Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[Fishermans wife]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

There is a letter of Thomas Jackson asking his wife to remove the carpets from their home for the soldiers.

Unfortunately I loaned my book out and do not have it here to quote.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

IN FURTHER REFERENCE TO THE CARPET(BLANKETS)...

I have a large, local manuscript that details the efforts of local societies, in particular the Episcopal (Saint James Church,Wilmington N.C.) and Baptist Home Missions, providing carpet blankets and bedsacks and many other common personal items to the depot in Raleigh and the Wilmington & Weldon RR Depot in Goldsboro. Thousands of items were collected at a time.
It seems there were may busy hands at home.

The goods collected in southeast North Carolina were picked up at the whistle stops and depots along the Wilmington & Manchester and added to the items from Wilmington. They were then sent on in bulk by rail to Goldsboro and Raleigh for distribution. Many of the items were already requistioned and sent directly to Richmond from Goldsboro for issue.
(The more I read about Goldboro the more I understand Sherman's desire to target the place.)

The papers also contain interesting references to slaves and local women making uniforms from lots received from various NC cutting houses.

[markj]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

Here is an extract from an article in the Lafayette IN "Daily Courier," 24 February 1862 describing the arrival of 32nd and 41st Tennessee POWs, captured at Fort Donelson, in that town for temporary internment:

HOW THEY LOOKED.

The majority were young men—pale, beardless youths—mere boys. Each had more or less equippage [sic] of the second hand variety store pattern, and nearly all were provided with quilts, horse covers, pieces of carpet, or some sort of apology for a soldier's blanket.....

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

While not necessarily directly ANV related I looked through Vicki Betts' newpaper reseach and found the following:

Savannah [GA] Republican, September 3, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
"Blankets for the Rebels."—Under this head, the New York Tribune, of the 12th inst., editorially says:
A gentleman who has recently arrived from Mobile states that there is not a single carpet to be found in any house in that city, every one having been given up last winter to be used as blankets by the army. The rebels began it, and the Unionists—of whom our informant insists here still remain a considerable number—followed suit, because they feared their omission to do so would lead to their denunciation as Northern sympathizers and traitors. The South is now destitute of blankets, and of any substitute. Under these circumstances, considerable sums of money have been sent to England to buy blankets for the army, with orders to ship them to Charleston. Cannot this traitorous next be broken up altogether, or else the blockade be rendered what it never yet has been—thoroughly effective?

[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 24, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
Blankets and Clothing for the Soldiers.—Imitating the self-sacrificing spirit of the Roman matrons who stripped themselves of their dearly prized jewels, and cast them into the public treasury, when the exigencies of their country required such aid, the ladies of this city have nobly resolved to surrender, for the use of the brave defenders of our homes and liberties, not merely articles of ornament, but such as have hitherto been regarded as indispensably necessary to secure domestic comfort. Not satisfied with simply devoting their time and energies to the task of fabricating clothing for the troops now in the field, they have determined to take up the fine carpets covering the floors of their dwellings, convert them into blankets and distribute them among the soldiers, who will, ere long, require such protection against the piercing winds of the winter season.
Will not the ladies throughout this State, Louisiana and Texas, emulate the example of their sisters of Little Rock? We are sure they will do so with alacrity, for women have ever been found capable of performing acts of self-devotion to the cause of God, of her native land, or of her family. Feeling assured that they will, one and all, answer promptly the demand now being made for clothing and blankets for the army, we have no appeal to make to their generosity or their patriotism, but will rest content with stating that the contributions of each neighborhood should be carefully packed together and forwarded to this city, to care of Maj. Jno. B. Burton, Chief of Army Clothing, Bureau of the Trans-Mississippi Department.

[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, September 27, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
| Make the Soldier Comfortable.—Major Gen. Holmes has made known to our people generally, and to the ladies particularly, the fact that, if a supply is not gotten up at home, many of our soldiers will lack blankets to make them comfortable and preserve their health, during the approaching winter. The ladies here responded promptly and patriotically, many of them giving the last carpet they have to be made into substitutes for blankets for the purpose.
We feel confident that the call will be cheerfully and fully responded to by the ladies west of the Mississippi, to whom it is addressed.
All contributions of blankets, or substitutes for blankets, or clothes, will be forwarded to Maj. Jno. B. Burton, Chief of the Clothing Bureau, Trans-Mississippi Department.

