You don't need anything too fancy. Any scrap of period cotton will do.
This picture belongs to: AzRA Historical Resources
First Aid Kit - with any prescriptions you take
$5-85
Reenactments are often located away from what most people today consider civilization. It is important to be self sufficient, especially in regard to your prescriptions. Insulin, inhalers, allergy medicine, bee-sting kit. Don't take it for granted that anything you can't live without will be in reach. Safety first!
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3 Sisters Chocolate
Sun Screen and Bug Repellent
$2 and up
These modern conveniences make life a little more pleasant. The sun can burn even on a cloudy day. We live in exposed conditions during reenactments, making it worse. The bugs aren't usually too bad, but when they are you will be glad of even the smallest bottle of repellent.
Duplicates of anything you are afraid to lose
priceless
When we are a long way from home, it is a good idea to keep some spares items around. Keep an extra dose of prescription medicications in your car. Keep your old eye glasses, just in case something happens to the pair you drive with. Don't take your keys out on the battlefield. Be sure any jewlry you wear (especially wedding bands!) are tight fitting, or leave them in a secure place.
Weapon cleaning and repair kit
$25-45
Next to you, your rifle (or the rifle you are borrowing) is the most important thing you have. Take care of it, and it will take care of you. You will need to clean your weapon daily in order to play, and if you are borrowing a weapon, it is polite to leave it as clean as you found it. Nothing ruins your weekend faster that an unusable rifle.
This picture belongs to: Blockade Runner
Mess kit - Plate, cup, fork, spoon
$5-45
You don't have to eat in public when you are reenacting. New reenactors often modern camp in a special lot, or eat at their vehicles during events. But it is usually a good idea to get a place setting as soon as you can. There are often opportunities to join in for pot lucks and some civilians provide meals to reenactors at a small fee. You should always bring your own place setting to these.
A Good Attitude
priceless
Reenacting is hobby, just a hobby. The war was over a long time ago and a reenactment is a place to learn from those lessons, not to repeat them. Come to a reenactment to have fun and to learn a lot. This makes things a lot better for everyone.


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The Basics for an Early War Kit

Early in the war, the Sharpshooters were first at the Camp of Instruction, in support of Washington and finally into battle with a full kit including the following items.

These are items that you should try to aquire within your first year and a half of reenacting

