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Clothing Guidelines and Other Useful Information For Soldiers and Male Civilian Impressions Kittanning 2006 March and Battle Introduction Thank you for your interest in joining the Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the unprecedented march and attack of the 2nd Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment of Foot under Lt. Col. John Armstrong on the Delaware village of Kittanning. Our goal is to present to the public, and to the participants, a portrayal of how Lt. Col. Armstrong’s army appeared on its march and subsequent attack on the village. Because no regular British military forces were present at Kittanning in 1756, and we are re-creating as closely as possible an actual historical event, participants must dress as ca 1756 eastern woodland natives, civilian, milice or 2nd Battalion Pennsylvania Regiment of Foot soldiers. To make this event as authentic as possible and to present a more realistic view of an 18th century Provincial army, we have developed a set of authenticity standards so that everyone knows what is expected of them. These standards are not meant to exclude anyone. They are solely designed as guidelines to present a proper image to the visiting public and to help educate them in proper 18th century Pennsylvania military appearance. We welcome any unit or individual who may wish to participate, including family members. Consideration has been given to keep costs down. For instance, regimentals and other expensive uniform equipment will not be a requirement. Research has shown that they likely were not worn on this march anyway, except by officers. While the Organizers have the final say as to what will be permitted, they will be happy to help anyone conform to standards who is willing to be helped. Please ask if you have a question.
On the March: The weather will range from hot and humid to very cold, perhaps even frost, as we experienced during Kittanning Trek 2000, so be prepared. Pennsylvania Regimentals are not required, but may be worn if desired. Note that these Regimentals are dark green faced dark green wool...no red facings. Weskits are woolen or linen, madder in color, not crimson, unless an officer or serjeant, then they will also be silver-laced. Check with us for lacing guidelines. Overshirts of natural linen, hunting shirts not split, and round hats, workman's caps or tricorns with white edging are also acceptable. Gaitors or Indian-style leggings will be worn. Footwear can be moccasins or colonial shoes, buckled or tied. Leather gear consisting of belly boxes, bayonet frog and 1" leather belt are desired, but we will allow shoulder boxes. Necklaces, bone chokers or other ’Mountain Man’ apparel will not be permitted on soldiers or civilian participants. They would not have been found on ca 1756 Pennsylvanians. In 2000, we re-created Armstrong’s March and learned many things. Those who choose to join us on the actual march from Ft. Shirley (Shirleysburg, PA) to Kittanning, itself, will need to pay heed to certain health and safety concerns and issues:
Clothing and Footwear On the March: Comfortable clothing, overshirts of natural linen, hunting shirts not split, and round hats, workman's caps or tricorns with white edging are also acceptable. Gaitors or Indian-style leggings will be worn. Based on our 2000 March experience, undergarments such as biking shorts are quite valuable in preventing gall. Good hiking or walking shoes and several pairs of proper socks are a necessity.
In camps along the way: Colonial shoes/moccasins will be worn in the evening camps for authenticity, as there will be visiting public in these camps.
Equipment: Canteens. An adequate canteen is a requirement. Water and other “Sport-type” electrolyte replacement drinks will be provided. Haversacks. An adequate haversack is required to carry extra water bottles and trail food. The standard 18th c. military haversack was natural linen, no buttons and stamped with a GR and broad arrow. Roy Najecki sells these at: http://www.najecki.com/repro/reproindex.html
Weapons and accoutrements, including cartridges: The 1st Model Brown Bess was the standard Provincial issue musket. We will accept any smoothbore musket, however, as long as it is pre-Revolution, and is capable of mounting a bayonet. Rifles were few and far between, and are not acceptable for soldiers, but may be for civilian scouts. Flashguards and frizzen covers (hammerstalls) of leather will be required on all firearms, regardless of type. Cartridges will not be needed on the march, but you should have a full box in camp in the event we do a firing demonstration for the public in our evening camps. Cartridges will not be provided; you must provide your own.
Medical and Health Concerns: GET IN SHAPE!!!!!! WALK, WALK, WALK……..NOW. YOU MUST READ THIS PAGE!
Shelter: You are responsible for your own shelter. If you want to buddy-up with someone else, it will be wise to do so. Transportation for evening camps and equipment will be available. Go LIGHT!!
Food and Liquids: Food and Liquids will be provided.
Personal Items: This is totally up to you. Use wisdom and discretion here, as you do not want to be burdened down with unnecessary stuff.
In Kittanning Camp and Battle: Pennsylvania Regimentals are not required, but may be worn if desired. Note that these Regimentals are dark green faced dark green wool...no red facings. Weskits are woolen or linen, madder in color, not crimson, unless an officer or serjeant, then they will also be silver-laced. Check with us for lacing guidelines. Overshirts of natural linen, hunting shirts not split, and round hats, workman's caps or tricorns with white edging are also acceptable. Gaitors or Indian-style leggings will be worn. Footwear can be moccasins or colonial shoes, buckled or tied. Leather gear consisting of belly boxes with eighteen (18) cartridge holes, bayonet frog and 1" leather belt are desired, but we will allow shoulder boxes. Necklaces, bone chokers or other ’Mountain Man’ apparel will not be permitted on soldiers or civilian participants. They would not have been found on ca 1756 Pennsylvanians. Cartridges will not be provided; you must provide your own. It is recommended that at least four (4) full cartridge boxfuls per musket be prepared ahead of time and stored in a fireproof container. Rolling of cartridges or bulk powder will not be permitted in camp. Belt knives and/or tomahawks/belt axes are permitted, but the cutting edges must be protected by leather or cloth wrap. Tents and shelters will be dealt with the same as any other event. The camp will be laid out prior to your arrival at the Kittanning site, and it will be ‘just another camp’. Here are some pictures of the clothing and equipment. |