Savannah [GA] Republican, October 7, 1862, p. 1, c. 1

Clothing the Army.

. . . There is a corresponding obligation on the part of the citizen to do a part toward the relief of the army, and that part is the full measure of his ability, even should it be attended with self sacrifice and reduce the number of comforts around him. In his quiet and peaceful home he should think of the poor soldier while braving the storms and plodding over the snow-clad mountains of Virginia to defend us from the grasp of the oppressor. It is no time for selfishness. Every man that has a blanket should send it to the soldiers. In this genial climate we can readily save ourselves from suffering with cotton comforts and other means of command. Every man who has a wool mattress should spare it to the government, and resort to cotton and moss, which are abundant. There are thousands of light half-worn carpets that might be cut into blankets 6 ½ feet by 5, and sent to the army. And then, again, insignificant as it may appear, there is an abundance of warm winter clothing, already made up, stored away in our closets and wardrobes, very much of which could be spared without any serious inconvenience to the owner. Let all these things be brought forward from their hiding places and forwarded to some convenient point to be shipped forthwith to the army. Coarse cotton socks are also in great demand, and the women of Georgia, by an effort, could supply every soldier from the State with two or three pairs before the close of the year. . .

Savannah [GA] Republican, October 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 1
Noble Contributions.—As a specimen of the right spirit to animate the Southern people at the present crisis, we would mention two instances of liberality that have come to our notice, with the hope that the parties will forgive us for the liberty we take with their names:
Messrs. W. H. Wiltberger & Co., the worthy and public-spirited proprietors of the Pulaski House, called on us yesterday, through a member of their firm, and offered the entire stock of carpets of their establishment, to be converted into covering for the soldiers. Some idea of the munificence of the donation may be formed when we state that it comprises the carpeting of one hundred and twenty rooms, and when cut up will make over five hundred comfortable and good sized blankets.
The second is not less commendable. Our old friend, Mr. S. Z. Murphey, the faithful Superintendent of Union Society's farm at Bethesda, and a man of very moderate means, called on me Saturday and left $50 as his contribution to the needy soldiers.
If there are many such men in the country, there will soon be no needy soldiers.

Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, October 22, 1862, p. 1, c. 4

[Communicated.]

Mr. Advertiser: The condition of the soldiers in our armies calls "trumpet-tongued" upon the people of the Confederacy for relief, immediate and effectual—all accounts agree in this, that our troops in Virginia under Gen. Lee, whilst making forced marches into Maryland, fighting battle after battle, and with a courage unsurpassed in the annals of history, winning victory upon victory, were without provisions, were half naked and one-fourth without shoes. . . .
Planters, do your duty—come to the rescue of your suffering soldiers—give up a portion of your negro cloth; get your wives to dye it gray; have it made up, (the women will do it,) and send it to the army. Give shoes only to your negro men who can do the outdoor work on your plantations, put your women and girls to spinning and weaving, (being in houses they will not need shoes); make blankets of your carpets.—Do all this, and when you lie down at night, you can say you have done your duty.
Lowndes.

Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, October 22, 1862, p. 2, c. 2
The Savannah Republican says that the proprietors of the Pulaski House of that city have tendered all the carpets in their establishment to the Committee collecting clothing for the army. There are 120 rooms in the house and the carpets will furnish 500 good blankets. This is a splendid donation. All honor to the generous proprietors.

