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4th Quarter issue October - December, 2018
In this Issue
Route of March
Wrap up the Campaign season with Prairie Grove - - - - - - - Page #3
Captains Call
A final few words from Captain Kevin Christensen - - - - - - - Page 2
Muddy River
Battalion Update & what’s going on - - - - - - - - - - - Page #5
Herman MO.
After Action Report for a first time event - - - - - - - - - - - Page #6
Hair & Beards in the Civil War
Taking a look at hair & how you should have it - - - - - - Page 11
Skirmish at Brownville Nebraska
After Action report & the story of the Irish in the Territory - - - Page 16
For the Campaign 2018 season, our duly elected Officers and NCOs are:
Captain - - - - - - - - - - - - Kevin Christensen – a.k.a. Kace
o 816-721-2880 [email protected]
Lieutenant - - - - - - - - - - Mike Sager – a.k.a. “Cotton Pants”
1st Sergeant - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Doug Dahman
2nd Sergeant - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Jerry Cunningham
Corporal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Josh Huff
Corporal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Paul Mallory
An Bealac Newsletter
Is the quarterly publication of the Missouri Irish
Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors? The An
Bealac welcomes all submissions, but reserves
the right to edit or omit any contributions. The
views expressed in this newsletter are not
necessarily those of the Editor, the Missouri Irish
Brigade, its leaders, or members. If you would
like to submit an article or to inquire further
about the MIB, please contact:
MO. Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors
7527 Jefferson Street Kansas City MO. 64114
Or E-Mail:
Or visit our web site at:
www.moirishbrigade.org
As a Civil War Re-enactment unit, the MIB
represents the Consolidated Battalion of the 7th
& 30th Missouri (Union) Volunteers who were
primarily of Irish heritage as they were in 1864.
The MIB is a proud member unit of the U.S.
Muddy River Battalion and 1st Federal Division.
Our founding father is James E. Crofutt who
established the organization back in 1995 & built
the foundation, so as always Faj An Bealac
(Clear the Way) & Huzzah!
An Bealac Newsletter Staff
Editor – James Crofutt
o Jason Huff
o Tom Hindsley
This issue of the newsletter covers –
Oct., November,& December 2018
Vol. 23, Issue 4
Deadline for the next issue: Jan. 15, 2019
Front Cover – The Muddy River Detachment at
the Battle of Brownville Nebraska Territory in
October 2018. (Picture by Diana Crofutt @ used
with permission)
Contents
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 2
Captain’s Call by Capt. Kevin Christensen – aka Kace
Well for years now I
have been sitting down to
write up a Captain’s Call
for the newsletter. To be
honest 95% of them or
more have been easy to knock
out. This one is and has been very hard. It is to be my last
one. WOW!
I have loved being the Captain of the Missouri Irish Brigade
for the last 8 to 10 years. ( I honestly don’t know how many.)
I have worked many many many hours before and after events
to make sure everyone had the kit they needed, meals,
sleeping space, and most importantly had a great time at the
events we went do. I have to admit that there were events that
I did not personally have a good time at because I was so
stressed out as things were all but falling apart behind the
scenes that I was worried that it would impact the experience
of the company. But the hearing the stories from the you all
about how great your experiences always were was my
reward.
In return for all I gave to the MIB I think I received back
SOOOOOO MUCH MORE!!! I have a large and loving
family that is and has been there for me when I needed it
most! Members of the MIB helped me as my marriage fell
apart, were there for me through the divorce, and starting my
life over again. You were there not only to house and feed
my family when needed but to help me find structure to live
in and turn it into a HOME!
Thank you from my entire being for all that you have been for
me through the years. I am looking forward to taking a
promotion to private. I cant wait to hump a musket and make
quiet comments from the peanut gallery in the rear ranks.
I hope that everyone will be as supportive of the next captain
as you all have always been for me. The MIB is great unit
and has a great reputation both in the region and
nationally. We are one of the few units that continues to have
strong recruiting. While our numbers at events may have
been low when compared to the 150s this doesn’t mean our
membership or our potential numbers are shrinking. Running
the number for the Prairie Grove Registration, I reached out to
all of our current member, recruits. If everyone where able to
attend, we could field a 40 + rifle company! Yes 40 +
rifles! So do not think that we are shrinking we are stronger
than ever. What our membership and numbers mean is that
we are guaranteed decent numbers at all of our events because
we are not reliant on EVERYONE showing up at every
event!
