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Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

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  • Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

    Gentlemen,

    This post is a continuation of one I placed some months ago concerning a unique resource housed at the SC Department of Archives & History. The 1st Lousiana Wayside Hospital was located in Charleston, SC, and took in soldiers from any state and regiment stationed in the area. When a soldier died from various causes, their items were usually turned over to family, the QM or a company grade officer. To view the past discussion as an introduction, please go to:
    [url]http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5799#posts5799

    I find it highly interesting to note the values of certain goods, especially those that were most likely issued. I believe it shows that quartermasters had a comprehensive knowledge of the varying quality & condition of goods being issued at various times. I hope everyone enjoys; I've only scratched the surface so far.

    1) Pvt. J.C. Bishop
    Co A, 4th (Williams') Battalion SC Reserves
    Died: 2 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow Fever

    1 coat-$5.00
    1 pr pants-$2.00
    1 blanket-$5.00
    1 pr shoes-$1.00
    1 tobacco box-$.50
    1 hat-$3.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. William H. Halman, Co A, 4th Bttn SC Reserves, 3 Oct 1864.

    2) Pvt. Vincent Brown
    Co C, 8th (Stallings') Battalion SC Reserves
    Died: 11 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow Fever

    2 pr pants-$8.00
    1 coat-$5.00
    1 pr drawers-$2.00
    1 shirt-$2.00
    1 pr socks-$1.00
    1 1/2 packages tobacco-$1.50
    1 knife-$0.25

    Remarks: None.

    3) Pvt. William P. Brown
    Mathewes (original spelling) Battery SC Heavy Artillery
    Died: 20 Sept 1864
    Cause: Typhoid Fever

    1 jacket-$8.00
    1 hat-$3.00
    1 pr pants-$5.00
    1 pr socks-$1.00
    1 pr shoes-$3.00
    Cash-$62.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Lt. John R. Horsey, Co D, 3rd (Palmetto) Bttn SC Light Artillery.

    4) Pvt. G.W. Browning
    Co C, 3d Georgia Reserve Infantry
    Died: 6 Jan 1865
    Cause: Gangrene & Typhoid Pneumonia

    1 jacket-$5.00
    2 blankets-$6.00
    1 pr shoes-$2.00
    1 hat-$0.50
    Cash-$0.75

    Remarks: None.

    5) Pvt. E.C. Bruce
    Co G, 1st (Butler's) SC Infantry
    Died: 16 July 1864
    Cause: Vulnus Sclopeticum & Tetanus

    4 shirts-$4.00
    1 pr drawers-$1.50
    1 pr socks-$0.75
    1 cap-$2.00
    1 blanket-$2.00
    1 pr shoes-$1.00
    5 stamps-$0.50
    writing paper-$0.25

    Remarks: Turned over to Maj. C.H. Suber, Quartermaster, 14 Nov 1864.

    6) Pvt. R.N. Burdett (Burditt)
    Co E, 4th (Williams') Battalion SC Reserves
    Died: 1 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow Fever

    1 hat-$1.50
    2 pr pants-$8.00
    1 coat-$10.00
    1 pr shoes-$0.50
    1 comb-$0.50
    1 shirt-$3.00
    3 pr shoes-$1.50
    2 books-$1.00
    1 pr drawers-$4.00
    2 vests-$8.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. E.M. Cooper, Co E, 4th Bttn SC Reserves, 2 Oct 1864.

    7) Pvt. J(eff or John) G. Bush
    Co K, 1st SC Cavalry
    Died: 6 Oct 1864
    Cause: Intermittent Fever

    1 coat-$5.00
    2 shirts-$3.00
    1 pr pants-$2.50
    1 pr drawers-$0.50
    1 pr shoes-$5.00
    1 pr socks-$0.25
    1 knife-$1.00
    Cash-$0.75

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. Angus P. Brown, Co K, 1st SCC, 27 Oct 1864.

