bartering with soldiers

[Angel of Mercy]

I am doing an immersion event next weekend and am curious as to what would have been traded for food?

And what do reenacting soldiers want in place of foods?

soap, scarves?

Thanks,

[ContinentalMorganGuard]

Re: bartering with soldiers

Hey Krys! Where ya going? Other then food, any little thing that might remind them of home. I would want socks over scarves, this time of year, also what about a housewife, or something along those lines.

[Poor Private]

Re: bartering with soldiers

I wouldn't mind some paper and pencils- it's tuff to get, and if you can get it it tuff to keep it dry and in order-Writing home and telling them i am alive and in good health matters to the home front just like today. And those that couldn't read or right wanted someone to read their letters to them and to write for them.

[Johan Steele]

Re: bartering with soldiers

I have read of men trading services to civillians for various items. One mess splitting a cord or so of wood for several loaves of fresh baked bread.

I recall men trading a poke sack of coffee for a pie.

In short what does the solider have that a civilian wanted/needed and what did that civilian have to offer in trade.

[Spinster]

Re: bartering with soldiers

Soldiers want food that they do not have, in place of food they do have.

This is not always a bargain for you, but can be. Depending on the army and time of the war, as well as your own location, they may very well have coffee, while you don't. Same thing goes for salt meat in all its various lovely forms.

What you have is home cookin'--a fresh round of corn bread, wrapped in a towel; a few tablespoons of butter in a twist of heavy paper; fresh eggs; a pot of spring greens; sweet potatoes, milk from the spring house (keep it in the creek--Barnhouse Merchantile can get you the proper tin jug to the purpose)

Now they'll be whining for pie, no doubt. Fried dried apple pies are good and portable, unlike a dish pie. But pie is wayyyyyyyy overdone :tounge_sm

Now, its fair game to expect your containers back, but sometimes they really want those too as a matter of real life. I had a number of the CSA widows and orphans issue bags of meal and sugar for Banks Grand Retreat. They were quite coveted by those who caught sight of them, and quickly left with the marauders---after a quiet fair trade was made on the side.

[jgr1974]

Re: bartering with soldiers

Baked goods and tobacco? Especially if you are a Southroner tobacco would be preveent in your area. Also what about mending uniforms? Or a good cooked meal!

The Mad Mick!!!

[Angel of Mercy]

Re: bartering with soldiers

Thank you all for your ideas! I'll have to see what I can get before this coming weekned!