[Little Rock] Weekly Arkansas Gazette, October 25, 1862, p. 1, c. 1
Contributions for the Soldiers—The Patriotism [of] the Ladies of Little Rock.—
Mr. Editor: But a short time ago, the ladies of Little Rock, of their own accord, held a meeting and determined upon measures to assist in furnishing our brave soldiers with blankets and other necessary articles of clothing. Since then, carpets, costly and rich, have been converted into blankets, and other equally useful articles of clothing have been made [hole in paper]. Wiling, patriotic hearts have made [hole in paper] and fingers but little wont to use the coarse needle, now ply it with rapidity. This argues well for the success of our cause. A people thus working together, and willingly giving their property and their services to their country—their gentlewomen, like the matrons of Rome, giving, not mere trinkets of personal adornment, but house-hold property of real comfort and use in their families, all for the benefit and protection of the soldiers—can and must conquer. . . . The ladies who have thus parted with their carpets, are assured that their reward is a soldier's gratitude—a gratitude which none but a soldier can feel.
Will not the ladies of other towns and cities in this Military Department emulate the noble action of the ladies of Little Rock?
The thanks of the soldiers are also due to the Masonic Fraternity for the contribution of the carpet of their Lodge Room—making about 50 excellent blankets.
Respectfully, &c.
John B. Burton, Major
and A. Q. M. Chief Clothing Bureau,
Trans-Miss. Department.
Oct. 24, 1862.

Natchez Daily Courier, November 4, 1862, p. 1, c. 4

For the Suffering Soldier.

We wish to buy every Blanket, Comfort, Sock and Shoe for the army. Fifty thousand men languish in the Hospitals and shiver over cheerless fires, that could now be put in the field to fight. Much has already been done, and much more yet remains to be done.
Let the Ladies take up their carpets, the Gentlemen empty their wardrobes, and all come to the help of the needy Soldiers, as Christians and Patriots, alone worthy of freedom's birth-right.
All articles left with John C. Brown, at the store of James Carradine, will be gladly paid for, if required, and immediately forwarded, through Geo. J. Mortimer, from Brookhaven, to the most necessitous of the several departments.
Let all respond with alacrity, and promptly.
Geo. J. Mortimer, and
Jno. C. Brown, Agents for
Major I. Mims, Ch'f Qr. Mas. this Dep't


Weekly Columbus [GA] Enquirer, November 11, 1862, p. 3, c. 2
Carpet Blankets.—Major M. W. Perry yesterday exhibited to us a Carpet Blanket made for the army. It is undoubtedly a most excellent and warm covering, and will be a very comfortable addition to a soldier's bed clothing. It is made of scraps of cloth cut into strips and woven closely together, forming a heavy and warm counterpane, one of them being worth two or three common bed blankets for warmth and durability.
We understand that a reliable gentleman has contracted with Quartermaster Dillard to make these blankets out of the scraps left in making soldiers' clothing, and that he has several looms at work weaving and a number of children cutting and sewing together the strips. He will be enabled to turn out the blankets pretty fast for a new business, and the work will give employment to a number of women and children needing something to do.
These blankets would also be the most comfortable night covering for negroes, and they will no doubt be extensively used hereafter by those planters who examine them.

Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, November 19, 1862, p. 4, c. 5
Substitute for Blankets.—We have been shown a substitute for soldier's blankets, manufactured under the direction of Mrs. Wiley E. Jones, of this vicinity. It is made after the style of rag carpets of a new material, and colored with barks so as to make it the "loyal nut brown hue," so well adapted to camp life. The sample we have seen is a good substitute, and can be manufactured at a cost not exceeding $4.50 or $5.
Let others of our female friends follow the patriotic example of Mrs. Jones. Blankets can't be had—they are not in the country, and money won't buy them. Our soldiers must have something to shield them from the frosts and snow of the coming winter, and rag carpet blankets will do when nothing better can be hand.—Columbus Sun.

Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, November 26, 1862, p. 2, c. 6

A Worthy Example.

We learn that the members of St. Paul's Church, in this city, have determined to take up the carpet on the floor of that sanctuary and convert it into blankets for our soldiers. We heartily commend their action to other churches in this city and throughout the Confederacy. Surely we can afford to kneel or stand upon bare floors to shelter from the cold the bodies of the brave men who are fighting to secure our rights of conscience no less than our political liberties.—Columbus Times.

