Cost of a Knapsack complete 1 Notes on Continental Army Packs and the Soldiers Burden

John U. Rees "According to orders our brigade marched from Prackanes on the 29th of July, and encamped at Paramus at night, fifteen miles. The men were exceedingly affected with the heat and fatigue. We marched on the succeeding day at two o'clock in the morning; at this early hour, the drums beat the reveille, which summons us from our hard beds and slumbers, in haste we roll up our travelling bed furniture, strike our tents, order them thrown into the wagons, mount our horses, and with a slow pace follow the march of our soldiers, bending under the weight of the burden on their backs." Surgeon James Thacher, August 1780.2

Dunlaps Partisan Corps on the march, autumn 1777 (as portrayed by the Augusta County Militia and friends). Picquet post at Brandywine event, 24-26 September 2010.

A detachment of Dunlaps Partisan Corps, in marching order. Above: Crossing the Brandywine Creek en route to their post at one of the many fords. Below: Returning to the main camp. All of the members of the company are wearing knapsacks and several carry camp kettles. The lone female follower carries a blanket roll and a market wallet. Dunlaps Partisan Corps (as portrayed by the Augusta County Militia and friends). Picquet post at Brandywine event, 24-26 September 2010.

In Progress Part 1. This Napsack I carryd through the war of the Revolution Knapsacks Used by the Soldiers during the War for American Independence
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Overview Knapsacks and Tumplines, Massachusetts, 1775 The Uhl Knapsack Leather and Hair Packs, and Ezra Tildens Narrative The Rufus Lincoln and Elisha Gross Hair Knapsacks The new Invented Napsack and haversack, 1776 The Benjamin Warner Linen Pack British Linen Knapsacks Appendices a. Carrying Blankets in or on Knapsacks. b. Like a Pedlar's Pack.: Blanket Rolls and Slings c. More Extant Artifacts with Revolutionary War Provenance or with a Design Similar to Knapsacks Used During the War d. Extant Knapsacks Discounted as having Revolutionary War Provenance

Part 2. I have a Number of Women employd in making Knapsacks Miscellaneous General Orders and Notes on Knapsack Manufacture and Supply Part 3. Complement of necessaries, etc., for the soldier. What the Troops Were Supposed to be Issued Part 4. Spare cloathing and necessaries ..." Personal and Other Items Carried in Continental and Militia Soldiers Knapsacks
Part 5. "A habersack for Each Soldier" Ways and Means of Carrying Food, and the Burden of Rations

Part 6. "We had always, in the army, to carry our cooking utensils in our hands" Cooking Gear and Other Items Carried by the Troops Part 7. On foot, with my pack and large blanket at my back Officers Carrying Knapsacks

Detail of part of a group of Continental soldiers from Pierre Charles L'Enfant (1754-1825) painting of West Point and dependencies. View is from the east side of the Hudson River, at the top is the lower part of Constitution Island. This was done after August 1782, as service chevrons, worn on the saluting soldiers left sleeve, were first authorized on the 7th of that month. Several soldiers in group are wearing knapsacks, and what appears to be a rolled blanket can be seen on top of three of the packs. (Second half of the soldier group is included in Appendix A of this monograph. Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004678934/ 3

Part 1. This Napsack I carryd through the war of the Revolution Knapsacks Used by the Soldiers during the War for American Independence Overview A foot soldier's most important assets, after native intelligence and discipline, are a strong back and healthy feet. An important factor that added to the comfort or distress of marching troops was the load they were expected, or chose, to carry with them. With that in mind, this monograph will first look at knapsacks, tumplines (blanket slings), and blanket rolls used to carry soldiers necessaries. Subsequent installments will examine the items Revolutionary soldiers carried in their knapsacks, on their backs, or in their pockets, and other related matters. On an active campaign the load carried by soldiers could be quite heavy, especially when increased by three or four days rations and forty to sixty rounds of ammunition. Ensign Thomas Anburey, 24th Regiment of Foot serving with Maj. Gen. John Burgoynes army in 1777, left a colorful account of British common soldiers encumbrance and attitude:
... nothing can be more repugnant to the ideas of a rapid march, than the load a soldier generally carries during a campaign, consisting of a knapsack, a blanket, a canteen for water, a hatchet, and a proportion of the equipage belonging to his tent [which included a camp kettle]; these articles, (and for such a march there cannot be less than four days provision) added to his accoutrements, arms, and sixty rounds of ammunition, make an enormous bulk, weighing about sixty pounds. As the Germans must be included in this rapid march, let me point out the incumbrance they are loaded with, exclusive of what I have already described, especially their grenadiers, who have, in addition, a cap with a very heavy brass front, a sword of an enormous size, a canteen that cannot hold less than a gallon, and their coats very long skirted. Picture to yourself a man in this situation, and how extremely well calculated he is for a rapid march. It may be urged, that the men might be relieved from a considerable part of this burthen, and that they might march free from knapsacks and camp equipage, being divested of which, they might have carried more provision. Admitting this it would not remedy the evil, it being with difficulty you can prevail on a common soldier to husband his provision, in any exigency whatever. Even in a settled camp, a young soldier has very short fare on the fourth day after he receives his provision; and on a march, in bad weather and bad roads, when the weary foot slips back at every step, and a curse is provoked by the enormous weight that retards him, it must be a very patient veteran, who has experienced much scarcity and hunger, that is not tempted to throw the whole contents of his haversack into the mire, instances of which I saw on several of our marches. When they thought they should get fresh provision at the next encampment, and that only when they were loaded with four days provision: soldiers reason in this manner: the load is grievous want but a little way off - and I have often heard them exclaim, "Damn the provisions, we shall get more at the next encampment; the General won't let his soldiers starve." 4

Lt. Loftus Cliffe, 46th Regiment, wrote similarly of British and German foot soldiers at the Battle of Brandywine,
The 11th Sepr. being pretty near [the enemy] we divided [our force] Gen. Kniphausen taking the right column, marching towards them fell in [with them] early in the Day we the 2d Column haven taken a circuit of 17 miles to get round them passed the forks of the Creek 6 miles from where Kniphausen crossed were instantly arranged for Battle and in two hours utterly routed them The fatigues of this Day were excessive: some of our best men were obliged to yield, one of [the] 33[rd

Regiment] droped dead, nor had we even Day Light, we could not make any thing of a pursuit. If you knew the weight a poor Soldier carries, the length of time he is obliged to be on foot for a train of Artillery to move 17 miles, the Duties he goes thro when near an Enemy, that the whole night of the 9th we were marching, you would say we had done our Duty on the 11[th] to beat an Army strongly posted, numerous & unfatigued.5

Almost from the wars outset British commanders used lessons learned during the French and Indian War to modify clothing and equipment for field conditions. Even officers were expected to bow to the demands of hard campaigning. In September 1776 Capt. William Leslie, 17th Regiment, wrote of the few possessions he carried into the field, My whole stock consists of two shirts 2 pr of shoes, 2 Handkerchiefs half of which I use, the other half I carry in my Blanket, like a Pedlar's Pack.6 A year later Lieutenant.Cliffe, in Camp near Philadelphia 24 October 1777, noted,
Our field equipage ... was reduced to two shirts & a blanket & a canteen for each Officer, this last of little purpose for a daily allowance o' Rum given on this Service was stopped for want of carriage & indeed to the Horrors of our Soldiery, not withstanding the fatigues of the march & inclemency of the Weather. Nights & mornings Cold & noon extreamly Hot & some excessive Rains they never murmured at the want.7

Lt. William Hale, 45th Regiment Grenadier Company, gives a good picture of campaign conditions for officers and common soldiers alike:
I observe with great pleasure the credit given us by the General for our constancy in supporting the fatigues of the march from the Head of the Elk River to Philadelphia; which were really great, our best habitations wigwams, through which the heavy rains of this climate whenever they fell easily penetrated, the season however proved so favourable as not to incommode us often in this manner. At our first landing the rain fell three nights successively, and we had only the cloths on our backs, the only resource was standing by a large fire next morning till they were dried; not a very agreeable method in the heat of August [1777] [after several December foraging expeditions, Maj. Gen. Sir William Howe led a final foray late in the month] we returned from our excursion to Derby the 31st of Dec. [1777] where we went into winter quarters, till which time I constantly slept in my cloths from the first landing. I never enjoyed a greater share of health than at present.8

By comparison, Continental troops may have suffered more from equipment shortages, but often adhered to more conservative practices. In the end, Washingtons men may have carried a somewhat lighter load but did not always enjoy an easier lot because of it. Capt. John Chilton, 3rd Virginia Regiment, told of what was likely a typical early-war route march:
[27 July 1777] By reason of rain the night past [we] did not move till late this morning ... [marched through] Hackitts Town ... passed 2 Miles when we were ordered to sit down in the Sun no water near to refresh ourselves no victuals to eat as the returns of last night was so late that nothing could be cooked. No Waggons allowed to carry our Cooking Utensils, the soldiers were obliged to carry their Kettles, pans &c. in their hands. Cloathes and provisions on their backs, as our March was a forced one & the Season extremely warm the victuals became putrid by sweat & heat - the Men badly off for Shoes, many being entirely barefoot and in our Regt. a too minute inspection was made into things relative to necessaries that the Men could not do without, which they were obliged to throw away.9

In the later years of the war many Continental troops had become veteran campaigners, but new enlistees and levies added a leavening of inexperienced men and southern campaign conditions could

be rigorous. In May 1781 Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne and his Pennsylvania provisional battalions marched from York, Pennsylvania to join Maj. Gen. the Marquis de Lafayettes northern light battalions and composite southern forces in Virginia. Initially slated to reinforce Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene in the Carolinas, Lt. Gen. Charles Earl Cornwalliss activities in Virginia detained Waynes troops there. Col. Richard Butler reported on their activities up to July 8th 1781:
After a fatiguing march, prosecuted with bad weather, we joind the Marquiss, the 10th of June; about this time Ld Cornwallis was really sporting through the country without opposition. The very name of a dragoon had such influence on the minds of (not only) country people, but the troops of the army, that few dard to approach them; the consequence of which was very bad Intelligence. Charlottesville was sackd without a shot, and every kind of depredation committed with Impunity our junction gave a zest to business, and things began to wear a new face. Cornwallis turnd about on hearing of our arrival, & the Exaggerated Accts of our force aded to his anxiety in return, & he movd back with a little more Caution than he Advancd. The Army is generally healthy, though they undergo much fatigue; the Country here is poor and sandy, the weather intensely hot, & the water but middling; our provisn is tolerably good, and the troops get some applebrandy, which I think is of service to them; these are the things I know your humanity & good wishes for a Soldier Interests you in, I therefore take pleasure in informing you I find we shall be at a great loss for shoes, overalls, & shirts in a little time; indeed, many of the men are now barefoot, owing to the heat of the sand, which burns the leather, & is insupportable to the bare foot; the swet, & want of soap & opportunity to wash, destroys the linen so that the men will be naked if they dont get a supply soon 10

Lt. Col. Francis Barber, an experienced officer and commander of one of Lafayettes northern provisional light battalions, also emphasized the campaigns rigors,
Camp 15 miles from Williamsburgh July 3rd 1781 My dear Girl We have since our reinforcements afforded the enemy numerous opportunities for action; but they have carefully declined them. We have frequently marched for that purpose from our camp another four or five miles of theirs in the morning & have remained until after sundown; and the only reason why we are encamped at so great distance from them, is, there is no water for an army between this & Williamsburgh The campaign in this quarter has been much the most severe that I ever experienced from the warmness of the climate & our almost incessant marching marching almost day & night. Altho we are perfectly healthy, yet we do not look like the same men. Our flesh & colour have gradually wastd away. Three of my captains are, as we say, totally knocked up; one of them John Holmes is obliged to quit the department & return to New Jersey to be relieved by another officer. I am leaner than ever I was in my life; but I do assure you, I am very healthy. Billy is also much reduced, but enjoys his health & spirits.11

Let us close this introduction with Sgt. Roger Lamb, a veteran of Maj. Gen. John Burgoynes 1777 New York campaign and the operations in Virginia and the Carolinas in 1781. He wrote a wonderful description of British troops entering camp at the end of a days march that, with minor amendments, would suffice for Continental forces as well:
It is a pleasing sight to see a column arrive at its halting ground. The Camp is generally marked out, if circumstances allow of it, on the edge of some wood, and near a river or stream. The troops are halted in open columns and arms piled, pickets and guards paraded and posted, and in two minutes all appear at home. Some fetch large stones to form fire places; others hurry off with canteens and kettles for water while the wood resounds with the blows of the tomahawk. Dispersed under the more distant trees you see the officers, some dressing, some arranging a few boughs to shelter them

by night, others kindling their own fires. How often under some spreading pine tree which afforded shade, shelter and fuel have I taken up my lodging for the night. Sitting in the midst of my comrades, men whom I loved and esteemed partaking of a coarse but wholesome meal, seasoned by hunger and chee[r]fulness. Wrapt up in a blanket, the head reclining on a stone or a knapsack cove[r]d with the dews of the night or drenched perhaps by the thunder shower sleeps many a hardy veteran. A bivouack in heavy weather does not I allow present a very comfortable appearance. The officers sit shivering in their wet tents idle and angry. The men with their forage caps drawn over their ears huddle together under the trees or crowed [i.e., crowd] round cheerless smoky fires complaining of their commissaries, the rain and the Americans.12

