Uniforms of the Washnington Artillery

Washington Artillery Uniforms

In Camp & Battle with the Washington Artillery

Militia Era 1830s

Washington Battalion, Washington Artillery

Persifor Smith, instrumental in the organization of Louisiana’s militia from 1836-1844, encouraged the organization of volunteer militia companies within the city in the 1830s. It was through his efforts that the American section of New Orleans formed volunteer militia units, including the Washington Regiment, becoming its commander in 1844. Smith distinguished himself during the Mexican War at the Battle of Monterey and rose to the rank of Brevet Major General in the U.S. Army, despite the absence of any formal military education. He died while in command of the Department of the Pacific on May 17, 1858.

George Washington was still an important influence in antebellum America. Although he died in 1799, his memory was very fresh in the hearts of his countrymen, fortified through a national holiday in his honor, celebrated on February 22^nd of each year. Therefore, it became common to hear Louisiana militia units bearing his name instead of city or state prefixes. Thus, the formation of the Washington Guards (formed prior to 1825 and later commanded by James B. Walton), the Washington Battalion (in existence since at least 1836 under the command of C. F. Hosey), and later the Washington Regiment (formed in 1844) soon followed.

One of the earliest of the “Washington” named units in Louisiana was the Washington Guards. Organized as an infantry unit, the Washington Guard’s early days were much like other militia companies, mixing social and military roles. An invitation to its “second annual ball” dated 1837 included several of its distinguished members who would later be linked with the Washington Artillery: James B. Walton, Cuthbert Bullitt, William Henderson, G. C. Williams, H. Bean, Thomas Layton, R. M. Shepard, John Winthrop, J. W. Watson and P. L. Boucher.

The Washington Battalion appears to have been an outgrowth of the Washington Guards. It existed at least as early as 1825, the date documenting it participating as the guard of honor in a New Orleans celebration honoring George Washington’s fighting companion in the American Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette.

The decade following 1840 saw the merging of members of all the former militia units together and form what we now know as the Washington Artillery. Tracy merged his Native American artillery unit with the existing Washington Artillery from the Louisiana Legion on February 22, 1841 to form a combined artillery battery called the First Company, Native American Artillery. The latter unit, along with Walton’s Washington Guards, attached to the Washington Battalion of Volunteer New Orleans Infantry. Major C. F. Hozey became the battalion’s major and James B. Walton its adjutant. (It was during this merger that Tracy and Walton fortified their personal and military bonds.)

US-made chapeau circa 1838-40

retailed in New Orleans

Chapeaus were made of "leather" Beaver pelts. This example follows that pattern with heavy silk inner lining upon which is printed an ornate label. The sweat band is brown leather. One side of the chapeau has a black cockade of linen textured cloth. The tassel and cord are gold bullion. On the other side there is a red, blue & white cloth cockade that is almost paper-thin. This hat shows extensive wear but quite intact considering its 171 years of age. These chapeaus were worn by officers of all branches of the military, including artillery. They were worn as part of a dress uniform on special occasions but many were also field worn, especially by officers of higher rank. Such headwear would have been used by officers of the either the Washington Battalion or Washington Regiment during one of the many celebrations within the city of New Orleans for national holidays and military parades.

US chapeau circa 1838-40

A label within the chapeau indicates that the chapeau was made by

Ira Todd of New York and sold through retailer William Wallis or H.G.T. Leach of New Orleans

Ira Todd was a hatter, specializing in military hats, in New York and was located at three different Broadway addresses from 1839-1856. However, the label in this chapeau lists his address as 194 Broadway, which dates its manufacture to 1839. Todd sold to the New Orleans market through a New Orleans outlet. The 1838 New Orleans City Directory lists clothier, William Wallis, in business at 20 Camp St. The 1842 directory shows a new business at 20 Camp St., a hat and cap store, owned by H.G.T. Leach.

Mexican War Era 1840s

Emergence of the Native American Artillery

Elisha Leffingwell Tracy, often given credit as the founder of the modern Washington Artillery, arrived in the Crescent City in 1830 from Virginia and found employment as a public weigher and produce broker. His name is linked to the early days of the Washington Artillery when it was attached to the Louisiana Legion militia. The New Orleans newspaper, True American (dated June 22, 1836), documented Tracy as commanding the unit during the 1836 Fourth of July celebrations along with the Washington Battalion. “Captain E. L. Tracy of the Washington Artillery is in charge of the firing of the National Salute.”

However, in the 1830s Captain Tracy joined a new American political organization called the Native American Association. This name is misleading by today’s nomenclature as the name does not refer to Native American Indians, but to Americans “native” to United States soil, i. e. born in the United States of America. This designation of “Native Americans” was used to contrast themselves from another population within Louisiana called “Creoles” or “Native Louisianians”. So when local militiaman Persifor F. Smith convinced Tracy to organize his own volunteer artillery unit, Tracy chose the name Native American Artillery, to differentiate his new American unit from the French and Spanish organizations that helped to defend New Orleans in previous years.