Green Wool Frock Coat
$140-250 new, $40 and up used
Union pattern frock coat, falling mid thign in length. Historically, these were made from eleven ounce kersey weave wool, but it is unlikely that you find anything that exact. Many sutlers have started carrying the Berdan uniforms along side their blue and grey. Enlisted men wore uniforms with green piping on the color and cuffs. Officers did not have the piping. Both had black rubber buttons made by to Novelty Rubber Company from Goodyear vulcanized rubber. Reproductions may be hard to find, but the regular brass buttons can be dipped in "tool grip" for a similar effect.
Green or Sky Blue Wool Pants
$45-90 new, $15 and up used
Union pattern pants in green wool. Historically, these were made from eleven ounce kersey weave wool, but it is unlikely that you find anything that exact. The 2nd regiment of Sharpshooters were first issued the sky blue pants, exchanging these for green early in the war. Many sutlers have started carrying the Berdan uniforms along side their blue and grey. Non-commissioned officers would have stripes down the pant leg to denote rank. Privates would have plain pants.
Forage Cap - Berdan Green
$15-35 new
Green forage cap. These have taller crowns that the kepi many soldiers wear (the better to care stuff when foraging). No enlisted men in the Sharpshooters wore kepis. The buttons should be black rubber (or rubber coated) to match the uniform. Corp badge, and regiment and corp designations may be worn on the hat.
Canteen - tin or stainless steel
$20-45
Canteens come in a variety of different forms and you can also cover your own. The Sharpshooters were probably issued standard federal canteens covered in dark blue wool.
Good, heavy socks - wool, cotton or heavy modern
$5-65
Hand spun wool socks are expensive and usually unnecessary. It is very important to keep your feet warm and dry, so try to keep an extra pair on hand.
This picture belongs to: Woman of Many Faces
Multiple shirts - fannel or cotton
$2-50
Military style, three button shirts (only opening at the neck) with short collars and no pockets, were issued to each of the sharpshooters. Many soldiers also had shirts from home (also with no pockets). Shirts come in a variety of qualities and descriptions and suitable shirts can usually be found at very little cost.
This picture belongs to: Timeless Stitches
Bracers - suspenders
$9-25 new
Bracers were commonly worn by all men. The standard of the military are canvas bracers with leather loops. A variety of prints and patterns are also available, though they are a luxury item.
Brogans - Simple leather shoes
$65-95
Brogans are nearly shapeless leather shoes with little in the way of comfort. Flat black boots with square toes or the Hush Puppies brand Corona boot work as well.
Knee-high Leather Leggings - Sharpshooter specialty item
$80-115
Knee-high leather leggings are one of the specialty items issued only to the Sharpshooters. These are one of the trademarks of the regiment and one of the European based traditions of the Sharpshooters. The original leggings may have been cow, goat or pig skin. There is a person in our unit that makes leggings and also have a pattern if you are gifted in leather working. This is an item that aids an impression, but is not required.
Belt and Buckle - Wide black leather belt and brass US belt buckle
$12-28
This is a standard union issue belt and buckle. It is often possible to buy these as part of a leathers package at reduced rate.
Cap box - black leather, military issue
$15
This is a standard union issue cap box. It is often possible to buy these as part of a leathers package at reduced rate.
Cartridge box, military issue
$35-50
A standard union issue cartridge box is required. It is often possible to buy these as part of a leathers package at reduced rate. There is a specially designed catridge box for the Sharps rifle at a much higher price, but this is an unnecessary expense, as most people won't even see a difference.
Sharps Rifle - 1859 New Model with Dual Triggers
$700-1500
The Sharpshooters were promised and evetually issued the 1859 Sharps rifle, modified with dual set triggers. These were breach loading rifles accurate at an extended distance, and the prized possession of the Sharpshooters. With these, a marksman is able to file ten rounds in a minute, compared to three rounds with a muzzleloader. Two companies of the 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, Companies C and E, carried large barrelled heavy target rifles brought from their home states. The 1st U.S. first received 1,000 colt revolving rifles, but they refused these in favor of waiting for the Sharps. The 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters were given the Colts, but they were quickly disappointed in these, and they too waited for the Sharps. Though these are sometimes less expensive stepping stones to reenacting, every Sharpshooter should try to someday buy a Sharps rifle.


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The Basics for a Late War Kit

Late in the war, the Sharpshooters were showing the wear and tear of battle. The green uniforms, made of lighter wool, wore out. Their winter gear was gone and most of their provisions were not returned after a hard battle. An odd miss-match of green was re-issued, but the regiments remained an assortment of blue and green uniforms. These are items that you should try to aquire within your first year and a half of reenacting

