178 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



Instead of overcoats, they bad blankets. 



Tbe men were not required to crop the hair, nor to shave the beard ; both being worn long 

 and full in the Russian style. 



The uniform of the officers was similar to that of the men. 



ARMS AND EQUIPMENT. 



On account of the deficiency in the number of percussion muskets, many of the battalions 

 were armed with the flint lock muskets. 



The only belt was a black leather waist belt, fastening by a buckle in front. To this were 

 attached : a cartridge-box of black leather, without a frame ; the bayonet scabbard ; and a 

 leather case, containing a small hand axe. 



Knapsack of black leather, and without frame ; it was secured by means of belts and swivels, 

 as described for the knapsack of the old army. 



Considering the very short time these troops had been in service, their appearance and drill 

 was very creditable, and they would, no doubt, have proved to be very efficient troops. 



There were large numbers of them at St. Petersburg and on the shores of the Baltic. 



GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, 



Captain 1st Cavalry. 

 October 7, 1856. 



