June

July 2

RE: Jason Kritikos inquiry dated June 27 concerning shells and cut down frock
coats.
I'd like to refer you to the obviously posed late war, camp scene photo of a
handful of standing 2d Wisconsin soldiers looking off to the left. It's a
frequently published photo, and I know it's in Nolan's book. One soldier is
wearing either a shell or a cut down frock. While that doesn't prove the
existence of a fashion trend in the regiment, it does establish that at
least one member wore one.
Lance Herdegen gave a presentation on Iron Brigade Photos at the shooters
winter conclave banquet last February. He mentioned there was a period in
the 2d's waning months when uniforms worn varied .

Gary van Kauwenbergh
Skrimish Team
Company E

June 30

Soldiers! Citizens of Wisconsin! Brave men of the Raggedy-Assed Second!

A test of manhood and bravery has been presented to us by the 24th Iowa Volunteers. These strapping youths from the plains have challenged Co. K, 2nd WVI to a game of base ball, or rounders at the upcoming Boscobel event. And a mighty test this will be!

I would urge Captain Pettit and Lieutenant Meicher to carefully weigh their decisions on accepting this challenge. For the outcome contains some dire consequences that strikes at the very heart of Badger chivalry and civilization. The winners of the game will be forced to drink a few rounds of beer WITH the losers who will provide the beer. Also, the chins and hearts of the losers will be a full 4 inches lower for the entire year, until next they can overcome the humiliation of being vanquished by a superior foe. Finally, some kind of permanent traveling trophy will be awarded annually to the winner....which will then be prominently displayed for the citizens of their respective states. so that all may see that the ball players from another State were humbled.

Forward, Wisconsin soldiers! On to victory in base ball!

Craig, if you would be so kind as to forward this on to the Captain and the Lieutenant (and CO. K) I would be most grateful.

Let us know if the Captain will accept this challenge and uphold the honor of the Old Northwest and her finest state: Wisconsin!

RJ Samp, Bugler
2^nd WVI, Co. K

Three Danada Square East
PMB # 173
Wheaton, IL 60187

June 27

Gentlemen,

I recently had a discussion with a messmate regarding the 2nd's uniform coats from the post-Gettysburg/mustering out period. Our discussion revolved around if anyone wore a shell jacket/cut down frock coat in the waning days of their enlistment. Does anyone know if shell jackets (cut down frock coats) were worn prior to mustering out? If so, would there be any photographic or letter references to this? Any information would be appreciated.

Your Servant,

Jason Kritikos

Co.C

June 23

SCOTTS, et al have the Drum Beats in them....
Greetings from the Iron Brigade (and the Raggedy-Assed Second!).
Remember, the Iron Brigade was DRUM Oriented...although John Cook, Bugler
with the 4th US Artillery, Battery B was heard from often with an
Artillerist Captain as a Brigadier (John Gibbon).

I have a "Field Musics Manual" that includes the bugle calls for Infantry,
Artillery, and Cavalry, as well as the Drum Beats for Infantry. $5.
(I usually distribute them for FREE at re-enacting events....but that won’t
help you for BOSCOBEL Muskets and Memories....just gave out a bunch of them
at Camp Randall to the 2nd WVI Field Musics....maybe I should have given one
to John Thiel...)

RJ Samp, Bugler
2nd WVI, Co. K
Three Danada Square East
PMB # 173
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.871.0828

June 23

Ok, now for the drums,.... Our unit has a drum, just got it, one of our
Venture Crew Scouts plays drums in the local band.
Where can we get the drum "calls".
He’s reluctant to play because he doesn’t know what to play.....
Cpl. Jeff Blakeley
2nd WI Vol. Inf., Co. "B"

June 23

Having all of the proposed 1861 (i.e., gray) uniforms made up by single vendor is a good idea that will save a lot of money, but the problem is doing the research and ascertaining what the correct uniform is. In my research (confirmed by others), Company C wore the gray, nine button frock (U.S. type pattern), but the piping was in dark green. Also, what shade of gray would be appropriate for it? The trouser issue is also the subject of lengthy debate as photos and letters reference plain trousers, trousers with black stripes and green stripes. Also, the stripes appear to be wide in some companies and "regulation" in others. The authorities granted much latitude to the recruits in securing their uniforms, but what is correct per each company?

We, the 19th, 6th, 24th, and 2d have begun to form the official unofficial
Iron Brigade of the West (coast) to help each other out.

I think it must be the hat that makes the people,
Hugh's people in the19th, like the 6th, 24th and us are
devoted to an apolitical stance... if you can't have fun why do it.

You talk about the early uniforms. Is anyone other than myself interested
in getting some of these done? It might save us a bucket if we all pitch
in together.
Steve Bechtold
Co. H