Now let us look at knapsack types and other methods soldiers used to carry their gear.
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2d Virginia Regiment on the march. https://www.facebook.com/SecondVirginia

Whether in camp or on campaign, soldiers in the War for American Independence needed some way to store and carry necessities, personal items, and extra clothing. While blanket rolls or slung blankets were sometimes used for that purpose, knapsacks remained the primary mode. Knapsacks and Tumplines, Massachusetts, 1775. Provincial, and later state, militia laws stipulated the equipment the men needed for service; this example from Massachusetts is typical.
In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, December 10, 1774. To the FREEHOLDERS and other INHABITANTS of the Towns and Districts of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY The Improvement of the Militia in general in the Art Military has been therefore thought necessary and strongly recommended by this Congress. We now think that particular Care should be taken by the Towns and Districts in this Colony, that each of the Minute Men not already provided therewith, should be immediately equipped with an effective Fire Arm, Bayonet, Pouch, Knapsack, Thirty Rounds of Cartridges and Ball, and that they be disciplined three Times a Week, and oftner as Opportunity may offerTo encourage these our worthy Countrymen to obtain the Skill of compleat Soldiers 13

From the wars onset knapsacks were worn in battle. On the British retreat to Boston from Concord, 19 April 1775, one of the bloodiest actions occurred late in the day at the Jason Russell house in Menotomy, when eleven Massachusetts militia were caught and killed inside the building. One of the men who opened the mass grave containing their bodies in 1847 noted, they were all buried with their Clothes, Knapsacks, &c. on 14 Two days after Lexington, Capt. Lemuel Pomeroys Southampton, Massachusetts militia company marched for Cambridge. The May 12 1775 edition of the New-England Chronicle ran the following notice:
Lost out of a Waggon in Westborough, two Packs and a great Coat, also a Cartridge-Box, and powder Horn. The Packs contained two white Shirts, a check Shirt, 2 Pair of Stockings, some Provision, &c. &c. Whoever shall take up the above, and send them to Capt. Steadmans of Cambridge, shall be handsomely rewarded. April 24, 1775. Lemuel Pomeroy. N.B. It is very likely the Packs was by Mistake put into a wrong Waggon.15

At the Bunker Hill action, two months later, a company of Hollis, New Hampshire men serving in Col. William Prescotts Massachusetts regiment were similarly equipped. Their captain tallied their lost equipment, beginning with six who died:
Cambridge, Dec. 22, 1775. Nathan Blood, Isaac Hobart, Jacob Boynton, Thomas Wheat, Peter Poor, Phineas Nevins. The men whose names are above written belonged to Capt. [Reuben] Dow's company, and Col. William Prescott's regiment and were all killed in the battle of Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June last, and were furnished each of them with a good gun, judged to be worth Eight Dollars apiece also were furnished with other materials, viz. Cartridge Boxes, Knapsacks and Tump-lines and were well clothed for soldiers Also had each of them a good blanket. Nathan Blood had a good Hanger.16

Captain Dow then listed lost items for twenty-eight men who survived. Of those, twenty-five lost knapsacks, and twenty-three lost tumplines; both items were valued at one shilling, six pence each. All of Dows men were using tumplines in conjunction with knapsacks, leading to the assumption that the former were used to carry blankets, the latter extra clothing and small necessary items. There seems to be no other explanation; the only thing that quashes this notion is that there were no blankets included in the roster of lost goods. Perhaps they were not considered valuable enough to include or

were not personal property.17 Besides Dows men, ten companies in Col. James Reids New Hampshire regiment tallied equipment lost that day: Note in the synopsis below the further use of tumplines in conjunction with packs, and several alternate spellings of knapsack. Reids New Hampshire Regiment, Equipment Lost on 17 June 1775 18
Capt. Hezekiah Hutchins Company 10 knapsacks 5 packs 19 blankets Capt. Levi Spaldings Company 2 (or 20?) knapsacks (spelled snapsack) 26 blankets Capt. Jonathan Whitcombs Company 2 knapsacks (spelled snapsack) 4 blankets 1 bed rug Capt. Philip Thomass Company 1 pack 5 haversacks Capt. Josiah Crosbys Company 5 knapsacks (spelled gnapsack) 3 blankets 1 coverlet Capt. Jacob Hinds Company 20 knapsacks (spelled napsack) 1 tumpline 11 blankets Capt. Ezra Towns Company 6 knapsacks (spelled napsack) 2 tumplines 3 blankets Capt. William Walkers Company 13 knapsacks (spelled snapsack) 7 knapsacks (spelled gnapsack) 13 blankets Capt. Benjamin Manns Company 11 knapsacks (spelled snapsack) 5 tumplines 8 blankets Capt. John Marcys Company 1 knapsack (spelled snapsack) 14 tumplines 18 blankets

*Ens. James Taggart lost 2 good shurts, 3 pr stockings, 1 pr sadelbags, 1 pr Shous, 1 tumpline, 1 pillar case [Note: See endnote 18 for discussion of the term snapsack.]

Of those listed for Captain Marcys company, one ensign and thirteen enlisted men lost pillow cases (out of a total of three officers and twenty-eight enlisted men), the only company to list that item. Possibly the pillow cases were used as a wallet to store extra clothing and personal items carried in knapsacks or rolled inside the slung blankets. The British 40th Regiment used specially made linen wallets for that purpose in 1777. (Complete lists of the lost equipment in Reids Regiment are included in endnote 18.) These early American knapsacks likely had two shoulder straps attached to a body with a single large pocket in which gear was carried. Bennett Cuthbertsons 1768 treatise, System for the Compleat Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry, available in the colonies, laid out his opinion on the best design:
Square knapsacks are most convenient, for packing up the Soldiers necessaries, and should be made with a division, to hold the shoes, black-ball and brushes, separate from the linen: a certain size must be determined on for the whole, and it will have a pleasing effect upon a March, if care has been taken, to get them of all white goat-skins, with leather-slings well whitened, to hang over each shoulder; which method makes the carriage of the Knapsack much easier, than across the breast, and by no means so heating.19

Massachusetts militia colonel Timothy Pickering, who wrote his own manual of discipline in 1775, endorsed similarly-made packs:

A knapsack may be contrived that a man may load and fire, in case of necessity, without throwing down his pack. Let the knapsack lay lengthways upon the back: from each side at the top let a strap come over the shoulders, go under the arms, and be fastened about half way down the knapsack. Secure these shoulder straps in their places by two other straps which are to go across and buckle before the middle of the breast. The mouth of the knapsack is at the top, and is covered by a flap made like the flap of saddlebags.- The outside of the knapsack should be fuller than the other which lies next to your back; and of course must be sewed in gathers at the bottom. Many of the knapsacks used in the army are, I believe, in this fashion, though made of some kind of skins.20

The Uhl Knapsack. Little is known of the knapsacks worn by American troops early in the war, but it is likely they were similar to one carried by Dutchess County, New York militia captain David Uhl. The original, held at Washingtons Headquarters, Newburgh, New York, is of simple design, with two shoulder straps attached to a body with a single pocket. Overall measurements are seventeen inches wide by eighteen high.21

Reproduction Uhl pack made by Joseph Privott, who notes the original was made of coarse linen, with twenty-seven inch shoulder straps.

(Above and following page) New York militia captain David Uhls knapsack, said to have been worn by him when he joined the army at Harlem.. The collection catalog also notes it was Preserved by his daughter, Mrs. Henry A Bell. E.M Ruttenbur, Catalog of Manuscripts and Relics in Washingtons Head-Quarters, with Historical Sketch (Newburgh, N.Y.: E.M Ruttenbur and Son Printers, 1874) (Collection of Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, Newburgh, New York.)

Above: Uhl knapsack reproduction, with a blanket tied to the shoulder straps. Below: Blanket slung on a tumpline, and worn over the knapsack. (Photos courtesy of Joel Bohy and Rob Welch, Captain David Browns Company of Concord Minutemen)

Leather and Hair Packs, and Ezra Tildens Narrative. Massachusetts militia private Ezra Tilden left a diary of his service at Fort Ticonderoga, 1776, and against Gen. John Burgoynes army during 1777. He recorded, among other things, a series of knapsacks he used during that time. Of his 1776 pack he merely noted near the end of his term, Sat. Nov. 23. Thomas Jordan and henry Stone Jr. both came back again from Independent side from the carting business there into our mess. & the same day I swopt packs with Henry Stone jun. & I gave him a Dollar to boot.22 (The knapsack he received at this time may have been the leather hair pack mentioned in September 1777.) The following year he described a series of similar transactions:
Mon. Sept. 22, 1777 We stayed at White Creek all day I swopt packs with Mr. Hezekiah Drake a man in our company. I let him have my leather hair pack for his old cloth pack almost wore out and he gave me $3. to boot. Fri. a.m. Oct. 10, 1777 I laid out 1 s 1m for a pack I bought an old pack of John Smith for which I gave him 1s L.M. Wed. Nov. 12, 1777 I swopt packs with John McIlvain. I had his calf skin one of him and I let him have the old one I had of Drake and I gave him 3 dollars to boot

Mon. Nov. 17 A.M. Some time in Nov. I swopt away an old pack that I found at Stillwater for that old pack I let John McIlvain have a few days ago for his pack. I swopt with him and he gave me 1s L.M. to boot. Fri. Nov. 28, 1777 A.M. I was on picquet guard again at Scarsdale frid. P.M. I swopt packs with Sergt. William Everett. I let him have my calfskin one that I had of John Mollwain, I let him have it for his cloth one and he gave me 22s. L.M. to boot so that now in swopping packs I have made 4s. L.M. besides having a better pack than I let McIlvain have.23

Tilden writes of packs made of cloth (i.e., linen), calfskin, and leather with the hair side out. British regiments used both goatskin and linen knapsacks. Small numbers of goatskin packs were also available to American troops, likely captured goods. For example, a 1781 Continental Army "Return of Tents and Knapsacks prepared and preparing for the campaign" listed:24
323 "Goat Skin" knapsacks 1,525 painted linen knapsacks 8,825 linen knapsacks

This small number of goatskin packs may have been reserved for an artillery regiment, or other chosen unit. Additional evidence of American goatskin knapsacks has yet to be found. Unfortunately, there are no known original goatskin knapsacks, but images of these packs in period artwork (most notably William Beecheys 1796 portrait of Capt. John Clayton Cowell, 1st battalion Royal Regiment of Foot, detail below), indicate they consisting of a single large pouch with an access flap at the top. British goatskin knapsacks differed greatly in design from linen packs; the latter were in envelope form, comprising two bags with a small pocket connecting them (British linen knapsacks are discussed below).

Soldier of the recreated 43d Regiment of Foot wearing a goatskin knapsack. (Photo courtesy of Dave Nescior, 2d Pennsylvania/43d regiment)

British soldier wearing what appears to be a black goatskin pack. Artwork by Paul Sandby,

Reproduction goatskin knapsack, made by Andrew Watson Kirk. Dimensions are 18 inches square, with a closure flap of 8 1/2 inches.

Goatskin pack (reproduction) with closing flap unbuckled, allowing access to the single large storage pocket.

Detail from William Beecheys 1796 painting of Capt. John Clayton Cowell, 1st battalion Royal Regiment of Foot. (National Army Museum, Chelsea, London, U.K.)

Calfskin, bearskin, and other leather knapsacks seem to have been commonly known, though not standard Continental Army issue items. A runaway advertisement in the 16 July 1767 Pennsylvania Gazette noted,
TWENTY DOLLARS Reward RUN away, on the 5 instant from the subscriber, living in Alloway's Creek precinct, and county of Salem, two Dutch servant men, men, one named Charles Geisinger, about 27 years of age The other named John Michael Rider [among the items he] had on, and took with him, [was] a hogskin knapsack, with the hair on they have both been soldiers, and came last fall from Lisbon, can talk Dutch, French and perhaps Portuguese. It is supposed they will change their clothes. MARTIN HALTER, HUGH BLACKWOOD, RICHARD WISTER. July 11, 1767.

