From personal family pictures to a bar of soap. the Civil War soldier carried many items in his haversack. Along with that bag he carried his weapon, canteen and ammo.
The haversack was the carryall of most troops during the War, as indispensable as a canteen. But it should be noted that it's principle function was to carry rations. It was designed to carry 3 days 'marching rations' in a semi-waterproof bag. A 'marching' or 'campaign' ration was 8-10 hard biscuit [called 'hardtack' in the Indian Wars] and roughly a pound of meat [sometimes fresh, but mostly salted], and a handful of coffee beans per day. The most popular meat was pork bacon because of it's fat content [useful for breaking down your biscuit] but other meats were common [beef, mutton, and rarely even horse meat]. So here you are with a canvas bag that's waterproofed with tar and you're marching down a road in the hot sun. The fats in the meats begin to break down and stain the canvas of the bag, even seeping through the tar. Surviving Federal [Union] trousers have a discernible grease spot on the left hip and thigh where the haversack rubbed. After a time the bag would absolutely **reek** with rotting fat. This is why, in the Federal Army, a soldier was authorized a new haversack every year. So this tended to limit the things troops actually carried in the bag itself. Most often, they carried their personal possessions in their knapsack or blanket roll. -- CR. Hicks Jr. -- First Sergeant, Co. C, 4th United States Infantry Reg't.
Carl, I've seen your "stuff" before, can't recall exactly where, TH-cam? Anyway, all salient points, and " spot on" as the Brits say. Haversack were a catchall, in reality, of course. No matter what the Army wanted you to put in there, inevitably, a few other things would " creep" in. And, of course, it was common practice for soldiers issued 3 days rations for a march, to simply cook and consume a fairly large part of that 3-day issue before the march, simply because they were hungry, and subsidies then, over the course of the march, on whatever wasn't consumed the first day it was issued. Carrying 30 to 35 " tooth dullers" alone would fill a haversack and then some! And, yep, the ever- present "horse collar" ( blanket roll) with a good French twist, would, and did, form a pack, of sorts, for a few essentials. So, then, as now, troops carried their "stuff" any way they could contrive, regardless of regs, or best practices. I served in the Marines at a point in time when the standard issue was a small, square canvas pack, in fact, exactly as portrayed in Gomer Pyle USMC. It didn't fit much. I can recall carrying " C" rations in issue socks tied to my pack, just to extend the capacity. Later, we were issued the ALICE pack and other "duece" gear. A vast improvement, except that now we filled THAT up with too much "stuff", lol. Thank you for your observations and comments, sir. Keep on reenactin'
My ancestors served the Union side and were from that area. I also had cousins that fought on the Confederate side. Thank you for preserving history and sharing. God bless
I too had relatives on both sides. One of them was a Confederate Brigadier General at the Battle of Shiloh. The other was a Colonel with a Union regiment.
Awesome video, your pard from the 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company C Washburn Lead Mine Regiment. Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah for the Union and Lincoln 🇺🇸
James, Glad to hear from a fellow reenactor. Ever wonder how we went from Huzzah, to Hooah, the present Army acknowledgement or "cry"? Whatever happened to "yo", lol?
I loved the fact that it shows Union gear and plays a Confederate song (Rebel soldier) in the background. And I also love that you put some roleplay into it. To me, that shows respect to the hobby. Keep up the work!
Gea ... That's because I HAVE respect, lol, for both history and the hobby! I know that's what you meant, just having a little fun! I'm a great respective of military service in general, and so, separate the politics from the soldier. Political discussions have their place, but to the average " grunt" in a dirty fighting hole, they don't mean much. The " grunt" on your left and on your right? Well, they DO matter.
@@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603 Belfast Viking, Point taken. We do like to set the mood with period music, though. It was a big part of a soldiers life during the CW. Sitting around a small campfire, or, in some cases, a "cold" camp, it was often all you had to lift your spirits, although it often had the oppoditeceffevt, causing a deep melancholy and a yearning for home .. which often as not, led to desertion, or at least a "French Leave".
