What is Treated Clothing? - Richmond

[Fod]

Below is an invoice from the Augusta Arsenal to the Chief of Ordnance in Richmond. Things to keep in mind – the Augusta arsenal does not normally issue uniforms or clothing. The first word of the chemical is not clearly written, it appears to “Sulphate” but it could be something similar, “saltpeter?” maybe.

Only treating clothing, or only treating cartridge bags might lead to any number of logical assumptions, but treating both with the same chemical is a mystery to me.

Any idea what’s going on here? Is it what the modern military would call a special project, or simply something more mundane?


"Apl 23 1863
Invoice of Ordnance Stores turned over by Capt J.P. Girardey AMSK to Express Co for transportation to Col. J. Gorgas Richmond Va

Contents
1 Coat Prepared In ( possibly ‘Sulphate’) Ammonia
1 Pr Pants “ “ “
1 Lady’s Dress “ “ “
1 Piece Of Cloth “ “ “
2 10 Inch Cartridge Bags “ “ “
2 12 Pdr “ “ “ “
2 6 “ “ “ “ “
1 Packing Box"

Regards,

[Hank Trent]

Re: What is Treated Clothing? - Richmond

It was to make the cloth non-flammable.

From the Dec. 22, 1860 Scientific American:

This has been achieved by chemistry in the preparation of chemicals to be combined with the combustible fabrics of which dresses are made, whereby they are rendered nearly uninflammable. In Great Britain, these chemicals are now used in several large bleachworks, where they are combined with the pieces or goods in the finishing operations. They are also employed very extensively in large laundries and households, and they commend themselves to public attention everywhere. The best substances recommended for common use in rendering textile fabrics non-inflammable, are tungstate of soda and the sulphate of ammonia, which are now manufactured on a large scale for such purposes by a company in London, which has obtained two patents for the processes. In a late number of the Chemical News, Messrs. Briggs & Co. describe the mode of using these salts to the best advantage. Articles requiring to be ironed, after being washed, starched and allowed to dry in the open air, are soaked in a solution of the tungstate, then rolled in a sheet of dry linen, and ironed afterward in the ordinary way. The tungstate may be mixed with the starch, but this is not such a good method as the other. Articles which do not require to be ironed are treated with a solution of the sulphate of ammonia in the same manner as the tungstate of soda. Muslin so prepared does not present any peculiar appearance, and when exposed to fire it does not suddenly burst into flame; it merely singes away until it crumbles into ashes. Woolen and silk fabrics are not sufficiently inflammable to be dangerous, but all linen and cotton clothing, curtains for windows, sheets, and various other articles, would be rendered more safe by such treatment, without injury to their texture or color. The treatment of children’s clothes by these substances is especially solicited, because so many accidents from burning take place to the “little ones at home.”

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Fod]

Re: What is Treated Clothing? - Richmond

Outstanding! Thank you Mr. Trent...

Regards,