The 19 August 1776 Connecticut Courant ran the following notice:

Deserted from Captain Noah Phelps's Company [of Wards Connecticut State Regiment], of Simsbury, a Soldier who calls his Name Edmond Davis, is an Irishman, about 40 Years of Age; had on a Hunting Shirt and white Trowsers, old shoes, has short black Hair, and has a Calf Skin Knapsack, dress'd with the Hair on, and one of the Colony Arms

Two Massachusetts papers also mentioned hair packs.

TAKEN away yesterday at the South End of Boston, a silver TANKARD a Soldier with a Hair Pack and green Cockade in his Hat was seen to take up said Tankard and carry it off June 21 1777 (Boston Gazette, June 23 1777) FOUND on the Road, between Lanlord Newalls in Leicester and Whitimores in Spencer, a Bear-skin pack, and sundry things in it: The owner may have it again by applying to Daniel Snow of Paxton, and paying charges. (The Massachusetts Spy, July 15 1777)

We have seen that during his 1777 militia service Ezra Tilden mentioned using a leather hair pack as well as one made of calfskin. Curiously, a proposed Plan for the Cloathing of the Infantry
of the Continental Army, under the heading Necessaries of a Soldier, recommended An Haversack of Calf Skin as well as A Knapsack of Grey Linen.25 In the event, haversacks continued to be made of linen.

The Rufus Lincoln and Elisha Gross Hair Knapsacks. There is at least one leather pack with Continental Army provenance, and another likely connected to a Revolutionary officer, but with no certainty he used it during the war. Rufus Lincoln was a corporal at Lexington and Concord, in April 1775. Promoted to 2d lieutenant of Marshalls Massachusetts Regiment during 1776, in 1777 he was made a 1st lieutenant in the 14th Massachusetts. Captured near Darby, Pennsylvania on 28 December 1777, Lincoln remained a prisoner on Long Island until January 1781 when he returned to service. On 23 November 2002 items from the Tom Wnuck estate were auctioned by Cottone Auctions of Geneseo, New York. Item 157 was listed as Rufus Lincoln's Knapsack `Elk Skin," with no other provenance provided or claims made as to use. Though not conclusively connected to Lincolns military service (if the Lincoln cited as its owner was in fact the Revolutionary veteran), the sole image available is included below.26

Rufus Lincolns elk skin knapsack, auctioned in 2002.

The second leather knapsack is solidly connected to Continental Army service, though there are some particulars that are unclear. Elisha Gross (or Grose) served through all eight years of the War for Independence. He gave a synopsis of his military career in his pension deposition, dated 27 April 1818:
I Elisha Gross of Scituate, in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the Seventyth year of my Age, depose that I entered the service in the year One thousand seven hundred and seventy five, for Eight Months, In Captn Samuel Stockbridges Company, in Colo. John Baileys Regiment, in [the] Massachusetts Line at Roxbury, near Boston At the end of this term I again engaged in Captn. Stevens Company, Colo. Knoxs Corps of Artillery, for One year In March s One thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, I again entered the service In Captn. Eustis Company, in Colo. Cranes [3d Continental] Regiment of Artillery, for and during the War, and served to the end of the War, and was discharged on the tenth of June One thousand seven hundred and eighty three I was in the Battle of Brandywine, and in Monmouth 27

At some point during his service Gross purchased or was issued a small knapsack. Given that most of his time was served with Col. John Cranes artillery regiment, it is quite likely these bearskin knapsacks were procured by the colonel for the entire unit. Knapsack dimensions are 12 inches wide by 15 inches high. The buff leather arm slings are slightly more than 2 inches wide, and the buff leather chest strap is approximately 3/4 of an inch wide. Constructed entirely of leather, the front body and closing flap are made of bearskin with the fur on.

Elisha Gross (Grose) bearskin knapsack. (Private collection.) A Continental Army cartridge pouch used by Sergeant Gross was purchased along with his pack. The current owner notes one more item with the set, a manuscript pass of the original owner, a sergeant in Crane's 3d Continental Artillery, for a furlough home during the Morristown winter. The cartridge box is of the classic loose-bottom pattern on a russet leather sling, the block nailed in from the rear, and still retaining 17 of its original 18 rag paper cartridges ... the knapsack [has an] all-leather sack, with H strap construction, the outer rear flap being of bearskin, about 20% of the hair remaining The straps engaged with the simple open frame, non-roller style buckles often recovered from campsites.

Elisha Gross bearskin knapsack. (Private collection)

Elisha Gross bearskin knapsack. (Private collection)

Elisha Gross knapsack, reproduced by Joel Bohy. (Photographs courtesy of Joel Bohy)

Elisha Gross knapsack, reproduced by Joel Bohy.

Elisha Gross knapsack, reproduced by Joel Bohy.

Elisha Gross knapsack, reproduced by Joel Bohy.

Elisha Gross knapsack, reproduced by Joel Bohy.

The new Invented Napsack and haversack, 1776. In the winter and spring of the wars second year many newly authorized regiments were being formed in all of the colonies to augment the fledgling Continental army. All of those new soldiers needed equipment to take the field, and suppliers were sought to manufacture various items. That mid-winter one hopeful businessman wrote a Maryland Congressman:
Saml. Chase Esqr. Sir Philad. Feby 9 1776

The above is a rough draft of the new Invented Napsack and haversack in one That is adopted by the American Regulars of Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Virginia @ 8/6 each. I could furnish any quantity that may be wanted for Maryland by ye first of April. Best cartouch boxes, for 23 rounds, with a pouch, large flap, and Shoulder Belt - @8/6 Bayonet Belts, to go over ye Shoulder with a double frog to Carry a Bayonett & Tomahawk @4/6. Gun Slings @2/each, priming wires & Brushes @7/6 doz. Any quantity of the above articles that may be wanted for ye province of Maryland, you may depend on being punctually & carefully supplyd with, if you see proper to employ Your Obdt. Ser, J. Young 28

An interesting proposal and pattern, and while it has yet to be substantiated this item was used by the three colonies mentioned in the above letter, there is evidence Maryland adopted Mr. Youngs new knapsack for a portion of its troops. Five months following Mr. Youngs proposal, and just one day after Col. William Smallwoods Maryland Battalion marched north, the following notice ran in the 11 July issue of the Maryland Gazette:
In Council of Safety, July 9. Wanted immediately for the use of the province, three thousand four hundred canteens, to hold one quart each; three thousand four hundred knapsacks with havresacks; three thousand four hundred priming wires and brushes; and five hundred small iron pots or kettles [page torn, illegible] to answer to the purpose of camp-kettles; Any person or persons willing to contract for supplying the same, are desired to send their proposals to the council of safety as soon as possible.29

Contractors John Gordon and Matthew Patton soon after wrote the Maryland Council,
We the subscribers do propose to make Napsacks with oyl covers at seven shillings each. Country Linning napsacks at six shillings each Russia Duck. Napsacks at 6/6 each provided we get a quantity. John Gordon Matthew Patton Baltimore July 17th 1776.30

And ten days later received this reply:

To Messrs Gordon and Patten. Gentlemen. Inclosed you will have a plan of a Knapsack and Havresack in one adopted by three Provinces and which they offer to make of the Materials, Dimentions and in manner described, in Philadelphia at Eight Shillings and Six pence. If you incline to make two Thousand six hundred at that Rate we will agree to pay that price, provided they be made in the space of six weeks at furthest. We expect your answer immediately that we may apply elsewhere in case you do not incline to furnish us. 27 July 1776 31

Rough draft of the new Invented Napsack and haversack in one, included with J. Youngs February 9 1776 letter to Maryland Congressman Samuel Chase.

As previously intimated, Col. William Smallwoods Maryland Regiment, almost 700 strong, left Annapolis for New York on 10 July; to date no information has been found as to how and when they were supplied knapsacks. The impetus for the Council of Safetys 11 July advertisement seeking a manufacturer for the combined knapsack/haversacks was a 3 June 1776 Congressional resolution requiring That a flying camp be immediately established to reinforce the army in New York and New Jersey. Marylands contribution was 3,400 militia, all of whom needed to be equipped for field service.32 The Councils next mention notes that Gordon and Patton agreed to supply their assigned portion of the order, and as will be seen, the pattern was to be the combined knapsack/haversack.
Wednesday 31st July 1776 Council met Ordered That the Treasurer of the Western Shore pay to John Gordon and Matthew Patten four hundred Pounds on Account of their Contract. The Council contracted with John Gordon and Matthew Patten for the making 2600 Knapsacks and Havresacks on the Terms specified in an Agreement of this Day.33

Well before the proposed six-week deadline, the contractors were being pushed for delivery:
To Mr. John Gordon, Baltimore Town Sir. As all the Troops belonging to the Province are directed to march immediately to the Northward, we beg you will work Day and Night in furnishing the Knapsack and Havresack; you have engaged to make, as they cannot march without them. 16 August 1776 34

The same day the Maryland Council wrote the states representatives in Congress,
We received yours of the 13th and have seen what you wrote to Major Jenifer on the State of Publick Affairs, in Consequence of a Resolve of the Convention we have given orders to all the Independant Companies four in number to march. Colonel Carvell Hall and Colonel Ewing, and six or seven Companies on the Eastern Shore have like orders to March, so that with Griffith's Battalion, we shall have near four thousand men with you in a short time this exceeds our proportion for the flying. Camp, but we are sending all we have that can be armed and equipped, and the people of New York, for whom we have great affection, can have no more than our all. Inclosed you have a list of the several Battalions & Companies. P. S. These Companies are not all fully armed and equipped, but we hope soon to Collect enough. August 16 1776. List of the Troops from Maryland Smallwood's Battalion 9 Companies 76 each................ 684 Captain Veazey 100, Captain Hindman 100, Captain Thomas 100....................................................... 300 Captain Beall 100, Captain Gunby 100...................... 200 Captain Woolford 100, Captain Watkins 100................ 200 Griffith's Battalion 9 Companies 90 men each............ 810 Colonel Carvell Halls ditto ditto ............ 8 10 3 Companies of Colonel Ewings............................... 270 7 Companies of Eastern Shore Battalion ..................... 644 the remaining Companies of Ewings and the Eastern Shore Battalion must borrow Arms from the Militia to do duty here they can get Arms on no other Terms.35

Marylands contribution of organized military units in 1776 consisted of a battalion of 9 companies, 7 independent companies, 2 companies of artillery and 1 company of marines, the states militia, plus four companies of the German Regiment (raised that summer and autumn), and four companies of Col. Hugh Stephensons Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment.36 In his article on the 1776 Flying Camp, Eric Manders nicely lays out which of these units joined Washingtons forces in and around New York, and when they headed north.
In July the regiment [Smallwoods Maryland Battalion] marched north with the 4th, 5th, and 7th Independent Companies, all under the command of Colonel William Smallwood. Congress forwarded these troops to New York as part of the Flying Camp detachment, and they were subsequently engaged at Long Island and White Plains. In August the remaining four independent companies were ordered to join Smallwood. The 3d Company, however, seems to have spent the balance of its existence in Philadelphia, beset by internal difficulties. The six companies in New York were never formally regimented, but for a while they formed a loose organization under the command of the regiments first major. On 19 September they were incorporated into the regiment. The four regiments of [Maryland] militia levies Griffiths, Ewingss, Richardsons, and Halls joined the Grand Army in September 37

As noted, excepting the militia, most of Marylands state troops marched before Gordon and Patten were contracted to make the combined knapsack/haversacks; all except the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 6th Independent Companies:
1st Maryland Independent Company, Capt. Rezin Beall (Charles and Calvert Counties) 2d Maryland Independent Company, Capt. John Gunby (Somerset County) 3d Maryland Independent Company, Capt. John Watkins (Worcester County) 6th Maryland Independent Company, Capt. Thomas Woolford (Dorchester County)

Of these, only the 1st, 2d, and 6th Companies saw active service, but only the 2d and 6th (Gunbys and Woolfords) are known to have received Knapsacks with haversacks, a phrasing meaning the Napsack and haversack in one. Other companies received them, too, but all were Maryland militia slated to join Flying Camp force in New Jersey.
Friday, August 23rd, 1776 Ordered, That Commissary of Stores send to Captain [John] Deans [4th Battalion, Flying Camp militia] eighty-six Knapsacks with Haversacks Saturday, August 24th, 1776Ordered, That Comissary of Stores, at Baltimore Town, deliver to Captain [Thomas] Bourke [4th Battalion, Flying Camp militia]100 Knapsacks with haversacks. to Captain [John] Gunby [2d Maryland Independent Company] 90 Knapsacks with haversacks Monday 26th August 1776 Ordered That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore deliver to Captn [Thomas] Woolford [6th Maryland Independent Company] 98 Knapsacks with Havresacks Wednesday August 28th 1776. Ordered That commissary of Stores deliver to Captn [Greenburry] Goldsborough for use of [4th Battalion] Flying Camp Militia on Eastern shore two hundred and fifty Knapsacks with Havresacks.

