Single bag Fed knapsack

[sargentbiscuit]

Does anyone have info on the use of a singlebag knapsack for federal use? and if so would it be appropreate to use at BTB on Federal side?

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: Single bag Fed knapsack

Does anyone have info on the use of a singlebag knapsack for federal use? and if so would it be appropreate to use at BTB on Federal side?

Although I have not seen specific mention of double bag knapsacks or even bedrolls for the 8th KS, we can ssume that they were likely supplied in a similair method to the rest of the Army of the Cumberland. I think double bags and bedrolls are safe assumptions and also allowable. Now, company B had been in Kansas fighting Quantrill and other bushwackers, but had been transferred before Chickamauga and likely resupplied.

Jim Butler

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Single bag Fed knapsack

Some excerpts below from Keeping the Flag to the Front The story of the 8th Kansas Volunteers by Bill McFarland. As the 8th left Nashville in June of 63 which is the last time they were issued any new gear through Chickamauga and up to before the siege of Chattanooga. We are in Late Septemeber early October for the time period for this event. We see that they were issued shelter halves and gum blankets and their shoes which served them well in the Nashville streets are already beginning to fall apart. As the campaign went on we see a progression in the loss and deterioation of gear. Yes it is possible for some of the men to have knapsacks of various types. although I have not seen specifics on types issued. From what I have read, by October or so of 1863, These guys are in bad shape and are in rags and lacking much equipment. It is even mentioned that The the Federals looked worse than the Confederates.

We can see that at least some of the men still had knapsacks several days before Chickamauga.

"From time to time, some soldiers were able to have their knapsacks transported by wagon while the men carried their tents and rubber blankets. On September 14, Private William Black of Co. C discovered his knapsack had been lost."

As the Federal forces began to retreat towards Chattanooga after the battle, There is mention of some of the men not even having blankets.

"The night was cold and some of the men had nothing with which to cover themselves and ward off the frost."

and by October...

"The men of the 8th Kansas, like many other soldiers in Chattanooga, lacked decent clothing. Their ragged threadbare uniforms provided little shelter from the cold onset of early autumn. Shoes had long since given out and many were nearly barefoot."