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  • Magee & Kneass

    Gents,

    Some in the hobby may not be familar with Magee and Kneass of New Orleans. This company was the predecessor of the much more well known company of Magee, Horton & George. My interest in this company started with it's April 20th 1861 contract with the State of Mississippi for 3000 Knapsacks and 3000 Canteens and straps. Going through their papers I found that this company was probably the main Accoutrement supplier to Louisiana from Jan 1861 to June 1861, when Mr. Kneass left the firm and Mr. Horter and Mr. George joined. As of this time I have gone though about 3/5th of the company papers.

    Observations/Questions:

    1. Magee and Kneass provided accouterments to many of the Louisiana regiments who ended up in the Army of Northern Virginia, along with the 1st Louisiana "Regulars" who ended up in the AOT.

    2. The company seems to have made a couple of different types of knapsacks, as there are Knapsacks listed at $2.25, $2.35, $2.48, and $3.15, At first I thought this was mere wartime inflation of prices, but there are listings for multiple types of knapsacks on the same invoice so I think there were different types offered by the company. Which brings us to the question, what kind of knapsack did they make? A Mex-War style pack? Hardpack? Who knows....

    3. Aside from the aforementioned Knapsack and Canteen purchase from the State of Mississippi, there is only one other non-Louisiana contract, for 75 side of Bridle Leather for the central Confederate government.

    4. Oil Cloth capes anybody?





    Papers of Magee and Kneass:

    Jan. 9th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    42 Belts and Bayonet Scabbards
    17 Cartridge Box Straps

    Jan. 9th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    82 Cartridge Boxes and Belts
    17 Cartridges Boxes

    Jan. 11th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    78 Cartridge Boxes

    Jan. 12th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    78 Cartridge Boxes
    80 Knapsacks

    Jan. 12th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    74 Cartridge Boxes
    40 Knapsacks
    29 Bayonet Scabbards Belts and Plates

    Jan. 13th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    108 Bayonet Scabbards
    52 Belts and Plates

    Jan. 15th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    55 Knapsacks
    56 Bayonet Scabbards, Belts and Plates
    5 Bayonet Scabbard, Belts and Plates
    50 Cartridge Boxes

    Jan. 16th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    25 Cartridge Boxes
    115 Knapsacks
    50 Bayonet Scabbards, Belts and Plates

    Jan. 17th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    70 Cartridge Boxes
    22 Knapsacks
    26 Scabbards, Belts and Plates
    11 Knapsacks
    13 Scabbards, Belts and Plates

    Jan. 19th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    51 Knapsacks
    51 Cartridge Boxes

    Jan. 22nd 1861: For State of Louisiana

    128 Knapsacks
    85 Cartridge Boxes

    Jan. 26th 1861

    271 Bayonet Scabbards, Belts and Plates
    98 Knapsacks

    Jan. 29th 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    600 Knapsacks @ $1.65 ea
    600 Cartridges Boxes
    600 Bayonet Scabbards
    600 Waist Belts and Plates, Complete @ $2.85 per set

    Jan. 30th 1861: For State of Louisiana

    56 Bayonet Scabbards, Belts and Plates

    March 19th 1861: For the Louisiana Rangers (Perhaps Co. G 5th LA Inf.)

    75 Knapsacks, Blankets & Tins @ $4.75 ea

    April 3rd 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    500 Knapsacks and Straps @ $3.15 ea

    April 10th 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    504 Oil Cloth Capes @ $1.55 ea
    476 Knapsacks and Straps @ $3.15 ea
    994 Canteens and Straps @ $0.42 ea

    April 16th 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    236 Oil Cloth Capes @$1.55 ea
    23 Knapsacks and Straps @ $3.15 ea
    55 Knapsacks and Straps @ $2.25 ea
    300 yds Leather Cloth @ $1.00 yd

    April 19th 1861: For the Bienville Guards (Co. C 5th LA Inf.)

    40 Knapsacks

    April 20th 1861: For the State of Mississippi (note these items were shipped between Apr. 20th and May 23rd 1861

    3000 Knapsacks and Straps @ $2.25 ea
    3000 Canteens and Straps @ $0.42 ea

    April 24th 1861: For Continental Guards (Co. A 7th LA Inf.)

    80 Knapsacks
    80 Cap Pouches

    April 24th 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    301 Knapsacks and Straps @ $2.25 ea
    310 Oilcloth Capes @$1.50 ea

    April 26th 1861: For Co. G 1st LA Infantry Regulars

    100 Musket Cartridge Boxes

    April 27th 1861: For the Clabourne Guards (Co. F 2nd LA Inf.)

