UNIQUE CAVALRY UNIFORMS
Major General John Buford
Lt. Col. Theodore Lyman wrote a description of Buford; "His [Buford"s] ancient corduroys are tucked into a pair of ordinary cowhide boots and his blue blouse is ornamented with holes."-"The Devils to Pay" John Buford at Gettysburg by Eric J. Wittenburg. Also his jacket is described as: sort of hunting coat of blouse
effect or a blue hunting-shirt. Certainly not what you would have expected of a General during the Civil War.
Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer
Capt.James H. Kidd of the 6th Michigan described Custer's uniform: "He was clad in a suit of black velvet, elaborately trimmed with gold lace, which ran down the outer seams of his trousers, and almost covered the sleeves of his cavalry jacket. The wide collar of a blue navy shirt was turned down over the collar of his velvet jacket and a necktie of brilliant crimson was tied in a graceful knot at the throat, the long ends falling carelessly in front." He wore a soft black hat with a wide brim adorned with a gilt cord and a rosette encircling a silver brigadier general's star. Custer had a logical explanation for his unique appearance: "When I'm in the field, I want my men to recognize me."-"Protecting the Flank at Gettysburg" by Eric J. Wittenberg
Captain Oliver Cushman 1st Vermont Cavalry
In the afternoon of July 3rd, 1863, Captain Oliver Cushman of the 1st Vermont Cavalry wore the following uniform in a mounted charge below Big Round Top: The white "fighting jacket" (also referred to as a "duck jacket") was a gift from his girlfriend and had gold captain's braid on the sleeve. His conspicuous outfit was further adorned with a silk handkerchief over his cap. His horse was shot out from under him and he was badly wounded in the face. He was pinned under his horse but continued to fire his pistols until he fainted from loss of blood. He was mistaken for General Elon J. Farnsworth because of his wound, his distinctive uniform, and how he had fallen by the Confederates who found him. Farnsworth had fallen a short distance away.