Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

[GWagner]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

I am carrying a large fighting knife just because it is Manassass. But I would speculate that some of the original 2nd MS may have toss any extra weight like a large knife out before Manassas.

Dan Stewart

"After the battle raged for several hours the zouaves saw an ‘immense body of Mississippians’ rush toward their position, and after approaching near enough, fired a terrible volley from their rifles into the ranks of the ‘conspicuously clad’ zouaves. After the first volley, the Mississippians discarded their rifles and charged with their bowie knives, eighteen to twenty inches long; heavy in proportion and sharp, or two edged at the point. The bowie knives were attached to the Confederate's wrist by a lasso, some eight to ten feet in length."

[Dale Beasley]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

Is it completely wrong to carry the knapsack? I've read the WIG page, it says it's okay though? I have a Mex-War Pack and I still plan to carry it. However, if persuaded otherwise, I can carry a blanket roll. My first thought about the roll was having a wool blanket and tarred groundcloth wrapped around me in 95 degree hat. If anyone can help me out with this I'd be much obliged.

Joe Ricci
16th La.

Joey,

-Remember your chain of command. Do as 1SGT Pequet expalined at our drill/meeting.

[Pious Jeems]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

Galen is correct, they were carried those large knives. I have never carried one of these things over the years, not even Wilson Creek, nor any other early war events over the years. I am carrying one just for this, but that is probably the only time as it is recorded. Oh, I did carry it at the mustering in of The Pontotoc Minutemen during drill. Less is better when it comes to movement.

[Vindice]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

I would carry mine but I need a good period sheath for it.... perhaps I can make something that would work....

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

Are we talking about knapsacks or knives now... someone please remind me. ;)

[Pious Jeems]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

Started off as Knapsacks and turned into fighting knives. Guess it should go back to knapsacks. I ain't bringing one to this event. Light thin blanket that is ragged and will make a bedroll, lighter than a knapsack.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Marching light with the 2nd MS: Having knapsack withdrawals

If you need more than a groundcloth or an oilskin, then you have issues at this event. Manassas is bloody-well hot normally, so why bring a blanket? We don't need shelter-halves per event regs. Issue solved. ;)

Now, if you need a knapsack in order that you can bring cool stuff (letter-writing things, extra shirts, extra socks, etc.) then I would think twice about it and lighten the load as much as you can personally stand. Your body will thank you for it. Remember, you will have rations/water to carry along with the rounds/musket also. That gets suprisingly heavy while marching, even though it is light not doing so, as most of us have felt before.

When marching: "Every ounce counts."