BYLAWS OF THE 77th PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY REGIMENT, INCORPORATED

Adopted: October, 2004

Last Amended: June, 2006

2. Mission Statement

3. IRC 501(c)(3) Purposes

4. Limitation of Activities

5. Prohibition Against Private Inurement

6. Distribution of Assets

7. Private Foundation Requirements and Restrictions

8. Administrative Board

A President

B Vice-President

C Secretary

D Treasurer

9. Qualifications of Administrative Officers

10. Compensation, Indemnification and Nonliability

A Compensation

B Nonliability

C Indemnification

11. Conflict of Interest and Audit Committee

A Conflict of Interest

B Audit Committee

12. Meetings

A Regular Meetings

B Special Meetings

C Notice of Meetings

D Conference Calls

13. Quorum for Meetings

14. Members at Meetings

15. Regular Election

16. Recall Elections

17. Vacancy Elections

18. Amendment Procedures

19. Membership

20. Dues

21. Minors as Members

22. Membership Cards

23. Loss of Membership Priviledges

24. Portrayal

25. Visiting Reenactors

26. Frontier Brigade

27. Venture Crew

28. Safety Responsibility

29. Discipline

A Cause for Discipline

B General Enforcement of Rules

30. Modern Articles

31. Long Arm Authenticity

32. Camp Authenticity

33. Gender Authenticity

34. Army Staff

A The Captain

B The First Lieutenant

C The First Sergeant

D NCO Duties

E Self Promotion

35. Appointed Positions

A Minimum Cadre

B Relief for Cause

36. Cadet Corps

Appendicies:

A--Safety

B--Uniform and Equipment

1. Name

The name of this corporation shall henceforth be known as the 77th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Inc. ("the Corporation")

2. Mission Statement

3. IRC Section 501(c)(3) Purposes

The Corporation is organized and shall be operated as a non-stock, nonprofit corporation exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as specified in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

4. Limitations on Activities

No substantial part of the activities of this Corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code), and this Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political

campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Bylaws, this Corporation shall not carry on any activities not permitted

to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue

Code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

5. Prohibition Against Private Inurement

No part of the net earnings of this Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its Administrative

Officers, military or civilian leaders or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and

empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in

furtherance of the purposes of this Corporation.

6. Distribution of Assets

Upon the dissolution of this Corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and

liabilities of this Corporation shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of

Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local

government, for a public purpose. Such distribution shall be made in accordance with all applicable provisions of

the laws of the state of Oklahoma.

7. Private Foundation Requirements and Restrictions

In any taxable year in which this Corporation is considered to be a private foundation as described in Section 508(e)

of the Internal Revenue Code, the Corporation: 1) shall distribute its income for said period at such time and manner

as not to subject it to tax under Section 4942 if the Internal Revenue Code; 2) shall not engage in any act of

self-dealing as defined in Section 4941(d) of the Internal Revenue Code; 3) shall not retain any excess business

holdings as defined in Section 4943(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; 4) shall not make any investments in such

manner as to subject the Corporation to tax under Section 4944 of the Internal Revenue Code; and 5) shall not make

any taxable expenditures as defined in Section 4945(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.

8. Administrative Board

The Corporation, is required to have four executive administrative board officers consisting of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, elected biannually. The Captain will be a Member Ex-Officio of the administrative board with voting priviledges but cannot hold any other board office. The four authorized Board Officers and the Member Ex-Officio, known collectively as the Administrative Board, governs the business affairs of the Corporation. The business affairs consist of:

Any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the Articles of Organization or by these

Bylaws

Non-military administrative business

Responsible for dues and money expenditures

Fund Raising

Records keeping

Non-military functions and events

A. President--The President is responsible for the following functions:

Presides over all administrative board functions

Negotiates details of possible business in concert with the event planner and Vice-President

Finalizes contracts of business authorized by the Board

Presides over meetings of the Administrative Board

B Vice-President--The Vice-President is responsible for the following functions:

Assists the President in presiding over all Administrative Board functions

Assumes the duties of the President in temporary absence

Chairs committees as specified under Committee Rules

C Secretary--The Secretary is responsible for the following functions:

Keeps the official records of the organization, documentation and other records as called for

Takes minutes of meetings attended. Formats the minutes and distributes them to all Board members, the newsletter and other requesting parties

Formats and mails correspondence delegated by the Administrative Board

Updates Rules when delegated and notifies members

Maintains files on all correspondence

Maintains files on all Corporation members, to include membership form and liability release

D Treasurer--The Treasurer is responsible for the following functions:

Maintains a complete set of books showing income and expenses

Prepares yearly budget for approval

Receive all moneys due the Corporation, including payment of dues, and deposit the same in the Corporation accounts

Disperses moneys for expenses accrued, under the directions of the President and/or the Administrative Board

9. Qualifications for Administrative Officers

A Administrative Officers shall be of the age of majority in the state of Oklahoma.

B Administrative Officers shall be a member of the Corporation.

10. Compensation, Indemnification and Nonliability

A Administrative Officers and military leaders shall serve without compensation except that they shall be allowed reasonable advancement or reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

B No Administrative Officer or military leader shall be personally liable for the debts, liabilities or other obligations of

the Corporation.

C The Administrative Officers and military leaders shall be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent

permissible under applicable law.

11. Conflict of Interest and Audit Committee

A To deter actual or perceived conflicts of interest within the organization, no member of the 77th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Incorporated, nor its officers, directors or committee members, shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her participation with the 77thPVI. Each individual shall disclose to the Administrative Board any personal interest which he or she may have in any matter pending before the Board and shall refrain from participation in any decision on such matter.

Conflict of interest is defined as the actual or perceived bias of the member in a decision that would result in personal or fiduciary gain for that member or members of his family.

B The Administrative Board shall appoint an Audit Committee to annually review the books and records of the Corporation and report thereon to the members. The Treasurer shall make his books and records of account available to any Member upon request with a 10-day notice given.

12. Meetings

A Regular meetings shall be held, with and without notice, at such times and places as the Administrative Board shall

by resolution fix.

B Special meetings of the Administrative Board may be called by any member of the Board.

C No notice need be given of any regular meeting of the Administrative Board. At least one week prior notice of a Special Meeting shall be given by the Secretary or Officer calling the meeting. Notice may be given orally or in writing in person, by first class mail, electronic mail or by telephone and shall include the time, date, place and

matters proposed to be acted upon at the meeting.

D Members of the Administrative Board or any committee designated thereby may participate in the meeting of such

Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which

all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time and participation by such means

shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

13. Quorum for Meetings

A quorum for Administrative Board meetings shall consist of a majority of the members of the Administrative Board

14. Members at Meetings

Any member of the Corporation can attend any regular or special Administrative Board meeting as an observer.

15. Regular Elections

1) In the month of October, the Secretary will specify a date no earlier than November 15 for the closing of nominations or statements of candidacy.

2) No later than December 15, the Secretary, or his agent, mails ballots to qualified voters. Ballots will include a stamped return envelope and a blank envelope.

3) Qualified voters are all dues paying members in good standing sixteen (16) years of age or over.

4) Ballots are counted at the annual meeting on the second Saturday of January, or on such other date as may be set by the captain. Any ballot not in a sealed unmarked envelope will be void.

5) The winner of each position shall be the party who receives the greatest number of votes cast for the respective position and need not constitute a majority in the event that more than two parties are standing for a single position. Election results shall be announced immediately after tabulation.

6) Administrative Board positions--President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer--are elected for two-year terms of office.

7) The Captain is elected to a five-year term of office. The current term will expire on January 31st, 2006.

8) Corporals are elected at a rate of one per six privates who are members in good standing. The term of office will be one year, from February 1st to January 31st.

9) For all positions, nominations are opened for one month, and a list of candidates and statements published in the Newsletter.

16. Recall Elections

1) Any elected official of the Corporation is subject to a recall election upon filing with any member of the Administrative Board a recall petition signed by at least one third (1/3) of the voting members

2) To take effect, the recall must receive an affirmative vote from a two thirds (2/3) majority of all voting members.