Green Wool Frock Coat or Blue Wool Sack coat
$60-250 new, $20 and up used
Union pattern frock coat, falling mid thigh in length in green, or the shorter and lighter dark blue sack coat. The eleven ounce kersey weave wool used for the frocks wore out and blue sack coats were used as replacement. The sack is less expensive than the frock and easier to find because of its commonness.
Green or Sky Blue Wool Pants
$45-90 new, $15 and up used
Union pattern pants in green wool. The green pants wore out quickly and were replaced with sky blue. The 2nd regiment of Sharpshooters were first issued the sky blue pants, exchanging these for green early in the war, only to be returned the sky blue when the green were exhausted.
Forage Cap - Berdan Green
$15-35 new
Green forage cap. These have taller crowns that the kepi many soldiers wear (the better to care stuff when foraging). No enlisted men in the Sharpshooters wore kepis. If the forage cap was lost, is was likely replaced with a more practical wide-brimmed hat.
Canteen - tin or stainless steel
$20-45
Canteens come in a variety of different forms and you can also cover your own. The Sharpshooters were probably issued standard federal canteens covered in dark blue wool.
Good, heavy socks - wool, cotton or heavy modern
$5-65
Hand spun wool socks are expensive and usually unnecessary. It is very important to keep your feet warm and dry, so try to keep an extra pair on hand.
This picture belongs to: Woman of Many Faces
Multiple shirts - fannel or cotton
$2-50
Military style, three button shirts (only opening at the neck) with short collars and no pockets, were issued to each of the sharpshooters. Many soldiers also had shirts from home (also with no pockets). Shirts come in a variety of qualities and descriptions and suitable shirts can usually be found at very little cost.
This picture belongs to: Timeless Stitches
Bracers - suspenders
$9-25 new
Bracers were commonly worn by all men. The standard of the military are canvas bracers with leather loops. A variety of prints and patterns are also available, though they are a luxury item.
Brogans - Simple leather shoes
$65-95
Brogans are nearly shapeless leather shoes with little in the way of comfort. Flat black boots with square toes or the Hush Puppies brand Corona boot work as well.
Belt and Buckle - Wide black leather belt and brass US belt buckle
$12-28
This is a standard union issue belt and buckle. It is often possible to buy these as part of a leathers package at reduced rate.
Cap box - black leather, military issue
$15
This is a standard union issue cap box. It is often possible to buy these as part of a leathers package at reduced rate.
Cartridge box, military issue
$35-50
A standard union issue cartridge box is required. It is often possible to buy these as part of a leathers package at reduced rate. There is a specially designed catridge box for the Sharps rifle at a much higher price, but this is an unnecessary expense, as most people won't even see a difference.
Sharps Rifle - 1859 New Model with Dual Triggers
$700-1200
The Sharpshooters were promised and evetually issued the 1859 Sharps rifle, modified with dual set triggers. These were breach loading rifles accurate at an extended distance, and the prized possession of the Sharpshooters. Two companies carried heavy target rifles brought from their home states. Though these are usually less expensive stepping stones to reenacting, every Sharpshooter should try to someday buy a Sharps rifle.


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Other Items Useful to Reenacting

In addition to the equiptment required for reenacting, there are some additional items that are nice to have.These are low priority items, best left until your kit is nearing completion, but these are useful items that can make your reenacting experience a lot more fun.

These items are not required.

Haversack - Black Tarred Canvas
$10-30
The canvas haversack, tarred for water-proofing, in the catch-all of the military reenactor. This is where you would keep you days rations, your extra rounds of ammunition and anything you want to be able to access on the move, including pictures and games. It is a great way to hide modern conveniences, such as a modern lunch, a camera or a cell phone (but turn your ringer off!)
Haversack Stuffers
$3-20
These small items in your haversack can be great conversation pieces. Nearly anything you can think of can be in your haversack. Some suggestions are: pocket knife, fork, cup (hanging from the haversack), handkerchief, whistle, cards and dice (gambling devices would be kept hidden from officers and family), pictures of family, "French postcards", letters to and from home, games (marbles, jacks, tops, Bilbo catchers), gloves, spare socks, soap, housewife (the soldier's sewing kit) and your wallet, complete with union green backs and coin.
Tent - White Canvas Dog (two shelters halves, issued to privates), A-tent or Wall (best for civilian families)
$180 and up new
A tent is more than a something to cover the patch of hard ground you plan to sleep on. It is also a place keep your gear, a place to display the civil war kit you've worked so hard to aquire, a place to hide the dreaded "farb" (modern and therefore inappropriate stuff), as well as a place to sleep at night. A tent is not required in any way, but are often considered an important part of a reenactors enjoyment.
Blankets and bedrolls
$20 and up
If you don't camp period style, or you have a closed tent, then it probably doesn't matter what you sleep under. But if you plan to make your tent a display area or intend to go campaigning (a closed reenactment where you pack your gear out with you) you will probably want to aquire period appropriate blankets. The military issue blank was a brown blanket with one dark stripe at the top. Quilts are also appropriate.
Cooking and Eating Urtensils
$5-35
Cooking and eating civil war style is not required, but many people find it an important part of their experience to spend at least one meal a day in the civil war style. For this, you will want to aquire at very least an appropriate knife, spoon and cup or pot. Muckets, pots, skillets, coffee pots, plates, forks and cooking grills are all additional items that may be desireable, but aren't mandatory.
Sharpshooter Mess Kit - Specialty Item
$125
This is an expensive specialty item that is really not necessary for the usual impression. The Sharpshooters were issued a four piece cookset that was composed of an tall, squared boiler, a cup of the same shape, a lid that doubles as a skillet and an "L" shapped closure that fits into bands on the sides of the other pieces to lift them in and out of the fire. The Sharpshooter knapsack (see below) was specially designed to carry one of these.
Sharpshooter Calf-Skin Knapsack - Specialty Item
$400
This is an expensive specialty item that is really not necessary for the usual impression. The Sharpshooters were issued a hairy calf-skin knapsack, similar to one carried in Sweden and neighboring countries at the time and later. The Sharpshooter knapsack was a box shape similar to the tarred hard-frame knapsack carried by some union soldiers. The knapsack was specially designed to carry one of the square Sharpshooter mess kits. The original knapsack was a high-quality piece made by Tiffany & Co., selling for $3.50. There is currently no high quality, reliable maker of this item.
Leather Leggings - Specialty Item
$80-115
Knee-high leather leggings are one of the specialty items issued only to the Sharpshooters. These are one of the trademarks of the regiment and one of the European based traditions of the Sharpshooters. The original leggings may have been cow, goat or pig skin. Soldiers may have given up or "lost" their leggings mid-war. There is a person in our unit that makes leggings and also have a pattern if you are gifted in leather working. This is an item that aids an impression, but is not required.
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The Nearly-Infinite Possibilities of Civilian Reenacting