The word “Creole” is derived from the Spanish word “Criollo” which was originally used by the Spanish Conquistadors to identify their offspring born in the New World. The French of Louisiana adopted the Spanish word into their language as “Creole.” In the earliest days of colonial Louisiana, the word simply meant native born to Louisiana (without reference to race) and not much significance was attached to it. But after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the word took on a stronger social meaning. This is because during the 1830s Anglo-Americans from other states started migrating to the city of New Orleans in large numbers, inducing a period of social and political conflict. The Creoles resented the influx of these brash Americans who threatened their “mild and amiable” way of life. The use of the word “Creole” continued to broaden to differentiate those Louisiana-borne descendants of early Catholic French and Spanish settlers from the newly arriving Americans. Creoles looked upon themselves as having a richer heritage. After all, they and their ancestors had been the primary citizens of New Orleans since it was founded in 1718.

This social conflict reached a peak when a pistol duel between a Creole and American finally brought the two cultures symbolically clashing; the American lost his life, the Creole was tried and acquitted, and a mob of the dead man’s friends attacked the judge at his home. This act led to a new city charter, which divided the city of New Orleans into separate municipalities, each with its own separate council, police, militia and taxes.* Canal Street physically divided the two municipalities and its street’s median was referred to as a “neutral ground,” a symbolic border between the two cultures. That term lingers today in New Orleans’ colloquialism. The Native American Artillery was a military organization composed of some of these new brash Americans who wanted to offer their services to the American section of town. The city procured and donated two bronze six pounder cannons with their necessary accoutrements to the American artillery unit.

Evidence exists linking the Native American movement to many American New Orleanians. An 1839 pamphlet printed in New Orleans entitled Address of the Louisiana Native American Association to the citizens of Louisiana and the inhabitants of the United States raised concerns over foreign naturalization in the United States. Although it supported the rights of men guaranteed by the Constitution, it warned against the unchecked flow of more foreigners into the country, for the welfare of all. In addressing the Creole population of Louisiana, it stated that “no state in the union has perhaps been more, or as much oppressed by foreign influence as Louisiana heretofore, and unless the naturalization laws be repealed there is every reason to apprehend that she will be still more so hereafter.” James B. Walton, a later commander of the Washington Artillery, was one of the signers of this declaration of the Louisiana Native Americans against the continued influx of foreigners into the city.

Rare 1839 booklet entitled Address of the Louisiana Native American Association

in which James B. Walton is listed as one of its members.

First Company, Native American Artillery circa 1840s

The shako appears to be a US militia shako style first used during the early1830s & carried into the 40s.

(Their sky blue uniforms earned them the nickname "Bluebirds.")

Antebellum Uniform 1850s

Being a local militia, the Washington Artillery could choose whatever style uniform it desired. In the early 1850s it chose the US Model 1854 uniform with slight variations. However, by the late 1850s the Washington Artillery militia uniform was more closely patterned after the French. After all, New Orleans had a strong French ancestry, and there was a certain amount of "romance" associated with both that European country and its military look. Napoleonic appeal was still strong.

US Artillery M1854 uniform

(lithograph by H. A. Ogden)

Washington Artillery officers circa 1850s

wearing their US Model 1854 Light Artillery Shakos

(from a lithograph on an 1850s sheet music)

Washington Artillery Shako

1850s

Washington Artilleryman with US Model 1851 Shako

The Washington Artillery used standard US Model 1851 artillery shakos as depicted in this era lithograph. Adopted in 1851 as part of the new uniform regulations for the US army, the shako was to be worn by dragoons, infantry, artillery, engineers, and other branches, with designating branch of service colors on a band (or welt) at the base of the shako and on the pompom worn on top. The enlisted artillery pattern consisted of a red wool pompom ball from whose base a doubled wire extended to be put through a hole in the top front of the cap, and a single wire with a brass insignia depicting a patriotic eagle with 1/4 stylized sunrays background (commonly called a Hardee eagle). The body was made of black felt wool. Immediately below the eagle is the company designation and a suspended gold/brass crossed cannon over a red band/ (welt) trim. It is possible that the letters "WA" were attached somewhere on the body of the shako, possibly where the company designation would normally be placed.

French artillery officer circa 1850s

(notice shako headwear on table)

Washington Artillerist circa late 1850s

His fancy epaulette style with "bullion" reflects his status as an officer.

(Enlisted men wore only solid brass epaulettes. See hand-tinted albumen images below.)

Notice WA buckle, artillery saber, and shako hat

(Unfortunately, shako detail is lost in the image due to damage of the ambrotype plate.)