17. Vacancy Elections

1) Any elected Corporate position made vacant by death, resignation or recall is filled by re-election.

2) The vacancy is filled by majority vote by the Corporation at the next regularly scheduled meeting or event.

18. Amendment Procedures

These Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of members in good standing. A member in good standing is defined as a member whose dues are current and who is not under disciplinary action.

19. Membership

Membership in the corporation shall not be denied because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, physical disability or political affiliation. To become a member of the organization, a party must fully fill out a Unit membership application, including a liability release, and be accepted into a unit of the organization and pay such dues as are required by the organization. Fur purposes of memberships, family members include only parents (either natural or through adoption), legal guardians or stepparents, and their minor children. Once a member of the family reaches the age of 18 years*, they must have a separate membership to participate.

20. Dues

Dues are paid by all members of the corporation annually in order to be a member in good standing of the corporation. Dues are paid yearly, expiring with the calendar year. Dues are set by the same procedures used to amend the Bylaws.

1) Dues are $20.00 per annum.

2) A lifetime membership is available for a one-time payment of $200.00

3) Dues are payable after January 1st. The deadline is the last day of February.

4) If a new member joins after June 30, dues are $10.00 for that year. If a new member joins after October 31, dues

are $20.00 for the rest of that year and will be inclusive of the dues for the next year.

21. Minors as Members

2) To participate as a combatant, a minor must be at least 16 years old; Minors aged 12 or more may participate as functioning musician in a military unit upon:

a) Acquiring written permission from a parent or the Unit Commander.

b) Passing the appropriate safety test. Permission may be revoked by any one (parent, Unit Commander, Army Commander) and at that time the minor may no longer participate as a combatant member of, or a functioning musician in, a military unit.

(1) A parent or guardian is responsible for the supervision of the minor(s) under his or her care at all times during a Unit event. Parents or guardians who do not supervise their minors are subject to disciplinary action.

22. Membership cards

Membership cards will be issued to all dues-paying members and minor members bearing important personal and medical information.

23. Loss of membership privileges

Failure to pay dues before March 1st, will result in the loss of all rank, privileges, and standing within the 77th PVI. Members must reapply and paid full dues before being reinstated.

24. Portrayal

We portray the first Company E which was recruited from Allegheny and Mercer counties, and mustered into federal army, serving from August 1861, until March 1865, at which time the men were consolidated into companies A and D. The Unit fought in the Western Theater from Shiloh to Atlanta to Nashville. These guidelines will be followed:

1) Individual clothing, uniforms, equipment, weapons, insignia, and personal items will be specific to the Army of the Cumberland in general and the 77th in particular. (See also Appendix B and US Army Regulations, 1861)

2) The regimental colors shall consist of the second issue state colors of the 77th, and a standard blue regimental color. Guidons, flank markers, and camp markers may be used at the discretion of the Commander in coordination with event sponsors. No colors other than regimental colors will be carried into battle without historical documentation.

3) Camp furniture and layout shall be appropriate for the scenario, i.e. early or late war; campaign or encampment.

4) Casey’s Infantry Tactics will be standard unless otherwise specified.

25. Visiting Reenactors

A member in good standing of a Civil War reenactment organization may participate in a single Unit event upon signing a liability release form and permission from the Unit commander.

26. Frontier Brigade

The Unit will maintain membership in the Frontier Brigade by attending at least one brigade event per calendar year.

a. The captain will represent the Unit to the brigade.

b. When brigade and Unit safety guidelines differ, the stricter of the two will be enforced (with the exception of the maximum charge for a .69 cal. weapon.)

27. Venture Crew

The Unit will strive to sponsor a Boy Scouts of America Venture Crew.

28. Safety Responsibility

All Unit members and guest participants must be acquainted with safety procedures before participating in any Unit event. Members must pass the safety test.

