Rations

[Haversack]

I wa wondering what some good basic foods are to carry at events are that would have been issued to troops.I usually have salt pork,potatoes,rice,and hardtack.Thanks.

[flattop32355]

Re: Rations

The archived articles in the Editorial Articles section should help.

The basic four for Federals: Salt Pork, hardtack, coffee and sugar.

[Silas]

Re: Rations

Take a deep breath, Chawls. Hold it. Let it out slowly. Repeat until blood pressure and pulse return to normal.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Rations

Shawn,

Although slightly dated, this remains one of my favorite confederate primers for those interested in upgrading the authenticity of their as-issued rations:

http://www.stonewallbrigade.com/articles_cooking.html

I notice you mention the 1st Virginia Cavalry in your signature block. If you have Robert Driver Jr.'s excellent regimental history ( from H. E. Howard of Lynchburg) spend some time noting the dates, locations, and foodstuffs (mostly non-issue, from what I've seen thumbing through a few moments ago) listed in that book. It will be a good start, and if you follow this up with similar work using the primary accounts in the back of the book, eventually you'll have a collection of subsistence entries worthy of a look up table type reference tool. Add in some old fashioned note cards, and a sharp pencil or two, and this can make for a fun evening.

The description of the Christmas juleps and the subsequent mass hangover that hurt for days is a most comical read.

[Chad Wrinn]

Re: Rations

For a mid to late war Confederate Impression try cornmeal instead of Hardtack.

[AZReenactor]

Re: Rations

I think the posts so far coupled with the Site search tool, articles on this site as well as internet search engines and other reenacting sites have this covered pretty well.

Bottom line: The info is out there waiting for you to find it and you'll be all the richer for the additional items you learn along the way to finding it.