Washington Artillery Officer's Uniforms

Antebellum 1858-1861

Washington Artillery "dress" uniforms consisted of dark blue frock coats , royal blue or sky blue pants with a wide red stripe down its outer seam for enlisted men and a gold stripe for officers, red kepi with peacock blue band having brass cross cannon and either simple straight or the Zouave-style brass letters "WA." Officers also had a brass pelican above the crossed cannon. Uniform collars were red with sewn cloth dark blue crossed cannon. Officers had brass crossed cannon. Cuffs were red for enlisted men. Enlisted men wore standard brass epaulettes attached to the shoulders, Louisiana pelican buttons adorned the front, and white buff belt with shoulder strap. Staff officers wore gold bullion shoulder epaulettes. The buckles were of several variations, including a rectangular plate with a pelican within a oval circle with "NO" at the bottom of the oval, a rectangular plate with a pelican with rays radiating behind it, the more common rectangular Louisiana pelican feeding its young or a US Model 1838 two piece sword buckle, altered by removing the "US" and either engraving or casting "WA" on its tongue. There is evidence that the 5th Company also had plain militia-style rectangular plate with Zouave-style "WA" letters attached to it. Enlisted men had white buff leather while officers had black leather. Accoutrements consisted of Model 1842 US muskets, cap boxes, and cartridge boxes with brass crossed cannon on their flaps. Knapsacks were black tarred leather with a script "WA" on its flap and a red or white blanket roll. Every man also carried a sword and pistol. Swords were of various makes and models, some preferring the Thomas, Griswold-made artillery saber with brass scabbard and a white buff leather sword knot. Pistols varied in make and model. The unit's gold badge of crossed cannon within a circular artillery belt was usually attached to the uniform by a clasp and watch chain as added security against its loss. White gloves, and sometimes even white gaiters, completed the ensemble.

However, as early as September of 1861, the Washington Artillerists' uniform and accoutrements changed. Their blue coats looked too much like their Northern foes and caused confusion in battle. William Miller Owen commented, "The blue cloth dress uniforms have been shipped to Richmond and will there remain for swell occasions. We have reduced our equipment since active service began. Knapsacks have been voted a bore, and have been or will be thrown aside. On leaving home each man had his revolver for 'close quarters' and the sabre was part of the regulation uniform. Both are in disgrace. The revolver will be traded off, sold, or sent home, and the sabres (all that are left, for many have disappeared during the past week) will be turned over to the cavalry."

This cdv of W. Butler Krumbharr of 5th Company

reveals the use of both an artillery saber and side arm.

Cased Colt Model 1855 side hammer "Root"

(named after the designer Elisha Root) revolver

used by member of the Washington Artillery

Backstrap engraved "Washington Artillery New Orleans"

By March of 1862 Confederate General Joe Johnston would distribute General Order 34, forbidding noncommissioned officers and privates from carrying pistols.

Gaiters, leather or canvas spats, were primarily accessories of the Zouave-style uniform,

but white gaiters like these were also used by the WA at the beginning of the war.

They kept dirt out of a soldier's shoes; allowed the end of the pant to be covered, protecting

the soldier's underlying legs from insects; and added cosmetic appeal to the uniform's overall dress look.

Hand-tinted albumen image of Edward & William Miller Owen (right)

showing antebellum-era officer's militia uniforms

circa 1861

(Enlistedman's uniform left/officer's right)

Note the small brass pelican over William Miller Owen's crossed cannon on his kepi.

Rectangular pelican (marked "N. O.") buckle type used by William Miller Owen in above image

Rectangular pelican "with rays" buckle type used by Edward Owen in above image

Washington Artillery Enlistedman's Uniform

Antebellum 1858-1860

Hand-tinted albumen image of

A. R. Blakeley, 2nd Co. WA.

showing militia uniform with accoutrements-circa 1861

Although the prewar militia style uniform of the 1850s continued, the shako hat was retired for the kepi.

White buff leather sword knot

Private T. H. Fuqua, Third Company WA circa 1861

(from cdv)

WA Enlistedmen (left)

Captain B. F. Eshleman (right) circa 1861

(from imperial size albumen print)

Civil War Era

Washington Artillery uniforms changed to regulation CSA models after confusion at the battle of Manassas at the beginning of the War Between the States. Their militia blue coats looked too much like the federal uniforms of the North.

Civil War Enlistedman's Shell Jacket

Joseph Denegre, 5th Co. WA, wearing shell jacket

5th Company, Washington Artillery

WA badge

This variation of the WA badge is slightly convex with

a tiger head hanging from an artillery belt

and crossed cannons as its centerpiece.

Engraved in the belt is

"Washington/ Try Us/ Artillery."

(This badge belonged to James W. Price of Third Company)

1870s

Washington Artillery dress uniform 1872

Shako Head Gear

The Washington Artillery returned to the use of shakos as part of its dress uniform in the 1870s when it reorganized. The shako plate used was of standard Northern manufacture. The WA simply used shakos manufactured for the 1870s era New York National Guard, modifying or replacing some of its parts.

