Slaves with Haversacks?

[MissMia]

Re: Slaves with Haversacks?

I haven't heard this one! Wow, this is a prime example why slaves had a reputation when it came to lying to benefit themselves in a situation...
*facepalm*

This is from the Regimental History of the 124th NYSV, penned by Lt. Col. Charles Weygant

"Company A's officers had with them a little black, shining, faced fellow named Jack Smith. Now Jack was a rather proud and very logical chap, made the very best biscuits, said he had seen some service, and claimed to possess a large share of that admirable soldierly quality called bravery As we stood on the bridge just before the shelling commenced,I called Jack to me and asked for my canteen and haversack, for
I mistrusted that if Ave should get into any trouble, Jack might not be on hand when I needed him ; but the little fellow seemed
so hurt by my apparent distrust, and protested so strongly, saying, " I'se bin in fights afore, and don't want to see massa captain toteing his own grub, and dis little nigger loafin' 'long doin' noffin ; s'pose you done gone get wounded, don't you 'spec' me dar to took care on you ? You needn't gone git afeerd I'se gwine to runn'd away from you ; no sah, massa captain, I'll stay wid you." So I left my haversack with Jack, taking only one of the three canteens he had strung about his shoulder. But the moment the shells began to fall, Jack disappeared ; and as we about faced,I caught a glimpse of the little scamp just straightening himself upon the top of the bank, and the next instant he bounded off like a deer, the haversack and canteens seeming to stand right out behind him. It is needless to say I never tasted the contents of that haversack"