What and how to pack saddlebags and officer saddle valise while on a campaign?

[GAR]

I hope someone here can help me review the basics. I am aware the idea was to pack as light as possible. I assume how much was carried also depended somewhat on how long the expected campaign would be, and what supplies were available. For an officer, it would also depend on whether there was an escort wagon or pack mules in tow.

My understanding of what was typically carried is the following. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

The essentials: two horse shoes, nails and a hoof pick. Spare shirt, socks and drawers and personal items such as a razor, strop, soap, toothbrush, tooth powder and a small towel. Eating utensils, rations, tin plate and a tin cup. A powder flask?

Optional items: lucifers, tobacco, a bible, playing cards, pencil and paper for letter writing and a shelter half for the enlisted.

Am I forgetting anything?

For enlisted troopers, I know several of these clothing and personal items would be rolled up inside a blanket and attached to the cantle, and foraged food could be carried in the feed bag. Rations and eating utensils could be carried in a haversack. Was there any specific way as to how this was to be packed? Was near or off side a consideration for saddlebags?

Did officers carry feed bags? I've never seen one in a picture.

What was carried in the officer's saddle valise? It seems like a blanket would take up all the room.

I'm trying to complete the big picture and I appreciate any and all help in this.

Gary

[David Fox]

Re: What and how to pack saddlebags and officer saddle valise while on a campaign?

Horse grooming essentials: curry comb and brush, horseman's jack knife with hoof pick, perhaps.

[Paul L Muller]

Re: What and how to pack saddlebags and officer saddle valise while on a campaign?

What I carry in a valise as a trooper [csa], shirt, socks,extra glasses, tooth brush,powder, soap ,hyck towel, house wife, pencil, few pieces of paper, horn comb, pipe tobacco,matches, fishing kit, testement, large hankie. Nose bag w/ csa hoof pick,curry comb, brush,small tin of med.salve. on the saddle: sleeping blanket, painted ground cloth, frock coat. Haversack:tin can boiler,spoon,salt horn,candles, rice, pork, coffee,goobers. Canteen with canteen half attatched. I hope that helps, everyones kit list will vary, so just strive to keep it lite and simple. plm

[Jeff Nichols]

Re: What and how to pack saddlebags and officer saddle valise while on a campaign?

Capt. Bradford -

pm sent