29. Discipline

A Cause for Disciplinary Procedures - Undesirable conduct may, together with specification of charges, form the basis for disciplinary actions, and includes:

1) Violation of Unit Rules:

a) Undesirable conduct in the presence of women and children:

b) Starting a fight:

c) Not showing up at designated times during an event:

d) Being under influence of illegal or dangerous drugs;

e) Physical abuse of another person;

f) Excessive intoxication;

g) Abusively profane language;

h) Insubordination;

i) Neglect of duties;

j) Conduct which seriously impairs the ability of others to perform or carry out the stated purposes of the Unit;

2) Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor in a court of law that impairs the ability of the Unit to carry out its stated purposes;

3) Violation of State or Federal law.

B General Enforcement of Rules

1) Violations of Rules by members are dealt with by bringing the matter to the attention of the following, who will work to resolve the issue:

a) The Individual;

b) To the Commander.

2) If there is still no resolution, then Disciplinary Proceedings may be invoked.

c. Disciplinary Proceedings - The Captain will determine if, how and when disciplinary actions are to be carried out. The First Sergeant will execute disciplinary actions unless otherwise ordered by the Captain.

d. Imposed Discipline - Discipline of a member may include private reprimand, public reprimand, reduction in grade, suspension from Unit activities, expulsion or disenfranchisement of any specific right, privilege, and rank or unit status.

e. Appeal Proceedings - All appeals will be referred to a hearing presided over by the First Lieutenant and paneled by all other cadre members excluding the Captain within 30 days of said disciplinary action.

30. Modern Articles

Non-period articles are not permitted to be visible in the camps during public hours. After public hours, non-period articles affecting neighboring camps, such as overly bright lights, loud radios, etc. are not allowed during the event.

31. Long Arm Authenticity

Infantry privates carry full length (3-band) muzzle-loading long arms. No other arms and use of anything other than 3-band muzzle-loading long arms allowed without permission of the commander.

32. Camp Authenticity

Wall tents not permitted in the army camp, except for Army officers, unless approved by the Unit and the Army Commander.

33. Gender Authenticity

Female members portraying men in Army ranks are permitted if and only if they are not recognized as women from a distance of 20 feet.

34. Army Staff

All cadre perform duties according to 1861 Army Regulations and as follows:

A The Captain performs the following functions:

1) Military Commander of the Unit including instruction of his command.

2) Plans and implements all Unit activities, including:

a) Arranges orderly camp layout and communication;

b) Enforces Unit Rules, personally or through Staff;

c) Assures that safety and security announcements are fully disseminated throughout the Unit;

d) Communicates with other army commander and the Civilian Corps Mayor as required to coordinate scenarios and maintain good relations;

e) Makes a final decision on matters pertaining to the conduct of the army camps in regards to behavior of all troops, including guests, disposition of camp structure and conduct of all personnel. This includes Civilian Corps members requesting permission to camp with the army; all Civilians do so only with the express permission of the army commanders.

3) Serves as spokesman for the Unit at events.

4) Assigns a specific staff member the responsibility for Provost (e.g., Provost Marshal, Sergeant/Corporal of the Guard, or Officer of the Day.)

5) Grants brevet (acting) rank to fill vacancies in the field.

B The First Lieutenant performs the following functions:

1) Acts as Chief of Staff;

2) Holds field command duties and responsibilities as assigned by the captain;

3) Functions as the captain in latter’s absence.

C The First Sergeant works directly for the commander and performs the following functions:

1) Sees that the orders of the day are carried out;

2) Sees that staff non-commissioned officers carry out their duties;

3) Sees that all non-commissioned officers are trained;

4) Acts as Chief Drill Instructor;

5) Performs other duties assigned by the captain.

D Sergeants and corporals perform duties according to regulations and as assigned by the 1st Sgt.

E No Unit members will promote himself or wear unauthorized rank during any sponsored or recognized Unit event in the presence of the public at any time.

35. Appointed Positions

The Captain may make the following appointments, with the advice of the cadre: Army Chaplain, Cadet Corps Commander, Principal Musician, Lieutenants and Sergeants.

A At a minimum the cadre will consist of one each captain, sergeant and corporal.

B The captain retains the right to relieve for cause any person holding an appointed or elected position. A vacancy election will be held in accordance with Section C--Vacancy Elections, to fill elected vacancies so created.