This is our true strength we have solid numbers and our
members are alway reaching to friend, family and coworkers
to draw them into and add them to our numbers! Look at the
Huff’s. Josh joined then dragged his brother Jason out. They
both dragged their dad Scott out and now Josh is lured his
pard Matt into the unit! I challenge everyone to try and match
that!
I am not sure if the news letter will be out before PG but if it
is be sure to bring your long underwear and prepare for one of
the best events this side of the Mississippi. We had to cancel
the planned work day on the 17th of November so the next
captain will be setting up a time after the first of the year to
get the company gear cleaned up and stored for the off
season. I am also looking forward to seeing everyone at the
upcoming holiday party!!
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 3
Please welcome the following new members PROVISIONAL RECRUITS
Aaron Troester of Blue Springs Missouri he will be
trying out the hobby at Prairie Grove event – Huzzah!
MUSTER INN Richard Gimbert & Ryan Gimbert - Olathe KS
Veterans No New Veterans have been reported.
John D. Stevenson Information Board
MIB TREASURY REPORT – Current amount of
Greenbacks and resources that are in the MIB
accounts:
General - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $179.02
Unit Ammo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - See Notes
Kitchen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $198.33
Notes – Unit ammo we have 12 lbs of powder, 2000 caps,
100 lose rounds & 100 tubes.
HAVE YOU ANSWERED ROLL CALL? - When was
the last time you just got on the internet & visited
the MIB (Members Only) Facebook Page?
Perhaps just get on there and say hi to the pards let
us know you are still out there!
COMPANY KITCHEN – Don’t forget that if you are going to go to an event
be sure to sign up with Lieut. Mike Sager so he can get you on the Pay-Pal list
and send out proper invoice in order to cover cost of food for that event.
PRAIRIE GROVE – This event every other year always a good one. Interesting
for the MIB we will have 4 Dahmans in the ranks talk about support from 1
family we do appreciate. Amos, Doug, Clay, & Will Dahman – Huzzah!
MIB FAST SHOT CONTEST – This year the MIB wants to try to do its fast shot
contest down at Prairie Grove if the park will allow probably be on Sunday of
the event. Be sure to be there and see who our unit’s fast shot award goes to
for 2018. – Perhaps a new Gold Minnie ball Medal to be awarded out!
An Bealac – Final issue of newsletter being a quarterly publication. What are
your thoughts? Should we continue or should we go back to bi monthly?
2018 Schedule of Events
October 13–14 (MIB MAX EFFORT)
Brownville
Nebraska Territory
Muddy River Sanctioned
(Since Lexington got rescheduled
this is the new Muddy River
Battalion event. We need to
support our battalion – Always
has been a good event)
December 1 - 2: (MIB Max Effort)
Prairie Grove Arkansas
Battle of Prairie Grove
Muddy River Max Effort
We are part of an Army once again
and we are on original ground.
Possible new Federal Infantry
Battalion in attendance which
gives us another player in the field
& so the event gets more authentic
& more fun! – Muddy River
Battalion Max Effort
New Date T.B.A. (Per MIB Board):
(MIB Sanctioned) - Liberty, MO
MIB Holiday party
(MIB Members, family, and invited
guests only) Stay tuned for an
announcement on this - there was
talk about possibly trying this after
the Holidays instead, perhaps in
January so folks don’t have to
juggle family & Work obligations!
It was an idea & waiting to hear
final decision on this from the
Captain & the Board.
Campaign 2019 – MIB
Headquarters is already working
on trying to figure out a Campaign
2019 schedule for the unit so
looking forward we hope to have a
2019 schedule figured out real
soon. Will announce on the MIB
Facebook page.
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 4
Prairie Grove - This is the last event
of the year, for those of you joining us
at Prairie Grove, safe travels! For
those unable to attend, 2019 is already
looking to be a busier year than this
was, and we do hope to see you at
events in the coming year. To all,
Happy Thanksgiving & Merry
Christmas, and enjoy your time with
family and friends.
Wornall House - The MIB had
members assisting the 1st weekend of
the John Wornall House for their
Haunted Wornall event. A big thanks
to Josh, Jason & Scott Huff, Richard
& Ryan Gimbert, Tom Hindsley, Mike
Scheller. We set up a small soldier
camp around the fire and hosted a
show and tell table at registration full
of historic artifacts. The Wornall
House was very apprecitave for our
help. The MIB also loaned the
Wornall House a few uniforms so that
their volunteers could work the 2nd
weekend.
