Cowboys in Uniform - Uniforms, Arms and Equipment of the Rough Riders

A comprehensive study of the uniforms, arms and equipment of the Rough Riders of the Spanish American War of 1898. For a unit that only existed for less than six months, they are surely well remembered by posterity. The book's theme is the personal possessions of the ordinary trooper: the khaki uniform, the haversack that contained the trooper's food and property, the Krag-Jorgenson rifle and its smokeless powder cartridge, and more. Here are detailed descriptions of the clothing worn by the trooper, the haversack he carried, and the rifle he fired. Color photographs of the very few known uniform items that have survived time-and countless spring cleanings-enhance the descriptions. Intriguing also, is the story of how the uniform and other equipment was obtained through the diligence, political connections, and speedy action by Col. Leonard Wood, the actual commander of the Regiment. (Theodore Roosevelt started as a second in command-by his own recommendation.) Photographs by 1898 cameramen show how the uniform and equipment was actually worn and carried. They also show how some troopers modified the uniform, either for practical reasons, or simply to express a little individuality. To provide a clear dimension to how the uniforms and equipment were employed, the author has teamed with several men to model the uniforms and show how the equipment was handled.