(Boots became scarce in the south).
The need for proper footwear was the proximate cause for Gettysburg. Confederate troops went to Gettysburg in search of shoes, where they ran ito an advance element of Meade’s forces.
CC
If you read the original manuscript of “Look Homeward, Angel” by Thomas Wolfe published as “O Lost” it has a marvelous chapter about the search for shoes near Gettysburg and the impact of the army on the locals. Wolfe’s great uncle was in Lee’s army and must have told Tom many stories about those 3 days. The uncle was a bit of a loony tune but an engaging storyteller.