I had 2 ancestors that were in the 52nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Co. F. Enlisted in January of 1864. Were with Sherman's Army during the Atlanta Campaign, March to the Sea, and the Carolinas. Would have loved to hear their recollections of the Civil War. Thanks for your presentation.
Thank you. Seeing you handle these items on video gives a very real sense of weight, volume and just how much was necessary for basic function. I think it likely that more underwear, a winter coat and much more in the way of rations, frequently up to five days worth were fairly normal. I think it quite a challenge to operate out of the haversack in the dark or twilight . A well conceived dose of reality.
" The haversack is meant to carry rations, but I also used it as a purse." Those dice, all your personal belongings never go in your haversack, it would be ruined. Put those items in your blanket roll or pockets. Edit- Did you really keep your socks in your haversack omg. That's absolutely horrid.
Where's his razor? Shaving soap, shaving brush, shaving mirror, no razor. Ain't no way I'd try to do double duty on that with a bayonet. Plus, a razor was one of those mark-of-manhood items, like a watch, that marked the transition into manhood in those days. You'd use them for the rest of your life, even pass them on.
Pard, I thought I had trotted those items out, when I did that video. Common practice, both North and South, to sport a full beard, no regs against it, so, no "no shaving chit" needed, lol. But I do carry all of those items, just to present the full picture. The straight razor has been dulled to the likeness of a butter knife, as the kids like to handle it, and practice shaving in camp.
Being clean shaven showed your had time and $ to have the required equipment. You could pay or trade with another solder for a shave and haircut. 1/2 canteen makes a great way to cool your hard tack in bacon fat… . Usually one in 4 guys carried a coffee pot or other items for a mess kit. Often a sock would be used for the coffee grounds…. The other sock Carrie’s the sugar/coffee. A can of condensed milk would be fancy… you find mountains of these in 1850’s to 1920’s condensed milk cans (exactly like today) with bulls eye tops. Plus he would have stamps and some money
Great video. Taking a tintype photograph 20 years prior to the war was not possible, unless you broke character when you made the comment ;) . I think if you had to pack more rations, most of the personal stuff would end up in the bedroll.
@@jamesrichardson3322 I so sorry to hear that ,I too lost my wife of 26 years from cancer in 2012. However I remarried since then to a wonderful lady. You are more then welcome back into the 10th. I will let Bob and the fellows know. Hope to see you back in the field with us. Stay in touch, my Email is gonzales7794@gmail.com. 😊
Great video, I’m a 13 year old reenactor with the 118 NY volunteer infantry, It sure is great to see another fellow union soldier in arms. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 I am going to the Battle of Cedar Creek in October of 2024 JESUS IS KING
@@carlhicksjr8401 I also carry a knife on my belt behind me on the side were my bayonet is, also carry a small pocket knife myself. James Mason Day 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Washburn Lead Mine Regiment Company C. Galena, Illinois
@@jamesrichardson3322 I have an old SCA single-edged knife that works great for a general about-camp knife. I was smart at the time and told the smith who made it I wanted a 'generic' wood and bronze grip, so its seen me through many a reenacting and camping trip since. And I admit that I carry a Leatherman tool in an extra haversack full of farby cleaning and general repair stuff. 😆 BTW, I think I met men of your regiment during the 150th Gettysburg. Regards from the Pacific NW.
@@carlhicksjr8401 Yes, members of my unit was at the 50th Gettysburg but couldn't go myself unfortunately. I carry my musket cleaning kit in a fishing box, very Farby 😆. I carry items I use for living history,and my plates, and forks and knife, spoon. 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Washburn Lead Mine Regiment didn't fight at Gettysburg. They fought in the Vicksburg Campaign, after the surrender of Vicksburg the 45th was brought in front of the line and we were first to march of Vicksburg. Their flag was was flown over the Vicksburg Court House. Provost Guard duty in Vicksburg on the 4th July and continue to duty October 14,1863.