The firm of Baker & McKenney of New York manufactured & sold the shakos.

Model One

Washington Artillery dress shako circa 1870s

side view

Louisiana tunic buttons replaced New York state side buttons

shako label

Baker & McKenney, New York

with period identification of its owner, J. H. Duggan, WA

The stamped brass regimental numbers normally seen with New York regiments were replaced with the letters "WA."

The plate has a black center medallion upon which are the brass letters "WA" which is surrounded by alternating

cannon barrels and spikes and a spread eagle at its 12 o'clock position. There is a red and white pompom above the shako plate.

This Washington Artillery dress shako

belonged to Joseph H. Duggan, who fought with the 5th Company-

during the Civil War

Joseph H. Duggan, 5th Company-

and later served in

Company B & as Treasurer of the WA

from 1877-1899.

Joseph H. Duggan, as a civilian in the 1880s-

Model Two

Washington Artillery enlisted man's

dress shako circa 1870s (1872-1881)

This form also used a standard US shako

but used the brass letters

"WA" attached to crossed cannons.

This pompom is totally red.

This shako is also from the firm of Baker & McKenney of New York.

Model Three

Washington Artillery dress shako circa 1870s officer's model

This fancier form used a unique WA logo shako plate.

This pompom is composed of red and white bird feathers.

(Reconstructed shako with original shako plate)

WA kepi 1870s- Indian War era

Note similarity but differences to Civil War era kepi above.

(No peacock blue band, heavier grade gold bullion,

post war pelican kepi buttons on sides and two piece brim)

Artillery coat circa 1870s - undress or possibly musician's blouse

Label inside coat reads "Walker & Zeller/ New Orleans, La."

[other photos pending]

1880s

WA Model 1883 dress uniform

Washington Artillery Commander J. B. Richardson

(cabinet card by Simon of New Orleans)

wearing his 1883 dress uniform.

(image courtesy Confederate Memorial Hall Museum)

WA Model 1883 dress uniform

note enlisted man's cuff design

WA Model 1883 officer's dress uniform

note officer's cuff design

Officer's (Captain) epaulette with sewn "WA"

WA kepi

with sewn embroidered insignia

Undress WA foot artillery helmet

(circa 1881-1901)

US shield with "WA"

WA white (summer) dress helmet

close up view of
"WA" on shako plate

Epaulettes (officer's) with solid silver letters in script "WA"

(circa 1901-1903)

Washington Artillery honor guard in their M1883 summer dress uniforms

at City Hall, New Orleans as Ex-Confederate President Jefferson Davis lay in state in 1889.

(image courtesy Confederate Memorial Hall Museum)

Washington Artillery US regulation dress uniform frock coat M1881

Spanish American War-era

(1898)

M1898 US uniform in various models

(Lithograph by H. A. Ogden 1899)

Washington Artillery firing at the foot of Canal Street late 1880s.

Enlisted man of the Washington Artillery wearing his sack coat and kepi with WA insignia.

(Above two photos courtesy John M. Fleming Collection)

WA kepi insignia

M1898 Undress Uniform of Washington Artillery

worn by officers and enlisted men

Officer's kepi

M1902 uniforms

(Officer's dress M1902 uniform)

Colonel Allison Owen of the Washington Artillery,

wearing his M1902 dress uniform

(note WA commander medal)

M1902 dress tunic, enlisted man

Mexican Border

(1916)

M1912 Field Uniform

In March 1916 the ongoing revolution in Mexico spilled over into the United States when Pancho Villa's guerrillas sacked and burned Columbus, New Mexico. Within days, President Woodrow Wilson dispatched General John J. Pershing with 10,000 troops on a Punitive Expedition into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa. Pershing spent ten months in Mexico tracking Villa, but was never able to find him. In early 1917 Pershing returned home empty-handed. Further attempts to find Villa were overtaken by American entry into World War I in April of 1917. Three thousand Army Reserve soldiers supported the Punitive Expedition and the accompanying National Guard deployment to the border – the first call-up in the Army Reserve’s history. The Washington Artillery was assigned the name the First Battalion, Louisiana Field Artillery (Washington Artillery) and was part of the 13th Provisional Division when it arrived at the border on July 18, 1916.

Colonel Allison Owen

of the Washington Artillery, wearing his M1912 field uniform

Men of the Washington Artillery, wearing their M1912 field uniforms

World War I

(1914-1918)

The United States entered the First World War (1914-1918) on April 6, 1917. The Army set about equipping, shipping and deploying its largest force since the Civil War to France. The first U.S. units saw action in late 1917, but most of the American divisions came to France in 1918. The Washington Artillery continued to use their M1912 field uniforms during this era.

M1912 Field Uniform