Knapsacks at Mansfield

[3rdARboy]

Is there any documentation of any Confederates with knapsacks at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill? Would one be appropriate for the re-enactment in April? Thanks.
Lane Reeder
Co. E, 3rd Arkansas Infantry
Texas Brigade

https://www.texas-brigade.com

[srmitchell]

Re: Knapsacks at Mansfield

Lane,
Short answer, yes. Confederate 'mexican war' style bags, Federal double bags, and the rare I & C would be correct for that event. In lieu of correct repro's of those, I'd opt for a blanket roll.
Anyone else?

[DougCooper]

Re: Knapsacks at Mansfield

The use of knapsacks by CS troops on the RR campaign was widespread - the below quote by Private Pearce of the 16th TX Dismounted cav is significant because of the words "a good one" which might tell one that the new owner tossed his old one or at least was used to having a knapsack.

"April 9th:
At day light some of us began to prowl about some--the Federals having left during the night--I went forward towards the peach orchard on a little knoll on side of hill at edge of the orchard. I found quite a number of dead Yankees; one that had had his brains shot out facing the Confederates. He had a bright new outfit--Endfield rifle and aquarterments and I proceeded to take his and throw mine down. He had only used a few cartridges out of his box and I also took his knapsack it being a good one. His pockets had been turned wrong side out before I found him. Passing on farther and to the right I found in a fence corner next to the road a young man who seemed to be dressed in better material than most private soldiers. He was wounded through the hips and someone had stretched a blanket over him to keep off the sun which was by this time up. When I went up to him he commenced to beg me not to kill him which vexed me to think that he had such a foolish idea about Texans; and replied, "You fool! What would I want to kill you for? Don’t you know any better than that?" About this time I heard the order to fall in and hastened to the company and was just in time to take my place in ranks to start on the march to Pleasant Hill to catch the Yankees."

Additionally, Major Silas Grismore, QM of Grays Brigade, Mouton's Division states in his diary that on April 3, 5 days before the battle, his Brigade was reunited with their knapsacks that had been carried in the wagons for the previous 2 weeks. As the wagons up with the troops were now reserved for food, ammo and medical supplies, the troops likely kept the knapsacks as they were now on the move and not likely to get back to the baggage wagons.

Polignac's Texas Brigade was issued with captured federal gear after Pleasant Hill and it was specifically canteens, haversacks, bayonets and cartridge boxes - but no knapsacks, which may indicate they had plenty, esp after the wholesale capture of thousands 8 months prior at Brashear City, LA. Absence of info is never something to be base an opinion on alone but it is interesting that no mention is made of a knapsack resupply.

In order of prevalence, we believe it is Federal Double Bag, CS Mex War copy, CS other issue and then imported British (parts dug).

Wearing a knapsack at this event is VERY appropriate, but not mandatory.