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An Experiment With Knapsack Weight
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/2 [S# 40]
Article Contributed by Huck Green
In order to ascertain the amount of weight usually carried by soldiers in this army,average knapsacks were weighed, with the contents therein and blanket rolled on top, and the mean weight was found to be 15= pounds. We then took out the contents of the knapsack, and packed inside ten days' rations of hard bread, to wit:
- 100 biscuits and ten days' sugar and coffee, and it then weighed, with blanket. - 17 lbs.
- Without blanket - 11 3/4 lbs.
- With a change of clothing--shirt, drawers, and socks - 18 1/2 lbs.
- With coffee, sugar, and desiccated vegetables - 20 1/2 lbs.
- Three days' rations of biscuit, bacon, and small-stores were put into a haversack, and it weighed - 5 3/4 lbs.
- The average weight of blanket - 5 1/4 lbs.
- The average weight of overcoat - 5 1/4 lbs.
- The average weight of half shelter-tent - 1 3/4 lbs.
- The average weight of change of clothing - 2 lbs.
It was found that knapsacks would easily contain one hundred crackers, and that it was better to place at least as much as one shirt in the part of the knapsack next to the soldier's back, in order that the biscuit might not chafe the skin, and that so long as a knapsack is carried neither the weight of the extra clothing nor the space occupied by it was sufficient to justify dispensing with the same; in fact, it can be carried better than not.It is also to be observed that ten biscuits, although called a day's ration, are not sufficient upon the march, when no other articles, such as beans, rice, and desiccated vegetables, are issued.
The board further placed five days' rations of bacon in a haversack, with ten days'coffee and sugar, and that amount was tried upon a soldier and worn without difficulty.But it should be here stated that the haversack is found, when loaded to its capacity, to fatigue the men in moderate or cold weather more than a knapsack with 15 pounds inside.The board, after numerous experiments, and from their previous experience with troops in the field, agreed upon the following conclusions: As a maximum, the men, by dispensing with extra clothing, except one extra shirt, drawers, and socks, can carry in their knapsacks one hundred biscuits and eight days' small-stores, and, in the haversacks, two days' cooked rations, which, with eight days' fresh beef upon the hoof, will make ten days'full rations. Two days' only are put in the haversack, for the reason that the weight is more easily carried upon the back.
The board also thought that if two pack-mules with pack-saddles were furnished to each regiment, a sufficient number of camp-kettles might be carried, with rations of rice, beans, and desiccated vegetables sufficient to cook the fresh beef properly,and furnish the necessary quantity of soup upon all occasions, and make the one hundred biscuits last ten days if instead of eight, as before stated.
The question creating most embarrassment in the minds of the board was how to provide for line officers who have no knapsacks, but it is considered that all difficulties can be obviated upon ordinary marches if each line officer is required to employ the servant for which he is paid. The officer himself can carry his blanket and two days'rations, and the servant the balance; it being understood that his necessary baggage and mess-chest should be carried in a reserve column of transportation.
The foregoing is stated to show what can be carried under the most favorable circumstances, but considering the climate, the state of the roads, and the fact that three days' [rations] has heretofore been the maximum amount, the board recommend as follows:
1. That all extra clothing, except a change of underclothing, be stored.
2. That five days' rations of bread and small-stores be placed in the knapsack.
3. Three days' cooked rations in the haversack, and five days' fresh beef upon the hoof.
4. Two mules per regiment to carry camp-kettles, rice, beans, &c. Each soldier will carry--
- Haversack - 5 3/4 lbs
- Knapsack - 6 lbs
- Blanket - 5 1/4 lbs
- Clothing - 2 lbs
- Total - 19 lbs
Making 13 pounds in the knapsacks, being 2 pounds less than the weight usually carriedby soldiers in this army in their knapsacks.
Recapitulation:
- Maximum, with 2 mules' transportation - 12 days
- Maximum without transportation - 10 days
- Mean - 8 days
All of which is respectfully submitted.
C. E. PRATT, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers.
T. S. ALLEN, Colonel Fifth Wisconsin.
O. O. POTTER, Captain Thirty-first -New York.
HORACE WALKER, Captain Fifth Wisconsin.
J. G. ROBERTS, First Lieutenant Sixth Maine, Recorder of Board.
[edit. This article was originally posted on the Bully Boys website and is posted here with their permission. - PC]
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