John E. Wilkins's Zouave Jacket

The term "Zouave" refers to a style of French training tactics and the distinctive uniform issued to the soldiers in a Zouave unit. The 11th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment had a Zouave uniform which consisted of a grey jacket with red trimming, a red kapi, a dark blue Zouave vest, and grey pantaloons. Led by Lew Wallace, the 11th was known as Wallace's Zouaves. The note was handwritten by John E. Wilkins and was attached to his Zouave jacket. It reads: "This jacket was the uniform jacket of the Vigo Guards...This company (of Terre Haute, IND) became Co. "D" Ind Vol Infty. (Genl Lew Wallace's Regt.) during the War of the Rebellion. This jacket was worn by Corpl. John E. Wilkins, Co. D, for a short time during the first 3 mos. service and was listed on the first service performed by any troops in the State of Ind. during the war. Corpl. Wilkins having a detail of 2 Corporals, 6 Privates as a Guard at the office of Gov. O.P. Morton."