Friday Augt 30th 1776 Ordered That Commissary of Stores at Annapolis deliver to Captn [Alexander] Magruder [3d Battalion, Flying Camp militia] sixty three Knapsacks with Havresacks

Thursday September 5th 1776 Ordered That Commissary of Stores at Annaps deliver
to Captn Philip Feddeman [4th Battalion, Flying Camp militia], eighty six Knap & Havresacks 38

In the end John Gordon and Matthew Patten were remunerated for their efforts: Friday, September 6th 1776 Council met Ordered That said Treasurer pay to Gordon &
Patten seven hundred and eight pounds, eighteen shillings for Knapsacks with Havresacks.39

With the 400 already paid when the contract was awarded on 31 July, the total amount tendered Gordon and Patten was 1,108, 18 shillings, the correct payment for supplying 2,600 knapsacks with haversacks to the state. The Maryland Council orders given above account for only
673 of the knapsacks; whether the remainder were immediately issued or placed in storage is unknown at this time.

Some of the correspondence prior to Messrs. Gordon and Patten being awarded the knapsack contract shows that numbers of haversacks were made as separate items, and refer to some construction details (such as the possibility of linen webbing for shoulder straps) as well. On 27 July 1776 the Maryland Council wrote Commissary of Stores Gerard Hopkins,
Inclosed you will receive an order on the Treasurry for Fifty Pounds to pay off the Debts you have incurred on the account of the Knapsacks and Havresacks for Girth and Diaper web and what you may want for future Purchases of that sort. I have it in command from the Council to inform you that it is impossible for them to fix the price of making the Havresacks, as they cannot be Judges of the value of work they have never seen, and Havresacks are made in various forms, and of course more work must be bestowed on one kind than another. Knapsacks and Havresacks in one, are offered to be made in Philadelphia, and all materials found, for eight shillings and six pence a piece; you speak only of Havresacks, it is not known if you mean Havresacks alone, or Knapsacks and Havresacks together, as soon as the price can be fixed, the cash will be sent you. The Councill will pay what the Committee of Baltimore shall fix their value at. It is by no means agreeable to the Council that the officers of the Flying Camp should have any command over the stores of this Province and they cannot look upon you as acting in the Line of your duty in disposing of them to any of them without orders from their Board they are to be in Continental pay and no regular account can be kept against the Continent without such commands issuing from the proper place. They will, however, take the eight hundred and fifty Havresacks made in consequence of Colonel Ewings request to you, which you are to deliver only to the order of the Council of Safety. They again desire to know whether you mean Havresacks alone or Knapsacks with them. Inclosed is a letter open which you are desired to seal and deliver to Messrs. Gordon and Patten, it contains proposals for making a quantity of Knapsacks and Havresacks, the pattern and price, and they are requested to give an answer speedily. I am yours, &c., Gabriel Duvall. 40 To Mr. Gerard Hopkins, son of Richard.

Hopkins replied three days later,

Baltimore, July 30, 1776 Sir You desire me to inform you whether I have the Knapsacks and Haversacks made in one. When Colo Ware requested me to have the 500 made he desired I would have Haversacks made, and did not mention Knapsacks. I also showed him a pattern before they were made. Col Ewings are made without knapsacks also. I think they cannot cost altogether, finished off, more than 3s[hillings] a piece. They are made out of cruder [linen issued] out of the magazine. I have advanced myself as the women were in want to cash as far as 9d.apiece which I make no doubt is within bounds. They think, as they found thread, they ought to be allowed 1s. a piece. I shall pay all attention to what you say in regard to the delivery of the stores. I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, Gerrard Hopkins, son of Rd. To Gabriel Duvall, Esq., Annapolis.41

The two companies mentioned in the next letter may refer to the Independent Companies commanded by Captains Gunby and Woolford; they were issued knapsacks with haversacks on August 24th and 26th. On 19 August, from Baltimore, Isaac Griest informed the Maryland Council of Safety,
Gentlemen The knap and haversacks for the two companies are painted this day, and tomorrow, if possible, shall send them over the Bay. Shall send down the cartouch-boxes, &c., by the first opportunity. I can find no cloth in town at less than 25s. per yard, and it will take more than two yards to make a blanket. Colonel Ewing has taken almost all the canteens that are made, but I have been with the coopers and directed them to work night and day, and not take time to muster till they had served the Flying-Camp, for which I hope you will excuse me. I have delivered cartouch-boxes and gun-slings to the Captains of the three companies here and twelve blankets, which were all in the magazine. I don't know what will be done for blankets. All our guns are in bad order, and very few bayonets. The smiths are all at work on them. I shall do all in my power to obey your orders.42

So, some portion of Marylands forces in 1776 did indeed receive the new Invented Napsack and haversack in one. What of John Youngs 9 February letter claiming that three colonies had at that time already adopted his combined knapsack and haversack? (Viz., New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.) Nothing is known of knapsacks for New Jerseys soldiers in 1776, and for Virginia, at least some packs were being made up three months before Young wrote his proposal to Maryland:
November 6 1775 all the Officers of the 2nd [Virginia] Regiment are Immediately to get themselves in Readiness about Compleating their men with knapsacks Haversacks, or any other Necessarys.43

Within a few days materials were issued to the regiment from the Virginia Public Storehouse: 4 November 1775, "Expences Army 103 yds Ozns. [osnaburg linen] deld Capt Johnston [George Johnson, 2d Virginia Regiment] for Knapsacks @ 1/6; 6 November, "Expences Army deld Capt [Richard] Parker [2d Virginia] 100 yds Ozs. for knapsacks @ 1/6; 6 November, "73 yds Ozns deld Capt [William] Taliaferro [2d Virginia] for knapsacks @ 1/6 9 yds do for Haversacks deld ditto @1/6; 8 November, "154 yds Ozns deld Capt [William] Fontaine [2d Virginia] for Knapsacks & Haversacks @ 1/6. At the time, there were only two Virginia regiments in service, but that December six more were newly authorized, and had to be equipped. That said, it is entirely possible the colony did purchase some numbers of the new invented knapsack/haversack for the other units.44

As for Pennsylvania, while no evidence of purchases prior to John Youngs February 1776 claims, we do have this later in the year from Samuel Morris, Philadelphia businessman and member of the Committee of Safety:
Mr. Samuel Morris To Drovers & Yorke 1776 Augt. 31st To 22 Nap & Haversacks @ 2 P The Above were Orderd for Patterns Saml. Morris 45

The Benjamin Warner Linen Pack. This last American artifact may be the only extant example remaining from the thousands of linen knapsacks issued to Continental troops. Unfortunately, it cannot be certainly determined at which point it was issued during the soldiers varied career. Of its provenance Connecticut soldier Benjamin Warner merely noted in March 1837, This Napsack I carryd through the war of the Revolution to acthieve the Merican Independence. Warner served in four foot regiments from 1775 to 1777, and again with a Continental artillery regiment for three months in 1780.46 Warners first stint was in 1775, first with David Woosters 1st Connecticut Regiment, commanded for the most part by Lt. Col. Andrew Ward, Wooster having been appointed major-general of Connecticut troops in April 1775, and a Continental Army brigadier on 22 June.47 Benjamin Warner recalled,
his officers the first time he entered the service were General Wooster Major [Jabez] Thompson Captain Caleb Trowbridge Lieutenant Curtis & Erwin Edwards he enlisted & entered the service in the 8th day of May 1775 and left the same the sixth day of September following he sailed from his place of residence aforesaid [New Haven, Connecticut] to New London & Marched from thence to Roxbury Massachusetts at this place was Colonel Wadsworth with a party under his command stationed on a hill of a mile from our station which was at the head of Jamaica Plain near the tavern with the sign of the sun We were employed in standing sentinel watching the Motion of the British & building fortifications or breastworks. The British then had possession of Boston & some of their Vessels lay in the Bay south of Boston we built a breastwork about three Miles from our place of encampment about a Mile in length as he believes through a certain orchard this Breastwork was in sight of the British vessels it was built in the night 48

Warner belonged to the regiments 5th Company, first assigned to Benedict Arnold, who never took command due to his promotion to the rank of colonel. Captain Trowbridge then took charge, with 1st Lt. Jesse Edwards and 2d Lt. Nathaniel Edwards as his company officers. Henry P. Johnston in his work The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service during the War of the Revolution, 1775-1783 (1889), noted, The [Connecticut] troops for 1775 were generally without uniforms. They marched in citizens clothes, with blankets and knapsacks. A few exceptions are noted, such as Captain Chesters Wethersfield Company, of the Second Regiment, which was clothed wholly in blue turned up with red, and Captain Arnolds company of Governors Guards, New Haven, in the Lexington alarm.49 It is probable the knapsack he bequeathed his son was issued to him during this first term of service. Private Warner then volunteered for the march to Quebec, under Col. Benedict Arnold, serving with Captain Oliver Hanchets provisional company (Hanchet originally commanded the 10th Company of Col Samuel Wyllys 2d Connecticut Regiment). The other company officers were Lt. Samuel Cooper (2d Company, 2d Connecticut), 2d Lt. Abijah Savage (4th Company, 2d
Connecticut) , and Ensign James Knowles (promoted from sergeant, 9th Company, 2d Connecticut).50 His pension account continues:

he left this service on the sixth of September [1775] volunteered for Canada at the beat of the drum for that expedition & about 18 out of his company volunteered at the same time. He left the service about the middle of April 1776 and arrived home about the 8th of May 1776 his officers were Captain Oliver Hanchet [a casualty roster for the 31 December 1775 assault on Quebec City lists Capt. [Oliver] Handchitts Company, with seven killed, one wounded, and twenty-nine captured. Oliver Hanchet was among the latter.51] Lieutenant Samuel Cooper who was afterwards killed at Quebeck [in the 31 December attack], second Lieutenant Savage [captured] Ensign Knowles Major Jonathan Meigs, who was taken prisoner at Quebeck Benedict Arnold was commandant till after arriving at Quebeck & afterwards we were under General Montgomery Colonel Green was also with us & also Major Bigelow, Captain Dearborn the other Captains recollected were Captain Morgan Captain Hendrick Captain Smith the three last were Captains of riflemen Captain Goodrich was with us & also Captain Hubbard Marched from Roxbury to Cambridge Massachusetts, thence to Newbury Port stayed there over night & saild from there in 13 sloops one to each company to the Mouth of Kennebeck river & up the river 30 leagues to fort Western since called Hallowel & Augusta then we took boats or batteaux to fort Halifax 18 Miles, here we went into the woods following the Kennebeck river to the head keeping our boats & using them when the river would admit & carrying them by all the falls the first Indian town we arrived at was Satagan [Sartigan] having been in the wilderness 36 days from fort Halifax from Satagan we went to Point Levi opposite Quebeck the other side of the rivers Lawrence here we muffled our oars & crossed over the river in the night to Abraham Plains while crossing two frigates lay to the Leeward of us belonging to the British a boat load of whose Men had been as we supposed to Quebeck & were returning from there upon which boat our Men fired & killed or wounded one or two which fore Alarmed the City of Quebeck & immediately the bells rung, but we landed & marched up on the Plains of Abraham where General Wolf was Killed & near his Monument the next Morning the enemy fired upon us from their fort. We retreated back a mile or two amongst the French & took shelter in their houses & lay there about [3?] weeks & then retreated up the river between 20 & 30 miles to Point Tremble & lay there till General Montgomery arrived from Montreal with his troops & with supplies for our men & a suit of British Uniform for each of us which the General & his party took from the British at Sorell we then returned to Quebeck then we lay till the very last of December as the time General Montgomery was killed & lay there all the winter till the next April Montgomery was killed scaling the walls in the upper town he had however got over the walls with one McPherson his aide & Captain Cheeseman who were killed with him Colonel Scammell who afterwards took command of his own party retreated Benedict Arnold was wounded in the leg, who after the death of Montgomery had the command Arnolds party, or those who went through the woods up Kennebeck river, were all killed or taken except about 80 We built an ice Battery on Abraham Plains which was the means of killing about 15 or 20 by the enemy firing against it & the ice flying & striking them with such force as to kill them we suffered very much during the march through the march to Quebeck & also at Quebeck during the winter following both for provisions & other necessaries of life left the service as aforesaid on or about the middle of April 52

