the average confederate soldier was in his early 20s. he was usually gaunt, unkempt and beards were common. it often did not fit, especially if taken off a dead soldier. most wore a white shirt under their wool jacket. replacement uniforms were hard to get. they would often stain homespun (clothing made at home) with a dye made from walnuts. this gave their uniforms a yellowish-brown appearance they called "butternut". many did not have shoes or shoes that fit. those who did nailed horseshoes to the bottom to keep them from wearing through the sole. at first he carried a musket or flintlock rifle. later in the war many carried the better enfield rifles taken from dead union soldiers. any boots, uniforms or supplies union soldiers left behind or were captured were used by the confederate soldiers. in camp, most of the tents were marked "u.s." most of the southern artillery was also captured union cannons.