Portland Rifle Corps hat and belt, 1854
Item 7657 info
Maine Historical Society
Members of the Portland Rifle Corps were prohibited from smoking in the Armory and could be expelled for "immoral or ungentlemanly conduct."
The ceremonial uniforms of the corps, which members had to supply, along with its weaponry, proved inadequate seven years later when some members were called on for Civil War service.
The militia system was criticized when the war began for its lack of military discipline and preparedness.
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