Our intrepid veteran was called out again, this time with the Connecticut militia, in time for the Battle of Long Island, and the loss of New York City, the Kips Bay debacle, and retreat up Manhattan Island.
he entered the service again on the 6th day of August 1776 was drafted as he then understood it he left the service about the first of December following officers were General Silliman, Colonel Thompson, Major Leavenworth, Captain Goodyear & Ensign Bradley he was in the battle of Long Island General Sullivan came to take the command but was taken a few minutes after he arrived he sailed from home to New York City & then crossed over to Long Island the day of the

 battle. We met the enemy at our Lines and drive them back, the battle had commenced before we arrived, we were called over to reinforce the army which was retreating & our men stopped the retreat We lay on the Island till ordered to retreat from the Island by General Washington in the night which was about 2 or 3 days after crossing to that place we were shut of[f] in New York City a short time by the British landing at Turtle Bay & forming a line from the Bay to Hudson river we forced our way out by opening the British line at the right & left we continued our retreat skirmishing as we went till we came to Harlem Heights we here encamped till the first of December when we were dismissed 53

Not all the named officers could be identified, but in 1776 Gold Selleck Silliman was colonel commanding the 1st Battalion of Brig. Gen. James Wadsworths Brigade of State troops. Sillimans battalion served at the Battle of Long Island, afterwards was stationed in New York City until the army hastily left on 15 September, and then took post on Harlem Heights until marching under General Washington to White Plains, fighting in the 28 October action there. As for Colonel Thompson, we have two possibilities, both field officers in the 2d Regiment Connecticut Militia; Jabez Thompson was lieutenant colonel of the regiment, serving until killed during the retreat from New York City on 15 September 1776. In his place, Joseph Thompson was promoted lieutenant colonel, and then appointed colonel of the regiment after Jonathan Fitch resigned from that post in October 1776.54 Benjamin Warners final term in a foot regiment was again with the state militia.
he entered the service again the 28th day of April 1777 he volunteered he left the service about the last of November or first of December following his officers were Major Atkinson [and] Captain Parmelee employed a considerable part of this period in reconnoitering under different captains or commanders he resided in Newhaven Connecticut went from Newhaven to Danbury Connecticut at the time it was burnt [27 April 1777] it was smoking when we arrived the enemy had left there for a place called Kumpo [Compo Point at the mouth of the Saugatuck River] on the seashore on Long Island sound we followed them but they had embarked before we overtook them they killed General Worcester at Ridgebury Connecticut on their way to Kumpo we encamped at this place one night only as the enemy disappeared from the shore we then left for Kingshut [Kingston?] same state (Conn.) we lay there and reconnoitered about the country for some months we left this place for Crum Pond & North Castle, we went from Crum Pond to Peekskill & from there to Fishkill we here were ordered to go North for the purpose of attacking Burgoyne at Saratoga we accordingly Marched to Rhinebeck when we met an express bringing the news of Burgoynes surrender we were then ordered to refresh ourselves & we returned rejoiceing to Peekskill & Fishkill we remained at these places until dismissed & then returned home 55

While Major Atkinson has not been identified, the captain Warner mentioned may have been Samuel Parmelee; militia veteran Timothy Seward noted in his 1833 pension deposition, "When the enemy burnt the public stores at Danbury, the militia was called upon and we went from Guilford to Fairfield and returned by way of Redding, in search of Tories. We succeeded in taking eight or 10 suspicious persons one night. One of them, named Griswold, proved to be a traitor, and was hanged. I was in service at this time as a private soldier, six days under command of Capt. Samuel Parmelee."56 In 1780 Benjamin Warner went campaigning one last time, drafted for six months service (he only served three) with Col. John Lambs 2d Continental Artillery Regiment.
he entered the service again som time in May 1779 [actually July 1780] he was drafted for six months he served three months in consequence of sickness in his family returned home & hired one

Thomas Zucker to take his place in the army for $100 a part of which he paid & the rest was paid by his father & her said Zucker served the other three months his officers were Captain William McClure [James McClure was a captain-lieutenant in the 2d Continental Artillery], one Porter had been captain but after killing General Poor in a duel he was arrested [Andrew Porter was a captain in the regiment. Enoch Poor died on September 8 1780; though rumored to have been mortally wounded in a duel, he likely died of disease] General Knox Colonel Crane Lieutenant Colonel Stevens [appointed lieutenant colonel of the 2d Regiment on 24 November 1778] he was a sergeant the brigade was artillery of the Continental establishment we went from Newhaven & joined the army at Peekskill & stayed there a few days & crossed over about 3 miles below West Point at Kings Ferry & marched to New Jersey to a place called Orangetown we drew a few pieces of cannon down to Dobbs ferry about 2 miles from our camp & fired upon two British frigates passing up Hudson river we were reviewed at Orangtown by Baron Steuben a Hassian left the service here in consequence of sickness in the family sometime in August 1779 57

After spending time with the West Point garrison, Lambs Artillery joined Gen. George Washingtons main army in late spring of 1780. A muster roll for Capt. Isaiah Wools company was compiled at Camp Orange Town 22 August 1780 ; mirroring Warners recollection, of Wools complement at that date one sergeant and five matrosses were listed as on Command (i.e., detached duty) at Dobbs Ferry. Benjamin Warners name is listed on a Return of the Levies from the State of Connecticut, that served in the 2nd. Regiment of Artillery, in the Year 1780. Specefying the time of service, and sums due to each. He enlisted on July 20 1780, and his full term would have ended on December 22 1780. Warner served as a matross, described in a 1780 military dictionary as a sort of soldiers in the artillery, next in degree under gunners, who assist them about the guns, in traversing, sponging, firing, loading, &c. They carry firelocks, march along with the store waggons, as a guard, and also as assistants, in case a waggon should break down.58 Having examined Benjamin Warners record, it seems most likely his knapsack was issued to him during his first year in Connecticut service with one of that colonys fledgling Continental regiments. Appended are images of the original, as well as a modern reproduction.

Benjamin Warner's Revolutionary War knapsack.

(Courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga Musem)

Benjamin Warner left instructions to his family on this slip of paper to preserve his knapsack: "This Napsack I carryd through the war of the Revolution to acthieve the Merican Independence. I transmit it to my olest sone Benjamin Warner Jr. with directions to keep it and transmit it to his oldest sone and so on to the latest posterity and whilst one shred of it shall remain never surrender your libertys to a foren envador or an aspiring Demeygog. Ticonderoga March 27 1837 Benjamin Warner." (Courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga Musem)

Reproduction of Benjamin Warners linen knapsack. Made by Matthew White from Stuart Lilie kit, it measures, closed, 18 inches wide by 15 inches high.

Reproduction of Benjamin Warners linen knapsack. Made by Matthew White from Stuart Lilie kit, it measures, closed, 18 inches wide by 15 inches high. The shoulder straps are missing on the original, but the locations where they were attached is plainly evident. The top end of the original shoulder straps were sewn the same distance apart as the lower end, making it an awkward fit for the wearer.

Reproduction of Benjamin Warners linen knapsack. Made by Matthew White from Stuart Lilie kit, it measures, closed, 18 inches wide by 15 inches high. See also, Frank Packer, Benjamin Warner Knapsack, Military Artifact (newsletter, No.2 Mk.IV (December 1997) (Military Artifact was a quarterly periodical from Service Publications which features articles on obscure Canadian militaria, usually using primary sources and previously unpublished contemporary photographs. Each issue had several major articles or one or more pages, in addition to book reviews, photo essays, and sidebar articles. An annual supplement provided an index as well as photos and bios of contributing authors. Printed in newsletter format. ISSN 1205-7096) Available online http://www.scribd.com/doc/206832687/Frank-Packer-%E2%80%9CBenjamin-Warner-Knapsack%E2%80%9D-Military-Artifact-newsletter-No-2-Mk-IV-December-1997-Military-Artifact-was-aquarterly-periodical-fro ______________________________

Continental Army sergeant, circa 1777-78, wearing a knapsack based on Benjamin Warners pack. The soldiers blanket is carried inside, between the two pockets. (Image courtesy of Dave Niescior, 2d Pennsylvania/43d Regiment)

British Linen Knapsacks. The design of British Army linen knapsacks during the American War for Independence is not certainly known, but possibly the same as several later-dated similarly-made original packs; the earliest of those artifacts dates to 1794, a second 1797 to 1802, and the last dated to circa 1808-1815 (see images below). All three are made of linen, have two pockets, with a small envelope in the center (or at the top); the latter is accessed via a center slit-opening. All are suspended on two leather shoulder straps. A number of British transports and store-ships were captured by Continental Navy ships and privateers during the war, and all kinds of captured clothing and equipment were used to supply American regiments. Unknown numbers of captured British knapsacks must have been issued as well; it is possible, perhaps probable, American manufactories made new packs in the same pattern.

(Above and following page) Another possible design for British Army knapsacks during the War for American Independence. This example belonged to the 10th Regiment, North British Militia, raised in 1797, from the Counties of Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Haddington, and Berwick. The regiment was disbanded in 1802. This pack is similar to the Scarsdale Derby Local Militia knapsack (raised 1808, disbanded circa 1815), formerly in the Isaac Royall House collection, Medford, Massachusetts (see drawing next page). A similar knapsack exists from the 97th Inverness Regiment, raised in 1794, disbanded the same year. The North British Militia and 97th Regiment knapsacks are held at the Scottish United Services Museum, Edinburgh, U.K. (Another artifact, the Durham Militia knapsack, is included in one of the Appendices.)

Henry M. Cooke IV and Mark Nichipor examined the Isaac Royall House Scarsdale Derby Local Militia knapsack in 1993. That study resulted in a detailed description and several drawings (including the one above). The pack was at first thought to date from circa 1780 to 1800, but Radford Polinsky of the recreated 33rd Regiment discovered the Scarsdale Derby Local militia served from 1808 to circa 1815. For further discussion of this, as well as the North British Militia and 97th Regiment knapsacks see, 33rd Regiment of Foot, Research and Interpretation of the British Military Knapsack of the American War for Independence, http://www.33rdfoot.org/knapsacks.html

The 97th Inverness Regiment linen knapsack; that unit was raised in 1794 and disbanded the same year. Scottish United Services Museum, Edinburgh, U.K.

The 97th Inverness Regiment linen knapsack; that unit was raised in 1794 and disbanded the same year. Scottish United Services Museum, Edinburgh, U.K.

British pattern linen knapsack, based (with some modifications) on the Isaac Royall House artifact. This copy measures 17 inches wide by 15 inches high (to mid-point of center pocket with slit opening inside); measurement of large pocket only is 17 inches wide by 12 inches high. (Reproduction made by Roger Fuller)

British pattern linen knapsack. (Reproduction made by Roger Fuller)

British pattern linen knapsack. Center pocket with slit opening is 6 inches wide. (Reproduction made by Roger Fuller)

British troops of Lt. Gen. John Burgoynes army as it moved off to captivity in October 1777. Painted over twenty years after the event, there are inaccuracies in some details, but the image of British soldiers on the march, fully loaded (minus firelocks) is one of the few we have. Detail from James Peales, General Gates at Saratoga (circa 1799-1800)

Soldiers of Capt. Charles Helyars Company, 7th Regiment, Royal Fusiliers, marching with full kit, including knapsacks made of linen. (Image courtesy of Helyars Company, 7th Regiment of Foot, Royal Fusilers, http://7thregimentoffoot.weebly.com/ )

Appendices
A. Carrying Blankets in or on Knapsacks. The commonly accepted method for carrying a blanket with the double-bag knapsacks used during the War for American Independence is inside, folded between the two pockets, held in place by the closure straps on the bottom and, in some designs, at each side. Some designs could not hold a blanket in that manner, so some other method had to be devised. As seen in the first section of this monograph, one solution was to use a tumpline in conjunction with a knapsack, the former to carry a blanket, the latter for clothing and other necessary items. A rolled blanket could also be tied to the top or bottom of a pack; using that method with a double-bag knapsack also allows a bit more room for the necessaries (including food) carried inside, and makes the load somewhat less cumbersome. Appended are a series of illustrations (both eighteenth century and modern) showing alternate ways to carry blankets with knapsacks. _________________________ Note: Here are three ways (two of them similar) to attach a rolled blanket to a knapsack. First, a how-to from Matthew Keagle of the Model Company, the way we've tied a rolled blanket on top is just by using two ropes or cords to tie the roll up, but doing it so that they go around the shoulder straps. It means some twisting, but also helps a little to pinch in the top of the shoulder straps, which are so wide apart on the Warner pack My personal preference is to tie short pieces of twine or rope around each of the knapsack shoulder straps (a sheet-bend or square knot both work nicely), making sure the twine or rope encircles the pack strap as tightly as possible. (Tie the twine or rope to the top or bottom of the pack straps, depending on where you wish to carry the blanket.) Next, roll your blanket, and take the twine you will use to tie the blanket together. Place the rolled blanket against the pack strap, then take one blanket tie, wrap it around the blanket, at the same time slipping the blanket tie through the cord attached around the knapsack strap. Tie of the blanket tie tightly, then do the same with the other side. (More easily done than described.) Thaddeus Weaver, German Regiment, gives another method of attaching the blanket: I carry mine on top using one piece of rope tying the blanket on with a taut line hitch to one knapsack strap, running the rope/tie strap along the top of the blanket, and then under the other knapsack strap. The taut line hitch makes it easier to get the blanket off.

