Cairo Expedition Uniform

When the Cairo expedition was mounted, the Chicago gunners adopted a simple, serviceable navy-like dress. Photographs taken in the Cairo district of the Chicago Light Artillery  in the early months show both men and officers in gray or light blue overshirts and heavy darker gray trousers. The ubiquitous Havelock appeared as spring turned to scorching summer. Distinctions of rank, other than the carrying of swords, are difficult to discern in the photographs. The officer (figure with the sword) is wearing a kepi provided by the Confederacy. Several steamboats captured by the Illinois boys were carrying consignments of military caps intended for rebel soldiers that were triumphantly appropriated and worn by the Chicagoans. Other examples of this uniform appear in our "Original Members photo gallery"