Peas

[Tyler Underwood]

I have started doing a little research on rations being issued to CS forces and have come across peas being listed as an issued item. Of course I think it would be safe to assume that they would have been dried.

I have seen reference to federals receiving split peas, and another for CS troop’s receiving cowpeas AKA black eyed peas.

I looked at the Blue and Grey Marching website and seen a reference to Wrights Brigade receiving “48 bushels of peas” during the month of May 1863

The manual How to Feed an Army By United States War Dept. Subsistence Dept. makes reference to peas, but does not state what kind.

My question is what kind of peas they would have received? Is there a type that is more commonly issued than others?

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Peas

Tyler,

As a start, here is an archived forum post in regards to the "split peas" myth as posted by the late Charles Heath:

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?18071-Thoughts-amp-a-few-mythbusters&highlight=split+peas

As to other types of peas issued, I am sure that others on the forums have much more knowledge and can help with answering the peas question.

Matt

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Peas

Thanks Matt!

That was actually the first article I looked at when I started my search.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Peas

Hallo!

Now there is worthy study!

Peas can be traced back to the common 18th century types here, field and garden. But in teh early 19th century many disappeared from popularity in favor of "sweet" or sweeter varieties.

I once took an interest in dried/parched peas and split peas for 18th century stuff, with a minor look toward the CW. But did not put much effort into it as I was thwarted by the "looseness" of the word in use- much like "muskets" or "rifles" and teh details we crave were not important to the Period writers in detailing varieties or sources of peas.

"William Hanbury addresses the proliferation of pea varieties in A complete body of planting (1771) where, after listing twenty five varieties of peas he concedes: "A person who is not desirous of running great lengths in the culture of Peas, may have his table sufficiently supplied by only four sorts…for the first crop, the early Charlton; for the second, the dwarf Marrow-fat; for the third, the Spanish Morotto; and for the last, the old English Rouncival." With the possible exception of the Rouncival, these are the varieties that seem to be most favored in 18th century Virginia. "

"By 1807, Martyn records in The Gardener's and Botanist's Dictionary that the "Rose, Rouncival, sickle, tufted and hotspur peas are lost" One of the reasons that so many of these peas, many of them with hundreds of years of use, disappear is the rapid development of new, sweeter varieties late in the 18th century and throughout the 19th century with the birth of the modern plant breeding processes."

-Colonial Williamsburg.

Curt

[Palmyra Possum]

Re: Peas

The Colonial Williamsburg website has some good info on peas: http://174.143.19.147/history/cwland/resrch10.cfm#3

While, as expected, much of the data they present predates the 19th century, they do provide some info on 19th century varieties.

[Silas]

Re: Peas

I hate this topic as it revives my craving for field peas and greens. Can't find field peas in Seattle. Whenever I visit the south, I always look for them and purchase a few bags when I run across them. I didn't notice any during my recent sojourn through Virginia.

So, thanks for commencing this thread, Tyler. I'll return the favor some day.

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Peas

Thanks guys, this is really good info!

Silas, to ease your suffering, I would more than happy to send you some peas.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Peas

Hi!

Peas do.

Sorry for the obvious pun.

c

[Cpt Boone]

Re: Peas

This may give you some things to look into as well.

http://www.nps.gov/vick/learn/education/singing-soldiers-a-life-on-the-vicksburg-bluff.htm

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Peas

Tyler,

I figured that you might have looked through the old threads. Because some on this forum subscribe to specific threads I figured I would post the old link to bring more attention to your question (since I have the same interest in what you asked). I suspect that it might have worked given the absolutely great responses you have received since!

Matt