Above and page following: Detail from Pierre Charles L'Enfant (1754-1825) painting of West Point and dependencies. View is from the east side of the Hudson River, at the top is the lower part of Constitution Island. This was done after August 1782, as service chevrons, worn on the saluting soldiers left sleeve, were first authorized on the 7th of that month. Several soldiers in this image are wearing knapsacks, and what appears to be a rolled blanket can be seen on top of three of the packs. Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004678934/ 59

__________________________________

Continental soldier carrying his blanket in a roll atop his knapsack. (Image courtesy of Andrew Watson Kirk 2d Pennsylvania/43d Regiment)

Continental soldier wearing a British pattern linen knapsack, with a rolled blanket tied to the top. Capt. Jonathan Phillips company, 2d New Jersey Regiment, June 1778, as recreated by the Augusta County Militia (including members of the Queens Own Loyal Virginia Regiment) for Monmouth 2013.

Uhl knapsack reproduction, with a blanket tied to the shoulder straps. (Photo courtesy of Joel Bohy and Rob Welch, Captain David Browns Company of Concord Minutemen)

B. Like a Pedlar's Pack.: Blanket Rolls and Slings Besides the tumplines used in 1775, no other documentation has been found that Continental troops used blanket slings at any other time during the war, British troops certainly used slings, and likely used rolled blankets slung over the shoulder, too (see image of 25th Regiment soldier at Minorca, below). Here are a series of British narratives or general orders mentioning blanket slings, or occasions when blankets were to be carried without knapsacks.
84t h Regiment, point au Trimble, Quebec, 18 August 1776, "Every Man to be pervided With a Topline [tumpline] if Wanted and to prade Opisite the Church, on Thursday Morning With thire Arms Accutements and packs, properly Made up as for a March.59 Brigade of Guards, orders, 19 August 1776, "When the Brigade disembarks two Gills of Rum at most must be put into each Man's Canteen which must be fill'd up with Water. Every Man is to disembark with a Blanket, in which he is to carry three days provisions, one Shirt, one pair of Socks, & one pair of Shoes. A careful Man to be left on Board each Ship to take care of the Mens Knapsacks, if there are any Convalescents they may be order'd for this.60 Capt. William Leslie, 17th Regiment of Foot, 2 September 1776, "Bedford Long Island Sept. 2nd 1776 The Day after their Retreat we had orders to march to the ground we are now encamped upon, near the Village of Bedford: It is now a fortnight we have lain upon the ground wrapt in our Blankets, and thank God who supports us when we stand most in need, I have never enjoyed better health in my Life. My whole stock consists of two shirts 2 pr of shoes, 2 Handkerchiefs half of which I use, the other half I carry in my Blanket, like a Pedlar's Pack."61 Brigade of Guards, orders, 11 March 1777, "The Waistbelts to Carry the Bayonet & to be wore across the Shoulder. The Captains are desired to provide Webbing for Carrying the Mens Blankets according to a pattern to be Seen at the Cantonment of Lt. Colo. Sr. J. Wrottesleys Company. The Serjeants to Observe how they are Sewed. The Officers to Mount Guard with their Fuzees."62

40th Regiment orders regarding blanket slings, wallets, and contents, spring and summer 1777:63
After Regl Orders 7 at Night [10 May 1777] A Return to be given immediatly from each Company to the Qr. Mr. of the Number of Shoe soles and heels wanting to Compleat each man with a pair to take with him the Ensuing Campaign The Regt. to parade to morrow Morning at 11 oClock with Arms, Accoutrements & Necessarys in order to be inspected by their Officers -- The Necessarys to be carried in their Wallet and slung over the Right Shoulder -R[egimental]:O[rders] 14th May 1777 Each Compy. will immediately receive from the Qr. Mr. Serjt. 26 Slings & Wallets to put the quantity of Necesareys Intendd. to be Carrid. to the field Viz 2 shirts 1 pr. of shoes & soles 1 pr. of stockings 1 pr. of socks shoe Brushes, black ball &c Exclusive of the Necessareys they may have on (the[y] must be packd. in the snugest manner & the Blankts. done neatly round very little longer than the Wallets) to be Tyed. very close with the slings and near the end -- the men that are not provided. with A blankett of their own may make use of one [of] the Cleanest Barrick Blanketts for to morrow

After Regl. Orders 7 at Night [18 May 1777] The Regt: to parade to morrow Morning at 11 oClock with Arms, Accoutrements & Necessarys in order to be inspected by their Officers The Necessarys to be carried in their Wallet and slung over the Right Shoulder The pipe Clay brought this day from Staten Island to be divided in eight equal parts and each Company to get a dividend it is hoped the Compys: will make better use of this then thay did of the last [Regimental Orders, 23 May 1777] The Non Commissd: Offrs: and Men to have their Necessareys Constantly packd: in their Wallets ready to sling in their Blanketts which they are to parade with Every morning at troop beating to Acustom them to do it with Readiness and Dispatch The men of the Qr:Gd: to parade when the taps beat to be properly inspectd: and ready to march of[f] Immediately fter the troop has beat Morn.g Regl. Orders 2d June 77 Black tape to be provided immediately to tie the Mens Hair -NB It is to be had in Amboy. -- The Mens Hair that is not properly Cut to be done this Day -Each Company to give in a Return to the Quarr. Masr. of the Number of Wallets & Slings wanting to Compleat each Man as the whole must have them to appear uniform in the slinging on & Carrying their Blankets & Necessarys -- Any of the Wallets or Slings not properly made to be returned to the Masr. Taylor R[egimental]:O[rders] [9 June 1777] The Commanding Offrs: of Comp[anie]s. are Immediately to settle their Accompts With the Qr: Mr: for the under Mentiond Articles According to the following rates at 4 [shillings]:8d pr Doller Trowzrs: making &c ....................... 4:2 1/2 Wallets & Slings. ......................... 2:2 1/2 Coats Cuting & Mending when at Hallafax..... 4 1/2 Do: Do: at Amboy .......................... 10 Diffeichinceis on Breeches cloth when at Staten Island. ................ 4 1/2 Do: on Leggons ............................. 3

Reproduction linen wallet, 24 inches long by 16 inches wide, for storing gear inside a rolled blanket carried on a sling. Wallets like this were ordered to be supplied each enlisted man in the British 40th Regiment in 1777. _________________________ 49th Foot, "Regimental Order on Board the Rochford 21 August 1777 When the Regt. Lands Every Non Commissd Officer and soldier of the Regiment is to have with him 2 very good Shirts, Stokings, 2 pair Shoes, their Linin drawers, Linnin Leggins, half Gaiters and their Blankets very well Rold. Every thing to be perfectly Clean. Officers Commanding Companies will be answerable to the Commanding Officer that these orders are Strictly Complyed with-64 Guards, Brigade Morning Orders 30 August 1779 The Qr. Masters are desir'd to be as expeditious as possible in processing proper Bedding &ca from the Bk. Mr. Genl.-- & Field Blankets from the Qr. Mr. Genl. for the Draughts received from England.-- & to deliver to them from the Regl. Store a proper proportion of Camp Kettles, Canteens & Haversacks. The Companies are desir'd to Compt. their Draughts with proper Straps to Carry their Blankets, & to be as expeditious as possible in Compleating them with Trowsers."65 Brigade of Guards, 1st Battn Orders 9 September 1779 The Men lately Joind having received their Field Blankets, the Serjts. are Ordered, to see that they are Mark'd with the Initial Letters of each Mans Name. The Men are to be provided with proper Straps for Carrying them & Shewn how to Roll them up.66

Lt. Gen. Charles Earl Cornwalliss army, South Carolina, 1780 and 1781:67
On board ship off of Charlestown, South Carolina, 15 December 1780. General orders: "The Corps to Compt. their Men with Camp Hatchets Canteens, & Kettles ... It is recommended to the Comdg Offrs. of Regts. to provide the Men with Night Caps before they take the Field." Brigade orders: "The Necessaries of the Brigde. are to be Imdy. Comptd. to 2 Good pr. Shoes, 2 Shts. & 2 pr. Worsted Stockgs. per Man ... Each Mess to be furnish'd with a Good Camp Kettle, & every Man provided with a Canteen, & Tomahawk - & the Pioneers wth. all kind of Tools. The drumrs. are to carry a good Ax Each & provide themselves with Slings for the Same." General orders, Ramsour's Mills, 24 January 1781, "When upon any Occasion the Troops may be Order'd to March without their Packs; it is not intended they Should leave their Camp Kettles and Tomahawks behind them." Brigade orders, 24 January 1781, "There being a Sufficient Quantity of Leather to Compleat the Brigade in Shoes ... It is recommended to ... the Commandg. Officers of Companies, see their Mens Shoes immediately Soled & Repaired, & if possible that every Man when they move from this Ground take in his Blankett one pair of Spare Soles ..." _________________________________________ 43rd Regiment, Virginia, "Apollo Transport Of[f] Brandon James River 23rd May 1781 The Quarter Master will issue Canteens Haversacks and Camp Kettles to the Battalion immediately. The Companies to send Returns for their Effectives as this is the only supply the Regiment can possible Receive during the Campaign the Soldiers cannot be to careful to preserve them. Five Regimental Waggons will land with the Regiment. One to each Grand Division the fifth for Major Fergusons Baggage. The Quarter Master will issue an equal proportion of the Trowzers, made since the Embarkation- to each Company to compleat them as near as possible to Two pair per Man. It is positively Ordered that no Soldier lands with more necessaries than his Blanket, Canteen, Haversack, Two pair of Trowzers, Two pair of Stockings, and Two Shirts, and Two pair of good Shoes. The Remaining Necessaries of each Company to be carefully packed up and Orders will be given as soon as possible for its been taken proper care of."68 _________________________________________

Lastly, we have two orders to carry greatcoats in slings, and the only known order during the war to carry blankets on top of knapsacks.
British Marines, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 4 June 1776: The men for duty to be paraded a past 9 oclock well powderd & clean; and if the weather is doubtfull the Great Coats to be rolld neatly up, and slung, uniformly.69 British Marines, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 7 August 1776: The Commanding Officer desires that those men who have not Frills to their shirts, may have them put on immediately: and that every Man may be completed with the following Articles, by the next Inspection. Viz. short Gaiters, Uniform Great Coat Sling, Brush Wire Worm & Turnkey.70

29th Regiment, Terre Bonne, Canada, 10 May 1782: The men for Guard are in future to Parade in thair Blankets and Cases[?], which are to be Worn according to a Regimentl form Which Serjt Wilkinson will Shew to the Non-Commissiond Officers of the different Companys. And Upon those days ordered for Reveiws With Arms & Necessarys the[y] are to be Worn according to the Regimtl form on the top of the Knapsacks.71 ________________________________

To end, the lowly blanket sling was not solely reserved for black powder armies. Lt. Paul Fussell, 2d Battalion, 410th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division, wrote of the gear he carried during much of his four month's European combat service (10 November 1944 to 3 March 1945):
... we got rid of all but essentials in our personal kits. I ended up carrying nothing but a rifle and a light sleeping bag, suspended from my shoulder by a piece of tent rope, like a tramp. The only item you needed for eating was a spoon, carried in your breast pocket. Mess kits, backpacks, and musette bags were simply an impediment ... Anything you couldn't carry in a pocket you shouldn't be carrying. 72 _________________________

Related articles:
William W. Burke and Linnea M. Bass, Preparing a British Unit for Service in America: The Brigade of Foot Guards, 1776, Military Collector & Historian, vol. 47, no. 1 (Spring 1995), 2-11.

http://www.military-historians.org/publications/journal/samples/Guards.pdf
Gary S. Zaboly, "The Use of Tumplines in the French and Indian War," Military Collector & Historian, vol. XLVI, no. 3 (Fall 1994), 109-113.)

