United States Army Headgear 1855-1902 - Libreria Militare Ares

NUMBER 30 79WAR DEPARTMENT,QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE.specifications for Muskrat Fur Caps.Material.—Fur portion to be of full furred and seasonedtrapped muskrat skins (winter or spring skins only), thoroughlydressed with butter or oleomargarine, and cleanedwith white or yellow sawdust (no alum or vitriol or otherchemicals to be used), each skin to be sufficiently large toadmit of the half crown being cut in one solid piece, exceptone small additional piece is allowed at each side to makerequired width. The lining to be of good quality brownsateen, counting about one hundred and twenty (120)threads to the inch of warp and two hundred (200) threadsto the inch of filling, sustaining a tensile strength of not lessthan thirty-six (36) pounds both in the warp and the filHng;the sateen weighing about two and one-fourth (2 ^) ouncesto the linear yard, thirty-six (36) inches wide. Interliningof good quality cotton wadding in the body of the cap, withan interlining in the cape and ear-laps of furniture haircloth, medium weight, as shown in the sealed standardsample, counting about sixty-two (62) threads to the warpand forty-two (42) threads to the filling.Measurements.—Height of crown to be about seven (7)inches on the pelt, full in the circular slant, as shown in thesealed standard sample. The greatest depth of the ear-lapsto be about five (5) inches, continuing around the cap,forming in the back a cape of about three (3) inches, witha visor in the front, properly shaded, its greatest depth beingabout two and three-fourths (2^) inches; the fur composingthis section of the cap embodying no more piecing ofthe fur than is shown in the sealed standard sample. At thetop of each ear-lap a black tape string about nine (9) incheslong and one-half (Y2) inch wide for the purpose of extendingover the crown of the cap and tying to hold theear-laps and capes in position. The lining and interliningof the body of the cap to be quilted in block pattern, asshown in the sealed standard sample, not less than twelve(12) stitches to the inch; the joining of the body of thecap to the lining thus prepared to be neatly and securelysewed with about six (6) stitches to the inch. The ear-lapand cape to have an interlining of furniture hair cloth togive that portion of the cap stability, and applied as shownin the sealed standard sample.The above measurements and descriptions based on sizeseven and one-eighth (7^), all other sizes to be in proportion.To be like and equal the standard sample in everyparticular.Adopted August 25, 1902, in lieu of specifications ofMarch 12, 1879 (No. 6), which are canceled.M. I. LUDINGTON,Quartermaster General, U.S. Army.THE INDIAN SCOUT CAMPAIGN HATIn 1866 the Congress in reestablishing the peacetimeArmy authorized the President "to enlist andemploy in the Territories and Indian country aforce of Indians, not to exceed 1000, to act asscouts, who shall receive the pay and allowancesof cavalry soldiers, and to be discharged wheneverthe necessity for their employment is abated . . . ."""As of October 1868 there were 412 such scouts inthe service.'*' Over the years these scouts were enlistedfor periods varying from three months to sixyears, the greater majority being for six months(this latter period later becoming the allowablemaximum) and receiving in addition to pay andallowances forty cents a day extra if they furnishedtheir own horse and horse equipment."^In the late winter of 1889-1890 Lt. E. W. Casey,22d Infantry, commanding a company of scouts atFort Keogh, Montana, conceived the idea of a distinctiveuniform for the scouts to attract them tothe service and improve morale. When the conceptwas approved, Casey submitted his recommendationsin detail including a variant campaign hat,hat cord, insignia, overcoat, and guidon, plus adistinctive facing for the issue dress coat. TheSecretary of War approved and directed the QuartermasterGeneral to initiate procurement."" Thehat and trimmings were described in Circular No.10, Headquarters of the Army, 11 August 1890:Fatigue HatOf black felt, brim 3/2 inches wide, crown 3/2 inches high-,brim to be well stiffened.Hat CordOf white worsted cord, one strand of scarlet, terminating intwo tassels \Yi inches in length, same color and materialas the cord.Hat OrnamentTwo arrows crossed, to be made of nickel or some whitemetal, 3 inches in length, the letters U.S.S. in the upperintersection.Samples were prepared and approved and theSchuylkill Arsenal was directed to contract for atotal of 400 men.'" The first contract for the hatswas let with W. H. Hurlbut of New York for 400 at$1.24 each. Edward Eicks of New York contractedto supply a like number of hat cords at $.lOi/4each and J. H. Wilson of Philadelphia to furnishthe hat ornaments, 400 at $.25 each."* The firstissues were made in November (Figure 57)."" Astension increased over the Ghost Dance troubles