Hi Uncle Jaque:
You're right about the wool:~)
I read Confederates in the Attic. I wasn't impressed. Our unit strives to be historically accurate but there are two things I tell my guys and gals in the 12th US aren't wise. Eating rancid salt port and starving yourself for the look. I don't want to get so authentic that I'm missing work because I have dysentery.
I've stood in trenches ankle deep in water at reenactment and I may do it again but I'd prefer not to spend the weekend living in the port-a-potties. But to be honest, I love the hobby AS I tell people, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I remain, your obedien servant, Neil