36. Cadet Corps

To participate in the Cadet Corps, minors must be age 12 or older; younger minors may participate with the permission of the Cadet Corps Commandant. Minors below age 12 who seem to display a sufficiently competent disposition to the satisfaction of the Cadet Corps Commandant may belong to the Cadet Militia. It functions primarily as a non-partisan unit made up of eligible minors. The Cadet Corps Guidelines & Regulations are the responsibility of the Cadet Corps Commandant.

Appendix A - Safety

1 Safety Test - The First Sergeant is responsible for administering the Safety Test.

A* Tests cover specific safety areas, and include:

1) General safety;

2) Weapons safety, specific to weapons type, for those members using weapons.

B Tests have written questions and an answer key, but may be given orally, and ask for demonstrations of safety knowledge. Unit Commanders sign passed tests; a passing grade is 100 percent.

C Members need to take the appropriate test before participating on the battlefield, and to take whatever tests are appropriate for whatever battlefield function is performed. For example, an infantryman needs to pass the test appropriate to artillery before participating as a member of an artillery gun crew. Corps members need to pass the appropriate test during their first event of participation.

D The Secretary keeps signed copies of the tests, and records the month and year passed for the members' tests for the database. The test is retaken only if:

1) Requested by the captain, for cause;

2) Membership is not renewed, or the member does not attend any events, for a year or more;

3) The member is found in violation of a Safety Rule.

2 Safety Zones

A A Safety Zone of 3 yards is required between:

1) Anyone riding or driving horses or mules, and the public;

2) Campfires or cooking fires, and tents (this does not apply to fires built under tent flies during the rain; soaked canvas does not burn;)

3) Ground charges and anyone who is not a ground charge technician, unless authorized.

B A Safety Zone of 10 yards is required between:

1) Anyone carrying unsecured weapons, and the public;

2) Anyone carrying loaded weapons, and artillery ammunition boxes, limbers or caissons;

3) Artillery powder magazines, and anyone not an authorized member of the artillery;

4) A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing to the side of the muzzle (except the gun's crew;)

5) Anyone firing weapons, and the persons at which the weapons are aimed (if persons are within 10 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air.)

C A Safety Zone of 20 yards is required between:

1) Anyone firing weapons, and mounted persons at which the weapons are aimed (if mounted persons are within 20 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air);

2) Anyone firing weapons, and equine picket lines;

3) A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing in front of the muzzle;

4) Artillery emplacements (guns and ammunition boxes), and the public.

3 Battlefield and Camp Safety:

A The public is not allowed:

1) On the battlefield, during battle scenarios, until after the field has been cleared;

2) On the battlefield, between battle scenarios, if live ground charges are present, or demonstrations are being held;

3) In military camps, during battle scenarios;

4)* In any member's tent, unless by express invitation of the owner.

B The public is allowed on the field immediately following battle scenarios only if they are part of approved tours of the field guided by Unit members.

C Members are not allowed in the military camps during battle scenarios unless they are wearing period clothing.

4 The call "Medic!" is for use in actual emergencies only. For living history, call "surgeon," "stretcher bearer," or other period terms.

5 Carelessly hazardous conduct (e.g., "horseplay") is not allowed on the field.

6 Alcohol may not be consumed during public hours, nor until weapons are secured.

7 Hand-to-hand battle scenarios require the permission of the Army Commanders, and practice in the techniques by the participants.

8 Members may not smoke or have open flames:

1) While handling black powder in any form;

2) Within the artillery powder magazine Safety Zone;

3) In formation (except on the field at "Rest," with weapons stacked or secured;)

4) When carrying a loaded weapon;

5) On the field, during battle scenarios (except on the field at "Rest," with weapons stacked or secured;)

6) After battles until all weapons and cartridges have been secured.

9 General Weapons Safety:

A Members may not fire weapons:

1) If portraying a wounded man, on the ground;

2) From a hospital tent or fly;

3) In camp or in Town, without permission of the commander;

4) From the ground in prone position, without permission of the officer commanding (permission is withheld for fire danger, or if loose gravel may be kicked up by muzzle blast).

B Weapons are not loaded with any projectiles at Unit events. The sole exception is during a "live fire" event on a properly constructed and supervised range.