The MIB was asked to participate in a
history festival hosted by the Johnson
County Museum at one of their
historic sites in Edgerton KS. A big
thanks for Richard and Ryan Gimbert
for setting up a Recruiting Station &
display table, talking to the guests and
getting us out into the public’s eye.
Thank You to our pards from the 13th
U.S and of the 8th Kansas who fell in
with us at Brownville.
Thank You to those who supported the
Lexington Living History event!
Your singing is what has caught my imagination. We men of the 2nd
Colorado Volunteer Infantry down here have been working on something
similar, but nothing compares to the Irish Infantry.
Pvt. Bill Bullock,
2nd Colorado
A huge thank you to everyone who came up to Brownvile yesterday! I
think it was the BEST Brownville I have ever attended. We all had a great
time. I loved the fact that it was infantry on infantry and we didn't have to deal
with any mounted or dismounted cavalry. In the past the cavalry has raced from street
to street they would cut through the crowd to get back into the fight. Crowd safety is
always hard at this event but the cavalry made it so much worse. But that rant aside it
was a great event! The MIB blocked the Rebs at every attempt they made to break out
and out flank us. I was so proud of the unit. We had to make a lot of fast adjustments
to counter the Rebs and you all rose to the occasion every time!
I received many complements from the Reb commanders on what a great job you all did. They also agreed that this was one of the best events in many years.
Lads and Lasses: This is a shout out for a MAX effort in attendance for our
last two events of the year (Brownsville and Prairie Grove? Why do you
ask? Very good question I say. These will be my last to events as Captain of
the Missouri Irish Brigade! and I want EVERYONE to be there to celebrate my
transition back to private in style. So if you are a current MIB you need to be at these
two events. If you have served and/or fallen in with the MIB at any time in the past 10
or 12 years you need to be there! - Capt. Kevin Christensen (aka Kace)
Got a new baby today (See Picture) ... and
nobody puts baby in the corner Huzzah!
Pvt. Richard Gimbert
If anyone is going to Prairie Grove on
Friday, could my son and our tent ride
down with you?
I will not be able to come down till late Saturday
because my job keeps getting in the way of fun time,
and I would like for Chaser to get the whole weekend
experience in. The tent is an “A” frame.
Also, a friend was asking if there was a
pilgrimage to the sacred site of where Split Rail Sager
got his name? Maybe I should ask when I get down
there.
Pvt. Brandon Mills
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 5
Our Next Event - December 1-2: -
Prairie Grove Arkansas - (Battalion Max
Effort) - 1862 portrayal of the battle of Prairie
Grove Arkansas, an actual recreation of the battle
on original battlefield. Saturday Portrayal of 20th
Wisconsin. On Sunday we will re-enact the
arrival of Blunts Division we will be portraying
the 11th Kansas Infantry. More information on
Battalion Facebook Page as Information becomes
available.
Muddy River Web – A new Look
The Battalion has launched its new Web Page with
a whole new look and we hope it is agreeable with most everyone. Feel free to check it out at www.usmuddyriverbattalion.org and let
us know what you think always looking for input! Also don’t forget to find us on Facebook if you haven’t already done so! If you are
not a member of the Members Only Camp for Muddy River Battalion and want to get in you just have to verify your MIB membership
which automatically makes you a member of the Muddy River Battalion. We have all sorts of cool stuff on the battalion level through
Facebook.
2
And yes even the Recruiting Poster with the American Eagle on it below is a link.
This is a really neat site that tries to present the Muddy River Battalion with the
best view & we just want to make sure folks are utilizing resources and options to
help keep our battalion in the fore front with all the latest News & Updates.
Perhaps you have visited the web site but didnt realize
these two cool links on the site. They are there to serve as
a quick link to get to the needed pages. We update as often
as needed. As for the the rest of the Web Page we are still
working out a few kinks here & there but for the most part
the Battalion web Page is up and running and has served
the Muddy River Battalion well this past year giving us a very professional look
as an organization. Our Officers work behind the scenes more than most folks
ever realize just to keep our groups going and to make things happen for you guys
a lot of time you don’t realize what our unit leaders do for us every event it’s a lot
of work and managing to do this and still also keep up with a 40 hour week job
and family & honey to do list it can become very busy. Please thank an officer
when you see them for their service to the hobby (most importantly our own MIB
Officers – (Crofutt is our founding father & deserves his Star but at the same time
we don’t want to lose him, Kace our brave Captain has done so much these past
10 years and now Lt. Sager ) But also how important the Battalion is and how the
Missouri Irish Brigade is a part of the Muddy River Battalion – The MIB is the
backbone of the Battalion – Huzzah!
