Confederate infantry regiments with Red shirts

[mikeland]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Battl ... lstrup.jpg


This painting of the Battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse shows some confederate infantry in what look like red shirts or cakes. Is this historically correct, and if so what regiments wore them?

[Invisible officer]

Can't see the picture.

I have no idea about the units at Spottsylvania Courthouse that wore red shirts but they had been very fashionable on both sides. Relatively cheap and with the victorious campaigns of Garibaldi's redshirts in Italy as a teaser many ACW men wore them. Not only the Garibaldi guard or the Fire Zouaves. Individuals or complete units bought them.
Made from strong cloth.

And you don't see the blood....

[Rick]

Can't actually see the link, mikeland. As far as I'm aware, the only units that wore red shirts as a rule were the Zouaves and (sometimes) artillery.

And you don't see the blood....

No!!!!! Please not that hoary old chestnut again!!!! Blimey - that has been used every time a unit wore anything red, from Roman Legions right up to the present day! Could we please put that particular myth away for good, please?

[mikeland]

Not sure why picture won't embed, here is link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Battl ... lstrup.jpg

[Stuart]

Looking into it more, (and this is following your link on Wiki), it describes the following in Red shirts;

"Volunteer Aid Association of New Orleans to help uniform the Walker Guards, the Delta Rangers, and the Old Dominion Guards in red flannel “battle” or “Garibaldi” shirts and jean-wool trousers “of the mixed color known as pepper and salt"

Dunno if that helps or not?!

BTW it lists these under the Louisiana Tigers.

[Rick]

Red shirts were made popular by the early US fire brigades, which apparently came across from the early Dutch fire service in the 1700's. Given that most shirts were white, blue, linen or grey, the red shirts must have been seen as very dashing and heroic - much like the Zouave uniform.

[Invisible officer]

Red shirts are those to die Mr Spock.

The picture is from the 1880's so some doubt may be put on the colours.

But possible, working shirts of all colours had been prized booty of Confederates in 1864/65 (like boots and most other clothing) And suttlers stuff for a long time. For some time post ACW the US army tolerated shirts in all colours. And strong red cloth was available cheaply.
With many militia units being formed from local fire service members..... But many of them wore shirts in other colours, the red shirt is another modern myth.

[Stuart]

Red shirts are those to die Mr Spock.

might not be a good idea mikeland to do them after I.O. pointed this out!

[mikeland]

Red shirts are those to die Mr Spock.

might not be a good idea mikeland to do them after I.O. pointed this out!

good points both of you!

[grant]