C Unit commanders are responsible for ensuring that weapons are not loaded with projectiles, and that weapons are in safe and serviceable condition. The Acting Ordnance Sergeant has the authority to see that this is done. Weapons of any type found unsafe are not allowed on the battlefield.

D Long arms, artillery and ground charges are cleared by firing at the end of battle scenarios, and are not reloaded except on orders.

E Owners of weapons, black powder and other such supplies (e.g., percussion caps or friction primers) are responsible for ensuring that these remain under control away from unauthorized persons. Weapons and black powder must be secured or guarded when not under direct control.

F Long arms are reloaded on the battlefield only with prepared cartridges. Pistols are reloaded on the battlefield only with prepared cartridges or spare cylinders. Powder flasks are not allowed on the battlefield.

G Members will not touch any weapons other than their own, unless picking up a weapon reasonably thought to be lost, in order to turn over the weapon to the Army Staff, or as required for "Stack Arms," "Inspection Arms," etc. Military courtesy allows a superior to require a subordinate to present his weapon at any time.

H Members of the public cannot fire weapons at any Unit event.

I Members of the public cannot handle pistols or bladed weapons.

10 Long Arm Safety:

A All long arms are loaded with no more than 70 grains for .58 cal, or 90 grs. For .69 cal. of FFg or FFFg grade black powder.

B Rifle-musket and musket cartridges conform to Civil War specifications, with paper, and tied with string if desired, but no staples, tape, or glue or other methods of securing the cartridge are used.

C Carbine and other shoulder arm cartridges conform to Civil War specifications. Hard-cased ammunition is sealed only with compressed Cream of Wheat, or with "crumbling" Styrofoam and "shooting grease," but not both.

D Ramrods allowed on the battlefield when securely attached to the long arm, and are not used in loading unless on orders, in controlled firing demonstrations. Paper cartridge wrappers will not be rammed without orders.

11 Pistol and Revolver Safety:

A Only commissioned officers may carry pistols or revolvers.

B Pistols and revolvers are loaded with no more than 35 grains FFFg or FFFFg grade black powder, except single-shot muzzle-loading pistols, which are loaded with no more than 40 grains black powder.

C Revolver chambers sealed only with compressed Cream of Wheat or with "crumbling" Styrofoam, but not both, and "shooting grease."

D Percussion caps not applied to revolver cylinders until the chambers are loaded.

E All pistols will be carried in a holster when loaded to avoid accidental discharge. Pistols will not be carried in waistbands, belts or boots, whether loaded or not. Pistols are considered secured if they carried in a holster with the flap closed or a loop over the hammer. Pistols will be carried with the hammer resting on an EMPTY chamber.

F Pistols are loaded on orders of the commander, and on these orders, pistols may be loaded prior to battle scenarios. Orders may also be given to reload automatically during battle scenarios.

12 Bladed Weapons Safety:

A Steel bayonets fixed only for parade, guard duty, arms inspection, stacking arms, drill, digging in, or other scenarios, at the direction of the officers.

B Only officers or senior NCOs carry swords.

C Knives will not be carried on the belt nor drawn on the field.

13 Soldiers shall be instructed to specifically pay attention to:

A) Foot placement and barrel placement.

B) Invert hand between barrel and face when loading cartridge.

C) Hold onto third band instead of placing arm over barrel. "Third band saves hands."

D) Replace spent cap last. Do not remove spent cap until reloaded.

E) When taking casualties, rear rank to stay in file until they move to front rank or otherwise ordered.

F) No ramming paper unless otherwise ordered.

Appendix B - Uniforms and Equipment

1. The following is the basic equipment list for new recruits. Optional equipment is in additional to required equipment. Any deviation from these standards requires command approval.

2. HATS

a. Required: Model 1858 forge cap or Kepi with bugle and company letter E.

b. Optional: Black or dark brown period slouch hat.

3. COATS

a. Required: Four-button dark blue sack coat lined or unlined.

b. Optional: Enlisted frockcoat.