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 6
Irish Mike Sager - This event was held in September 2018. We had 10
rifles. This was the first event where multiple people paid for food and did
not show. That has been a rarity since we started invoicing for the company
kitchen. But we made the best of it, AS THE ONLY FEDERAL UNIT AT
THE EVENT! There were actually 4 union cannons that showed up, they had
offered a bounty for cannons. There was a Confederate Cav unit that
regularly galvanizes as union, and they showed up, expecting to be Union, so
on Sunday's battle it was our unit of 10 men, and 12 cav.
The location is AWESOME! We camped among several period buildings.
Though, when they do the event again, they plan to do it every other year, I
want to camp on the ridge, next to the battle field, where there was some
wind. A bluff, which gave us shade in the evening, also blocked the breeze. It
was sweltering both days. Heat took its toll.
I think it is worth doing again. The battlefield is a mile long, and could
accommodate a thousand troops, if they could get them there.
Sunday morning, we had nothing on the schedule, so the troops were
dismissed, and encouraged to explore the town. I went with a few to share a
bottle of wine at one of the wineries, with an anti-pasta platter. I look forward
to doing that again.
There was water and flush toilets at all camping sites, and they provided transportation to the top of the bluff for the battles. They also
provided transportation into town for the scenarios they did there.
This used to be part of the Hermann Heritage days, but is not completely put on by a couple of brothers
that are reenactors, and own the White House Hotel/museum down town. The MCWRA called it their
event, but the hosts ignored them for the most part. There were, two confederate cannons, 14 confederate
infantry, and 5 confederate Cav for the event.
The biggest impact for me came from watching the battle start. From one end of the
bluff, I imagined a battalion marching into the field, going into column of
companies, and they battle line. It would have been much like Prairie Grove. I
want to try to support it, just to see that happen.
I highly encouraged them to try to do it every year. Not sure if they are up to
that.
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 7
We ducked in unison at the first,
loud report of the Rebel gun,
though none were surprised. The
Irish had been hastily lined up,
inspected, and marched from their
bivouac near Westport straight
down Grand Avenue to the wharf
along the Missouri River,
boarding a steamer headed up
river. Rumors of Guerilla activity
meant a sleepless night afloat as
the gallant 7th & 30th Missouri
Vols; was borne up to the
Nebraska Territory.
No doubt the guerrillas
nearby heard our steamer’s
whistle but busy frightening
civilians and taking tons of loot,
but the tardiness of their approach
to the town was their downfall.
The Irish, always economical in
our maneuvers, had already
disembarked and met up with the 1st
Nebraska, and forming a detachment
of the U.S. Muddy River Battalion,
quickly set about drawing rations and
ammunition, and inspected arms &
just as it was being completed a boom
of a cannon turned rumor to reality.
The cannon off in the distance replied
in turn, but any further artillery play
was drowned-out by the clatter of our
now-two Companies rushing up from
the landing into the streets of
Brownville. The Secesh Partisans,
used only to fighting outnumbered
home guards, found themselves
quickly pushed back by the shock of
Veteran Infantry wearing the blue coat
of Union Volunteers. Our Companies
worked in tandem, fixing the Rebels in
one place only to quickly flank them
out of it.
Before long the Rebels had
been completely thrown out of the
town and across Whiskey Run Creek,
our intrepid drummers pushing us ever
continued next page / See Brownville
There is often a misconception in civil war reenacting communities that improvement
to your impression requires shelling out hundreds of dollars on clothing and
accouterments. Many reenactors wish to improve their impression but feel blocked by
the high costs. As a full-time college student, I can emphasize.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the three most effective and inexpensive/free ways
to improve your impression regardless of unit or side. This article is inspired heavily
by Cal Kinzer’s article on the topic.
1. Wear Full Gear in Battle
There is a myth in reenacting communities that soldiers routinely dropped their packs
and bedrolls prior to battle. While there are accounts early in the war of such behavior,
soldiers quickly realized that this was often a mistake.
