9TH ARKANSAS VOL. INF UNIFORM REGULATION

SHELL JACKET
For NCO and the PVTs is the Columbus depot types II and I. They must be constructed using the proper gray jean material with the proper medium blue wool collars and cuffs. Buttons: You can use Confederate issue “I” (Script or Block) button.



Trousers:
Trousers should be the GRAY cotton/wool jean cloth. The use of Federal Sky Blue Kersey trousers or white cotton duck material for a Confederate impression will not be allowed. NO SKY BLUE OR CADET GRAY. GET GRAY JEAN WOOL. These trousers were either rare or (in the case of white duck cloth/canvas) absolutely non-existent in the AOT or Trans-Miss.


Shirts:
Shirts should be MADE OF COTTON ONLY.

Hats:
The most common hats worn by 9th soldiers were civilian slouch hats or kepi. The actual historic ration of slouch hats to kepis was closer to 50/50. These were usually made of jean material and normally did not have a blue band. Straw hats ,Hat blanks, cowboy hats or hilly-billy hats will not be allowed. I would suggest getting a kepi.
Shoes:
Shoes should be of the Jefferson brogan type commercially available. I would buy these at a reenactment and it will be around $100.

Weapons:
Only three band rifles are to be used in the 9th Arkansas. A report in April 1863 revealed that 44% of the arms in the Army of the Tenn. were .69 percussion smoothbores. Most likely 1842 Springfields. 37% were Enfields and 14% were rifled Springfield’s. The rest varied. It was not until Spring 1864 that Enfields began to take prominence. At that time 55% were Enfields, 32% Austrian and 11% had smoothbores. Ideally one should have a .69 smoothbore and an Enfield (or a rifled Springfield) to use depending upon the scenario. As for the 9th Enfield, Springfield or a Smooth Bore.
Belts:
Belts should be leather. This types of Belt buckles will work Georgia frame, forked tongue, roller buckles, Rectangle CSA, plain brass or brass Star buckles are all excellent choices or CS or US.

Cap Pouch:
The following are models recommended for the Army of Tennessee: US early war shield front, US 1850 model, British Enfield cap pouch and CS single back strap.


Canteens:
There are a variety of period canteens that are appropriate. Tin drum, federal smooth side and CS stamped tin drums are all appropriate. All canteen covers on federal smooth or bulls-eye canteens should be brown/gray jean. Sky blue was not very often used by either the federals or the Confederates as a canteen cover. Therefore it is best to NOT use sky blue. Straps should be worn so that the canteen rests at the top of the hip. NO Sky BLUE Canteens.


Haversacks:
These should be made of plain white or off-white cotton canvas. Federal issue haversacks should be used in limited quantity. Straps should be worn so that the haversack rests at the top of the hip. Note: CS haversacks were generally closed by means of a button while US haversacks were closed by a strap and buckle.


Blankets:
A good quality (preferable light) 100% wool civilian blanket is the best choice. Gray, Brown, or Black for color.

Gum or Tarred Blanket
And for the rain we use the common Gum blanket which is the Federal issued rubberized pattern. I would buy this because when it rains you really want this.

This company I really trust and she will help you with the uniform regulation.
Milk Creek Mercantile
P.O. Box 898
Mulino, OR 97042
(503) 829-3678
The 9th voted on having a complete set for the company , YOU MUST BUY THIS UNIFORM.

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