Hey guys,

Ok so I was just wondering, what type of uniform are the Savannah Guard wearing in this painting? I am pretty sure the officer and the fellow in the black hat in the front is wearing a type 3 RD but what about the rest? are they red trimmed Taits? What historical basis does the painter have for them wearing this uniform? More importantly can you tell me where to go look to find orginal pictures of them or some reading material to form my own opinion.

One thing for sure is that corporal needs better muzzle control!  

You might want to ask Keith Rocco, as he did put a substantial amount of research into that particular painting to include using several CDVs to capture the faces of the men who were there.  That spot on the battlefield is easy to find, since the swale illustrated in the painting of that action late on "Black Thursday" still exists.

Well I have shot him a few emails in last few weeks but no luck, was hoping maybe someone else had the info and was willing to share. Will try again though cause I am really interested in this subject.

Joey,

I no longer have a copy of the pamphlet that goes with that print, but the faces you see, such as Sgt. Miller and perhaps Basinger, were painted from the CDVs of those individuals, which is why they don't look like the usual "hey I know that guy" Gallon or Troiani prints where you can pick out a half dozen or more reenactor faces.

Anyway, in August 2002, Lee White answered this same question with:

"When the 18th went to Lee's Army they had been previously employed as Heavy Artillery and their clothing reflected that. Recently Keith Rocco did a print for preservation at Sayler's Creek, VA and in it he has them wearing Artillery Kepis and P. Tait Artillery Jackets. This would be a good representation given the amount of P. Tait clothing issued to Lee's Army at Petersburg. I would also recommend that you go through their Compiled Service Records to see if there happens to be any descrïptions in any of the clothing requisitions. Hope this is of some help."

I'm sure you've seen that by now, along with the casualty rates, etc. If you look in the ORBAT, they are listed as one of several 18th Georgias. These were heavy artillery fellows, and not the infantry.  A decent read is:

"Battle of Sailor's Creek, Part Taken in it By the Savannah Guard." SHSP 24 (1896): pp. 250-54 CD-ROM available. (3 photocopied pages). E483.7S76v24"

The Savannah Guard still exists, as their L&H program extends to a modern day GA ARNG unit. It's a heck of a history.

If you happen on the regimental for the 121st NYVI, or just look up the MOH citation for that day and that flag capture, you'll get a little more insight into that spot on that day.

Thanks  Charles for the help. I am in the process of trying to get some books on inter library loan here and see if they give me some more insight.
btw I hope all is well with Glendale Malvern Hill event, wish I could get get up there for that.

Great painting; hangs in my office.