Galveston Weekly News, December 17, 1862, p. 1, c. 3
We have received a package containing sundry useful articles for our troops, labeled: "The Widow's Mite for the Relief of our Soldiers!"
Since the above was written, we have received from Miss J. D. the articles named in the following note, and will dispose of them as directed:
Houston, Dec. 10th, 1862.
Ed. News:--In response to Col. Cook's call, some time since, for lint and bandages, I herewith send one pound of the former, one hundred and eighty-two yards of the latter, from one to three inches in width, and old linen for compresses, &c. Also six carpet blankets, ten Merino scarfs [sic], four pairs woolen socks, three worsted shirts, two undershirts, four pairs drawers.
Please send the blankets and clothing to soldiers that you may know are most in need of them, and oblige, very respectfully Miss J. D.

We have the pleasure to make the following report since our appeal in behalf of our suffering soldiers, many of whom are without covering:
From Mr. C. W. L. 1 carpet; Mrs. F. W. Gray, 1 carpet; Mrs. Dr. Cone, 3 carpet blankets; Mrs. J. F. Cruger, 3 blankets; Mrs. W. J. Hutchins, 2 carpets and 3 blankets; Mrs. M. A. Dumble, 1 carpet; Capt. Chas. Gearing, a lot of blankets from off the steamboats.
The disposition made of the above is as follows:
Comp. B, Galv. Artillery, Capt. Weir, 27 blankets; Capt. Lecbults (sp?) 4 blankets; Sibley's Brigade, Col. Reiley commanding, 21 blankets.
We will have all carpets, sent in for the soldiers made up free of expense to the donors.
C. S. Longcope.

Galveston Weekly News December 31, 1862, p. 1, c. 5
Houston, Dec. 22, 1862.
W. Richardson, Esq.
Dear Sir:--You will receive per bearer the following articles for the use of the Company commanded by Captain Van Mcmahan: 18 carpet blankets, 1 comfort, 3 coats, old. These have (like unto the others) been sent to me for the purpose of distribution. The women (God bless them) are daily responding, and the call of "Who next?" is being cheerfully and liberally responded to.
Yours respectfully, C. S. Longcope.
By-the-by, Mr. R., permit me to say that the Brussels carpet can be softened and made to answer almost as well as the tapestry carpeting for blankets.

Washington [Ark.] Telegraph, October 14, 1863
J. D. Thomas, M.Q.M. of this place, wishes to purchase carpets for soldiers' blankets.

Savannah [GA] Republican, November 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 1

Our Suffering Army—To the Citizens of Savannah.

We desire to appeal earnestly to our citizens in behalf of suffering Georgians now encamped among the bleak mountains of Tennessee. The Firs Battalion Georgia Sharpshooters are men for whom we would claim their immediate and [illegible]. In a rigorous climate, exposed to all its inclemencies these cold November days and nights, these brave men are guarding the portals of our homes, all of them without proper provisions for bodily health and comfort, and very many without a shoe or sock on their feet or a blanket to cover them when asleep. This is more than humanity can bear, and as a necessary consequence they are sickening and dying under the terrible ordeal. With the hope of relief from home, they have deputed one of their number, Lieut. Molina, to repair to Savannah and make an appeal in their behalf for such comforts as the Government finds it impossible now to provide. He arrived here yesterday, and that all may fully comprehend the nature of his mission and the necessity for prompt and liberal action on their part, we copy the following official letter from the commander of the Battalion.
Headquarters Wilson's Brigade,
Near Chattanooga, Nov. 10.
Lieut. Col. G. W. Brent, A. A. G.:
Colonel—I have the honor very respectfully to request that Lieut. M. Molina, Co. D, 1st Batt. Ga. S. S., be granted permission to visit Savannah, Ga., for fifteen days, for the purpose of procuring from the various Relief Associations (and by voluntary subscriptions) at that place and its vicinity, blankets, shoes, and other articles of clothing, for the men of the 1st Battalion, Ga. S. S.
As Commandant proper of that corps, I have respectfully to state that every possible exertion has been made to procure from government (through the proper channels and in conformity with Regulations) the articles referred to, without success. The men are in a destitute and suffering condition, being without blankets, having lost them, with their knapsacks, in the first retreat from Jackson, Miss., and a number barefooted.—This battalion was raised and organized in the city of Savannah, is well known and thought of there, and I feel quite assured that Lieut. Molina's visit to that city in behalf of the destitute soldiers of the 1st Battalion Ga. S. S. will be productive of much benefit to them, enabling him to procure covering for at least a great number of the men, if not the whole.
Trusting that the commanding General will grant the permission applied for and thus relieve the actual suffering of the soldiers of the 1st Battalion Ga. S. S.
I have the honor to be, Colonel,
Very respectfully your ob't ser't,
[Signed] Arthur [illegible],

