The picture can only answer the question as to how this particular soldier dressed on this particular day. For example, if a soldier mentioned one type of firearm in a letter or displayed a Bowie knife in a picture, we cannot assume that all others in his regiment or company were similarly equipped. Arms, equipment and clothing changed over time, sometimes very rapidly. Life in camp and field causes clothing to wear out quickly, so no soldier's outfit lasted very long. The same is true of regimental flags.