- Mosby's troopers many of which were affluent individuals, Well mounted and armed. They also had access to obtain better quality tailor made uniforms early on, which most did, rather than depending solely on lessor quality army depot issues... So in comparison to many other army units, yes they naturally did have quite a contrast in general appearance.
- Sharpshooters... This term during the civil war era was most commonly in reference to an individual or group that were good marksman. Rather than the modern term usage and resulting common modern image interpretation of a person who's military role is only tasked with stealthly sneeking around to "snipe" off enemy officers and forward pickets. There were many individuals that engaged in this practice that we today would call "sniping", but this wasnt the sole purpose of these designated individuals. Some were fortunate to have access to such expensive commercial target rifles such as the Whitworth, but majority just used their issued muskets.
As warfare evolved during the Civil War, Confederate field forces were authorized to create specialized Sharpshooter battalions of men selected from regiments of their given respective brigade. Many of these used small distinctive "badges" most commonly worn on one of the lower sleeves of his jacket, that gave note to whom was assigned to this group of the brigade. Thus able to move about more freely along the line as needed, rather than be mistaken for a straggler.
These Sharpshooter battalions most commonly were utilized as an upgraded tactical design of what had previously been the designated Light Infantry or Skirmish Company of a Regiment. Fast moving, quick deploring, hard hitting for forward scouting, advance skirmish line actions, as well as to harrass enemy positions and picket lines. During an engagement may be utilized as skirmishers, or used to counter attack and plug a weak gap in the line... as well as what can be deemed "shock-troops" to rapidly exploit a weak spot in the enemy line.
Frederick