Civil war reenacting is not just about men in uniforms. The most successful reenactors are the ones who get involved with their friends and family. This also better depicts the reality of the war - this was a civilian's war. Most of the men and women who fought were civilians, with no training or experience beyond what the war provided them.

The land that was fought on was American land, owned by civilians. The homes that were distroyed were the homes of American civilians. The lives that were disrupted when the soldiers left, were civilian lives. When the men were gone for soldiers, it was the remaining civilians, the old, infirmed and reluctant men, the women and children, who were left to maintain the farms, the industries and to try to go on.

It is impossible to recount the war without remembering the civilian lives. At the beginning of the war, some civilians left their homes with picnics to watch the battle, thinking it would be a grand show. Quickly, they were proved wrong. Wives and children of officers followed their family to war with the attitude of going on a holiday, only to be left in the cities when the war began in earnest. Some women and children were forced to follow the armies when their homes or livelihoods were distroyed. Some civilians followed the army to tend the wounded, in hopes of comforting their own dying loved-ones. Some civilians were at the sight of battle simply because the war moved into their town and onto their property.

As reenactors, their is a place for every possible civilian persona if careful research and thoughtful acting is done. A person should chose a civilian persona that is right for them and their families, and do their best to be faithful to this part.

Below are a few ideas for civilian reenacting, needed equipment and activities that can be done as part of that persona. These are only suggestions, please take advantage of the experience of your fellow reenactors to help research and develop your persona of choice.

 Nurse - Male
Men and boys over twelve of any description, girls over twelve disguised as boys
At the time of the American Civil War, mostly only men were being training in medicine. A man with a formal medical education was a surgeon or a doctor, but he may apprentice a man without formal education.
In addition to these assistants, wounded soldiers who were healing but not fit to return to battle served as nurses in the army hospitals. This is a suitable persona for a man of any age or ability who does not want, or is not able, to fight. The invalid soldiers is also a good persona for someone who is still purchasing the gear needed to go on the field.
Finally, older boy who were too young to fight might serve as stretcher-bearers.

Nurses would tended the wounded, bandage wounds, alert the doctors to urgent issues, feed the wounded, write letters to family, and entertain the healing. They would also perform some of the dirtier work of cleaning and burying.