    111 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    111 Cap Pouches
    111 Shoulder Belts
    111 Waist Belts
    111 Bayonet Scabbards

    April 29th 1861: For Co. B Orleans Light Guards (Co. G 1st LA Inf Vol.)

    70 Knapsacks

    April 30th 1861: For Co. C Orleans Light Guards ( Co. K 1st LA Inf. Vol.)

    72 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    72 Cap Pouches
    72 Bayonet Scbbards
    72 Waist Belts and Plates
    72 Shoulder Belts

    April 30th 1861: For Continental Guards (Co. A 7th LA Inf.)

    25 Knapsacks
    25 Cap Pouches

    May 1st 1861: For the Davis Guards (Co. H 1st LA Inf. Vol.)

    68 Waist Belts
    68 Shoulder Belts
    34 Cartridge Boxes
    34 Bayonet Scabbards

    May 6th 1861: For the Greenwood Guards ( Co. I 2nd LA Inf.)

    93 Cap Pouches
    93 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    93 Bayonet Scabbards
    93 Shoulder Belts
    93 Waist Belts and Plates
    93 Knapsacks

    May 6th 1861: For the Vernon Guard ( Co. E 2nd LA Inf.)

    19 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    19 Cap Pouches
    86 Knapsacks
    86 Shoulder Belts
    86 Gun Slings
    86 Waist Belts and Plates

    May 6th 1861: For the Atchafalya Guards (Co. H 2nd LA Inf.)

    60 Rifle Cartridge Boxes
    60 Cap Pouches
    60 Waist Belts and Plates
    60 Gun Slings


    May 6th 1861: For the Iberville Guards (Co. A 3rd LA Inf.)

    37 Cap Pouches
    37 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    37 Bayonet Scabbard
    37 Shoulder Belts
    37 Waist Belt and Plate

    May 9th 1861: For the Confederate States

    76 Sides Briddle Leather @ $4.50 ea

    May 9th 1861: For the Monticello Rifles (Co. H, 3rd LA Inf.)

    97 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    97 Cap Pouches
    97 Bayonet Scabbards
    97 Shoulder Belts
    97 Waist Belts and Plates
    97 Knapsacks

    May 9th 1861: For Morehouse Guards (Co. B 3rd LA Inf.)

    47 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    47 Bayonet Scabbards
    47 Shoulder Belts
    47 Waist Belts and Plates
    47 Cap Pouches

    May 11th 1861: Capt. J.W. Dunn of the Floyd Guards (Co. G 2nd LA Inf.)

    40 Cap Pouches

    May 12th 1861: For Co. I 1st Louisiana Regulars, Capt D. West

    100 Musket Cartridge Boxes
    100 Bayonet Scabbards
    100 Knapsacks
    100 Shoulder Belts
    100 Cap Pouches
    100 Waist Belts and Plates

    May 17th 1861: For the State of Louisiana (For the 3rd LA Inf.)

    264 Bayonet Scabbards @ $0.80 ea

    May 17th 1861: For the State of Louisiana (For the Creole (?) Rifles)

    10 Knapsacks @ $2.35 ea

    May 18th 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    108 Oil Cloth Capes @ $2.50 ea
    350 Knapsacks and Straps @ $2.35 ea
    1440 Knapsacks and Straps @ $2.48 ea

    May 18th 1861: For the State of Louisiana

    200 Cartridge Boxes @ $1.60 ea
    200 Cap Pouches @ $0.50 ea
    200 Waist Belts and Buckles @ $0.90 ea
    200 Cross Belts @ $.65 ea
    200 Scabbard @ $0.80 ea

    May 18th 1861: For Capt R.A. Raughn

    40 Cartridge Boxes @ $1.60 ea
    40 Cap Pouches @ $0.50 ea
    40 Bayonet Scabbard @ $0.80 ea
    40 Waist Bets and Buckles @ $0.90 ea
    40 Shoulder Belts @ $.065 ea


    The work continues....

    Will MacDonald
    WIG/TMB

  • #2
    Re: Magee & Kneass

    thank you, a very interesting piece of research one question whats leather cloth?

    300 yds Leather Cloth @ $1.00 yd

    i believe that knapsacks were being produced painted and unpainted and you also read of enameled knapsacks perhaps that could be the reason why there are varying costs.
    Last edited by fedhead; 02-21-2010, 12:06 PM.
    Martyn Goddard
    American Eagle Society
    Mess #4

    http://www.aesoc.org/

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Magee & Kneass

      this has been an interesting read for sure. Everyone knows of Horter Magee and George, and about Magee and George. And they used stamps on thier leather gear. I wonder if there is a surviving example of the work of Magee and Kneass that shows that identifying stamp? That would be cool to see.
      Ronnie Hull
      Lt Co G 3rd La / Co C 48th OVI
      Shreveport, La

      Independent Rifles and all of hell followed "
      Western Independent Greys

      Descendent of Levi W. Leech - Private, Co G Tenth Texas Cavalry, Dmtd 1861-1865, AOT

      2009 Bummers November 13 - 16
      2010 Vicksburg L.O.L February 5-7
      Before the Breakout September 10-12

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      • #4
        Re: Magee & Kneass

        Great info, thanks for posting.

