Mr. McGill,

"Dutch" was the bastardized phonetic use of the word Deutsch (Deutschland) which refers to the independent German states. It was a commonly misused term during the 19th Century in discribing those from the German States. Germany became a nation in 1871. If you read accounts of "Dutch" or predominantly German Union Regiments you will find they had a reputation of being hard drinking and would fight among themselves as much as with the Confederates.

I was stationed in Germany for three years and saw a wide variety of hair color in men and women (especially that weird red the women would color their hair).

You may want to check your line for Gypsies or Jews.

I hope this helps.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
War Between the States Historian
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment
http://39thgavolinfrgt.homestead.com/39thHomepage.html