Equipment Needed:
Civilian trousers, coat, vest, shirt, shoes, and hat - or - military uniform.
Additional gear may include:
Note pad, pencil, apron, bandages, various medical equiptment, cups, spoons, books, games.
Activities:
Assisting the surgeon at the hospital after a battle, tending wounded during or after the battle, preparing bandages for the wounded, changing bandages, writing letters or reading to the wounded, cleaning the hospital area, writing to loved ones of the dead. Served on hospital ships as well as in military and state hospitals.

Nurse - female:
Women over twenty-five
Medicing was considered a man's field in the 1860's, but women were already graduating as doctors before the war began. Though women doctors were rare, it was the matriarch of households that cared for the injuries of the family. Often, doctors and hospitals were associated with death and doctors did as much harm as good.
Prior to the American civil war, Florence Nightengale served as a nurse in the Crimean war. The stories of her valor and the inadequacies of military hospitals drew women to volunteer as nurses. Dorthea Dix sought to restrict these nurses to competent, older women with no notion of finding a husband among the wounded. Other efforts were coordinated by the states, which were able to establish and maintain their own hospitals. In addition, some women followed the men to war of their own accord. Women were shunned, barred, resisted and finally given in to as nurses when the need grew dire.
Women were trained to perform nursing duties by state aid societies and the U.S. Sanitary Commission. Not all nurses received training and some of the women who performed nursing duties were officially assigned to other duties, such as laundry.

In general, nurses fall into the following four categories: the strong older woman with great life experience and a strong personality, the younger woman impassioned to tend the wounded - usually with loved ones fighting, the younger woman who wants to nurse but is incompetent and does more harm than good, and the wealthy woman faunting herself and doing damage in the process.

Equipment Needed:
Dark colored work dress with petticoats (hoops were banned in the hospital, but wealthy woman would still wear them, to the detriment of the wounded), stockings, boots, apron, bonnet and gloves for travel.
Additional gear may include:
Nice clothes for other activities, basket, carpet bag, note pad, pencil, apron, bandages, various medical equiptment, cups, spoons, books, games. Should have certificate of assignment and military pass. Women nurses were seldom on the field of battle.
Activities:
Assisting the surgeon at the hospital after a battle, tending wounded during or after the battle, preparing bandages for the wounded, changing bandages, writing letters or reading to the wounded, working in the Special Diet kitchen, writing to loved ones of the dead. Served on hospital ships as well as in military and state hospitals.

Journalist or Sketch Artist - Male
Man over eighteen, slightly younger if an assistant
During the civil war, the primary method of communication was writing. The families who remained at their homes and even the soldiers were at the mercy of letters and weekly or monthly papers and magazines to keep them informed about the war and other issues. Letters were read aloud and shared, papers and magazines were read and reread. A number of journalists, sketch artists and a few photographers followed the movements of the armies and sent their writings to papers across the country to be published and printed.

The best place to start understanding what a civil war journalist was like is to read the writings of the time. Many papers such as Harper's Weekly have been reprinted for reenactment use. Some are scanned and available on line. Some libraries are lucky enough to have archives dating back that far.

To generalize the war correspondent of the time, they were ambitious men who wanted to make a name (or increase their name) in writing. They were openly biased in their political and social beliefs, the papers they were writing for often owned by a politician or company promoting their own ideals. The men were eager to write a touching or powerful story, without letting details of truth get in their way. They were very much shocked by the reality of war, and the horror of death and decay sent many of these ambitious men home.

Equipment Needed:
Civilian cut trousers, coat, vest, shirt, shoes or boots, hat. Pencils, pens, ink, leather bound journals and notepads.
Additional gear may include:
Copies of journals, traveling case, carpet bag, portable writing desk, stationary and envelopes, money. Should have traveling papers, military pass.
Activities
Interview officers and soldiers, with the permission of officers. Copying lists of wounded and dead, writing accounts of the battle, sketching battle scenes. Sending these articles back to their papers. Receiving correspondence. Journalists were seldom on the field of battle.

