Blue and Gray Marching

Arms:  In November "Generally .69 caliber. Some Minnie and Enfield." .69 calibers replaced by end of January.

Accoutrements:  By end of February 476 bayonet scabbards (and by implication bayonets) lacking, and 84 men

                      without cartridge box sling, and so presumably wearing on belt.

Condition of clothing:  August "poor", November and December good in remnant of Stonewall Brigade, 

                      poor in others. January and February "good".

Military appearance:  November and December "indifferent", improving to "good" in January and February.

Personal cleanliness:  November and December "neat", January neat "as far as possible, soap cannot be procured", 

                      February "neat".

General sanitary condition:  "Good" on all reports.

Discipline:  First reported in November as "good", same on subsequent reports.

Drill:  August "fairly well", November through January "indifferent", February "well".

Police of camp or post:  November and December "thorough", January "excellent", February "good".

Inspector's Comments

20 August:

This brigade is composed of the fragmentary remains of fourteen of the regiments of Johnson's Division, the most of which was captured by the enemy May 12th, 1864.

[...?...]

Besides the ammunition in the hands of the men there are 30,000 rounds in the ordnance wagons.

28 November:

Owing to the arduous campaign the clothing of many of the men in the command is in a most deplorable condition. I would respectfully present the absolute necessity for the issue of overcoats, as during the coming cold weather great suffering will be caused by their absence.

The company books and records are owing to unavoidable circumstances in a very disordered and incomplete state. Commanders have therefore to rely principally upon memory for the statement of facts as set forth in portions of this report.

29 December:

The inclemency of the weather prevented the actual field inspection. Under the heading "present at inspection" is given the number who were present and would have appeared had an inspection been held.

Recently, small issues of excellent clothing have been made. Great want, however, still prevails.

The military appearance of the command is almost as good as could be under the circumstances. Many of the officers are grossly ignorant and negligent of their duties, owing in a great degree to the unfortunate system of elections by which means these officers were chosen.

The wants of the command is the subject of constant solicitude to the brigade commander and his immediate subordinates; as far as lies in his power the wants of the command are reasonably anticipated. In this connection I would mention the great scarcity of stationary. I have been assured by Colonels of regiments that nearly half of their salary is consumed in the purchase of necessary articles for the use of their commands. The articles, however, are always to be had at exorbitant prices. I would respectfully suggest the propriety of the Q.M.s buying up the supplies of private individuals to be found in the stores of any of our cities and towns.

Company books and records are, owing to the same deficiency, very incomplete. It is consequently extremely difficult for company commanders to execute existing orders concerning charges to be made against the men for the loss of public property.

28 January:

The command since last report has improved in every respect except its officers; these it is a most difficult matter to call to account. Preserving a status where neither gross incompetency nor inefficiency can be charged against them, they are neglectful in the discharge of their [?] duties. Specifications would discover [...?...].  Some officers are able to discharge their duties with great zeal and promptness.

The command as far as clothing and shoeing goes is in a fair condition. The command is being gradually equipped. The discipline of the command is becoming excellent. In the scarcity of accomplished and zealous officers, the military bearing cannot well be improved. Pride, as regards appearance, has unfortunately disappeared, and together with our altered advantages for procuring clothing, it is hard to acquire a really soldierly appearance.

Owing to the absence of many officers and the loss of company books and records, commanders have not that thorough knowledge of the condition of their commands, that is compatible with their positions. The great want of soap prevents that perfect cleanliness which would otherwise be the case.

[...?...]

The number reported "present on special duty" and "sick" is largely increased by temporary details and slight indisposition. They would be effective for the line of battle.

[Note from Inspector General Peyton]

The inefficiency of officers in this brigade is not [?] as great as might be inferred from this report. The standard of the inspector is high, and the inattention of officers to the minute matters of discipline which always beget military pride and general efficiency is a just subject of comment and report. The corrective power lies alone with the brigade commander, as the courts would never sustain a prosecution made on these points.

27 February:

The troops of the command are well clad. A small deficiency still exists in ordnance stores. Owing to the entire absence of company and regimental records, it is impossible to furnish as correct a report as is desirable. Many companies have no representative in either man or officer, and hence it is impossible to get proper returns. Many companies have but few men who can furnish no information or evidence concerning absentees.

Source: Records of the Adjutant & Inspector General’s Department, NARA, microcopy M935