A private of the Delaware Battalion of the Flying Camp, 1776, wearing a blanket roll in lieu of a knapsack. carrying a brass kettle. To date, only one period description has been found which describes blanket rolls used by either American militia or Continental troops. Found in J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur's "Landscapes" (circa 1783), it is included in a transcript for a play and was to be used as the basis of an illustrative plate. Crevecoeur lived in Pennsylvania during the war, and likely had had many opportunities to observe local militias, A plate representing Capt. Shoreditch with a bushy head, six militiamen with linsey-woolsey blankets tied from the right shoulder to the left arm, and three Quakers at a tavern door with a post and sign. Despite its brevity, it seems quite clear that the blankets worn were draped over the right shoulder and tied at the waist under the left arm, the common method of wearing a blanket roll. (Image courtesy of the artist, Peter F. Copeland.)

Private soldier, 25th Regiment of Foot, Minorca, ca. 1771, wearing a blanket roll under his knapsack. The blanket itself is a maud, a Scottish shepherds plaid. (Artist unknown, National Army Museum, London, UK.) Gregory J.W. Urwin, Redcoat Images, No. 26 http://astro.temple.edu/~gurwin/ Also pictured in W. A. Thorburn, Uniforms of the Scottish Infantry, 1740-1800 (Edinburgh: H.M. Stationery Office, 1973), 8.

British light infantry soldier, pictured during the autumn 1777 Philadelphia campaign, wearing a blanket sling on his back. (Detail from Xavier della Gattas painting, The Battle of Germantown, painted in 1782. The American Revolution Museum, Philadelphia, Pa.) An order book for the 40th Regiment order book covering the period contains directives concerning blanket slings, and what was to be carried in them (see above). American surgeon Dr. Benjamin Rush had an opportunity to view the British army after Battle of Brandywine (11 September 1777): "One of the [British] officers, a subaltern, observed to me that his soldiers were infants that required constant attendance, and said as a proof of it that although they had blankets tied to their backs, yet such was their laziness that they would sleep in the dew and cold without them rather than have the trouble of untying and opening them. He said his business every night before he slept was to see that no soldier in his company laid down without a blanket." John U. Rees, ed., "`Necessarys to be Properley Packd: & Slung in their Blanketts: Selected Transcriptions 40th Regiment of Foot Order Book, http://revwar75.com/library/rees/40th.htm L.H. Butterfield, ed., Letters of Benjamin Rush, vol. I (Princeton: Princeton University Press for American Philosophical Society, 1951), 154-155.

A soldier of the 63d Regiment light infantry company. He wears clothing modified for field use in the summer of 1777, but allowances for an active campaign had already been enacted by autumn 1776, including the use of blanket slings (tumplines) in place of knapsacks. In September 1776 Capt. William Leslie, 17th Regiment, wrote of the few possessions he carried into the field, My whole stock consists of two shirts 2 pr of shoes, 2 Handkerchiefs half of which I use, the other half I carry in my Blanket, like a Pedlar's Pack. Sheldon S. Cohen, "Captain William Leslie's 'Paths of Glory," New Jersey History, 108 (1990), 63. Artwork by Don Troiani (Courtesy of the artist, www.historicalimagebank.com )

Light company, 40th Regiment. Image showing a soldier of the recreated unit wearing a blanket sling in the field. (Photograph by Justin Clement)

Detail from Xavier della Gattas 1782 painting The Battle of Paoli. The Pennsylvania Continentals (standing, firing upper right, and prostrate in the foreground) are shown wearing what seem to be blanket slings. (Courtesy of the American Revolution Museum, Philadelphia, Pa.) For more information on the painting see, Stephen R. Gilbert, An Analysis of the Xavier della Gatta Paintings of the Battles of Paoli and Germantown, 1777: Part I, Military Collector & Historian, vol. XLVI, no. 3 (Fall 1994), 98-108. http://www.scribd.com/doc/209737868/Stephen-R-Gilbert-%E2%80%9CAn-Analysis-of-the-Xavie r-della-Gatta-Paintings-of-the-Battles-of-Paoli-and-Germantown-1777-Part-I-%E2%80%9D-Milit ary-Collector-Histo

A typical Continental soldier wearing a military cocked hat, regimental coat, breeches, and carrying a blanket sling (tumpline) in lieu of a knapsack. Illustration by George C. Woodbridge, from George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution (Texarkana, TX, 1991).

British private, 3d Foot Guards, circa 1805,wearing a blanket carried on a sling. Painting by J.A. Atkinson, Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection.

Federal soldiers on guard, one wearing an over-the-shoulder blanket roll, another carrying a makeshift blanket sling. Taken near Manassas Junction, Virginia, 1862. United States Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, Pa.

C. More Extant Artifacts with Revolutionary War Provenance or with a Design Similar to Knapsacks Used During the War

Linen knapsack held by the Durham Light Infantry Museum, Durham, UK. Described on the museum website as Soldier's Knapsack, Volunteer Infantry, 1800-1815. This canvas knapsack was made by 'Trotters London' and has the Royal Crest of King George III painted on the front. The knapsack opens out flat and there are two inside canvas pockets closed with bone buttons. This type of knapsack was used by Volunteer Infantry in County Durham during the Napoleonic Wars. Acc No: 38/1. This pack is similar to the other British linen knapsacks discussed in the main narrative of this monograph. http://dlimuseum.durham.gov.uk/pgObjects.aspx?&ID=3871&CODE=6&CATDESC=Equipment &WEB=MAIN&SEARCH=

D. Extant Knapsacks Discounted as having Revolutionary War Provenance.

Knapsack originally held by the Valley Forge Hist. Society and pictured in "Sketchbook '76." It is marked 8th. C. 12th R. Originally considered as having provenance to the War for Independence, now generally thought to date from the Federal period, circa 1789-1801. This former VFHS knapsack somehow made its way into a private collection and is pictured in the catalog (termed a haversack) for the Fraunces Tavern Museum exhibit, "'Come all you Gallant Heroes': The World of the Revolutionary Soldier" (1991). This image is shown in black and white image inside, and in color on the back cover.

This artifact was sold on 31 August 2013 by Merrills Auction Gallery, Williston, Vermont. It was described as Lot 19: Important mkd. 6th Co. 34th reg't Haversack with initials "J.B.S" (the 34th Border Reg't arrived & stationed in Quebec May 1776) Unlike any British knapsacks of the 1770s, this was more likely a post-Revolutionary War late 18th century or early 19th century militia pack. (http://www.invaluable.com/catalog/viewLot.cfm?afRedir=true&lotRef=8c78df1102&scp=c&ri=19

(Above and following page.) This knapsack is easily discerned as being post-Revolutionary War, but included here to show changes in form. This artifact belonged to a member of the 61st
Regiment New York militia during the War of 1812, and may mirror United States Army packs used prior to their adoption of the Lherbette pattern knapsack in March 1808. This example was

privately-owned, but is now held by the National Museum of the United States Army.

Pre-1808 knapsack, marked 61st Regt..

_________________________________________________

Dunlaps Partisan Corps on the march, autumn 1777 (as portrayed by the Augusta County Militia and friends). Picquet post at Brandywine event, 24-26 September 2010.

Acknowledgements I wish to thank the following people for their help with this monograph, as with my othert works, this has been a team effort: Linnea Bass, Joel Bohy, Matthew Brenckle, Justin Clement, Henry Cooke, Christopher Fox, Roger Fuller, Stephen Gilbert, Justin Grabowski, Don N. Hagist, Matthew Keagle, Andrew Watson Kirk, Stuart Lilie, Bob McDonald, Jim Mullins, David Niescior, Todd Post, Radford Polinsky, Joseph Privott, Steve Rayner, Eric Schnitzer, R. Scott Stephenson, Gregory S. Theberge, Gregory S. Urwin, Thaddeus Weaver, Rob Welch, Matthew White, and Marko Zlatich.

Endnotes 1. "Cost of a Knapsack complete

1 Yard of linen ---------------0.3.0 making a knapsack ------------------ 4 painting a knapsack ---------------5 straps and buttons ----------------2 thread ----------------------------1 0.4.0 I do certify that I had six thousand knapsacks made in Philadelphia in May last of very good linen at the above mentioned rates. Philaa. June 14. 1782 Daniel Wister"

"Cost of a Knapsack complete," 14 June 1782, Numbered Record Books Concerning Military Operations and Service, Pay and Settlement of Accounts, and Supplies in the War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, Record Group 93, National Archives Microfilm Publications M853, vol. 103, reel 29, p. 102. 2. James Thacher, Military Journal of the American Revolution (Hartford, Ct. 1862), 206. 3. Title: [Panoramic view of West Point, New York showing American encampments on the Hudson River]
Creator(s): L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825, artist Date Created/Published: [1778?, (likely 1782, J.U.R.)] Medium: 1 drawing : watercolor ; 142.7 x 27.7 cm (sheet) Reproduction Number: LC-USZC4-642 (color film copy transparency of entire item) LC-USZC4-268 (color film copy transparency of left) LC-USZC4-269 (color film copy transparency of left center) LC-USZC4-270 (color film copy transparency of right) LC-USZC4-271 (color film copy transparency of right center) LC-USZ62-40974 (b&w film copy neg. of left) LC-USZ62-40975 (b&w film copy neg. of left center) LC-USZ62-40976 (b&w film copy neg. of right center) LC-USZ62-40977 (b&w film copy neg. of right) Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication. Call Number: DRWG 1 - L'Enfant, no. 1 (F size) [P&P] Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Notes: Pencilled on back: "Encampment of the Revolutionary Army on the Hudson River." Title devised by Library staff. Published in: The American Revolution in drawings and prints; a checklist of 1765-1790 graphics in the Library of Congress / Compiled by Donald H. Cresswell, with a foreword by Sinclair H. Hitchings. Washington : [For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.], 1975, no. 557. Exhibited in: "Creating the United States" at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., 2010-2011.

Date for painting of 1782 is based on the service chevrons on the saluting soldiers left sleeve; the chevrons were first authorized on the 7th of that month. Army orders Head Quarters, Newburgh, Wednesday, August 7, 1782. Honorary Badges of distinction are to be
conferred on the veteran Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the army who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct; for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloath of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform Coat. Non commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set in parellel to each other in a simular form; should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them they shall be severely punished. On the other hand it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration. Army orders, Head Quarters, Newburgh, Sunday, August 11, 1782 In order to pre vent misapplication of the honorary badges of distinction to be conferred on the Noncommissioned officers and soldiers in consequence of long and faithful service, through any mistake or misapprehention of the orders of the 7th. instant the general thinks proper to inform the army that they are only attainable by an uninterrupted series of faithful and honorable services. A soldier who has once retired from the field of glory forfeits all pretentions to precedence from former services; and a man who

has deservedly met an ignominious punishmt. or degredation cannot be admitted a Candadate for any honorary distinction, unless he shall have wiped away the stain his reputation has suffered by some very brilliant achievement, or by serving with reputation after his disgrace the number of years which entitle other men to that indulgence. The badges which Noncommissioned officers and soldiers are permitted to wear on the left arm as a mark of long and faithful service are to be of the same colour with the facings of the corps they belong to and not white in every instance as directed in the orders of the 7th. instant.

General orders, 7 August 1782, John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 1745-1799, vol. 24 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1938), 487-488. General orders, 11 August 1782, ibid., vol. 25 (1938), 7-8.

4. Thomas Anburey, Travels Through the Interior Parts of America in a Series of Letters by an Officer, vol. I (New York: The New York Times & Arno Press, 1969), letter XXXVI, 8 August 1777, 378381. 5. Loftus Cliffe to Jack, 24 October 1777, Loftus Cliffe Papers, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Loftus Cliffe correspondence, lieutenant, 46th Regiment, Collections of the William C. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 6. Sheldon S. Cohen, "Captain William Leslie's 'Paths of Glory," New Jersey History, 108 (1990), 63. 7. Loftus Cliffe to Jack, 24 October 1777, Loftus Cliffe Papers, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Loftus Cliffe correspondence, lieutenant, 46th Regiment, Collections of the William C. Clements Library, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 8. Walter Harold Wilkin, Some British Soldiers in America (London, Hugh Rees, Ltd., 1914), 246-247. For a synopsis of British foraging operations around Philadelphia in December 1777, see, John W. Jackson, With the British Army in Philadelphia, 1777-1778 (San Rafael, Ca., and London, U.K.: Presidio Press, 1979), 169-170. 9. Part III, p. 10. T. Triplett Russell and John K. Gott, "Captain John Chilton's Diary", Fauquier Heritage Society News, vol. 2, no. 1 (October 1994) part I, pp. 1-9. 10. Richard Butler to William Irvine, 8 July 1781, John Blair Linn and William H. Egle, Pennsylvania in the War of the Revolution, Battalions and Line 17751783, vol. I (Harrisburg, Pa.: Lane S. Hart, State Printer,1880), 530-532. 11. Francis Barber to his wife, Mary Ogden Barber, 3 July 1781, Roland M. Baumann, ed., Miscellaneous Manuscripts of the Revolutionary War Era, 17711791, in the Pennsylvania State Archives, Manuscript Group 275 (microfilm edition, 1 reel) (Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1978), frame 298. The 1781 Virginia summer campaign was hard on that most crucial of items, footwear. Despite receipt of a large quantity of shoes mentioned by Lt. Ebenezer Wild on 5 May, the light troops sorely needed footwear by late summer, Ensign Benjamin Gilbert noted on 18 July while at Malvern Hill, we are in Daily expectations of marching [to Carolina]. But I dread the march, our men having not more than one pair of shoes or Hose to Eight men, and the sands are so hot in the middle of the Day that it continually raises Blisters on the mens feet. General Wayne claimed the same hardship for his troops, writing on August 9th, Notwithstanding this Circumstance, Delicacy has induced me to march the Penns[ylvani]ans. bare foot over sharp pebbles, & thro burning sands (altho heretofore unused to such treatment) rather than discriminate between any body of troops under my Command. Gilbert to Park Holland, August 1781, John Shy, ed., Winding Down The Revolutionary War Letters of Lieutenant Benjamin Gilbert of Massachusetts, 17801783 (Ann Arbor, Mi.: University of Michigan Press, 1989), 4647. Anthony Wayne to Lafayette, 9 August 1781, Stanley J. Idzerda, ed., Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution Selected Letters and Papers, 17761790, vol. IV (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1981), 307309.