Major 1st Batt. Ga. S. S., Com'dg Wilson's Brigade.

Here is the picture; and now can our people look upon it unmoved? Will they not come to the relief of these brave men, and do it without a day's delay? How can it be done? We will tell them. To procure shoes at this time is out of the question, but such articles as socks, thick underclothes, and covering are at our command, and should be freely offered, even though it should cost us something of luxury, or even of comfort. Those who remain quietly at their homes should certainly be willing to divide with the poor soldier who shivers under the cold blasts of winter for the protection of those homes. Blankets are not to be had, but is there a man or woman in Savannah who will consent to enjoy the luxury of a carpet whilst these brave defenders are without a covering for their bodies? We hope there is not one. Then let some of the thousands of carpets in Savannah be taken up and devoted to saving the soldiers from exposure and death. They can be readily converted into blankets of convenient size, and those who are unable to do the work can be accommodated by sending their carpets to either of the editors, who will see that they are made up and got ready for shipment.
The ladies can certainly furnish a few hundred pairs of socks in the course of a week and if the Government Quartermaster will supply the osnaburgs we engage to have it speedily converted into warm underclothing. Let us move straightway in the matter, and move effectually.

Savannah [GA] Republican, November 19, 1863, 2, c. 2
The Sharpshooters.—Quartermaster Hirsch informs us that he has on hand an ample supply of under-clothing which he will turn over to Lieut. Molina for his needy comrades. So far very good. Now let the ladies send forward the socks and the house-keepers their carpets, and we shall be able to secure out boys in the mountains at least against freezing.

Savannah [GA] Republican, December 4, 1863, p. 1, c. 2
The Alabama Legislature has passed a joint resolution to cut up the carpets in the State House, to make blankets for the soldiers.

Savannah [GA] Republican, December 4, 1863, p. 1, c. 2

Carpets for Blankets.

Mr. Editor:--We take the liberty of publishing the following letter not merely for the sake of inciting others to perform their duty to our army fully and at once, but to correct an error that obtains to some extent in reference to the fitness of carpets for blankets, and which, when corrected, will furnish, we trust, very many more blankets for our suffering soldiers, now being rendered unfit for our defense by not being provided with the means of enduring the rigors of winter among the mountains.—There is but one kind of carpeting not adapted for covering for the soldier, and that is the Brussels. All other kinds subserve a most excellent substitute for blankets. This is said to be the experience of our men in Virginia. We trust no one will be hereafter deterred from sending what he ought to spare, without serious discomfort to his family. Our countrymen must sacrifice, in this hour of peril and of trial, their ease and much of their comfort, or we will hear that cry, more fearful than the knell of death, ringing in our ears, "woe to the conquered," John H. Mead, Auditor.


--------

Greensboro' Nov. 30, 1863.
Mr. J. H. Mead, Auditor—
Dear sir: Last night here was very cold, the first very cold and unpleasant night we have had so far this fall or winter. I could have slept comfortably under the quilts and other bed clothing we have, (having given most all our blankets to poor soldiers), but for the constant recollection how our poor soldiers about Chattanooga after hard fighting can brook these cold nights. I could not get it out of mind, and hence a sleepless night. I resoled to look and see to-day what I could do for their comfort. I have already given most all my bed blankets. I have on a floor a pretty good old Scotch carpet I [could] take up and do without, but, then I see carpets do not do so well. Besides this, I have a linen crumb cloth to my table. This will make four good blankets. I write to know if you can make the carpet avail. I have no lining—which I see is recommended—but your Society could do this if I sent them to you. Do let me know if you can make these things serviceable to our poor soldiery, and I will send to you, as I know you, and know my pittance will go through you to our defenders of our soil. Oh, how can any one withhold from these calls, if anything can be given to aid and help our brave boys. Drop me a note and I will respond.
Yours truly,
Jno. Cunningham.