Soldiers would often finish a battle miles from where they left their packs. Also, being
on the defeated side of an engagement often meant recovering your packs was
impossible. Soldiers would be compelled to spend long stretches of time without
shelter, blankets, and other necessities. Of course if you’re portraying a particular
engagement where it’s recorded that unit’s did drop packs, then that would be a
situation where you would not want to carry full gear for historical accuracy.
Carrying a haversack and bedroll or knapsack into battle was the logical
choice for most soldiers. If you already own a knapsack, simply fill it with your
belongings and carry it into the field. If packed correctly & not overly done like a
fresh fish the extra weight should be easily manageable. If you don’t have a knapsack
simple use a bedroll. Typically it’s easy to borrow or buy a period wool blanket.
2. Hike up Your Accoutrements
Most reenactors these days wear their accouterments roughly at the same height as
modern belts. This is natural since it’s what we’re used to from 21st century civilian
life. However, it was custom to wear belts higher in the 1860’s. Additionally, you
might have noticed your haversack, canteen etc. slapping against your leg while
marching. Since most mainstream reenactments do not include multi-mile marches
this isn’t a noticeable issue.
However, the civil war soldier was often compelled to march 20 miles a day
while on campaign. Thus this flapping would become a major inconvenience. Soldiers
quickly realized raising the height of their accouterments stopped them from flapping
against their legs. Hence when comparing photos of soldiers and reenactors the height
difference is quite noticeable. As a reenactor simply wear your belt, haversack, and
canteen at roughly the same height as the soldiers in the above photo. This will make
moving around in your uniform easier and make you more authentic, but also will
make a noticeable difference in your appearance.
3. Portray the Common Soldier
“The longer the war goes on the less our men look like soldiers and the more they look
like common day laborers”- General William Sherman
Less is more when it comes to improving your impression. I suspect that
many reenactors wear multiple brass insignias and outlandish uniforms for the wrong
reasons — to impress the public and draw attention to themselves. I was once guilty of
this. Continued next page / See improving your impression
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 8
Continued from Page 7 / Brownville
forward. Captain Christensen (known to most of the men as Kace) split off squads
under 1Sgt Dahman and Cpl Mallory as our little ad-hoc Battalion became more
spread out, yet a small party of Partisans was able to sneak through and head back
towards the town. Their foray came to an ignoble end as the jaws of the blue-clad trap
snapped shut, ending the morning’s fight as most of the enemy surrendered or fled in a
complete route. Calm was restored to the town, whose citizens fed the lads with
chicken & dumplings, plus pies and all sorts of good Harvest-Time Eats. Whatever the
losses (thankfully few) from the raid, they were more than repaid with the townsfolk’s
generosity.
Sadly, however, the threat to Peace & Harmony was not long gone. Local
farmers came in through the Noon Hour reporting Depredations & Outrages being
committed by the remnants of the raiding party (who had regrouped) near their
rendezvous about a mile out of town. Refilling our cartridge boxes, we marched out to
confront the marauders. The Nebraskans were at the front of the
column and immediately took the Rebel camp under fire,
while we Irish moved around the right to repeat the
morning’s successful pattern of maneuver. We had barely
had time to announce our presence with a volley, when
we found our own flank subjected to murderous canister
from the Rebels’ hidden cannon. One would no doubt
understand the brilliant alacrity with which our Irish,
minus those comrades newly sprawling on the
encrimsoned grass, hastily redeployed to the rear in a
seemingly hap-hazard manner calculated to confuse even
the wiliest bushwhacker.
Yet the Irish were by no means out of the fight.
Advancing with a Refused Right Wing, the 7th & 30th soon
took both the Partisans and their gun under a rain of punishing musketry, and Sgt
Dahman led his Platoon on an intrepid charge that captured the gun and what was left
of its crew. The flank was finally secure. Nebraskans and Missourians together rushed
upon the Partisans, with the former accepting their inevitable & final surrender. The
Territory had been
secured, the dead
buried, and the brave
boys of the Irish
Seventh & Shamrock
Thirtieth headed back
down the river toward
Westport and further
Glories.
Continued from Page 7 / Improving
your impression
With the exclusion of units
such as Zouaves, most soldiers in the
Union and Confederate armies wore
rather plain uniforms. Most seldom
wore hat brass beyond 1862. Many of
the colorful uniforms had long since
been abandoned. To authentically
portray the civil war soldier one must
emphasize with their worries,
principally not wearing things that
could draw attention to them in a
fight.
Portraying the most average
minimalist will stop you from falling
into many reenacterisms and save you
money!