 Jounalist - Female
Woman over twenty, with intelligent, strong and determined personality
Women journalists were a rarity during the civil war. They needed to be everything a man was, but more determined, more creative and more demanding. Few, if any, women served as war correspondents without disguising their gender. Women could not travel alone, and a paper was unlikely to support a female reporter if a capable male reporter was available. Women were also not allowed in military camps unescorted and would have difficulty meeting with officers to report the war.

With this said, the female journalist is not an impossibility. This persona requires a very stong and determined woman, willing and able to fight those same obstacles in a reenacting community.

 Laundress
Woman of any age, hard-working and poor in appearance
Working as a laundress was one of the few respectable ways a woman could earn a living during this era. Women were granted certificates by the military to travel with the army, to camp near the army and to ply their trade for the soldiers. Women of any ethnicity, age or origin could be a laundress. Soldiers would pay for services directly, or put their charges on account, which would be paid directly to the laundress before the soldier received his pay. Four laundresses were allowed to each regiment, about one laundress to twenty-five men.
The soldiers, for the most part, had not done chores such as laundry at home. Even those that did, did not have the tools, soaps and time needed to do laundry in their military camps. The records of laundresses are limited. It is likely that some of the laundresses did things other than laundry. Laundresses also mended clothing, some may have provided meals. It is possible that some served as prostitutes (a persona generally discouraged at reenactments) and there are several records of laundresses serving as nurses, especially in the Confederacy.
Some were wives or relatives of soldiers who had no support without the men who had gone to war, taking their children with them.

Equipment Needed:
Plain, worn work dress, petticoat, apron, scarf, wooden wash tub, soap, laundry.
Additional gear may include:
Multiple tubs, pitchers for pouring water, baskets, ropes (to dry laundry from) and anything useful in a simple camp.
Activities:
Washing laundry, making deals with the soldiers, arranging with officers to be allowed to deliver laundry, fight with soldiers and officers for pay, taking payment from the paymaster before soldiers receive pay. Lots of educational activies about what materials were used and why a woman would be a laundress.

 Spy
Male or female - most any description, clever
A significant amount of spying went on between the Union and Confederate armies. Both men and women served with very interesting roles.
It is believed that men enlisted in the opposing armies as spies (one may have been on the C.S. Hunley), disguised themselves as locals, slaves and laborers. The Pinkerton Detectives were also active during the war.

Women spies had many more options available to them. Suspected women could not be searched by men and were often ingenious about secreting information in their clothes and even hair. Sarah Emma Edmonds, who disguised herself as a man to fight, recounted spying as a man, a woman, free and slave on several occasions.

While this may be the most diverse persona one can have, it is also possibly the most challenging. To portray a spy, you must really keep your personas seperate and secret. It involves a lot of cooperation between commanders and the spy. This is a challenging, but potentially rewarding persona, with options of gear and activities only limited by your imagination and the cooperation of commanders of both sides.

 U.S. Sanitary Commission Delegate
Male or Female adults
The U.S. Sanitary Commission, originally created in New York as the the Women's Central Association of Relief, was formed in an effort to centralize, maximize and make efficient the procurement of relief aid, the training of nurses and the distribution of these.

The Sanitary Commission was not alone in these goals, and other agencies and people struggled with differing objectives and methods. As a result, no one agencies was the most effective, but all did some good during the war.

The U.S. Sanitary Commission was led by a board of politically viable men from the Northern states. A team of capable men and women directed the activities of the organization, comprised mostly of women. In addition to training nurses, the Sanitary Commission gathered donations of socks, clothing, bandages and purchased medicines with monetary donations. Delegations from the Sanitary Commission, perhaps a group of ladies escorted by a gentlemen, would deliver these provisions to the armies and assess the quality of encampment.

While the nurses and workers of the Sanitary Commission would wear plain work dress, the delegates would wear travel and day dress. These would be better educated and weathlier women.

Equipment Needed:
Modest but reasonably impressive civilian clothing, supplies to support the soldiers with, or work clothes and effects to aid the soldiers.
Addition gear may include:
Sationary, bandages, socks, quilts, food, clothes, medicine.
Activities:
Delivering supplies, aiding the surgeon and hospital. Inspecting camps. Arguing for better conditions for the soldiers.