Savannah [GA] Republican, December 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 3
State Carpets for the Soldiers.—The Montgomery Advertiser states that, in accordance with the requirements of an act of the General Assembly of that State at the recent session, the carpets in the rooms of the State capitol in that city are being taken up for the use of the soldiers from Alabama. They are to be used in lieu of blankets, which cannot be procured.


Montgomery Weekly Advertiser, April 6, 1864, p. 1, c. 1

Yankee Atrocities in North Alabama.

. . . On January 25th, Gen. Roddy, with a small portion of his command, attacked the forces of Lieut. Col. Phillips, who were encamped near and in the grove of Mrs. Coleman, the widow of Judge Daniel Coleman, deceased. The enemy's pickets were driven into the encampment, when they, with those of the forces who were in camp, took shelter behind the dwelling house of Mrs. Coleman. They fired a few rounds and fled in perfect consternation. . . . The marble slabs to the bureaus and wash-stands, were broken into pieces, mirrors were shattered—handsome Brussels carpets cut up into saddle-blankets—beds dragged out into camp with all the bed clothing, including the finest blankets and Marseilles quilts. . . .



Hope these are of some interest to you as they were to me. :-) Most of all, thanks to Vicki Betts for having this information available!

[Charles Heath]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

To add to the earlier mention of coverlets on the FHW website, the carpet page is also on the Pat Kline/FHW website, and you may have seen or walked on this carpet in any number of historic buildings over the years. It's durable stuff.

http://www.familyheirloomweavers.com/cat/Carpet.html

I slept under one of the carpets frequently during 1998-2000, and they are quite warm, however, they are heavy for toting around. This particular piece most resembles the McClean House pattern, and was intended for use as a CS horse blanket by a reenactor. I'd wager a fair number of other A-C Forum members have also slept under that very same blanket. For the thickness, they are surpisingly flexible, since they do not have the stiff backing as do modern carpets.

Considering the price of a top end reproduction blanket, the price of a carpet blanket isn't all that much higher. What would be nice to find, are the jobsites where the old and worn correct period (or original) carpet is being removed and taken to the dumpster. That would be carpet farbric thick enough for blankets, and it would have a used look, rather than appear as if a brand new piece of material was just taken from the loom. Just a thought.

Charles Heath

[DougCooper]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

One root of the blanket shortage of course is the loss of the Crenshaw Woolen Mill which burned in 63 - it was the primary source for domestically produced blankets.

[David Lanier]

Re: Packing a federal doublebag

I attempted to roll my US regulation grey blanket and poncho together and place them on top of a double-bag knapsack. When I put it on, immediately the weight began to stress the stitching where the shoulder straps are secured to the pack. I was afraid the stitching would begin to tear if I tried marching with it so top heavy. I can't imagine anyone marching day after day with such a weight on the shoulders!

[BrianHicks]

Re: Packing a federal doublebag

...... I can't imagine anyone marching day after day with such a weight on the shoulders!

For the 'Routine Patrol' at Land Between the Lakes with the MOOCOWS this past winter/spring, my knapsack weighed 23 pounds. I had one blanket (Childss Gettysburg blanket...the real heavy one) inside, along with a second Federal blanket and gum blanket rolled up, but attached to the bottom of the knapsack. These blankets, along with the extra shirt, socks, rounds/rations, etc, all weighed in at that 23 lbs. (yes... I weighed the damn thing!) We covered over 13+ miles in that 36 hour period over some ridges and steep terrain.

