Blanket Sling

[GaReb52nd]

Does anyone know how widely used the blanket sling was? Also where could I find one? I have checked with most sutlers, not sutler row, but none seem to have them. Thanks in advance.

[poncho]

Re: Blanket Sling

I used this method in place of a knapsack for a long time and it worked out great! I can't remember where I got it it was about ten years ago now. However it was basically made utilizing a sling with a loop on either end that were attached to two blanket straps. You may want to try dell's leather works, I believe I recall them having something like this.

[FloridaConscript]

Re: Blanket Sling

two blanket straps and a rifle sling will do the trick

Bryant Roberts/ thanks Steve Acker!

[Rankin]

Re: Blanket Sling

I have used the blanket strap(sometimes rope or twine)held by a musket sling method for years.It works just fine.
Jim Crawford
Nefews mess

[dusty27]

Re: Blanket Sling

In my early days, I used two long blanket straps buckled together run through a short roll. The short roll was wrapped with two additional blanket straps. I found it bounces around more than my current blanket horseshoe roll.

[Yellowhammer]

Re: Blanket Sling

If by "blanket sling" you are referring to a purpose made item like the one illustrated below,



I wouldn't say they were common at all. I've seen a few images, mostly Federal officers, and a few extant originals but I certainly wouldn't call them common among the rank and file.

If the question refers to carrying the blanket in a short or "hobo" roll via one of the expedient methods posted on this thread, I would place that method of carriage a distant third behind blanket rolls and knapsacks. I wouldn't call it uncommon but I wouldn't call it most common either. (This is why answering questions about "how common" something was is a slippery slope.)

As an example, here is an engraving by Confederate soldier-artist Allen C. Redwood. In it, you will note a few knapsacks, many blanket rolls, and one short roll.



While we are on the subject, here is a photo of the short roll in use by Federal troops. Of course, this is the famous image taken at Manassas junction in August of 1862.

[Enfilade]

Contraband?

Everytime someone sticks an image up about an answer, three questions emerge.

1)Is that a Contraband on the other side of the car?
2)Does anyone know which unit this supposedly is?
3)Can we put to rest the stuffing of pantaloons into socks other than while in muddy trenches?

Mark Berrier

[RyanBWeddle]

Three Answers

1) Yes (he's black)
2) No. Would be very hard to ascertain a regiment...
3) Probably not... :confused_

[cante]

Re: Blanket Sling

100 years earlier that was called a tumpline, and was a 4 legged fingerwoven purpose made carrier... a field expediant can be made from rope and a wide leather strap, like a cartridge box belt, but i've not seen a clear enough picture to realy tell... wearing it across the neck is painful, it does better across the shoulder...

[Yellowhammer]

Re: Blanket Sling

I hate to be a stickler, but that fellow may or may not be a "contraband."

"Contraband," in this context, is defined as a slave who has been taken and effectively liberated by the Union Army as "contraband of war."

So, while certainly black (or African-American, if you prefer), that fellow could be a "contraband" or former slave or any variety of free man such as a teamster, a laborer, a servant attached to the regiment, or just a free black man who has become a refugee as a result of Union and Confederate forces moving through the area he lives in. Let's not forget, the Robinson Farm on the Manassas battlefield was owned and operated by a free black man.

Just clarifying terms. Referring to any black man as a "contraband" is simply inaccurate.

[Bill Cross]

Contraband or not?

Referring to any black man as a "contraband" is simply inaccurate.

John, you're right, though you've left out another sub-category: he could also be an employee of the US Government, as many former "contrabands" became contract workers, day laborers, etc. Our knowledge of the role that blacks played during the war is limited, in my opinion, and often distorted by the racism of the period (taking credit away from regiments that deserved it and laying blame on colored troop units that didn't) and Hollywood.

[TheFenian]

Re: Blanket Sling

I hate to be a stickler, but that fellow may or may not be a "contraband."

"Contraband," in this context, is defined as a slave who has been taken and effectively liberated by the Union Army as "contraband of war."

...

Just clarifying terms. Referring to any black man as a "contraband" is simply inaccurate.

John,

In some cases, I may be more of a stickler that you. :) My understand of the usage of the term "contraband", at least in early war, was a slave who had run away of otherwise showed up at Union facilities of his own volition, not one who had been "taken". Again no dispute intended just trying to clarify your clarification.

Bill Eiff

[Enfilade]

Re: Blanket Sling

....well, if one wants to be the biggest stickler whatsoever, one could argue that the Union was hardpressed to "liberate" anyone at 2nd Manassas.

I agree John, that he may or may not be a "contraband". He does, however, have on a hobo type roll or a knapsack. Is his shirt/coat military issue?

Mark Berrier