@@jamesrichardson3322 My regiment is the 4th US Infantry. We began as a West Coast garrison regiment and, on the outbreak of the war, went back East as part of the Regulars Division [2nd Div. 5th Corps]. We didn't see many reinforcements or replacements during the War, inasmuch as any fresh fish would have join the US Army for a full hitch instead of 'for the duration' like the volunteers. At G'burg, we fought at Rose Run, one of the delaying battles between Devil's Den and the Wheatfield. By the end of the Wilderness campaign, we were almost 'shot out' and were nearly disbanded as replacements for other Regular regiments. But US Grant had been commissioned into the 4th and fought with her in the Mexican War as the Regimental Quartermaster. He saved us from disbandment by making us his Headquarters Provost Guard.
I believe it's a Fall Creek item, not sure. Over the years I've bought from many sutlers. It's been defarbed and personalized with the 82nd Illinois stencil ( as you can see). I use the standard early war Southern militia white canvas haversack for my Southern ( 61st GA Inf.) impression, nicely dirtied up, meat grease and all, lol! Of course, just as many Southern soldiers would have " liberated" a Union haversack for their own use, as well as much of their other accoutrements.
The haversack was the carryall of most troops during the War, as indispensable as a canteen. But it should be noted that it's principle function was to carry rations. It was designed to carry 3 days 'marching rations' in a semi-waterproof bag. A 'marching' or 'campaign' ration was 8-10 hard biscuit [called 'hardtack' in the Indian Wars] and roughly a pound of meat [sometimes fresh, but mostly salted], and a handful of coffee beans per day. The most popular meat was pork bacon because of it's fat content [useful for breaking down your biscuit] but other meats were common [beef, mutton, and rarely even horse meat]. So here you are with a canvas bag that's waterproofed with tar and you're marching down a road in the hot sun. The fats in the meats begin to break down and stain the canvas of the bag, even seeping through the tar. Surviving Federal [Union] trousers have a discernible grease spot on the left hip and thigh where the haversack rubbed. After a time the bag would absolutely **reek** with rotting fat. This is why, in the Federal Army, a soldier was authorized a new haversack every year.
So this tended to limit the things troops actually carried in the bag itself. Most often, they carried their personal possessions in their knapsack or blanket roll.
-- CR. Hicks Jr.
-- First Sergeant, Co. C, 4th United States Infantry Reg't.
Carl,
I've seen your "stuff" before, can't recall exactly where, TH-cam?
Anyway, all salient points, and " spot on" as the Brits say.
Haversack were a catchall, in reality, of course. No matter what the Army wanted you to put in there, inevitably, a few other things would " creep" in.
And, of course, it was common practice for soldiers issued 3 days rations for a march, to simply cook and consume a fairly large part of that 3-day issue before the march, simply because they were hungry, and subsidies then, over the course of the march, on whatever wasn't consumed the first day it was issued.
Carrying 30 to 35 " tooth dullers" alone would fill a haversack and then some!
And, yep, the ever- present "horse collar" ( blanket roll) with a good French twist, would, and did, form a pack, of sorts, for a few essentials.
So, then, as now, troops carried their "stuff" any way they could contrive, regardless of regs, or best practices.
I served in the Marines at a point in time when the standard issue was a small, square canvas pack, in fact, exactly as portrayed in Gomer Pyle USMC. It didn't fit much. I can recall carrying " C" rations in issue socks tied to my pack, just to extend the capacity. Later, we were issued the ALICE pack and other "duece" gear. A vast improvement, except that now we filled THAT up with too much "stuff", lol.
Thank you for your observations and comments, sir. Keep on reenactin'
My ancestors served the Union side and were from that area. I also had cousins that fought on the Confederate side. Thank you for preserving history and sharing. God bless
You must have some good family records, super cool that you know some of your ancestors fought in the war
I too had relatives on both sides. One of them was a Confederate Brigadier General at the Battle of Shiloh. The other was a Colonel with a Union regiment.
(Wears northern uniform)
(Plays southern music)
"Perfectly balanced, as all things should be."
Awesome video, your pard from the 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company C Washburn Lead Mine Regiment.
Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah for the Union and Lincoln 🇺🇸
James,
Glad to hear from a fellow reenactor. Ever wonder how we went from Huzzah, to Hooah, the present Army acknowledgement or "cry"?
