| What did They Wear? Part 5 |
| By Bill Skillman |
| The Knapsacks: Prussian & American |
| The U.S. Sharp Shooters initially fielded one of the more unique and practical knapsacks of the War.� The men appreciated the hair trunk, as the ex-bovine exterior shed water well and the s pacious interior would accommodate all their essentials.� A 3-piece all-purpose cooking kit was strapped onto the back of the pack. |
| Hiram Berdan arranged to have the pack imported from Europe for the Sharp Shooters in the Fall of 1861. �They were most likely issued in November of that year (according to the Quarter Master Report of Co. A. 1st USSS).� Known to the American's as "Prussian" knapsacks, similar variates were in use among the European armies from the 1800's up until WW2.� |
| I recently discovered the British 95th Rifles would appropriate French fur covered knapsacks (similar to the Prussian model), when their own kit wore out during the grueling campaigns.� This tendency to "borrow" equipment that was better suited to a mission was not limited to the Brits.� At least some of our USMC snipers in Vietnam acquired the roomier NVA (after their previous owner no longer needed it) packs to lug their gear.� |
| One of the unique features of the Prussian pack, compared to it's American cousins, is the wooden frame which is shaped to conform to a soldier's back, making it very comfortable to wear.� The calf-hair hide cover is stitched over the curved frame.� The few surviving original packs have hair color and length that was fairly uniform.� This "hair factor" became a major headache for Frank Packer, who is recognized as the expert in recreating the Prussian knapsacks for reenacting Berdans. |
| I met Frank at Gettysburg 4 years ago and he moaned about the problems of trying to locate a reliable source of cowhide for his reproductions.� He had already used up the local Canadian supply and was starting to import costly hides from Brazil.� My own knapsack is a decidedly "shaggy" model compared to the close-cropped originals.� Frank laughingly denied that he had decided to impress a road-kill Sasquach skin into service as the covering for my pack. |
| The two leather carrying straps that measure 2.75" wide are tipped with large, brass U hooks.� Each hook slides under the waist belt to support the pack. Another pair of straps with buckles (stitched to the shoulder belts) and tipped with a brass "D" ring are slipped on a hook (located on the bottom of the pack).� These straps are tightened or loosed as needed.� The wide shoulder straps can be adjusted for the height of the solider by removing a cover flap on the front of the pack and sliding a flat wood stick into the proper keeper (stitched onto the carrying straps). |
| Regrettably the Prussian knapsacks were only issued on one occassion, as indicated by Capt. Caspar Trepp's Quarter Master records (November 1861).� What became of these knapsacks? |
| Attrition took many forms.� Wyman White credited his knapsack with saving his life.� After the 2nd USSS had forded the Rappahannock during the start of the Bull Run campaign, they came under fire from a rebel battery across the river.� The men were compelled to lie prone as a nearby Union battery engaged the enemy.� Not all of the Rebel shells hit the Union guns.� "I was lying on the ground when a piece (of shell) struck a tin can (his messkit?) that was strapped on the back of my knapsack cutting the heavy block tin through 3 thicknesses, then through a bag of coffee, a bag of sugar, though the tin again and out into the strong calfskin covering of the knapsack and breaking the wooden case, leaving the whole thing a wreck" |
| White noted that one of the last surviving Prussian knapsacks was lost during the Petersburg campaign. Sgt. White was sent to retrieve two videttes who were posted in woods beyond the USSS' position.� At the same time a heavy line of Rebel skirmishers was fast closing in on the pair.� Both White and the Rebels reached the men simultaneously, and the Rebs hollered for the three to surrender.� "Campbell (Co. H-VT) jumped into the brush and followed me; but his knapsack, an old hair trunk as we called them, that he had carried through all the campaigns from Camp of Instruction in Washington in 1861, held him back in the bushes so much he threw it off and came up to the regiment".� The other vidette was captured. |
| C.A. Stevens recalled the fate of companies 'I' (Mich.) and Co. 'G' (Wis.), who had the misfortune of being the first to lose their "trunks" at White Oak Swamp in June 1862.� The battalion was assigned to protect a bridge over which McClellan's baggage wagons and artillery were traveling.� The men were ordered to stack knapsacks and deploy as skirmishers.� As the last wagons departed, the Sharp Shooters suddenly came under intense artillery and rifle fire from the pursuing rebels.� Although ordered by their captain to recover the packs, Sergeant Byron Brewer "looked back at the woods now being shelled by the enemy, and he ordered; - company, right about face, forward march.� And that was the last we saw of our knapsacks." |
| As the 1st USSS was recovering at Harrison's Landing after the Seven-Day's battles, their packs were sent off for storage at the Washington Arsenal.� When the packs were returned that Fall, they were found to have been opened and the contents looted by REMF's (ask Bob or Terry about this term if you don't know).� |
| Most of the surviving 1st USSS knapsacks were lost during the Chancellorsville campaign, when the "stacked packs" were captured by Stonewall Jackson's troops. |
