79th New York Volunteer Infantry - Uniform

Uniform

When the organization had their first drill on October 25, 1858 the men were in civilian clothing as uniforms were not yet available. As per the guide lines set by the New York Militia, the Highland Guard would uniform their soldiers in Tartan Trousers not kilts. The inspector was informed by Col. McLeay's that:

"Their stuff for trousers was expected to arrive from Scotland daily, when they would immediately put their uniforms under contract for manufacture". Report of Inspection, 4th Brigade, NYSM, 25 October, in Annual report of the AG,NYS, (1858) The Issued uniform as per the New York State Militia agreement consisted of these uniform items:

Jacket

The pre-war jacket worn was dark blue with red cuffs and collar which were trimmed with white piping. The jacket itself was trimmed with red wool cording on the edges and around the circumference of the cuffs. It had 18 NY-30 (New York State) buttons in all with 9 2.20 cm (7/8 in) buttons down the front and two on the rear and 3 1.50 cm (5/8 in) buttons on each cuff, 1 1.50 cm (5/8 in) button on the left hip for the belt loop. The jacket was lining in tan Polished cotton with quilting in the front panels that extended over and onto the back of the shoulders, fallowing the breast panels. The Inverness flaps were lined with red wool or polished cotton. (Two different materials used on both of the two known pre-war jackets still known to exist.)

Trews

Cameron of Erracht Trousers in the large military sett with a tartan repeat of 9". The tartan was matched and had a Victorian trousers cut to them consistent with common trousers of the late 1850s

Glengarry

The glengarry was knit and felted as one cover. Dicing and body as one piece. It was dark blue with dicing that was Red, Blue, white, in two rows high that was off set by one square to the right. The glengarry was lined in black polished cotton and while some of the originals that still exist today have quilting and other lining decorations, all 5 have different lining treatments.

"Leathers"

The belts used were common m1839 "Baby" US" belts that were 1.5" Also used were Springfield Bayonets and Scabbards with the various models of .69 Weapons, Shield Pattern Cap Pouches, and the m1857 Cartridge Box.

Parade Uniform

When on parade the 79th wore the kilt, going against the wishes of the New York Militia.

This uniform used the same jacket and Glengarry but instead of trousers made of tartan, they had New York tailors make non-regulation kilts.

Kilts

The kilts were made of the same Cameron of Erracht. They were not pleated to the line as is common in military regiments, but to the sett as seen in civilian kilts. The kilts were very odd and unlike any kilt before or since thanks to their unqualified manufactures. They were box pleated, and used two tartan straps that buckled into suspender buckles on either hip. Because of their lack in size variation, suspenders were worn with them.

Original Kilt information: http://emuseum.nyhistory.org

Sporran

The Sporran was made of nappy white horse hair with three black tassels with a black leather cantle.

Original glengarry information: http://emuseum.nyhistory.org

Hose & Flashes

Common Victorian Red/White diced hose with common Victorian flashes

Shoes

Low cut false buckle shoes