    8) Pvt. James N. Carlisle
    Co D, 47th Georgia Infantry
    Died: 10 Dec 1864
    Cause: Ascites

    1 jacket-$5.00
    1 pr pants-$1.00
    1 cap-$1.00
    1 pr shoes-$2.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Maj, C.H. Suber, Quartermaster (no date).

    9) Pvt. T.E. Collier (Colyer)
    Co C, 50th NC Infantry
    Died: 29 Jan 1865
    Cause: Typhoid Fever

    2 shirts-$5.00
    2 pr pants-$10.00
    2 pr socks-$3.00
    1 overcoat-$10.00
    1 jacket-$8.00
    1 comfort-$6.00
    1 vest-$3.00
    1 knife-$1.00
    1 hat-$1.00
    1 pr socks-$3.00
    1 canteen-
    1 knapsack-
    1 blanket-$10.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Maj. C.H. Suber, Quartermaster, 30 Jan 1865.

    10) Pvt. Joseph Cotton
    Co B, 7th Battalion SC Infantry ("Enfield Rifles")
    Died: 7 Mar 1864
    Cause: Intermittent Fever

    1 coat-$2.00
    1 jacket-$5.00
    1 vest-$0.50
    3 pr pants-$10.00
    1 shirt-$1.50
    1 cap-$0.50
    1 scarf-$1.50
    1 pr gloves-$0.50
    1 pr shoes-$1.00
    tobacco-$1.00
    1 knapsack-
    1 haversack-
    Cash-$0.80

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. Thomas M. Barker, Asst. Quartermaster, 26 Mar 1864.

    11) Pvt. Benjamin F. Crawford
    Co I, 1st (Butler's) SC Infantry
    Died: 19 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow Fever

    1 knapsack-
    1 blanket-$1.50
    1 pr shoes-$1.50
    1 cap-$0.50
    2 pr pants-$40.00
    2 jackets-$15.00
    2 shirts-$5.00
    2 pr socks-$1.00
    1 towel-$0.50
    2 plugs tobacco-$3.00
    1 razor-$0.75
    1 strop-$0.50

    Remarks: Turned over to 1Lt. Jacob Youngblood, Co I, 1st SC Infantry, 27 Oct 1864.

    12) Pvt. A.L. Crump
    Co A, 8th Battalion Georgia Infantry
    Died: 22 Dec 1864
    Cause: Rubeola

    1 oil cloth-$8.00
    2 blankets-$16.00
    1 s. bag-$1.00
    2 haversacks-$1.00
    1 jacket-$10.00
    1 pr pants-$8.00
    1 knife-$1.00
    1 pr shoes-$2.00
    1 canteen-
    1 hat-$2.00
    Cash-$52.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Maj. C.H. Suber, Quartermaster (no date).

    13) Pvt. Marion Dagnall
    Gist Guard Battery SC Heavy Artillery
    Died: 27 July 1864
    Cause: Wound

    1 jacket-$5.00
    1 pr pants-$2.00
    1 blanket-$8.00
    5 collars-$5.00
    3 Bossours(?)-$5.00
    1 handkerchief(?)-$5.00
    1 pr socks-$0.50
    1 toothbrush-$0.50
    1 razor-$3.00
    1 Testament-$1.00
    1 hat-$5.00
    1 trunk-
    1 cap-$1.00
    1 haversack-$0.25
    1 knife-$1.00
    1 razor-$1.00

    Remarks: Turned over to William Dagnell, 27 July 1864.

    14) Cpt. R.S. Davie
    Co G, 7th NC Reserve Infantry (77th NC Infantry)
    Died: 30 Dec 1864
    Cause: Dysentery

    2 shirts-$5.00
    1 pr drawers-$1.50
    1 pr socks-$0.50
    1 pr pants-$5.00
    1 vest-$3.00
    1 coat-$8.00
    1 overcoat-$10.00
    2 books-$0.50
    1 quilt-$5.00
    1 pr boots-$4.00
    1 hat-$1.75
    1 cap-$1.00
    1 haversack-$0.25
    1 knife-$1.00
    1 razor-$1.00

    Remarks: None.