| A study in Experimental Archeology |
| Just how comfortable is one of these Prussian knapsacks to wear on a march?� Does it effectively carry everything a veteran soldier would need? |
| To find out, I conducted an experiment by putting my Packer Prussian knapsack through some "real life" paces.� Using Wyman White's diary as a guide, I loaded my knapsack with the same items described in his book.� In addition to wool/rubber blankets, a shelter half, spare shirt & socks, toilet kit, 60 live rounds, stationary and extra rations (hard crackers) were added.� The mess kit harbored poke sacks of coffee; sugar, utensils and spare cook tin.� When finished my pack weighed over 20 pounds. Too add to the experience, I carried a haversack (with smoking pouch, hard crackers and dried beef), full canteen, and waistbelt.� Since my experiment was conducted on the VASA trail (a State and County park); I had to leave the Sharps and related accoutrements at home.� |
| Before I had marched 100 yards I discovered my back was starting to ache. There was a significant difference between my typical reenacting load compared to the "authentic Civil War" weight.� This caused the knapsack to sag well below my shoulders. I stopped and shortened the carrying/shoulder straps so the top of the "Wookie" pack would ride parallel to my shoulders.� This new arrangement worked just fine and I completed the marches making only minor adjustments to the buckle straps. |
| I conducted 4 marches over hilly terrain on two weekends.� Each march lasted 2-3 � hours each and covered between 3.6 miles to 6.6 miles.�� I was pleasantly surprised to discover that despite the quick pace I had finished each march without being tired.� And other than a small "hot spot" on a foot, there was no serious aches or pains. Considering the USSS were 20-25 years younger than I am, we can conclude that the Packer pack is as fully functional and comfortable to wear as the originals. |
| The American Knapsack |
| There were two primary knapsacks issued to U.S. infantry during the Civil War.� These were the M. 1851 single bag knapsack (fitted with an internal wooden frame for strength and rigidity) and the Model 1855 Riflemans also called the� "double bag" or "soft pack" knapsack. |
| Capt. Merriman's Quarter Master reports (which I discovered at U of M), show knapsacks issued to his Vermont sharpshooters from May (1863)=10, Oct=42, Dec=6, through 1864, (May =22, June=15, Aug=6).� |
| Although the QM records are silent as to the type of knapsack issued, I have a very strong hunch they were the Model 1855 double bag knapsack.�� |
| This is due to the QM record also showing sets of� Great coat straps being issued along with the knapsacks.� These straps were 20x1-inch lengths of bridle leather with a japanned roller buckle stitched to one end. They were fed under a pair of leather keepers (stitched atop the pack) and then buckled about the rolled up great coat.� This kept the coat within easy reach should the men experience inclement weather on the march. |
| Company F. was issued 56 straps in October 1863, and another 48 were issued in 1864 during the Overland campaign, (May=38 June=10). |
| Captain Trepp's 1861 QM report makes no mention of� great coat straps issued with the Prussian knapsacks, (nor additional straps required for the mess kit).� This suggests that both sets of straps for the Prussian packs were considered integral to the system, and not an add on item like those issued with M. 1855 double bag.. |
| Reproductions.� Unfortunately, Frank Packer is rumored to have emigrated to England. You might still purchase one of his knapsacks from Berdan's leaving the hobby, but they are expensive (upwards of $350). |
| Fortunately, there are a number of sutlers making the M1855 double bag knapsack.� Among the best are Historic Clothiers (see Dan's article), who uses the correct roller buckle, and the stitching and attention to detail is excellent. |
| The Blanket Roll.� |
| A third method of carrying ones traps and personal items was the humble blanket roll.� The soldier laid a rubber blanket flat on the ground, then a folded (lengthwise) wool blanket on top.� Personal items were distributed along the bottom 1/3 of both ends.� The rubber/wool blanket was rolled tightly and a leather bootee lace or twine bound the two ends together. When it came time to march, the blanket roll is passed over the soldier's head so that it rests on the left shoulder, (leaving the right shoulder clear so you can aim your rifle).� The blanket roll was usually light enough to be carried into action.� |
| I will sometimes use a poncho roll whenever rain threatens.� I roll the poncho into a tube, tie off the ends and throw it over my shoulder.� If rain does fall, I just unroll the poncho and throw it on.� A veteran didn't get wet unless he couldn't avoid it.� Back then a cold could become a death sentence. |
| Conclusion: |
| The knapsack, whether a "hair trunk", "double bag" or blanket roll, all helped the Sharp Shooters carry their gear throughout the War.� Since we moderns rarely carry anything much beyond 20-60 feet (from trunk to camp), it is hard for us to fathom why CW "pards" would deliberate for hours over each and every item they packed before a campaign. |
| �If you seek to emulate those men, perhaps before the next event you might sit down before your mountain of gear and ask yourself;� "If I had to carry all this stuff on my back for the next 3 months, what would I toss first?"� |
| You might be surprised!� Good luck!��� WES |