U.S. Christian Commission Delegate
Male or Female adults
The U.S. Christian Commission was formed by the New York Young Men's Christian Associations (YMCAs) in order to see to the spiritual and physical needs of the military. The Christian Commission was lead by a board of representatives from the YCWA boards, and teams of men and women carried out the missions of the organization.

The goals of the Christian Commission included ensuring every regiment has a Christian workforce associated with them, that the Chaplains of the military had adequate support and supplies, bibles supplied, and to see that the needs of the men.

The Christian Commission often conflicted with the secular organizations trying to fulfill the needs of the soldiers. It is generally agreed that the ministerings of the Christian Committee were well received by the army, but there are personal accounts from soldiers who tired of or resisted the ministerings.

The representatives of the Christian Commission were Christians of every class, but usually the more economically mobile people would visit the military. The representatives would be of modest dress.

Equipment Needed:
Modest but reasonably impressive civilian clothing, supplies to support the soldiers with, or work clothes and effects to aid the soldiers.
Addition gear may include:
Sationary, bandages, socks, quilts, food, clothes, medicine.
Activities:
Delivering supplies, aiding the Chaplain, surgeon, hospital. Inspecting camps. Arguing for better conditions for the soldiers.

State Relief Associations
Male or Female adults
In addition to the U.S. Sanitary Commission and the U.S. Christian Commission, the individual states, counties and cities arranged their own relief efforts. Communities sought to take care of their own soldiers, a feeling that was strengthen by the fact that most companies were raised from a single community. Each group of people seemed to have a different idea of what would best support the men who went to war.

The state associations were seen as a drain to the other organizations, and their sometimes less trained nurses and representatives were considered a danger and an aggravation. There are several accounts of wealthy citizens, women in large hoop skirts, attending the hospitals to support the wounded with the result of snagging their hoops on a wounded man or pulling the scabs from a wound, causing the patient to die of blood loss.

Though many of the state agencies were formed by wealthy individuals trying to do their own thing, there are several successful reports of states formed and staffing stable hospitals and performing effective relief. These were staffed by a variety of people with a variety of varied description.
Equipment Needed:
Modest but reasonably impressive civilian clothing, supplies to support the soldiers with, or work clothes and effects to aid the soldiers.
Addition gear may include:
Sationary, bandages, socks, quilts, food, clothes, medicine.
Activities:
Delivering supplies, aiding the Chaplain, surgeon, hospital. Inspecting camps. Arguing for better conditions for the soldiers.

Civilian Contractors
Males over eighteen, outspoken salesmen
In the age before telephones and fax machines, the majority of major sales by large companies were obtained through a qualified representative and talented salesman seeking out their buyers and making the sale. These include a large number of firearms representative who sought out newly formed regiments to sell the best weapon for the troops.

Although many troops were issued the standard of Enfield or Springfield rifles, there are several accounts of representatives from companies such as Colt Firearms and Sharps Manufacturing bringing examples of the rifles to Col. Hiram Berdan in order to sway the weapon choice.

These contractors, with representatives of all sorts of other companies (clothiers, perhaps even Tiffany's) visited the camps of the officers at the School of Instuction outside Washington. They probably didn't follow the army into battle, but did pursue their sale as long as they dared.

Equipment Needed:
Modest but reasonably impressive civilian clothing, a saleman's attitude, product and knowledge of the product.
Addition gear may include:
Note pads, pictures, schematics, product discriptions and accessories for the product. Should have an understanding with the commanders that related activities will take place.
Activities:
Display of product and obtaining of contracted orders. Haggling with officers. Arguing to be allowed to display the product to the men. Arguing over fees.

 Peddler
Male or Female, any age or description
A person without another occupation may have made a living of selling small items as a peddler. Whether a small basket of apples, bread, dolls and thread, or a large cart of goods, the young and old alike would find their away amoung civilian encampments and, when not expelled by the officers, into the military camps.