If you’re a Confederate, base
your impression off the famous 3
Confederates at Gettysburg. CS is
harder since there is less photographic
evidence & uniforms had greater
variety. Unfortunately many
confederate reenactors look more like
cowboys than the victors of Bull Run.
Conclusion - Improving your
impression isnt difficult. It’s not
helped that an “authentic” impression
for many reenactors is associated with
pretentious hardcore reenactors.
However, it’s our duty as living
historians to be serious about
constantly improving our impression
so that we and the public can gain a
better understanding of the soldiers
who participated in the conflict.
Many of the tips listed actually don’t
require you to buy anything at all. If
nothing else, buy less. Even an
impression with inexpensive sutler
row items can be greatly improved by
following these tips.
What’s most important is that
you make the effort to research your
impression. We’re fortunate in that we
portray a photographed conflict and
have many primary resources to rely
on. It’s the willingness to utilize these
resources that separate the authentic
and unauthentic reenactors.
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 9
A brief look at hairstyles & facial hair in the 19th century army
In the early days of the United States, facial hair was quite
unpopular until just about the time of the American Civil
War, when pogonotrophy saw a rebirth in popularity.
Photographs and portraits from the Civil War era, of generals
and common soldiers alike, show a huge variety of facial hair.
More often than not, a soldier in any given photograph from a
march or battle has short haircut & hair on his face.
The styles varied with each man. There was a simple
moustache, a goatee, a moustache-soul patch combination,
full beard-moustache, full beard with shaved lip, and a chin
beard, to name some of the more common examples. It's
understandable why a soldier would feel the need to grow
facial hair, because in photographs the clean-shaven ones
look comparatively young and undistinguished. But while it's
tempting to believe that some soldiers grew a beard out of
necessity (not having the time, tools or inclination to shave), it must be said that many of the facial hair designs must have required
meticulous and regular upkeep.
Probably the most common form of facial hair for a soldier in the Civil War was a simple moustache, judging by its prevalence in
photos from the era. Unlike today, the fashion wasn't to have a closely trimmed moustache, though. They were more full, angular,
droopy and pointy on the ends than is fashionable today. It was exactly the sort of moustache you'd expect a film villain to twist
between thumb and forefinger before tying a damsel to a railroad track.
Enlisted Men Like many materials made of metal, razor blades were scarce during wartime. Not every soldier would necessarily have a blade of his
own, and even civilians had trouble finding them for purchase. Yet the Union Army's official guidelines were quite particular:
100. Where conveniences for bathing are to be had, the men should bathe once or twice a week. The feet to be
washed at least twice a week. The hair kept short, and the beard neatly trimmed. And then, again updated in
1862 - The hair to be short; the beard to be worn at the pleasure of the individual; but, when worn, to be kept short
and neatly trimmed.
However, this rule wasn't necessarily enforced. You may be able to discern from the fact that more than 1,662 rules existed that not all
of them could possibly be enforced (the Revised United States Army Regulations of 1861 amounted to more than 500 pages of rules).
As we shall see, some of the very highest ranking individuals in the Union Army ignored this rule.
Generals Of the generals in the Civil War, a few were notable for their facial hair, but none more so
than Union general Ambrose Burnside - the man who led the North in the disastrous Battle
of Fredericksburg. He had possibly the most ridiculous-looking facial hair in the entire war.
Burnside allowed the hair along his cheeks and upper lip to grow, but shaved his chin. That
along his cheeks appears to have thrived, and would have formed an impressive beard. But
because of his shaven chin it appeared to curve in towards his nose (all of this enhanced by
a receded hairline). Most photos of him resemble a man who has stapled a pair of unwilling
squirrels to his face. His last name became a term to describe the growth of hair on the side
of the face, in front of the ears. The term 'burnsides' was somehow flipped so that today
these patches of hair are commonly referred to as 'sideburns.
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 10
Other famous Civil War generals with interesting facial hair included:
General George McClellan, who was one of the highest ranking members of the Union Army and
an eventual candidate for president, sported a full moustache and an unshaven bit below his lips (today
often called a soul patch).
General Ulysses S Grant (Pictured left) had a wholly unshaven look (sort of Hemingway-esque).
General William Tecumseh Sherman was also unshaven, but, unlike Grant, it appears as if
Sherman simply didn't care about his appearance. In photos, his hair is also
untamed and his clothes dishevelled. Incidentally, most photographs also make it
seem as if he's about to punch someone.
