WITH A SUPPLEMENT,
PRICE TEN CENTS
[
VOl. XV.--No. 774.
]
2nd US
Sharpshooters
The only unit with a $300 bounty on each head!
Unit History
The 2nd US Sharpshooters were formed along with the 1st US from a collection of the best shooters across multiple states of the North. Those that wished to enter the ranks first had to compete to shoot a pie tin from 200 yards away. Those that were able to shoot within a ten-inch diameter grouping were then allowed in. Hiram Berdan, a New Yorker famous prior to the war for his prowess at target shooting competitions across the US, went to the governor of New York in November of 1861 in response to reports he heard of the devastating and accurate firepower of the Rebel forces. He quickly received approval for the creation of two regiments, both of which he became Colonel of, though his incompetence at his post led to his resignation in 1864 to "pursue his passion for mechanical engineering."
Initially wearing a nascent form of green camouflage, a lack of continued issuance led the men to wear standard blue uniforms by July of 1863, making them hard to pinpoint from a distance as being elite marksmen by the enemy. However, both sides, including their fellow soldiers of the other regiments, hated sharpshooters. Given that the main job of a sharpshooter was to disrupt enemy formations, some of their targets drew the ire of their fellows to the point that they could not walk alone in their own camp. Some of their targets included Officers, flag bearers, artillerymen, the horses of the artillery, and flag bearers, they also targeted drummers and fifers, which were usually as young as ten or eleven years old. This led to a host of nasty nicknames for those clad in green.
A Civil War woodcut of sharpshooters at the Siege of Petersburg.
Equipment and Unit Info
To the right is a look at the uniform of early-war sharpshooters, with the characteristic green wool and black jappaned-buttons.
Those of the 2nd US Sharpshooters are a proud unit showcasing the prowess of the North! We are invested in ensuring an accurate and fun impression for all Southern Oregonians and Northern Californians interested in taking part. We are looking for more members, so be sure to visit the New Member page for info on signing up!
Below you will find our required equipment and uniform list. Before buying any piece of equipment, make sure to discuss the choice with your unit guide that will have been assigned to you and discuss whether you would prefer to wear an early or late period gear setup. Take a look here for a list of suggested sutlers to get the gear below.
Uniform:
* Kepi or Forage Cap, in green or navy blue
* Green Frock coat and/or blue sack coat
* Muslin or homespun shirt
* Green and/or sky blue foot-pattern trousers, troops were issued with both
* Suspenders
* Thick socks, preferably wool
* Brogans
Equipment:
* Black Tarred Haversack
* Canteen (VERY important), with a wool cover, leather sling
* Cartridge Box
* Black waist belt with US belt buckle
* Cap Box, shield style
Weaponry:
* You have your choice of weapons, including the popular 1853 Sharps Infantry Rifle, the 1855 Colt Repeating Rifle, any of a variety of target rifles, and in rare circumstances the 1857 Whitworth rifle.
* You also have the choice to also carry most any form of revolver as a close range option, though it is not mandatory.
Camping and other Necessities:
* A-tent or Shelter/Dog Tent (full or half)
* Period-looking seat of some sort, whether stool or full chair
* Mess kit; tin or steel plate and cup, and knife, fork, and spoon.
* Blanket of a period style.
* Cotton dress gloves
We must note here that any other necessities will depend on your style of camping. Some prefer to have a cot while some prefer to sleep on the ground with a period ground cloth and plenty of blankets for comfort and heat. The inside of the tent is up to you and is not a public space unless you want it to be. Add to this list based on your own needs.
Extras (not needed immediately if at all)
* Knapsack, hard-sided Prussian pattern with cow-hide fur, or soft-sided M51 or M64 leather knapsack
* Dress uniform requirements: cravat.
* Cartridge Box US buckle for flap weighting
* Period drawers (underwear)
* Several cloth sacks or pouches for putting niceties in
* A pack of cotton balls for earplugs, or flesh-colored earplugs.
* Gum blanket or poncho
* Brown leather gaiters.