Yea... my shoulders were a littel sour for a day or two afterwards, but not intollerable. The knapsack actually carried the weight very well, and it wore well enough on my shoulders and back, that for the distance we covered, the weight wasn't an issue.

Yes...yes... I am a retired Infantry Marine, and I'm used to humping 50+ pound packs (but those modern things had good frames and waist belts to fit right and spread the load better).

The Civil War era Double Bag can wear comfortable, even with a heavy load. Perhaps it's in how you pack it? Or how you adjust the straps... (or maybe I'm just used to being a pack mule).

[PrettyBoyDonovan]

Re: Packing a federal doublebag

I attempted to roll my US regulation grey blanket and poncho together and place them on top of a double-bag knapsack. When I put it on, immediately the weight began to stress the stitching where the shoulder straps are secured to the pack. I was afraid the stitching would begin to tear if I tried marching with it so top heavy. I can't imagine anyone marching day after day with such a weight on the shoulders!

Hey, that's exactly what happened to my double-bag. The straps were completley ripped out. Too bad though, that was a quality pack too :baring_te .

PS- I'm looking for a used CS bag. If anyone can help me out, it'd be appreciated.

[Henryplantagenet]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

Great discussion. My only question is this: if you do but the carpet, how much do you need , 2yds, 3,yds...etc...? Also, can you buy a piece that is wide enough, rather than buying two seperate strips and piecing them together?
Thanks,
Henry Northump

[markj]

Re: ANV being issued carpets

Great discussion. My only question is this: if you do but the carpet, how much do you need , 2yds, 3,yds...etc...? Also, can you buy a piece that is wide enough, rather than buying two seperate strips and piecing them together?
Thanks,
Henry Northump

Hi Henry,

I call your attention to my previous post above:

Jackson MS "Weekly Mississippian," 12 November 1862

"They therefore earnestly appeal to the ladies to cut up their yarn carpets, 2 1/4 yards in length [81 inches], 1 1/2 [yards] [54 inches] in width, bind, hem, or whip the edges, to keep from raveling, whipping is most easily done."

Therefore, you will need enough carpet to make an item 81" long x 54" wide. These dimensions are roughly equivalent to a standard issue blanket.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[hutchpat]

Re: C&D Jarnigan Gum Blanket?

"...or you can wipe the sheet down with furniture polish to remove the powder and give the sheet a shine."

I have to say I tried that with some Old English furniture polish on a new Jarnagin gum blanket a while back--a tip I believe I picked up on an earlier incarnation of this forum--and it didn't really produce much of a shine, though it did remove the faint powder residue, as Mr. Johnson remarked in the previous post. The rubber coating on the blanket just seemed to "absorb" the polish without really getting any shinier. However, after months of being folded to fit inside my knapsack, the creases have begun to take on a less dull appearance, also in accordance with Mr. Johnson's observations.

[1stMaine]

Re: C&D Jarnigan Gum Blanket?

Comrades,

The thought occurs to me as I reconsider the image in question of the soldier/model with the shiney "gum" blanket: Any chance he's wearing a painted cloth blanket instead of a rubber one? That would certainly explain the difference in finish betwixt what is seen in the image and what is currently produced.
Just speculating here. Thanks for any input, and I remain,
respectfully,

[theknapsack]

Re: C&D Jarnigan Gum Blanket?

. . .or you can wipe the sheet down with furniture polish to remove the powder and give the sheet a shine. I have found that my ground sheet has developed a shine from years of usage.

Mr. Johnson,

Wiping down the sheet with furniture polish worked great, but after O used it at a local event, it retained its dull appearance. I suppose I will just wait for it to get shiny over time.

Mr. Kindred,

It very well could be a painted ground cloth, but the original india runner ones were somewhat shiny, not as much as a painted one but enough to not look so dull. I think Jarnagin's rubber isn't that bad, it is just that, as Mr. Johnson stated, its the powder that it is packed in.

Respectfully,

[pvtken]

Re: Oilcloth Dimensions

Question - What is the recipe for this oil cloth?

Thanks,
Ken Huxtable