The Uniform of a Private
Michigan 4th Cavalry, Co. I circa 1862

This uniform is a classic example of the Union Cavalry Shell Jacket. The inside back lining is stenciled to the 4th Michigan Cavalry, Co. I. The name, sadly, is too obliterated to read. The 4th had quite an illustrious career in and around Tennessee. It was elements of the 4th Michigan Cavalry that eventually captured Jefferson Davis and conducted him to Washington D.C.

Cavalry men did not have a frock coat as the Infantry and Artillery men did. The short shell jacket was probably more conducive to horse back riding then a frock coat. The Artillery men had shell jackets as an option probably for the same reason.