This is possibly the least expensive reenacting persona, as the only requirements are clothing (not to clean, and nothing fancy), an attitude about having fun and something to sell. This persona is seldom used and has great potential.
Equipment Needed:
Worn trousers, shirt and bracers for a man, worn workdress or skirt and rough knitted sweater for a woman, and something to sell for a few pennies.
Additional gear may include:
Shoes, if you don't want to go barefoot.
Activities:
Selling small items to other reenactors. Once it is understood that you are selling small items at period prices, items can be expanded and scenarios developed with the reenactors of the Sharpshooters and other units.


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How to Decide Who You Are (and what you need to be that)

The best way to begin to chose your persona is to think about who you are in your real life and translate that to the civil war. Sometimes this is easy, sometimes extremely difficult, but it always a good place to start.

Think of the events of the civil war. Think of the government forcing states to change their laws. Think of the slaves in the South. Think of the choice to go to war and thousands of men leaving your state to fight a war, possibly against their own relatives. How does this make you feel? What would do, if you could do anything? Would you want to fight? Perhaps you should be a soldier. Are you concerned for the wounded and dying? Maybe you should work in the hospital or a relief association.

Also keep in mind the restrictions that your modern life places on your reenacting. If you don't have a lot of time or money, a simple impression is better. A soldier is easier than a surgeon, but a nurse is less expensive than either. Perhaps you have small children. The a civilian impression that allows for your children, such as a laundress or refugee, is more desireable.

Next, do research. This is a part of reenacting that should never end. Read. Talk to other reenactors. Do internet searches for topics you are interested in. Research your own family, and find out what your ancestors were doing during the civil war.

Then make these things part of your persona. Your knowledge and dedication will make your character come to life. You step into your civil war gear and become the person you have created. A really good reenactor can make this character complete and self-sufficient.


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Before Your First Event

Before your first event as a reenactor, you should have contacted the Captain, completed your paperwork and met with some of the other reenactors. You don't need to have all your gear before your first event, but be sure to let the others know what you need to borrow before the event (and make sure there is equipment available for you). Be courteous about borrowing gear, as everything is privately owned.

It is important to study the safety rules, to plan your route and trip, to plan your meals and camping. Your fellow reenactors can help you with this. Communication with the other reenactors is very important in reenacting.

There may be reenactors offering hot meals at events for modest fees. These are usually requested and paid for ahead of time. You are asked to bring your own civil war era dishes, if possible, due to meals usually being served in sight of the public. A pie tin and fork found at thrift stores is usually a good starter set.

Modern camping is always available at events. You will need to let the Captain, civilian coordinator or event coordinator know that you will need a spot. At some events there is a small fee, or limited space, so reserving your spot is important.

The Sharpshooters day starts at 5:30am. Everyone is required to be in camp by 6:30am, due to advanced company drill, followed by Brigade Parade and Drill. Plan to eat breakfast before this. While reenactors are not required to stay in camp all day, we usually have a lot of activities in which participation is encouraged. Additionally, we usually have a crowd of public in our camp. Talking to the public is an important part of reenacting. Everyone should learn the story of the Sharpshooters well enough to explain this to the public. We seldom have time for a cooked lunch, unless you are lucky enough to have a civilian cooking for you, but expect to have a crowd watching you do that, too!

While civilians have a lot more lee-way with their daily schedule, remember that the public will be in your camp by (or before) 9:00am. Be presentable and as period correct as possible. Remember, you are in the 1860s by 8:30am. Don't talk about carborators, plasma cannons or Game Boys (this has actually happened in other units!).

Women should be escorted when in military camp. This is a rule that will be enforced by brigade. This is also period correct, because women were not allowed to travel unaccompanied. After all the civil war mentality is that you are in the personal quarters of a large group of men and you do not want to appear unseemly or to risk you personal safety. Another woman or a properly dressed man is satisfactory.

One last note of courtesy that is often over-looked is how to enter a camp. You should never enter a camp without permission (this allows the men to make themselves decent for a woman to enter, and is required of soldiers entering another unit's camp). You should never walk in front of the command tents, or take short cuts down other company streets or inbetween tents.


Not ready to enlist? Still have questions? Try looking here or Contact Us.

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