Military uniforms possess an enduring allure, acting as tangible links to historical narratives and personal stories. For decades, the study and reproduction of Civil War uniforms have captivated enthusiasts and historians alike, offering a profound connection to the past. Among these, surviving Confederate uniforms hold a particular rarity, and the identification of such garments amplifies their historical significance, imbuing them with a personal and human dimension. This is the captivating story of a Confederate officer’s uniform, identified as belonging to Captain Johnston De Lagnel, offering a glimpse into the life of a soldier and the sartorial details of the Confederacy.
This remarkable Ri Uniform Johnston Ri, though not geographically tied to Rhode Island but rich in history, surfaced from a museum’s collection, deemed outside their specific curatorial focus. Accompanying records, alongside inscriptions within the coat and trousers, definitively identified the uniform’s owner as Johnston De Lagnel. Born into a military family in New York in 1831, De Lagnel’s lineage was steeped in martial tradition; his father, Julius Adolphus De Lagnel, served as an army ordnance officer. Following his father’s death in 1840, Johnston’s path led him to Alexandria, Virginia, alongside his brother, Julius Adolphus De Lagnel. As the drums of the Civil War began to beat in 1861, both brothers answered the call, enlisting in the Confederate cause.
Image alt text: Front view of the identified Confederate officer uniform of Captain J De Lagnel, showcasing cadet grey broadcloth and red trim.
Johnston De Lagnel’s military service saw him commissioned as a captain in the 20th Battalion Virginia Artillery. From 1861 to 1862, he was stationed around Yorktown, Virginia, commanding heavy artillery emplacements, a crucial role in the earlyConfederate defenses. By late 1863, De Lagnel’s service relocated him to Charleston, South Carolina, a significant strategic port city for the Confederacy. It was in Charleston that Captain De Lagnel commissioned a new uniform from the esteemed tailor C.D. Carr, whose establishment was located on Broad Street, a known hub for fine tailoring. Remarkably, the original receipt from C.D. Carr was discovered within the uniform pocket, providing irrefutable provenance and a fascinating detail of historical commerce. Several extant uniforms bearing Carr’s label are known, exhibiting distinctive tailoring characteristics that aid historians in recognizing his work. Tragically, Captain De Lagnel’s opportunity to wear his newly tailored uniform was cut short. He succumbed to pneumonia on April 7, 1864, and his body was returned to Alexandria via steamer, marking a poignant end to his military service and life.
Image alt text: Close-up detail of the Confederate uniform coat, highlighting the red collar and cuff trim, and staff buttons.
The coat of this Confederate officer uniform is fashioned from cadet gray superfine broadcloth, a material commonly associated with Confederate military garments. Bright red superfine broadcloth provides striking contrast, accentuating the collar, cuffs, and piping. The distinctive cut of the coat’s front, particularly around the chest area, is a recognized hallmark of C.D. Carr’s tailoring style, further solidifying the uniform’s attribution. Confederate staff buttons adorn the coat, though some are regrettably missing from the front, lost during a period of display. The coat’s interior is lined with a green wool and silk blend, while the sleeves are lined with plain woven white cotton. Embroidered gold on the collar serves as a clear indicator of the wearer’s rank as a captain, another characteristic detail of Carr’s officer uniforms. The sleeves are embellished with two rows of gold galloon, further denoting his rank and status. The trousers, crafted from the same cadet gray broadcloth, feature vibrant red welts integrated into the outseams, harmonizing with the coat’s trim. A cotton watch pocket bears the inscription “Capt. J De Lagnel” on the exterior and reveals inseam and waist measurements on the reverse side, offering intimate details about the uniform’s original wearer.
Image alt text: Image showing the original receipt from C.D. Carr tailor found in the pocket of Captain De Lagnel’s Confederate uniform.
A particularly captivating element of this Johnston RI uniform is the inclusion of the original receipt from C.D. Carr. Dated January 20, 1864, the receipt details the charges: $200.00 Confederate for the coat’s making and trimming, and an additional $30.00 for the trousers. In an era where material culture often speaks volumes, this receipt not only confirms the uniform’s maker but also provides insight into the economic realities of the Confederacy during the Civil War. While stylistic elements could attribute the uniform to Carr, the receipt serves as unequivocal confirmation, adding an invaluable layer of historical authenticity.
Although the uniform exhibits some signs of age and requires conservation efforts, including button replacements, it remains a remarkable artifact of Civil War history. It stands as a testament to the passage of time and a tangible link to Captain Johnston De Lagnel, a Confederate officer whose story is now interwoven with the threads of this surviving Confederate uniform Johnston. This piece of history has persevered, escaping the ravages of time and the threats of moths, to offer a compelling glimpse into the past.