        I love how many entries you read before the first cap pouch listing. Does anyone know the arms of these early units? Are they arming with flintlocks, thus not requiring cap pouches, or is firm firm not set up to produce them and the men are carrying caps in their pockets?
        Pat Brown

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Magee & Kneass

          All..,

          I found the same interesting questions as I flipped through page after page of documents and requisitions sent to Magee & Kneas; Magee, Horter & George and finally Magee and George. I too was intrigued by the amount of goods purchased by the state of Mississippi. There is one other firm that you may want to look at. I have yet to read through all the papers to see if they shipped anything outside of Louisiana. This is the firm of James Cosgrove, No. 5 St. Charles Street, New Orleans.

          Cosgrove's company also sold saddles, harness and other leather goods like Magee & Kneas before the build up to hostilities. A requisition dated 13 April 1861 was sent to Cosgrove to ship some eighty-sets of accoutrements which included musket cartridge boxes, waist belts and plates, cap pouches, bayonet scabbards and shoulder belts. This was to be shipped to Capt. Hinson of the Morehouse Guards (later Co. B, 3LA) in care of J. C. Weaks(sp) & J. F. Pasgoud(sp), Point Pleasant, LA which is just west of Bastrop. Interesting...

          There was also another lengthy requisition sent to Magee & Kneas on May 12, 1861, which list all the companies that made up the 3rd LA. Each company is listed along with the number of knapsacks and accoutrements needed to complete the outfitting of the regiment before it could be mustered into Confederate service. Of note, the Morehouse Guards required 122 knapsacks, but only 57-musket cartridge boxes, cap pouches, shoulder & waist belts and plates, 44-bayonet scabbards and 52 gun slings to complete the outfitting of its ranks.

          Lindsey - Of particular interest is the Pelican Rangers, No. 1 of Natchitoches which became Company G, 3LA. I have always been told that they were apparently armed with flintlocks muskets early on as they were the only 3LA company to receive issues of "musket flints" and yet they were "issued" some 100+ cap pouches in the course of being equipped. "Special Requisition of Ordnance Equipment", dated November 16, 1861, signed by Captain William D. Hardeman lists, among other ordnance items, "Flints for Muskets". Not to tell tales, but I seem to remember some reference that Company G tried to turn in their cap pouches but were told to hang on to them. They may have very well carried the old flinters until right up to their arrival in Vicksburg. If anyone knows for sure, please share...

          Will - Thanks for bringing this exchange about. It is certainly interesting and really needs further discussion, especially for those of us who study the Louisiana/Mississippi connection of these two firms early on. There may be more...

          I am sure there is much more to be shared and learned here on this particular subject. I would encourage those who care to do so to check out the "Tigers Den" social group. This would be a terrific place to place this kind of information and exchange ideas and source material where it concerns Louisiana troops early on.

          Regards,
          R. L. (Rick) Harding, Jr.
          United States Marine Corps 1971-1972
          Life Member - Disabled American Veterans
          Capt., ret. - Trans-Mississippi Rifles
          Member - Co. F, 1st Arkansas Infantry Battalion, TMB
          Member - TMR Veteran's Assoc.
          Member - Morehouse Guards, 3LA

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Magee & Kneass

            More LA/MS connections: These arms were given to Mississippi by Louisiana in February of 1861, and came from the stores of the Baton Rouge Armory.

            5,000 flintlock muskets
            3,000 percussion muskets
            1,000 Hall's Breechloading flintlock rifles
            200,000 cartridges, buck and ball
            1,000 pounds rifle powder
            6 24-pounder guns and carriages
            500 24-pounder shot
            1,000 pounds cannon powder

            Will MacDonald

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Magee & Kneass

              I am trying to verify that the Sabine Rebels (which became Co B 17th Louisiana Infantry after they entered Confederate Service on Sept 29th 1861) were equipped with Magee and George cartridge boxes and cap pouches. A newspaper article reads "next day, on August 13th, “steps were taken to raise money for military purposes, and for the equipment of volunteers. Acknowledgments were tendered Gov. Moore for his kindness in assuming for Sabine Parish the cost of uniforms and equipment, for the Sabine Rifles, and to N. H. Bray for equipping the Sabine Rebels.”

              Is it possible to determine if a purchase was made by N. H. Bray?

              Thank you,
              Michael T McAlpin

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