Often called "Johny Reb" or "grayback" by his Union adversary, the southern soldier was none-the-less a highly capable and respected enemy. The Union naval blockade, along with the shortage of factories and spotty supply impacted the Southern armies. By the middle of the war this had given them an overall irregular look. By 1864 it would have been possible to see all manner of grays and tans in the service of the South.
This soldier wears an early pattern forage cap marked with an infantry horn and company initial. His shell jacket reflects a cut down look that was popular with the North and South. On his right shoulder he wears a plain cloth haversack for his ration and a cedar canteen for water. On his left shoulder he wears a leather cartridge box nearly identical, except color to the northern issue. He wears a captured U.S. waistbelt, inverted as a sign of disrespect. He is armed with an English Enfield rifle musket. |
