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Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

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  • Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

    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.
    Last edited by Vuhginyuh; 02-20-2004, 04:10 PM.
    B. G. Beall (Long Gone)

  • #2
    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."
    Bruce Hoover
    Palmetto Living History Assoc.

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    • #3
      Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

      Originally posted by BHoover
      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.
      B. G. Beall (Long Gone)

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      • #4
        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
        Lee White
        Researcher and Historian
        "Delenda Est Carthago"
        "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings, Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

        http://bullyforbragg.blogspot.com/

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        • #5
          Re: Fitzgerald Ross/ Carpet blankets Question

          Originally posted by LWhite64
          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.
          B. G. Beall (Long Gone)

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          • #6
            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
            PATRICK CRADDOCK
            Prometheus No. 851
            Franklin, Tennessee
            Widows' Sons Mess
            www.craftsmansapron.com

            Aut Bibat Aut Abeat

            Can't fix stupid... Johnny Lloyd

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