ACW Brooklyn Chasseurs and Fire Zouaves Confusion

[OB]

There seems to be some confusion between the uniforms of the Brooklyn Chasseurs and the New York Fire Zouaves.  This seems to have originated with JEB Stuart.

"Colonel Stuart and myself were riding at the head of the column as the grand panorama opened before us, and there right in front, about seventy yards distant, and in strong relief against the smoke beyond, stretched a brilliant line of scarlet – a regiment of New York Zouaves in column of fours, marching out of the Sudley road to attack the flank of our line of battle.  Dressed in scarlet caps and trousers, blue jackets with quantities of gold buttons, and white gaiters, with a fringe of bayonets swaying above them as they moved, their appearance was indeed magnificent."

I'm currently painting the unit but have realised that what I had thought were the Fire Zouaves are more likely to be the Brooklyn Chasseurs.  I have the correct flags for both so that's not a problem.

Did the question of who Stuart was talking about ever get resolved?

[Extrabio1947]

I would imagine he was speaking of the 14th Brooklyn.  It was stationed just behind the 11th New York (Fire Zouaves) and 1st Minnesota during the assaults on Henry House Hill.  The Fire Zouaves at Bull Run were not wearing red trousers, and the nickname “Red-Legged Devils” was supposedly given to the 14th by Jackson himself for its repeated and determined charges.

Both the 14th and the 11th would have been visible to Stuart just prior to the 1st Virginia’s famous charge, so I think it’s fairly certain the referenced red trousers and red caps belonged to the 14th Brooklyn.  In addition, when Stuart saw them, the 11th New York had shed its jackets due to the heat, and the 1st Minnesota fought the battle in red shirts and black trousers, so of the three, the only regiment wearing dark blue jackets with brass buttons was the 14th Brooklyn.

[OB]

Thanks, that works for me.

[sepoy1857]

He's describing the 84TH NY also known by their old pre-War Militia designation 14th Brooklyn.

[vtsaogames]

The painting above seems to be the Fire Zouaves. Technically, the 14th Brooklyn were wearing Chasseur uniforms rather than Zouave uniforms, red legs and all.

[OB]

Yep, that's the Fire Zouaves.  Nice painting.  I think I have some suitable figures for them.  My red legged devils are now done and just need their flags.

[sepoy1857]

The painting is by Mark Maritato called "TAKING GRIFFIN'S BATTERY Battle of 1st Manassas". It shows elements of both the 11th NY (Fire Zouaves) and the 84th NT (14th Brooklyn) mixed up together. It shows good details of how the 11th uniform differed from the 14th Brooklyn. https://www.facebook.com/markmaritatoart/

[OB]

There is a wealth of info' in that painting.  It does repay some study.  Thanks for the artist's details.

[goingaviking]

He's describing the 84TH NY also known by their old pre-War Militia designation 14th Brooklyn.

The 14th Brooklyn (aka the 14th New York State Militia) objected to being renumbered during the war by New York State. They complained to the Federal authorities who agreed, given their very distinguished war record (when Lincoln visited an army camp the 14th Brooklyn would guard his tent), to continue to refer to them as the 14th, regardless of what the State choose to call them.

[OB]

This is what I came up with for the 14th Brooklyn.

[vtsaogames]

The Brooklyn Historical Society Museum Has a print of the action at the railroad cut July 1, 1863. The legend would suggest that the 14th captured a Confederate brigade by themselves. That said, the 14th did yoeman service that day.

[CapnJim]

Nice brushwork!  But forgive my ignorance if this was previously answered - what scale are they?

[OB]

Thanks.  They are all 15mm QRF except the officer who is from Peter Pig.

[CapnJim]

Roger that.  And thanks.  Your unit certainly looks the business...

[Gangleri]

Mark Maritato has a lot of wonderful artwork, quite well-researched and full of character and action.  He's a great source for AWI and ACW stuff.