Reimbused for Equipment

[rbruno]

In going through more records for the members of the 1st MD Cav CSA, I have come across numerous reimbursements for equipment when a horse was killed in action. I looked in the Conf. Ordance Manual for what is considered "horse equipment", but I can't find a return that list what a trooper was reimbursed for. Ie. a saddle, halter, etc. The amounts vary so far from $35 to $200. I have come across a couple of purchases for equipment and prices.
For example

halter $11
bit $3
bridle $7

I talked to a couple of people this weekend and they said a civilian saddle was worth about 15 to 20 dollars. Most of the returns I have found so far are for '63 or '64. I know things got more expensive as the war went on. Has anyone seen a report or reimbusrment where the things were itemized to show what each item was worth? Would they be reimbursed for other personal items, say a revolver they brought from home, or a blanket, or whatever? I also saw a request for reimbursement for an "army saddle" that was captured with his horse. I didn't see a return for money, so maybe he didn't get that money for an army saddle. If anyone has seen an itemized return, I would be interested to find out. I am trying to get an idea of how many civilian saddles where used by the 1st MD.
Thanks
Rob Bruno
1st MD Cav

[rbruno]

Re: Reimbused for Equipment

I guess it is always good when you can reply to your own post. As I got further in the alphabet of the records, I found two request for reimbursement for equipment that list the following:
Pvt A. C. Tolson
One Saddle McClellan $50.00
One Bridle $10.00
One Pistol Colt $50.00

Pvt E. Warring July '63
One Colt Pistol $60.00
One saddle McClellan $50.00
One bridle $10.00

I am still looking at the their records to check for the payments. The request plainly state the request for money for a McClellan saddle. These amounts are getting closer to the $200 dollar figure of some of the equipment reimbursements that didn't list the items. I am also rethinking the letter that I found mentioned in the other post. The nature of the letter is almost pleading with the gov't to pay him so he can get remounted and back in the service. The second part of the letter somewhat states that if he dosen't get the money, he can not return. I am wondering if the "captured" horse is one that he captured and was killed in battle and not one that he owned and was captured by the enemy. That letter is the one that mentioned the request for money for an "army" saddle. When I get home, I will try to copy the letter and post for opinions. Any thoughts/ideas/examples of the Confederate Gov't reimbursing for captured equipment or other items. Also, wouldn't a civilian saddle be worth more than a Mclellan? I would think the McClellan would be utilitatian and not as expensive as a civilian saddle.
Rob Bruno
1st MD Cav