While entrenched around Petersburg and Richmond the Army of Northern Virginia benefited materially from their proximity to supply depots. Clothing made threadbare by campaigning in the weeks preceding Sayler's Creek is acceptable. However, substandard clothing and items not considered "serviceable" by inspectors is prohibited. The following basic rules are encouraged for Confederate uniforms:
1) All uniforms must be of period styles and made from materials
closely resembling those available during the period in the ANV
and using appropriate tailoring techniques. This means, in general,
jean cloth and kersey wool shell jackets (Richmond Depot type
II & III, Peter Tait, and North Carolina jackets) and frock
coats. Trousers should conform to the same restrictions as jackets,
however, no sky blue kersey US trousers. Shirts will be made of
wool, cotton, or linen.
2. Officers are encouraged to wear single or double-breasted frock
coats. While we know that many officers dressed down, most continued
to wear frock coats and the artwork and photographs bring this
out. Dressing like and officer was an emblem of rank. However,
sleeve and collar braid is not necessary.
3. Shoes and boots should be of period styles, both military and/or civilian. No barefoot soldiers or wearing of socks without shoes. No "wrapped feet". Remember that we are marching 12 miles so blown out "Sayler's Creek shoes" are not a good idea.
4. Headgear shall be a hat or kepi. Slouch hats should have upturned brims bound with ribbon. No straw hats, mechanics hats, or "Confederate" forage caps. No hat brass, branch insignia, or hat decoration.
5. Arms and accoutrements should be in good condition. Brass, muskets, and bayonets must be clean and polished. Bayonets scabbards should have metal tips. Traps should be worn at or near waist level.
6. No modern olive drab US army blankets or "southwestern" blankets. Participants are expected to carry a properly rolled blanket roll or knapsack through the entire march. Blanket rolls are not to be tied with leather or "straw bale twine", however overcoat/blanket straps, strips of cotton cloth, belts and musket slings, cotton and hemp twine/cordage are acceptable
7. The 5th Battalion retains the right to request participants to make adjustments to their impressions to meet the needs of the event.