    15) Pvt. Francis M. Ferrell (Farrell)
    Co G, 46th Virginia Infantry
    Died: 27 Dec 1864
    Cause: Typhoid Fever

    1 knapsack-
    1 overcoat-$10.00
    1 jacket-$10.00
    1 pr pants-$10.00
    1 pr drawers-$0.50
    1 necktie-$0.10
    1 cap-$1.00
    3 books-$0.10
    1 hat-$0.10
    1 razor-$1.00
    1 cut of tobacco-$0.25
    1 pr gloves-$0.25
    1 blanket-$1.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. Hudson M. Bethel, Co G, 46th Virginia Infantry, 29 Dec 1864.

    16) Lt. Thomas N. Gary
    Co D, 5th SC Militia Infantry (Pickens District)
    Died: 1 Jan 1865
    Cause: Pneumonia

    1 overcoat-$20.00
    1 jacket-$8.00
    1 pr pants-$8.00
    1 vest-$5.00
    1 shirt-$1.50
    1 pr drawers-$1.50
    1 towel-$0.50
    1 pr gloves-$0.50
    1 pr socks-$0.50
    1 blanket-$5.00
    1 haversack-$0.25
    1 pr shoes-$5.00
    1 hat-$0.25
    envelopes-$0.50
    Confed. Money-$71.75
    Specie-$1.50

    Remarks: Received by Samual A. Gary, his father, 9 Jan 1865.

    17) Pvt. John Gray
    Co C, 2d SC Artillery
    Died: 1 Jun 1864
    Cause: Congestive Fever & Acute Dysentery

    1 coat-$3.00
    1 jacket-$10.00
    1 pr pants-$3.00
    1 hat-$2.00
    1 pr shoes-$5.00
    1 pr socks-$0.50
    1 pocket knife-$5.00
    1 blanket-$3.00
    1 vest-$1.50
    2 haversacks @.50-$1.00
    1 pr gloves & Sundries-$7.00
    Cash-$4.35

    Remarks: Turned over to Allen Gray, 5 Jun 1864.

    18) Pvt. J.D. Holt
    Co C, 46th Georgia Infantry
    Died: 17 Mar 1864
    Cause: n/s

    1 pr socks-$0.50
    1 cap-$2.00
    1 vest-$0.25
    1 coat-$5.00
    1 comb-$0.50
    1 toothbrush-$0.50
    1 carpetbag-$1.00
    1 pr pants-$1.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. Thomas M. Barker, Asst. Quartermaster, 26 Mar 1864.

    19) Lt. N. Hutto
    Co C, 8th (Stallings') Battalion SC Reserves
    Died: 14 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow Fever

    1 trunk contents unknown-$5.00
    1 hat-$10.00
    1 sword-$10.00
    1 pr shoes-$5.00
    1 coat-$10.00
    1 pr pants-$5.00
    1 pr socks-$0.50
    1 watch-
    Cash-$8.65

    Remarks: Received by Cpt. W.W. Hutto, Co C, 8th Bttn., SCR., 28 Oct 1864.

    20) Pvt. W. Jackson
    Co E, 32d Georgia Infantry
    Died: 4 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow Fever

    1 jacket-$10.00
    2 shirts-$15.00
    2 pr drawers-$10.00
    1 pr shorts-$5.00 **this one has me scratching my head!
    1 blanket-$5.00
    3 caps-$1.50
    2 pr pants-$25.00
    1 pr gloves-$1.50
    1/2 qr. writing paper-$2.00
    2 toothbrushes-$2.00
    Sundry small articles-$5.00

    Remarks: Turned over to 2Lt. William H. Renfro, Co E, 32d Georgia Infantry, 20 December 1864.

