IMPRESSION GUIDELINES

Missouri State Guard/Civilian Impression

This impression is the men of the Missouri State Guard. These men formed at the start of the war in early 1861 and fought many battles through the entire year of 61. Including the battles of Booneville, Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Lexington and many more during the first year of the war. These men were not formally enlisted into Confederate service until Dec. 2, 1861 with the formation of the 1st MO Brigade. From the time of establishment and through 1861 these men were not formally uniformed or equipped. Without issue of arms and uniforms these men were a mix of civilian clothing and arms, pre war arms and equipment, and captured US arms and gear. By early March of 62 these men would be worn ragged and in great need of uniforms and war department issued clothing. They had for the most part phased out their arms from the shotguns and civilian arms they brought with them from home at the time of enlistment in the MSG.

We would like to stress the condition of the Missouri State Guard before being issued the white wool. Like previously stated the Missouri State Guard completely relied on themselves to provide uniforms, firearms and equipment needed to fight a war. By the time they would have been issued these white wool uniforms most of their citizens clothing would be in rags. For your pre-issue impression the saltier the better but we're not talking about Andersonville amount of raggedness. A good amount of wear and patching, worn out shoes, dusty and ragged clothing and gear. These men have been completely self reliant since the summer of 1861 with no CS issues.

1st Missouri Brigade Impression

This impression is the men of General Sterling Price's Division - 1st Missouri Brigade. We will portray the 2nd Missouri Infantry Regiment commanded by Colonel John Q. Burbridge. These men of the Brigade and each Regiment within were enlisted into Confederate service from the ranks of the Missouri State Guard while in winter camp at Osceola, MO December of 1861. The first mass issue of uniforms from the CSA war department to these troops happened March 1-2, 1862, days prior to the Battle of Elk Horn Tavern/Pea Ridge March 7-8, 1862. These uniforms issued to Missouri troops included a jacket and trouser set of undyed jean wool cloth which was white in color, and osnaburg cotton shirts.

Perhaps the most well-known issue of these white jean wool uniforms was to the Missouri troops in Northwest Arkansas in early 1862. These were delivered to General Ben McCulloch’s army in the Boston Mountains and were allotted to General Sterling Price's Division. The clothing included part or all of two shipments of 5,000 white Kentucky jeans suits, and osnaburg shirts.

By early March of 62 these men had for the most part phased out their arms from the shotguns and civilian arms they brought with them from home as General Sterling Price was buying up all arms and accoutrements he could. Along with the capture of US arms and equipment, and the few arms issued to them by the CS Quartermaster Dept. the Brigade had armed and equipped themselves into a military force and battle tested command.

The reference example for this impression is the uniform worn by John Thomas Appler, Company H, 1st Missouri Infantry.

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