The Fisher's Mess
Authenticity Requirements
The Fisher's Mess is an "authentic"/Progressive campaign company portraying the "common" Western Confederate and Union soldier in the War Between the States. We have no officers in the mess so that all can be in the ranks. Leadership is shared by all. Below is a guideline for uniform and equipment standards that we hold to. Although some are flexible or optional, other items are non-negotiable. We ask that the standards be met within ten months of your first event with us. We assume that you have been involved in reenacting and therefore are already on your way.
Minimum Requirements: These items are necessary before entrance into the Mess: authentic bootees or boots, period eye wear if necessary, a weapon, set of leathers, canteen, at least a partial Confederate and Union uniform.
Overall Impression
Note on button holes. Button holes should be done by hand, but if the holes have already been done by machine, carefully rip out the old thread and redo it.
Eyeglasses will be in period frames. Contacts are acceptable as long as they are not prone to falling out and containers can be kept out of sight.No jewelry, save a wedding band (no ear rings, necklaces, other rings, etc.) No visible tattoos.
Most veterans learned or knew how to sew or mend, we suggest that you learn to at least do some minor mending and button holes.
There are no women allowed to camp. Women spectators are allowed only during the day.
Wearing your traps. The belt was worn at the true waist. Your belt buckle should be over you belly button, that is close enough. Canteen and haversacks should not be knotted, but sewn if possible at the appropriate height. They should be worn high on your body so that when you run or do hard marching, they do not fly around.
Food. We suggest that as much as possible you eat out of your haversack. There is nothing wrong with visiting the food vendors (occasionally), but try it. Your pards will probably have extra food if you run out or low. It makes for the experience.
Utensils. You should get a good tin cup, period fork and spoon. A pocket knife substitutes well for carrying an extra knife. A plate is optional, but better would be a small fry pan or canteen half. These can be used to cook in and eat off of, the plate becomes extra baggage. "Coffee boilers," with the wire bail, are optional.
Personal items. These should be period (or, if modern pharmaceuticals are needed, "hidden" in period containers). There is no plastic allowed. Modern packages should be discarded and the items placed in poke bags.
We suggest a diet and exercise routine for all members. Weekend reenacting can be hard on a person and the soldiers we portray were lean and hardy individuals.
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First Person: You are not required to develop a "first person" but you are encouraged to research and know about the time period. However, once we leave camp to form for battle, NO "modern" talking is allowed. Leave the computers and football games at home. Some of those around you may be trying to make the fullest experience possible and when someone mentions the latest fad, it ruins it.
Confederate Impression:
Uniform Coat: uniform coats must be made out of appropriate jean wool. All button holes must be hand sewn. Buttons can be script or block "I" or wooden (large dugout). Top stitching should be done by hand unless otherwise documented. Patterns for AOT in order of preference for each period are:
ca. 1861: battle shirt, appropriately patterned enlisted frock coat, plain shell ("Mystery Jacket"), civilian sack or frock (limited).
ca. 1862 - 1863: Columbus depot, "Mystery Jacket", plain western shell, enlisted frock coat.
ca. 1864 - 1865: Columbus depot, Atlanta Depot, Demopolis Depot (Dept. of Ala.), "Mystery Jacket", plain western shell or (limited) an enlisted man's frock coat.
Pants: should be military or civilian style and colors. Military pants should be of jean wool. Civilian can be of appropriate civilian/period material. No sky blue kersey wool should be worn. Button holes must be hand sewn.
Shirts: Preferably civilian pattern- cotton, muslin, wool. Common would be two color checks and plaid woven material. Stay away form printed cotton, look for woven material. White "muslin" shirts are acceptable, but should be limited. Button holes must be hand sewn. Where possible, top stitching should be done and done by hand.
Drawers: optional, but encouraged. Best if made of osnaburg, Canton flannel, etc. Button holes must be hand sewn.
Hats: Must be a: good quality slouch hat with appropriate non-synthetic ribbon around base of crown and edge of brim. An occasional C.S. patterned jean kepi or Mexican war style wheel cap would be acceptable. No "hillbilly" hats with 'coon parts. No hat brass or cords are acceptable.
Shoes: bootees, British import shoes, other documentable period shoes or boots.
Socks: period wool or cotton (no modern style cotton or athletic socks, etc.).
Braces: civilian styles, cotton webbing, or canvas, with either hand sewn button holes or leather/cloth tabs.
Blankets: good quality wool or jean. No modern markings. Period coverlets are great. You can also use US blankets (limited).
Ground Cloth: Can be a poncho, gum blanket, or painted/tarred ground cloth.
Tentage: it is unusual, inappropriate to see shelter halves among Western Confederates. The mess has two flies available to it. If shelter is desired, string together ground cloths, make brush arbors, or seek shelter in severe weather. But come prepared to get a least a little wet, and go home happy if you don't get wet.
Knapsacks (optional): hard or soft pack from a quality manufacturer or blanket rolls.
Haversack: White canvas, tarred canvas, Federal issue, documented styles and patterns.
Canteen: tin or wooden C.S. style, Federal style, flask, etc.
Belt: C.S. "Georgia frame" or roller style buckle.
Bayonet/Scabbard: bayonet that fits correctly onto your weapon. C.S. manufacture, Federal, or Enfield style. Should have a metal tip on the end.
Cartridge Box and Cap Pouch: from quality manufacturer, made of leather or painted canvas. Cartridge box sling recommended.
Weapon: 3-Band (unless temporarily cleared by the "mess") percussion (or percussion conversion) musket: Enfield, Springfield, Richmond, etc. sling in optional. Bluing must be removed from the barrel, lock plate, etc.
Federal Impression:
Uniform Coat: 4 button sack coat, frocks coats (limited), other styles of regulation coats (very limited). Button holes must be hand sewn.
Pants: sky blue kersey wool made from a correct pattern. Button holes must be hand sewn.
Shirts: Union issue or same as Confederate impression.
Drawers: same as Confederate impression.
Hats: Hardee hat with no trim, brass, or cords. Good quality black slouch hat, no trim, brass, or cords. Forage caps, kepis (limited), Mexican War hats (very limited).
Shoes: black bootees or boots.
Socks: same as C.S.
Suspenders: same as C.S.
Blanket: Any documented U S issue blanket.
Ground Cloth: rubberized poncho or ground cloth.
Tentage: shelter halves, tent flies, brush arbors. (Try to limit use to bad weather or lack of shade, if possible)
Knapsack: soft pack Federal issue or blanket roll.
Haversack: standard issue, tarred Federal style with buckle/strap closure and inner bag.
Canteen: Federal styles, flasks.
Belt: US belt plates.
Bayonet/Scabbard: appropriate bayonet that fits your weapon. Scabbard: US style with metal tip.
Cartridge Box/Cap Pouch: quality made, black leather, U.S. style.
Weapon: same as C.S.
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