By Marc A. Hermann (text and images) 14th "Brooklyn" New York State Militia, July 21, 1861

. 14th "Brooklyn" New York State Militia, July 21, 1861, at the battle of Bull Run

Taken on Henry House Hill at Manassas National Battlefield Park 163 years to the day after the battle.

The Fourteenth's "chasseur" uniform was adopted by the regiment in 1860, but the mobilization for war, and the addition of hundreds of recruits, meant a scramble to equip and clothe them all. These uniforms were noted as being picturesque, to be sure, but there were doubts about how well they would hold up to the rigors of field use.

Indeed, after two months, by the time of Bull Run, the regiment noted the uniform was not in the best shape. The lining of the trousers showed through holes in the flannel, and, in some cases, made up the majority of the remaining fabric. Nevertheless, the Fourteenth would be "baptized by fire" and begin to make a name for itself, one that would be built upon over the following three years.

Evidence suggests that two elements that are automatically associated with the regiment—red shoulder knots and white leggings—were not universally adopted parts of the uniform in 1861. On the mad dash to the battlefield, they tossed aside their blanket rolls and haversacks, going into action with only canteens, their smoothbore muskets, and accoutrements. Several photographs show plain roller buckle or frame belts in use early on before ordnance records pick up and cite the more familiar waist belts. Confusion over regimental identity, with many observers believing the regiment to be the New York Fire Zouaves, persisted in part due to the 14th's own close ties with Brooklyn's fire service. Company C, for instance, was traditionally the "Franklin Guards," after Franklin Engine Co. 3 near their armory. A Brooklyn Western District Fire Department badge can be seen on the uniforms in a few original photos, often mistaken at first glance for a circular 1st Corps insignia.

After the battle, they would be re-equipped with rifle-muskets and, despite the expense, several new issues of their distinctive regimental uniform.

Thank you to Manassas NBP for hosting a great anniversary program this weekend!