4. TROUSERS - Sky-blue kersey wool with button fly, pockets and held up by suspenders.

5. SHIRT – The standard Government Issue shirt for enlisted federal soldiers was a simple shirt made of un-dyed or gray domet flannel. Unbleached muslin is an acceptable substitute. Latitude is allowed here since Civil War soldiers often received shirts from home or purchased them. Shirts are long sleeve with sleeves generally looser than a modern shirt, with horn, bone, mother of pearl, or glass buttons and made from muslin, calico or flannel. The shirt is generally mid-thigh or knee length. Sutlers generally carry the generic blue, black or red plaid shirts.

6. ACCOUTREMENTS

a. M1855 58 cal. Cartridge Box with tins and oval US. A 69 cal. box may be used with a weapon of the same caliber.

b. Cartridge Box Strap with Eagle Breast Plate;

c. Waist Belt (Keeper recommended ;)

d. Belt plate - (both required ;)

1) First purchase: Oval US;

2) Second purchase: Pennsylvania oval;

e. Cap Box - M1850

f. Bayonet with scabbard. A US scabbard is preferable regardless of weapon type.

7. CANTEEN – M1858 smooth side with wool cover (preferably jean cloth) and leather or cotton sling. An 1861 "Bulls-eye" canteen maybe used. This is necessary. You will never take the field without a full canteen. Canteens are now available with the correct pewter spout for the same cost as a stainless one. You can get carbon or stainless steel. The latter looks no different and will not rust.

8. HAVERSACK – The black tarred, canvas haversack is preferred. It is hung over the shoulder and contains rations, housewife, tobacco etc. A white canvas haversack may be substituted.

9. BROGANS (SHOES) – Federal issue Jefferson bootes. The quality varies. Don’t skimp on shoes. In general, the more you pay the more you get. They must be comfortable. You will be doing a lot of walking in these shoes as an infantryman and you should be sure that they fit well WITH a heavy pair of wool socks. Inserts are also recommended.

10. UNDERWEAR - Authentic underwear is knee or ankle length. An alternative is NO underwear, in which case a period correct length (long) shirt acts as a complete undergarment.

11. MUSKET (BAYONET AND SCABBARD) – The standard arm will be the P1853 Enfield and the M1861 Springfield with russet sling. The M1842 Springfield Musket (smooth or rifled bore) is an acceptable substitute, and is preferred for early war events to simulate the French M1842 which was issued to the unit at the beginning of the war. Occasionally, a second hand weapon may be purchased but make sure someone knowledgeable inspects it before purchase. A defective weapon is a danger to you and your file mates. Once you have your musket you need a bayonet. They are different for each type. Make sure when you purchase your bayonet that you try it on the musket and that it seats firmly and locks into place.

12. SHELTERS - There are two acceptable forms of shelter for an infantry private (subject to event guidelines), the A-tent or the shelter half. The shelter half, a rectangle of canvas with buttons along one-side and button holes along the other, is preferred. Matched with an identical piece and mounted on uprights these will provide passable shelter for two men. There comes a decision, however, in damp weather for the taller man as to which end of his body will remain dry. The A-Tent (or Wedge Tent) was designed to sleep four soldiers during the Civil War. These tents come in six and nine foot models and with various grades of materials.

13. BLANKET - A good, thick woolen blanket is a necessity. The first choice is the U.S. issue blanket. Second is any large dark woolen blanket.

14. PONCHO or GUM BLANKET – a necessity if you want to stay dry in unpredictable weather, i.e. Oklahoma. The gum blanket was standard for infantry.

15. MESS KIT - Each soldier needs to eat. The basic kit should include a period tin cup, a metal plate and utensils. A small cast iron frying pan or pie pan could substitute for the plate.

16. KNAPSACKS – black tarred with blanket straps. A blanket roll may be substituted.

17. GREAT COAT – Sky blue single-breasted infantry style. Not required but highly recommended. The unit does many cold weather events.

18. OTHER – Candle lanterns, camp furniture, and haversack stuffers all can wait. Most new reenactors start salivating over catalogues and wind up buying stuff that they will never use. The best advice is to discuss all purchases with members of your unit; they have been there.