General Robert E Lee, the top Confederate for much of the war, had a
grey beard-moustache combination which made him look wise and distinguished. He was sometimes
called the 'Grey Fox', in reference to his hair color and wiliness.
General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson had a dark full beard.
General James Longstreet had a long, dark beard and moustache. The end of his chin seemed to point out
like one of the faux-beards found on a mummified Pharaoh's face mask.
Brig. General John D. Stevenson (pictured right) formally of the 7th Missouri Infantry – Sported a wild long mustache.
BY SHAUNACY FERRO
Say what you will about 19th century grooming habits: those gentlemen knew how to rock some facial hair. The Civil War
era, in particular, popularized the stately style we refer to as "sideburns." But back then, the thick side whiskers were
called burnsides, after Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who sported an incredible ‘do that wrapped around his face like a
cat’s tail, leaving only his chin clean-shaven.
Indeed, facial hair in general was quite fashionable at the time. With that in mind, one intrepid data -cruncher
recently decided to figure out who wore it best when it came to beards: the Union or the Confederacy?
An article in the journal Proceeding of the Natural Institute of Science (yes, that acronym is PNIS) by the journal’s editor-
in-chief, Matt J. Michel, examines which side of the war sported the beardiest commanding officers. The article may not
be the most serious of topics (and the journal is not peer -reviewed), but according to the creators, the data published in
PNIS’s humorously-titled subjournal, PNIS-HARD, is no joke.
Michel used a National Park Service list of important Civil War battles with data on the commanders for each
side, the casualties, and other information. He used photos found online, on Wikipedia and Civil War sites to collect
information about each general’s beard quantity. When commanding officers switched up their facial hairstyles in
different photos, he went with the more
bearded of the two.
Then, he computed each officer’s
beard-to-face ratio. Looking at the image
above, beard-to-face ratio was calculated by
adding B1 and B2, and dividing the sum by
F1. A 0 means clean shaven, and anything
greater than a 1 indicates a beard larger than
the face.
How Civil War commanders wore
their facial hair, in one chart: to the right
and this breaks down to an interesting study.
Of course this is of General officers and not
enlisted men but goes to show such variety
amongst the officer corps.
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 11
The 20th Wisconsin as part of the Army of the Frontier was in Camp at the old Wilson's
Creek battlefield, twelve miles south of Springfield, until early December 1862, Here a
message was received from General Blunt, who was then encamped at Cane Hill, near
Fayetteville, Ark., 112 miles distant, stating that the rebel General Hindman was advancing
against him, with a force reported to be 30,000 strong, and asking for reinforcements.
Accordingly, General Herron soon put his army in motion, leaving Camp Curtiss, eleven
miles south of Springfield, at 2, P. M., on the 3d of December, and reached Fayetteville on
the 6th of December, about midnight. The next day they moved out about five miles, when
the First Arkansas Cavalry, in the advance, fell into an ambush, and was driven back.
Advancing five miles further, the enemy was encountered. General Herron had sent
forward to General Blunt nearly all his cavalry, and had left only six regiments of infantry,
three batteries, and about 500 cavalry, in all not more than 7,000 men. The enemy flanked
Blunt's position at Cane Hill, and proceeded to meet and attack Herron, before he could
join his forces with General Blunt. That General had drawn up his forces at Cane Hill,
expecting the attack at that point. The battle between Herron and Hindman began about 10
o'clock, A. M. The enemy had posted himself upon a timber ridge, which skirted a prairie
about half a mile in width, about ten miles south of Fayetteville. His force consisted of
about 24,000 men, iu four divisions, under Generals Parsons, Marmaduke, Frost and
Raines, and was well clothed and equipped, their guns and ammunition being of English
manufacture, and were posted, with their artillery, twenty-two guns, in close proximity to
the farm buildings on the ridge.
Colonel Bertram was in command of the First Brigade, and Major Starr was iu
charge of the regiment. The brigade battery was placed in position, supported by the
Twentieth Wisconsin, and, with the rest of Herron's artillery, opened fire upon the enemy,
whose fire began to slacken in about thirty minutes. Colonel Bertram now ordered the
Twentieth Wisconsin to advance cautiously, which they did, about 500 yards, and lay
down under cover. The enemy threatening the left flank of his brigade. Colonel Bertram
ordered his three regiments to change front to the left, which was done. At this time the
enemy were endeavoring to get a battery in position in Colonel Bertram's front. He
immediately ordered the Twentieth Wisconsin to charge upon it. Led by Major Starr, the
regiment advanced in line of battle, on the double quick, changing front so as to face the
enemy; they fired a couple of volleys, and made their way up the hill, through the
underbrush, which covered the slope and materially impeded their progress
Getting in front of the battery, they fired a volley, and rushed over the fence
and took possession of it. Color Sergeant Teal planted the national colors over the pieces.
