It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Glenda McWhirter Todd. She passed away on September 3, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was a historian, genealogist, and author who prided herself on being a descendant of Andrew Ferrier McWhirter of the 1st Alabama Cavalry, USV. Her work over the past two decades and her dedication to the 1st Alabama Cavalry has created a legacy that will last for years to come.

Her life's work has touched thousands of people through the years, and I am glad that I had the pleasure to work with her as long as I did. My hope is that her work will live on for years to come to educate and inspire a new generation.

1. Federal Cavalry Shell Jacket, trimmed or untrimmed, M-1854 OR Federal Fatigue Blouse ("Sack Coat"), M-1858.
2. Federal Mounted-pattern trousers, M-1856 kersey blue OR Federal Infantry-pattern trousers, kersey blue.
3. Standard-pattern Federal Forage cap or kepi OR Black Slouch hats, civilian or sutler patterns correct to period, OR Pork-pie, low bowler or other reasonable correct period civilian headgear (Use of branch color hat cords and excessive brass should be avoided).
4. Shirt, any period style shirt, civilian or military, of proper design, materials, buttons, etc. NO POLYESTER FABRIC OR PLASTIC BUTTONS!
5. Suspenders, and period style, plain suspenders (no clips, button only).
6. Socks, period pattern cotton or wool. No athletic socks with colored tops.
7. Footwear, black boots, artillery, cavalry or civilian pattern (avoid rubber soles if possible) OR Brogans, Federal black made by reputable sutler.
8. Vest, period civilian pattern, optional.
9. Poncho, black gum rubber of issue style only.
10. Saber belt with Eagle belt plate, black, M-1851 OR Infantry-style waist belt, black with oval U.S. belt plate.
11. Cap box, black leather, M-1855.
12. Holster, issue-pattern, black leather.
13. Carbine cartridge box, M-1854 Sharps or M-1860 (Black only).
14. Carbine sling with swivel. Optional. Black leather preferred.
15. Gauntlets, correct period style (doeskin best), optional but recommended.
16. Eyewear, Contacts or period glasses. Small, rimmed glasses acceptable if not obtrusive (Cmdr discression).
17. Timepieces, period pocket watches only. Wristwatches must be kept out of sight at all times and will subject you to name-calling if spotted.
18. Carbine, Sharps, M-1859 or M-1863 reproduction or original OR Other pattern breech-loading carbines, Maynard, Smith, Gallagher, etc, OR Muzzle-loading carbine of correct pattern, U.S. M-1855, etc. OR Spencer or Henry repeaters OR "2-banders" such as Dickson-Nelson, Zouave, etc. THREE-BANDERS, SHOTGUNS OR NON-MILITARY LONG GUNS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AS ISSUE WEAPONS UNLESS DOCUMENTABLE TO SCENARIO OR SKIRMISH. (Cmdr discretion)
19. Revolver, 1860 Colt Army, New Army Remington in .44 caliber OR Any issue pattern .36 caliber revolver, Colt 1851 Navy, Whitney, etc. (NO MORE THAN TWO ISSUE REVOLVERS PER MAN, Baby Dragoons or Baby Remingtons in .31 Caliber, or Colt Pocket Police revolvers in .36 caliber are acceptable as boot, blouse or belt "hide-out" or "last ditch" personal sidearm, but No Outlaw Josey Wales shoulder holsters or other Hollywood crap permitted. We are skirmishers, not pistoleros.)
20. Sabre, issue M-1840 or M-1860 patterns. SABRES ARE NOT REQUIRED. If owned they are for show or demonstration purposes only and will NOT be carried on the field (Skirmishers left them on their horses). Officers are exempted from this rule and may carry them suspended from their belts. NO LARGE BOWIE KNIVES PERMITTED TO BE WORN, SMALL SHEATH OR POCKET KNIVES OK.
21. Canteen, U.S. M-1858 Smoothside or "Bullseye" with cloth covering and "cavalry style" shortened strap with hook OR AUTHENTIC WOODEN CANTEEN (many farb fakes abound, don't buy one unless you're sure) also equipped with cavalry sling.
22. Haversack, issue pattern, black only, with shortened strap for carrying on a horse. DO NOT WEAR HAVERSACK INFANTRY-STYLE OVER YOUR SHOULDER, YOU'RE A CAVALRYMAN, AND THEY LET THEIR HORSES DO THE PACKING FOR THEM! Ditto with canteen. Shorten that strap and hang it from your belt where your sabre should be, but isn't-- it too is on your horse.
23. Wool blanket, brown or gray, period weave. Even if you sleep in a sleeping bag you'll need a wool blanket to cover it. NO MODERN ITEMS IN VIEW!
24. Tent, "Dog tent" (field impression) OR A-Frame (garrison impression, or for officers in the field).
25. Gum blanket (two tied together make good substitute field tent, or one below to keep out moisture).