Michael,

I am not an expert on photographs and only a working knowledge of uniforms but I do know as mobilization took place in 1861 that both sides had blue and gray uniforms. Many militia organizations had gray uniforms and it proved to be a real mess at the early engagements. If I am not mistaken, Stonewall Jackson was wearing blue at First Manassas. That second picture could very well be early war. We need a uniform subject matter expert to weigh in.

None of the leadership drew straws and said, "Hey Northerners will wear blue and Southerners will wear gray...Ready, Break!"

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
M.A. Military History - Civil War Concentration
Research - Preservation
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html
Athens, Tennessee