    21) Pvt. Johnathan F. Johnson
    Co F, 1st SC Artillery
    Died: 29 Jun 1864
    Cause: Vulnus Sclopeticum

    1 blanket & 1 quilt-$4.00
    1 shirt-$0.25
    1 pr drawers-$0.25
    1 jacket-$4.00
    1 pr pants-$1.00
    1 canteen-
    Notes amt. to-$70.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Rucker H. Mauldin, 13 Aug 1864.

    22) Pvt. Orlando P. Johnson
    Quartermaster Dept.
    Died: 30 Sept 1864
    Cause: Typhoid Fever

    1 hat-$0.25
    1 pr shoes-$1.50
    2 knives-$10.00
    1 pr pants-$2.00
    1 pr socks-$0.25
    Cash-$30.00
    1 coat-$5.00
    1 pr suspenders-$0.25

    Remarks: Detailed to Maj. Motte Alston Pringle, A.Q.M., turned over to (illegible) for his wife, 1 Oct 1864.

    23) Pvt. Samual B. Phillips
    Co H, 59th Virginia Infantry
    Died: 27 Jan 1864
    Cause: Continued Fever

    1 knapsack-
    1 canteen & haversack-
    2 pr pants-$3.00
    1 oil cloth-$1.00
    1 jacket-$4.00
    1 overcoat-$5.00
    1 pr gloves-$1.00
    1 cap-$1.00
    2 combs-$0.25
    1 book-$0.50
    1 pr shoes-$0.50
    Cash-$5.00

    Remarks: Turned over to his brother, Pvt. James A. Phillips, Co H, 59th Virginia Infantry.

    24) Pvt. John H. Powers
    Co A, 21st SC Infantry
    Died: 27 Jan 1864
    Cause: Typhoid Fever

    1 knapsack-
    1 jacket-$8.00
    4 pr pants-$3.00
    1 pr drawers-$3.00
    4 pr socks-$3.00
    1 frock tie-$0.25
    2 plugs tobacco-$0.50
    2 books (Testament & Hymn Book)-$1.00
    paper & envelopes-$1.25
    1 hat-$0.50
    1 pr shoes-$0.00 (written as zero)
    1 note on E. Weans-$10.00
    1 note on J.C. Turner-$20.00
    Cash-$5.00

    Remarks: Turned over to Cpt. Thomas M. Barker, Asst. Quartermaster, 9 Feb 1864.

    25) Cpt. S.H. Sheldon
    Co B, 15th SC Infantry
    Died: 4 Oct 1864
    Cause: Yellow fever

    1 coat-$25.00
    1 jacket-$10.00
    1 hat-$5.00
    1 pr boots-$25.00
    1 pr socks-$1.00
    1 vest-$5.00
    1 pr pants-$45.00
    1 watch-
    1 gold Ring & Specie-$1.10
    U.S. Paper Currency-$1.05
    Cash-$772.50

    Remarks: Turned over to D.H. Sheldon, his father, 10 Dec 1864.

    26) Pvt. Alexander Shelton
    Co C, 26th Virginia Infantry
    Died: 3 Dec 1863
    Cause: Remittent Fever

    1 knapsack-
    1 canteen-
    1 haversack-
    2 pr drawers @ .12 1/2-$0.25
    2 pr pants-$8.00
    3 pr socks-$0.75
    2 shirts-$0.50
    1 (illegible)-$0.50
    2 neckties-$1.00
    2 collars-$0.50
    1 overcoat-$8.00
    1 jacket-$5.00
    1 pr gloves-$0.50
    1 towel-$0.25
    1 handkerchief-$0.25
    1 hat-$0.25
    1 pr shoes-$2.00
    1 paper envelopes-$0.25
    1 toothbrush-$1.50
    4 sheets paper-$0.25
    1 pocketbok & cash-$22.25

    That ends what I've made copies of so far. Very interesting information indeed. Very sad to think of someone's brother or father having to go to Charleston to receive their deceased family member's effects. I look forward to comments.

