Don Troiani – Clinch Rifles, Georgia Militia 1861

The Image Size Is Approx.  11.25” x 14.5”

The Clinch Rifles were formed in Augusta, Georgia, in 1852. Named in honor of a hero of the War of 1812, Gen. Duncan Clinch, the company was typical of the numerous elite militia organizations that could be found in the large cities of the United States in the decade prior to the Civil War. These companies were often composed of the best and the brightest young men of the urban areas, most of whom had sufficient financial backing to outfit themselves in the height of military fashion.

Membership in the Clinch Rifles was both an honor and a privilege that was not granted lightly. A Young man aspiring to membership would be voted on and was expected to pay dues, outfit himself in the company's uni-form, and attend regular meetings. The purchase of one uniform was usually not enough, as style change would dictate that those wishing to remain must be ready to conform to the decision of the majority. The meticulously kept minutes of the meetings of the Clinch Rifles show that on May 30, 1859, a resolution was adopted to "change the uniform by making the coat a frock coat". This was followed just over a year later in July 1860 by a decision to discuss a design for a "new uniform," that would be tailor-made in Augusta.

For those wishing to belong, peer pressure certainly was alive and well.

In keeping with the European tradition of green for riflemen, and adding an elegant gold braid trim, the Clinch Rifles' uniform made them a distinctive and easily recognized company. The new uniform was based in style, if not in color, on the latest issue of the Regular army.

The French-style forage cap had been adopted by the Regulars in 1858 for fatigue purposes.

The frock coat for full dress had replaced a similar, less practical pattern the same year. Whereas the Regulars would not wear the two items together, the decision to do so by the Clinch Rifles made for a smart and practical uniform by the standards of 1860.

Unlike many units raised in 1861 that bore the title of Rifles, the men of the Clinch Rifles were armed as a true rifle company, carrying 1841 Mississippi rifle modified to use the deadly looking saber bayonet. These rifles had been issued by the state of Georgia, which had received them for the Federal government, which, under a law dating from 1808, had issued the various states arms for their militias. The belt, the U.S. rifle belt model of 1855 with the attached frog to hold the scabbard for the saber bayonet, also stood out as unique to a rifle company. The cartridge box for the Mississippi rifle had no provision for a shoulder belt and was worn on the right side of the waist belt. Although the saber bayonet had the appearance of a formidable arm, it was not well liked by the men who used it. One primary reason was the fact that it made the arm difficult to load quickly when it was in place on the rifle. Another negative factor was the weight of the weapon, which, when added to the weight of a full cartridge box, added to the soldier's already significant burden.

Earl J. Coates

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