60 Round Federal Cartridge Boxes?

[ColdSteele]

I recently came across some information while transferring information from the journal entry of Sgt John F. Hartwell, 121st New York for 150th Sailors' Creek.

It was the following entry that piqued my curiosity. While I am investigating this, I would appreciate any information others may have regarding this cartridge box "upgrade" in the 121st NY.

"Wednesday Dec 28th
Regt returned from Picket. Regt received the new patent 60 round Cartridge boxes. Old style turned in in place of new."

Source: To My Beloved Wife and Boy At Home, p. 324

Thank you!

Best Regards and a Happy New Year!

[Silas]

Re: 60 Round Federal Cartridge Boxes?

It's a Mann's patented cartridge box : http://www.horsesoldier.com/products...dge-boxes/4772

It's mentioned in Wilson Greene's book on the Breakthrough at page 52 : https://books.google.com/books?id=T3...ed=0CB4Q6AEwAA

[ColdSteele]

Re: 60 Round Federal Cartridge Boxes?

Silas,

Excellent. As was believed by others as well.

Thanks for the quick reply!

Regards,

[ColdSteele]

Re: 60 Round Federal Cartridge Boxes?

Silas,

From your source, it indicated a new knapsack that would accompany the Mann's cartridge box. Have you read or seen references/documentation of units in the 6th Corps receiving these new knapsacks or was the mention of it what was intended to happen? Reading Col. Mann's documents about the cartridge box/knapsack indicate that it would be issued together. I am curious if that was true or if just the cartridge box was issued to those units - see below.

https://books.google.com/books?id=13...apsack&f=false

Hartwell's diary mentions nothing about a new knapsack leaving the presumption that none was issued to replace any existing ones in the 121st. I have examined 121st regimental books, unfortunately, no copies of requisitions or receipts of equipment indicated this cartridge box issue or anything that may have accompanied it.

Regards,