Marsha, I collect civil war images and am interested in early Illinois uniforms. Could you please send my your photos, I'd like to see them. The hat you describe sounds like a Scottish tam. They were very popular back then when there ws no Federal uniforms issued. In fact, one of the more popular colors for a uniform was gray; you can imagine the confusion that was during a battle. It wasn't until Gen McClellan issued an order for all Federal troops to wear uniforms of blue. I have quite a number of pictures of soldiers wearing tams as well as other kinds of headgear. Illinois had it's own state issue jacket that was different from the US Govt issue and I'd like to see if he/they are wearing that. I could also let you know what type of colt he is holding. It was more than likely a prop that the photographers had on hand for the soldiers to use. If I cannot tell you much about the uniform I know someone who can. He is writing a book specifically about Illinois uniforms and I went to a lecture of his about 6 weeks ago. Send the pics to 30thIL@comcast.net