See You In The Field

 copyright © 3/5/2009 By Rick Walton Recently, while doing some historical research, I came across a document containing some Confederate uniform costs. Reenactors complain about the skyrocketing cost of  uniforms, replacement Brogans, new hats and other equipment we really don't need but buy anyway to make our impression that much more authentic. That made me wonder how authentic cost of  clothing in 1862 compares to a Civil War reenactment suttler’s prices today. In the compiled service records of Private Francis Nichols, Co. B, 6 th North Carolina State Troops, I found a record, from the muster roll dated May to October 1862 containing some notes regarding his pay and clothing allowance.  Private Nichols died in December 1862 of pneumonia. His heirs (usually a grieving, often widowed Mother) was entitled to his back pay, outstanding bonuses and unused clothing allowance. His record listed the clothing allowance already used:  1 Jacket- $7.63 1 Pair Pants- $4.50 1 Shirt -