The Jefferson Guard were a 1860
Virginia militia unit based in Jefferson County, which includes Harpers Ferry. They were present at
John Brown's raid and the ensuing hanging. Their uniform was based on the Federal regular army pattern
frock coat, trowsers and Army (Hardee) hat. Our impression includes white cotton web gear, common among
Virginia militia units.
The Richmond Daily Whig provides the following description of the Grayson Daredevils,
an 1861 militia unit from the mountains of Southwestern Virginia which became part of the 4th Virginia:
The "Dare Devils" from Grayson county, arrived on Tuesday. Their uniform consists of red hunting shirts, but they will change to gray before going into service. The men are unfailing marksmen with the rifle, and, if the opportunity offers, will perforate many of that band who so vauntingly swear that the havoc of war a home and country shall leave us no more."
"The corps from [Grayson] county are said to be perfect nondescripts - they call themselves "Dare Devils" and deep in leggings, moccasins, and other back-woods appliances. There is not a man in the company who is not over six feet in height." 1
At First Manassas,
the April/May 1861 quartermaster reports indicate that the 10th Virginia infantry received "275 red flannel
shirts" in April and "425 red flannel shirts" in May, "500 pair dark blue pants" and "450 blue caps". Our
impression reflects Quartermaster Abm. S. Byrd's report and includes white cotton web gear common among
early war Virginia units.
The Southern Grays portray
Confederate artillery such as Purcell's Battery at several National Park Service sites.
The Southern Grays portray
Confederate infantry at several National Park Service sites.
The Southern Grays
provide specialized impressions such as Confederate sharpshooters armed with imported Whitworth
and Enfield rifles.
1 Picture courtesy of W.B. Hanmer (reduced in quality from original)