Whatever happened to "yo", lol?
Can't believe how much stuff that haversack holds.
I loved the fact that it shows Union gear and plays a Confederate song (Rebel soldier) in the background.
And I also love that you put some roleplay into it.
To me, that shows respect to the hobby. Keep up the work!
We’re glad you like the video. We have more coming soon, if you are ever in town be sure to visit our museum. 🇺🇸
Yes a good song but why the need if you are talking. We supposed to be listening to you not the music
@@chicagolandveteranscommandpost Lol 😆 next time use a Yankee song, like " The Battle Cry of Freedom " don't use a darn Reb song Sergeant"
Gea ...
That's because I HAVE respect, lol, for both history and the hobby! I know that's what you meant, just having a little fun!
I'm a great respective of military service in general, and so, separate the politics from the soldier.
Political discussions have their place, but to the average " grunt" in a dirty fighting hole, they don't mean much. The " grunt" on your left and on your right? Well, they DO matter.
@@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603
Belfast Viking,
Point taken. We do like to set the mood with period music, though. It was a big part of a soldiers life during the CW. Sitting around a small campfire, or, in some cases, a "cold" camp, it was often all you had to lift your spirits, although it often had the oppoditeceffevt, causing a deep melancholy and a yearning for home .. which often as not, led to desertion, or at least a "French Leave".
I had 2 ancestors that were in the 52nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Co. F. Enlisted in January of 1864. Were with Sherman's Army during the Atlanta Campaign, March to the Sea, and the Carolinas. Would have loved to hear their recollections of the Civil War. Thanks for your presentation.
More than welcome! Glad you enjoyed.
Breaks my heart and brings me to tears.
Thank you. Seeing you handle these items on video gives a very real sense of weight, volume and just how much was necessary for basic function. I think it likely that more underwear, a winter coat and much more in the way of rations, frequently up to five days worth were fairly normal. I think it quite a challenge to operate out of the haversack in the dark or twilight . A well conceived dose of reality.
Thank you & well done from another mature age re-enactor.
Might of seen you in Jackson michigan, saw my first reenactment...
" The haversack is meant to carry rations, but I also used it as a purse." Those dice, all your personal belongings never go in your haversack, it would be ruined. Put those items in your blanket roll or pockets. Edit- Did you really keep your socks in your haversack omg. That's absolutely horrid.
Great impression pard
Where's his razor? Shaving soap, shaving brush, shaving mirror, no razor. Ain't no way I'd try to do double duty on that with a bayonet. Plus, a razor was one of those mark-of-manhood items, like a watch, that marked the transition into manhood in those days. You'd use them for the rest of your life, even pass them on.
Pard,
I thought I had trotted those items out, when I did that video. Common practice, both North and South, to sport a full beard, no regs against it, so, no "no shaving chit" needed, lol.
But I do carry all of those items, just to present the full picture. The straight razor has been dulled to the likeness of a butter knife, as the kids like to handle it, and practice shaving in camp.
Being clean shaven showed your had time and $ to have the required equipment. You could pay or trade with another solder for a shave and haircut.
1/2 canteen makes a great way to cool your hard tack in bacon fat… . Usually one in 4 guys carried a coffee pot or other items for a mess kit. Often a sock would be used for the coffee grounds…. The other sock Carrie’s the sugar/coffee. A can of condensed milk would be fancy… you find mountains of these in 1850’s to 1920’s condensed milk cans (exactly like today) with bulls eye tops.
Plus he would have stamps and some money
Great video. Taking a tintype photograph 20 years prior to the war was not possible, unless you broke character when you made the comment ;) . I think if you had to pack more rations, most of the personal stuff would end up in the bedroll.
a haversack with so little food... almost, beautyfull ítems!
Very nice presentation. 👍 From a comrade in arms, Co. H, 10 ILL . Vol. Inf. All for the Union! 🇺🇸
I used to be with the 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Company H Sandwich Guard.
@@jamesrichardson3322 How long ago. I joined them in 2000. They are a good group of fellows.
