The Regimental Quartermaster Department - Palmetto Riflemen & New York Zouaves

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QUARTERMASTER DEPARTMENT

The duty of the Quartermaster's Department was to supply the wants of the regiment as far as clothing (uniforms), accoutrements, camp and garrison equipage, stationary, fuel, forage for animals and other matters relevant to the equipment of the regiment (not covered by the Ordnance or Commissary departments). At the Army level the department was administered by the Quartermaster General out of Washington, D.C., & Richmond, Virginia; however, at the Regimental level was administered by the Regimental Quartermaster (a First Lieutenant) and Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, and occasionally by company level Quartermaster Sergeant's (in the Federal Army these were only allowed in regiments of Cavalry and Artillery).

In the Palmetto Riflemen & New York Zouaves the duties of the Quartermaster are carried on by several, the Officers and NCO's all helping to ensure that the men are properly armed, equipment and instructed in the care of that equipment. For the first time reenactor the company has a supply of loaner uniforms, arms, and equipment to allow you to try out the hobby before beginning to invest in equipment. Once you decide that you would like to continue in the hobby this equipment will be available for a time to help you as you move forward; new recruits are expected to have the basic uniform (clothing) within the first year, their basic accoutrements within a year and a half, and their rifle within two years. To assist, we have on this website the " What to Get and Where to Get it" section to provide the new reenactor with an outline of what you will need and where you can get for the best price and quality as you start out in the hobby. If you have any questions, comments, or additions about the Company Quartermaster Department, Contact Us.

The following articles relate to the uniforms, clothing, equipment and other miscellaneous items that fell under the responsibility of the Regimental Quartermaster. These articles have been gathered from a wide variety of sources, reenactors, etc., and are shared here to help better understand and provide insights for an accurate interpretation of the uniforms, equipment, camp furniture, etc., and the care of them in the 1860's.

UNIFORMS

SHIRTS

...... The Federal Issue Shirt (Stephen Osman, 1993)

...... The Union Army "Army Standard Size and Make" Shirt (Dean E. Nelson)

...... 1860's Civilian Shirts for the Soldier (Thomas G. Shaw, 1996)

TROUSERS

...... A Checklist for Federal Issue Trousers (Michael R. Cunningham, 1994)

...... Observations on Federal Issue Trowers (Patrick Brown, 1999)

...... Brace Yourself (Thomas G. Shaw, 2001)

FOOTWEAR

...... I Put My Foot into It, Part 1 (Christen, 2002)

HATS & HEADWEAR