This is  the uniform a private in the 69th would wear.  Again, I highly suggest getting the entire uniform if possible at Fall Creek Suttlery. They carry all of the above, and a very helpfull. 

 

If you are a little intimidated by this list, come to an event and give it a try. Then decide if you really want to spend this much.  We do have a limited amount of loaner gear you can use.  

 

 

 

We do have sutlers that come to Civil War Reenactments, Honest Tom's Sutlery and Milk Creek Mercantile,   are a couple of them.  In the future, I plan to have a page that has links to our sulters.  A few of the best though, are the Regimental Quartermaster, Fall Creek, and C & D Jarnigan's.

Go HOME

The 69th New York was formed in 1851 as a state Militia.  They  wore the traditional Milita uniform.  At the outbreak of the Civil War, a new uniform was given to the men.  They were issued New York Shell jackets, or sack coats and sky blue trousers.  The uniforms were made of 100% wool, and were  hot in the summer.   For a hat, they were issued a bummer, or "forage" cap.   During the winter months, they were given what is called a great coat. It is also 100% wool, but provided great protection from the elements.  They were given wool socks and they wore a cotton shirt of their own, most likely from home.

The weapon the 69th was issued was the 1842 .69 caliber Springfield Musket, (Shown Below).

To purchase  the parts needed for the uniform, there are many  "sutlers" that sell the needed equipment.  One of the most recomended place to purchase the entire uniform is from Fall Creek Suttlery.  They carry the highest quality goods and are reasonable priced. They are famous for their brogans.

You'll want a good jacket.  A Union sack coat or a New York Shell jacket (New York Shell is recomended) is what you'll want.  A sack coat will run up to $65, and a New York Shell up to $140,    however, I know someone that makes exelent New York Shells at our events for about $55 each. Please contact me for more information.

Sky blue trousers will run about $65.

A cotton shirt costs about $20, and suspenders, $10. These you can get anywhere.

You will want a canteen.  It is highly unadvisable to go without one!  (You'll know why after you wear a 100% wool uniform in July).  These come with a cotton strap, dark blue wool covering with cork and chain.  They are made out of tin, and are coated with bees wax on the inside.  It gives the water a nice flavor.  They cost about $30, but you can get a stainless steel one for between $45-$60.

Now that we have covered the uniform, lets move to the leathers.  A cartridge box ranges between $45-$60. If you are getting an 1842 Springfield, you may want to get an 1842 .69 cal. cartridge box to go along with it. Fall Creek Sutlery has this cartridge box for $45.  A belt runs around $10 and the buckle $6.  The belt is about two inches wide, and is black, and the buckle has a brass front and is about 3-4 inches long..  (Make sure you get the SNY buckle instead of the US buckle.  SNY stands for State of New York, it is what we were  issued).  The cap pouch, (meant to hold the percussion caps) cost between $12 and $20.  

You will want to get at some point, a pair of brogans, costing $85, and heel plates, (to prolong the life of the shoes) $5.

Last but not least,  the musket!! (For picture, see top of page).  The gun you want to get is the .69 model 1842 Springfield Musket.  This gun has an overall length of 57 3/4", nothing small!  This gun costs $450 from the   Regimental Quartermaster.  Remeber, the '42 is what the 69th was issued. If you get a gun, you need to get a cleaning kit, ($20).

Now for the tents.  Each soldier was issued half a dog tent, that they shared with another soldier.  Some reenactors just sleep under the stars.  Or you could buy both halves.  (They cost $30 a half)  You may want a rubber gum blanket, ($30) for a ground cloth, and a wool blanket, $20-$70)  You could get a knapsack to pack your things in,   but it is not important. They range from $80 to $100.  There are over coats, the soldiers would wear these in the winter cold.  These are very exspensive, running about $175.

Uniform needed for a soldier of the 69th NY

Basic

(Please talk to a veteran before purchasing any equipment)

Jacket, New York Shell Jacket, (prefered), or, Union Sack coat.

Trousers, Sky Blue

Cotten Shirt,

Suspenders,

Wool Socks,

Haversack,

Canteen, Dark Blue cover, smoothside.

Cartridge Box (Black), 1842 .69 box prefered.

Cap Box, (Black)

Belt (Black) and SNY buckle,

Bayonet & Scabard, (make sure it is the kind that goes with your weapon)

1842 Springfield, (prefered) or '61 Springfield or Enfield.

Other items, For camp immpression

Knapsack, (hardpack, prefered)

Period Planket, (Grey, 100% wool)

Rubber "Gum" blanket

Greatcoat

Dog tent,

Tin Cup,

Tin Plate,

Fork/spoon,

Uniforms

        Of New York's Own

                          69th Infantry  -- Meagher's Brigade