@@josephgonzales4802 I was with the 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Sandwich Guard from 2005 - 2008 or 9. Joe it's me Jimmy!!
@@jamesrichardson3322 O.k. Hey Jimmy how are you doing?! 😊
@@jamesrichardson3322 I so sorry to hear that ,I too lost my wife of 26 years from cancer in 2012. However I remarried since then to a wonderful lady. You are more then welcome back into the 10th. I will let Bob and the fellows know. Hope to see you back in the field with us. Stay in touch, my Email is gonzales7794@gmail.com. 😊
You definitely need a knapsack for all your other effects. There is alot that I would have changed
Did you hear a civil war soldier body was found after 110 years missing
I like the uniform.
Great video, I’m a 13 year old reenactor with the 118 NY volunteer infantry, It sure is great to see another fellow union soldier in arms. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I am going to the Battle of Cedar Creek in October of 2024
JESUS IS KING
I am a 12 year old reenacter and mainly go to Old Clinton War Days
@@Skatle-314nice man
How do you shave without a razor?
You forgot the bottle of whiskey and the bag of weed
Waited until I saw him in the Union uniform before I liked
What song was this?
The music is quite distracting.
We have the same thing today, its called a back pack. Us Union boys call it a back sack!
What about a knife? Some kind of folding utility blade?
Both belt knives and pocket knives were common among Union and Confederate troops. The fact is, you couldn't get along in the field without one.
@@carlhicksjr8401 I also carry a knife on my belt behind me on the side were my bayonet is, also carry a small pocket knife myself.
James Mason Day 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Washburn Lead Mine Regiment Company C. Galena, Illinois
@@jamesrichardson3322 I have an old SCA single-edged knife that works great for a general about-camp knife. I was smart at the time and told the smith who made it I wanted a 'generic' wood and bronze grip, so its seen me through many a reenacting and camping trip since.
And I admit that I carry a Leatherman tool in an extra haversack full of farby cleaning and general repair stuff. 😆
BTW, I think I met men of your regiment during the 150th Gettysburg.
Regards from the Pacific NW.
@@carlhicksjr8401 Yes, members of my unit was at the 50th Gettysburg but couldn't go myself unfortunately. I carry my musket cleaning kit in a fishing box, very Farby 😆.
I carry items I use for living history,and my plates, and forks and knife, spoon. 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Washburn Lead Mine Regiment didn't fight at Gettysburg. They fought in the Vicksburg Campaign, after the surrender of Vicksburg the 45th was brought in front of the line and we were first to march of Vicksburg. Their flag was was flown over the Vicksburg Court House.
Provost Guard duty in Vicksburg on the 4th July and continue to duty October 14,1863.
@@jamesrichardson3322 My regiment is the 4th US Infantry. We began as a West Coast garrison regiment and, on the outbreak of the war, went back East as part of the Regulars Division [2nd Div. 5th Corps]. We didn't see many reinforcements or replacements during the War, inasmuch as any fresh fish would have join the US Army for a full hitch instead of 'for the duration' like the volunteers. At G'burg, we fought at Rose Run, one of the delaying battles between Devil's Den and the Wheatfield. By the end of the Wilderness campaign, we were almost 'shot out' and were nearly disbanded as replacements for other Regular regiments. But US Grant had been commissioned into the 4th and fought with her in the Mexican War as the Regimental Quartermaster. He saved us from disbandment by making us his Headquarters Provost Guard.
No toothbrush?
Where did you get your haversack, very nice impression.
I believe it's a Fall Creek item, not sure. Over the years I've bought from many sutlers. It's been defarbed and personalized with the 82nd Illinois stencil ( as you can see). I use the standard early war Southern militia white canvas haversack for my Southern ( 61st GA Inf.) impression, nicely dirtied up, meat grease and all, lol!
Of course, just as many Southern soldiers would have " liberated" a Union haversack for their own use, as well as much of their other accoutrements.
I like this, but I'd appreciate if the camera were held still, or at least not zooming in and out quickly
Pick up some NECCO wafers at the Sutlers wagon.
What's with the Islamic crescent moon on the top of his hat
No pocket knife