After taking the battery, the regiment advanced to the brow of the hill, where they met a
heavy force of the enemy, five or six regiments being massed at that point. The right wing
of the Twentieth Wisconsin advanced to within thirty yards of the rebel line, when the enemy opened
on it a tremendous cross fire, which compelled it to give way, and it was soon followed by the left
wing. The men were, however, rallied, and they again went to work, fighting splendidly, but their efforts were unavailing, a heavy column of the
enemy's infantry was seen advancing rapidly on the right; the Twentieth Wisconsin could not change front to oppose them, and to avoid annihilation
or capture, it was obliged to retreat. The action lasted about fifteen minutes, in which the regiment lost very heavily. The regiment fell back in good order, destroying what they could of the battery which they had taken. They continued their retreat across
an open field to a fence, where they reformed, and remained until the firing ceased for the day. Further attempts upon the battery. General Herron, in
a letter to Governor Salomon, spoke in enthusiastic terms of the conduct of the regiment.
Pictured above – Cpl Andreas Ambrose
Co. E - 20th Wisconsin Vols.
Missouri Irish Brigade of Civil War Re-enactors October to December 2018 - An Bealac Newsletter
Page 12
The list of killed, and those who died of wounds, we have copied from the Adjutant General's records, and the list of wounded is as officially
published: 20th Wisconsin from the Battle of Prairie Grove Arkansas.
Killed or Died of Wounds at Prairie Grove 20th Wisconsin Inf. Vols.— Company A.- Color Sergeant Lindsey E. Teale, Ser¬ geants Jas. Crawford
and Joseph Frame, Privates Stephen L. Bowen, Peter Huntsinger, J. D. Chandler, Xavier S. Pierzfall, John B. Parr, Frank Rice, William RUey,
Robert E. Taylor, John H. Weston, Robert L. Walshonce and James B. Posey. Company B—Ser¬ geants INIaurice E. Sexton and Samuel F. Curtis,
Privates John Peters, Alexander Par- land, William A. Yakeley, John Hineman, Samuel Marsh, Jas. R. Smith and Nathaniel L. Standish. Company
C— Captain John McDermott, Privates Norman B. Clark, Elias Lowers and George W.Smith, Company D —Privates Jonathan Corlis, Dennis
Calla- ghan, John Jenkins, Henry S. Remington and Joseph W. Rice. Company E— Captain John Weber, Privates August Berton, Gotfried Muster,
John M. Ramsey, John Warm, Julius Weigt, Julius Werlich, Louis Fisher, August Kluge, Ernest Schnasse and Frank Schneider. Company F -
Corporals Addison G. Hicks and Albert A. Cady, Privates Jas Steward, Hans Shilburn, David Brown, Orris P. Cady, Abel Harper and James
Lightner Company G — Corporals Benjamin S. Doudna and John G. Nichols, Privates Willis B: ker Phillips and W. Scott, Corporals T. Parr and
D. S. Burbank, Privates A. Hazlewood, D. Foley, M. W. O'Kean, S. G. Lockwood, F. Larson and W. Brandt. Company H - Captain Henry C.
Strong, Lieutenant G. W. Miller, Corporal E. M. Lull, Privates A. Nass, F. Crnger, B. Smith, L. St. George and David Weber. Company I—
Corporals John Stack, E. A. Sprague, C. W. Snider and G. W. D.ay, Privates M. Bitney, G. C. Johnson, C R. Saddleback, iSI. J. Whitesides, William
Waddle, J. Woodhouse, A. M. Barnum, E. Hulthcroft and B. Peasley Company K —First Lieutenant N. Cole, Sergeant J. Black- stone, Corporals
F. Rinses, W. Nagues and J. ISI. Hunter, Privates M. Aaron, J. W. Ham¬ ilton, H. Herbig, E. Hager, B. F. Hickman, M. H Judd, G. Otto, D.
W.Plopper, J.Shaffer, S. Smith, J. Sullivan and W. Wilcox