    Neill Rose
    Palmetto Living History Association

  • #2
    Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

    Comrade,

    Wonderful but poignant post. The one thing that jumped out at me, though, was the number of knapsacks. It was spread over different states and regiments. Interesting that even late in 1864, there's still a good percentage of Confederates carrying knapsacks. Also note the overcoats in officer's possesions.
    Respects,
    Tim Kindred
    Medical Mess
    Solar Star Lodge #14
    Bath, Maine

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

      Comrade;

      On the never ending issue of vests I find it interesting that only eight out of twenty-six had vests, one with two. That is around 30%.

      But again, as with most things, this is only one list from one place.

      Jim Peterson
      A Rowdy Pard
      Jim Peterson
      Rowdy Pards

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

        WOW!! Cpt. Sheldon was a rich man. $772 on his possession? Hard to believe he was carrying that much cash at that time.
        Tim Blackmon
        Hedgesville Blues
        SHOCKER MESS

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

          Originally posted by Private Longshanks
          WOW!! Cpt. Sheldon was a rich man. $772 on his possession? Hard to believe he was carrying that much cash at that time.

          And only one of two with hard money.
          B. G. Beall (Long Gone)

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

            Originally posted by Jim Peterson
            Comrade;

            On the never ending issue of vests I find it interesting that only eight out of twenty-six had vests, one with two. That is around 30%.

            But again, as with most things, this is only one list from one place.

            Jim Peterson
            A Rowdy Pard
            Jim,
            I would'nt read that much into it. As I'm sure you know, this is far too small a sample size for statistical significance. Nevertheless, as you quite rightly point out, its a very interesting snapshot of the possessions of Confederate soldiers at a specific time and place and we're indebted to Neill for taking the time to post it. BTW, did you also notice only one pair of suspenders is on this inventory out of 26 lists of decedents effects?

            KBB

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

              Originally posted by K Bartsch
              Jim,
              I would'nt read that much into it. As I'm sure you know, this is far too small a sample size for statistical significance. Nevertheless, as you quite rightly point out, its a very interesting snapshot of the possessions of Confederate soldiers at a specific time and place and we're indebted to Neill for taking the time to post it. BTW, did you also notice only one pair of suspenders is on this inventory out of 26 lists of decedents effects?

              KBB
              The lists seem to be inconsistent in their detail. For example only 11 men are listed as having draws.
              Last edited by coffee boiler; 06-20-2004, 08:28 AM.
              Bob Clayton
              [url=http://www.sykesregulars.org]Co. C, 2nd U.S. Infantry, "Sykes Regulars"[/url]
              Honoring the proud history and traditions of the U.S. Army
              [url=http://home.comcast.net/~coffeeboiler/sykes_pics.htm]Photo Gallery[/url]

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                Comrades,

                I would venture the opinion, and it is only that, that the items listed are those decent enough to be returned or reissued. I know that, when I was on active duty, I was once tasked with packing up a comrades personal effects after his death. I was instructed to NOT pack up anything uniform-wise that was torn, stained, or otherwise not in top shape. Additionally, anything of a "sensitive" nature such as girlie magazines, etc, were to be discarded as well. His equipment and any stained. torn, etc clothing was turned into the squadron for reissue or reuse, and all of his good-conditioned uniforms and civilian clothing, plus his personal items were turned over to his family.
                It seems to me that the lack of drawers could easily be a result of being either to stained or too worn to be reconditioned/reissued. They may, in fact, be simply extra pairs the soldier had on hand. Who knows? As to vests, I am surprised there were that many listed, considering the period and cloth availability at this stage of the war.
                Nonetheless, it's an interesting look into what was on hand amongst these fellows at this stage of the war, and this location.
                respects,
                Tim Kindred
                Medical Mess
                Solar Star Lodge #14
                Bath, Maine

                Comment


                • #9
                  Overcoats

                  There was a surprising number with overcoats. Typical value was ten bucks, but one private's was worth eight and an officer's coat was twenty.
                  Silas Tackitt,
                  one of the moderators.

