Uniform Guidelines
These guidelines are to be used for those interested in upgrading the authenticity of there impressions. New members of the company are encouraged to use this as a guide to selecting the most appropriate clothing for the 19th Texas Infantry.
Rifle:
The 19th was known to be issued Model 1842 .69 cal. Springfields. The flank companies were issued standard Model 1853 Enfields
Jacket:
Typical jackets in the Trans-Mississippi Department were common shells (probably similar to the Columbus Depot pattern) and frock coats. The materials used that can be substantiated were cadet-grey cloth from England and un-dyed cotton-jean, wool-jean, and onasburgs made at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville. The 19th Texas was known to be issued uniforms from the above mentioned sources and therefore should strive for authenticity as they progress within the hobby. The official jacket of the 19th Texas Infantry is a 9-button (Texas) front shell jacket with epaulettes and belt loops with no trim. This jacket is known as the Penitentiary Jacket and is available from Fred Baker, Jarnagin (Summer Weight Drill material) and the Quartermaster Shop.
Over shirts and Shirts:
The 19th Texas was initially issued over shirts in lieu of jackets while stationed at Camp Nelson in Arkansas in November 1862. Details on these over shirts can be obtained from the company authenticity officer (Lt. Williams). Army style or civilian pattern shirts are acceptable.
Trousers:
The typical trousers should be made on an authentic pattern with the same cloth described in the jacket category. Trousers were usually made from the same available cloth that the jackets were produced from. Civilian trousers are also a good choice.
Brogans:
There were brogans being made at the penitentiary as well. Any military style brogan or civilian style footwear would be appropriate. Socks should be period style cotton or wool with no elastic.
Headgear:
The most common issue to the 19th Texas was the kepi. These were made either from the cadet-grey or un-dyed cloth mentioned under jackets. Also, high quality black felt hats from Great Britain were also issued. “Hillbilly” floppy-style hats are unauthentic and discouraged.
Accoutrements:
The issue of accoutrements was not as standard as the uniform, but the following guidelines may be helpful.
Leathers: Most of the leathers that were used to make cartridge boxes, belts and cap pouches coming into Texas were high quality and black in color (probably unmarked). It is highly likely that the regiment was issued Houston Depot Marked cartridge boxes in 1864.
Haversacks: Texas was very able to keep its troops west of the Mississippi in supply with white cotton haversacks of differing patterns.
Canteens: Typical canteens in the west were plain drum canteen without covers.
Knapsacks: Knapsacks are encouraged as companies of the 19th Texas are documented as being issued these on a large scale. Knapsacks should be of an early war style as they were issued in 1862.
Proposed by David Williams on August 28, 2004., Adopted Dec. 2004.
