Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

[Vuhginyuh]

Does anybody have FitzGerald Ross's Cities and Camps of the Confederate States at hand? I cannot find my copy nor do I know of one locally I can reach quickly. If so, can you provide the description of (who I believe to be) NC soldiers passing into Maryland, in particular a reference to carpets or carpet blankets. (I'm only 80% sure the reference is from Ross. If anybody knows differently, please advise and thanks in advance.)

I have found a large, local manuscript that details the efforts of local societies in providing carpet blankets and bedsacks (and many other personal items as well) by the hundreds at a time to the depot in Raleigh.

It also contains interesting but vague references to slaves and local women making uniforms from lots received from various NC cutting houses.

[BHoover]

Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

It's in Chapter 2 (page 34 in my edition)

"Very few carry a knapsack, but most of them have a haversack, and almost all a blanket. Many of the blankets are made out of old carpets with very gay colours, and all have a hole in the middle, through which the man inserts his head when the weather is cool, or when it rains, as it has been doing occasionally to-day, and the effect is marvellously picturesque, especially when you see them lying or squatting down in groups round a fire cooking their meals."

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

It's in Chapter 2 (page 34 in my edition)

"Very few carry a knapsack, but most of them have a haversack, and almost all a blanket. Many of the blankets are made out of old carpets with very gay colours, and all have a hole in the middle, through which the man inserts his head when the weather is cool, or when it rains, as it has been doing occasionally to-day, and the effect is marvellously picturesque, especially when you see them lying or squatting down in groups round a fire cooking their meals."

Thank You

That is the reference I remember.
Are carpet blankets or his mention of carpets coverlets?
I can see his idea that coverlets were carpets.

The ''hole'' cut in each one is a bit disturbing to me though. Has anyone else seen another reference to this practice or know of any existing pieces?
It is not something I would do (or recommend) but it would be fascinating to know exactly what Ross was describing.

It is a great verbal image of a mess too.

[LWhite64]

Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

Ive seen another reference before that compares the practice to the similar use of blankets by Mexicans, I will try to find the citation, Im very disorganized at the moment.

Lee

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

Ive seen another reference before that compares the practice to the similar use of blankets by Mexicans, I will try to find the citation, Im very disorganized at the moment.

Lee

Interesting, makes sense.

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

Lee,

I think (about 90% sure) the reference about wearing them like Mexican blankets is from Fremantle.

and, Lee, could you contact me off boards? I need a copy of a reference you have on another subject.

Patrick Craddock