                  Click here for a link to forum rules - or don't at your own peril.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                    What in the world was that one guy doing with THREE pairs of shoes?

                    Curious and fascinating.

                    Joanna Norris Grimshaw
                    [FONT=Trebuchet MS]Joanna Norris Forbes[/FONT]

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                      Originally posted by hiplainsyank
                      What in the world was that one guy doing with THREE pairs of shoes?

                      Curious and fascinating.

                      Joanna Norris Grimshaw
                      I'm not so sure this was unusual. Company clothing issue records for Company F, 54th Virginia (NARA RG 109) indicate many of its men were veritable spendthrifts. Here's just one example for a lowly private covering the period 8 October 1862 through 31 December 1863:

                      Private Ross Hardy
                      ‎3 Jackets‎
                      ‎4 Pants‎
                      ‎5 Drawers‎
                      ‎8 Shirts‎
                      ‎5 [pr] Shoes‎
                      ‎3 [pr] Socks‎
                      ‎1 Blanket‎
                      ‎2 Hats‎

                      ‎[Total:] [CS] $155.50‎

                      Regards,

                      Mark Jaeger
                      Regards,

                      Mark Jaeger

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                        Originally posted by markj
                        I'm not so sure this was unusual. Company clothing issue records for Company F, 54th Virginia (NARA RG 109) indicate many of its men were veritable spendthrifts. Here's just one example for a lowly private covering the period 8 October 1862 through 31 December 1863:

                        Private Ross Hardy
                        ‎3 Jackets‎
                        ‎4 Pants‎
                        ‎5 Drawers‎
                        ‎8 Shirts‎
                        ‎5 [pr] Shoes‎
                        ‎3 [pr] Socks‎
                        ‎1 Blanket‎
                        ‎2 Hats‎

                        ‎[Total:] [CS] $155.50‎

                        Regards,

                        Mark Jaeger
                        Looks like he was clothing more than himself, perhaps a brother or a good friend that was less well-to-do. Either that, or he was speculating that he would be able to sell them at a mark-up down the road.
                        Bob Clayton
                        [url=http://www.sykesregulars.org]Co. C, 2nd U.S. Infantry, "Sykes Regulars"[/url]
                        Honoring the proud history and traditions of the U.S. Army
                        [url=http://home.comcast.net/~coffeeboiler/sykes_pics.htm]Photo Gallery[/url]

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                          I am impressed at the high value of the pocketknives--equivalent to a couple of pair trousers, or half an overcoat. Shows how esteemed and expensive they were.

                          Greg Renault
                          Greg Renault

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                            Originally posted by coffee boiler
                            Looks like he was clothing more than himself, perhaps a brother or a good friend that was less well-to-do. Either that, or he was speculating that he would be able to sell them at a mark-up down the road.
                            We'll never know for sure but there were, in fact, recurring reports of Confederate soldiers selling off issue clothing to citizens on the side and the government tried to crack down on this practice (with mixed results). Such side-dealing was apparently also a habit up in the North and a law (or military directive) was enacted around 1863 expressly prohibiting citizens from wearing military-issue clothing.

                            I have attached my complete notes drawn from the Company F, 54th VA clothing account book so you can draw your own conclusions.

                            Regards,

                            Mark Jaeger
                            Last edited by markj; 06-04-2007, 03:10 PM.
                            Regards,

                            Mark Jaeger

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Inventories of Personal Effects Pt. 2

                              I remember reading one account of some enlisted Rebs getting in trouble for selling their issued clothing to officers.
                              (Sorry that I can't post the specifics at this time.)
                              [SIZE=1]Neal W. Sexton[/SIZE]

                              Comment

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