12. Don N. Hagist, The Bivouack of an Army : Roger Lambs Description of a Campaign Encampment in America, The Brigade Dispatch, vol. XXXVI, no. 4 (Winter 2006), 15-18. 13. John Welch, ed., Laws, Orders, and Resolutions Concerning the Militia of Massachusetts-Bay, 1693-1775 (November 2013), 22-23. http://www.scribd.com/doc/194114059/Laws-Orders-And-Resolutions-Concerning-the-Militia-o f-Massachusetts-Bay 14. (Courtesy of Joel Bohy) Note by one of the men who helped exhume the bodies from the mass grave in what is now Arlington, Massachusetts (West Cambridge/Menotomy at the time). A piece of a Cartridge box which belonged to one of the Amerricans who was killed with Eleven others in the House of Jason Russell, by the Brittish on their return from Concord and Lexington on the 19th of April 1775, they were all buried in one Common Grave, with their Clothes, Knapsacks, &c. on W.L. Lane The Lexington-Concord Battle Road: Hour by Hour Account of Events Preceding and on the History-Making Day of April 19, 1775 (Eastern National, 2010), 29. 15. New-England Chronicle (Cambridge, Massachusetts), 12 May 1775 http://allthingsliberty.com/2014/01/lost-found/ Lemuel Pomeroy of Southampton, Massachusetts, was captain of a company that marched on 21 April 1775, in response to the 19 April Concord alarm. Their service lasted twenty-two days, returning home 13 May 1775. Albert A, Pomeroy, History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family: Collateral Lines in Family Groups, Normandy, Great Britain and America: comprising the ancestors and descendants of Eltweed Pomeroy from Beaminster, County Dorset, England, 1630, vol. 2 (Toledo, Oh.: The Franklin Printing and Engraving Company, 1912), 841. 16. Samuel T. Worcester, History of the Town of Hollis, New Hampshire, from its First Settlement to the Year
1879 (Press of O. C. Moore, 1879), 155-156. 17. Ibid., 155.
Cambridge, December ye 22d, 1775. This may certify that we the Subscribers in Capt Reuben Dow's Company in Col. Wm. Prescott's Reg1 in the Continental Army, that we lost the following Articles in the late engagement on Bunker's Hill at Charlestown on ye 17th of June last. James McConnor, 1 gun, 1 napsack, l hat, 1 Jaccat, 1 tumpline. Wm. Nevins, 1 knapsack, 1 jacket, 1 tumpline. Minott Farmer, 1 knapsack, 1 sword, 1 tumpline. Sam1 Hill, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Ephraim Blood, 1 gun, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. James Macintosh, 1 knapsack, 1 jacket, 1 tumpline. Libbeus Wheeler, 1 knapsack, 1 hat, 1 tumpline. David Farnsworth, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Noah Worcester, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Elias Boynton, 1 gun. Francis Blood, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Abel Brown, 1 gun, 1 cartridge box, 1 tumpline. Nahum Powers, 1 knapsack, l hat, 1 jacket, 1 bayonet, 1 tumpline. Isaac Stearns, 1 gun, 1 knapsack. Israel Kenney, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Titos Pratt, 1 gun, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Nath1 Patten, 1 knapsack, 1 jacket, 1 tumpline. David Ames, 1 knapsack, 1 cartridge box, 1 tumpline. Sam1 Jewett, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Wm. Wood, 1 gun, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Benjn Cumings, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Francis Powers, 1 gun, 1 bayonet.

Wm. Adams, 1 knapsack. Josiah Fisk, 1 knapsack, 1 cartridge box, 1 tumpline. > Wilder Chamberlin, 1 knapsack. Nehemiah Pierce, 1 knapsack, 1 hat, 1 tumpline. Abel Conant, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. Uriah Wright, 1 knapsack, 1 tumpline. [Note: The estimated value of the above said articles, was (on an average) for a gun, 2: 4.11; a knapsack, 0: 1:6; a jacket, 0: 16: 0; a cartridge box, 0: 4: 8; a tumpline, 0: 1:6.] It appears that the eight Hollis men in Capt. Spalding's company, in the New Hampshire regiment of Col. Reed, were all present in the battle, and that each of them lost portions of his clothing or equipments, as is shown from the returns of losses made after the battle, now to be found in the New Hampshire Provincial Papers (Volume 6, page 592). These losses with their appraised value were as follows: Andrew Bailey, 1 coat, 1 shirt, trousers, stockings, Job Bailey, 1 cartridge box, knapsack, and shirt, Phineas Hardy, 1 blanket, coat, shirt, breeches, Thomas Hardy, 1 blanket, coat, jacket, stockings, Ephraim [?] 1 gun, breeches and shirt, Samuel Leeman, 3 coats and 1 blanket, Ephraim Rolfe, 1 gun, blanket, shirt, stockings, Ephraim Smith, 1 knapsack, shirt, stockings

18. Nathaniel Bouton, ed., Provincial Papers: Documents and Records Relating to the Province of New-Hampshire, from 1764 to 1776, vol. VII (Nashua: Orren C. Moore, State Printer, 1873), 586-597, 603.
(page 590) A Return of the packs & Bagag lost by the Solders to Capt. Hezekiah Hutching Company, lost in the Battle of the 17th Day of June, 1775. Sargent James Goss 1 great coat ; Sargent John Lane 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 2 shirts, 1 pr Trousers, 2 prs stockens, 1 lb rope, napsack and catterage Box ; Corp'l John Tuck 1 Blankett, 1 coat, 1 shirt, 2 pr stockens, 1 pr Trousers, 1 jacket, 1 knapsack, with sundry articles. Wil'm Harraman 1 coat, 1 Tin Quart. Benj'n Couch, 1 Blanket, 1 coat, 1 shirt, 2 pr. Stockens, 1 pr. Trousers, 1 Tin poynt, 1 knapsack with rope. Levi Hildreth 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 pr stockens, 1 pr Trousers, 1 pr Breeches, 1 shirt. 1 pack, 1-2 lb rope. John Clifford 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 shirte. 1 pr. Trousers, 1 pr. stockens, 1 pack. Sam'l Heath 1 pr Breeches, 1 shirte, 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 pr Stockens. Moses Webster 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 shirte, 1 pr Trousers, 1 pr Stockens. 1 Tin poynt. Thomas Wilson 1 coat, 1 pr Breeches, 1 Blanket, 1 shirt, 1 pr stockens. 1 pr shoes, 1-2 lb rope, 1 Tin poynt, 1 knapsack. Gilbert Bond 1 Blanket, 1 pr Breeches. 1 shirt, 1 jacket, 1 pr stockens, 1 coat, 1 knapsack. Simon Norton 1 coat, 1 jacket, 1 shirt, 1 pr stockens, 1 blanket, 1 pr shoes, 1 knapsack with sundrys. John Lane 3d 1 coat, 1 shirt, 1 pr stockens, 1 pr Breeches. Thomas Waddly 1 shirt, 1 pr stockens, 1 knapsack, 1-2 lb rope. Amos Knowls 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 shirt, 1 pr stockens, 1 knapsack. Ebenezer Wells 1 pr shoes. Sam'l Healy 1 coat & jacket, 1 pr Breeches, 2 pr stockens, 2 shirts, 1 Blanket, 1 pack, 1 pr Trousers. Simon Merrill 1 gun, 1-2 lb rope, 1 Tin poynt. Wm. Severance 1 pr shoes, 1 pr stockens, 3-4 rope. Peter Severance, Josiah Morss 1 blanket. Moses Kimball 1 coat, 1 pr Breeches, 2 shirts, 1 pr Trousers, 1 pr stockens, 1 Blanket, 1 knapsack. Wm. Gross 1 Blanket, 1 shirte, 1 pr stockens. Sam'l Morrill 1 blanket, 2 jackets, 1 shirte, 2 pr trousers, 1 pr stockens, 1 pack, 1 gun. Thomas Wadley 1 shirt, 1 pr trousers, 1 pr stockens, knapsack, 1 lb rope. Nath'l Levite 1 gun, 1 knapsack, 1 shirt, 1 blanket, 1 coat, 1 pr Breeches, 1 pr stockens. John Varnum 1 blanket, gun, shirt, coat, pack. Moses Quimby 1 gun, 1 blanket, 1 shirt, coat, pack. Stephen Peabody 1 blanket, 1 shirt.

(page 591) An acount of the things that was lost in Capt. Jacob Hinds company in Col James Read's Ridgment lost in the Field of Batel on the 17th Dav of June at Charlestown 1775. Capt. Jacob Hinds, blanket, 3 shirts, trouses, stockings; Serg't Richard Cochlan shirt, shoes, gun; Serg't Ezekiel Davis 1 blanket; Serj. William Farwell l blanket, 2 shirts, 1 pr trouses, 3 pr stockings; Corp. Samuel White, blanket, shurts, trouses, stockings, shooes. Corp. Nath'l Petingel, blanket, shurts, trouses, stockings, shooes. Job Britun. Buckels, shoes, handkerchief. Luther Windslow, blanket, 1 shurt, 1 pr trouses Silas Farnsworth, blanket, shirt, pr. trouses, 2 pr stockings, shooes. Ira Evans 1 pr stockings. Israel Thomas, shurt, trouses, shooes. John White 1 shurt, 1 pr shooes. Jonathan Wright, stockings. David Darby, 1 blanket, 3 shirts, 1 pr stockings, shoes. Lemuel Wintworth, shirt, 1 gun? John McMitchell 1 Pocket book. David Robens, shirts, trousers, 2 pr stockings, caps. Samuel Robens, shirts, trousers, stockings. Elezer Robens 1 handkerchief. Elijah Elmer blanket, shirt, trousers, stockings, handkerchief. Elijah Taylor, shirt, trousers, stockings. Nahum Goodenow, 1 drum. James Symonds 1 shirt, trousers. Oliver Johnson 1 shirt, one pr. stockings. Ebenezer Chamberlin, blanket, stockings, shoes, razor; Jonathan Barret, coat, shirt, blanket, 2 pr shoes, sack, tumplines, stockings, trousers; Elisha Balding, coat, shurt, shoes, sack & sundry articles; Daniel Carlile, shoes, stockings; Lewis Acres, 1 gun, 1 pr shoes, 1 pr stockings ; Ephraim Stone, 1 fine shirt, 1 blanket, 1 pr shoes, 1tow shirt, 1 pr stockings ; Ruben Tarble, shirt, shoes.

(pages 591-592)
A Return of clothing and other things lost in the fight of the 17th of June, 1775, Belonging to Capt. Spaldings company. Capt. Spalding, one shurt, 2 pair stockings, 1 Briches: Lieut. Bradford, 1 Blanket, 1 Shurt; Ens. Butte, 2 shurts, 1 jackett, 2 pr stockings; Serjant Lee, 1 Blanket. 1 coat, 1 jacett, stoking & shoes; Serj.Hutchins, 1 blankett, &c. ; Serj. Merril, 1 coat, 1 blanket, bed-tiking shurt; Serj. Bayley, Catridge Box, 1 shurt, a snapsack; Corporal Pike, 1 Blanket, 1shurt, 2 pair stokins, 1 pr shoes; Do. Hutchinson, 1 blanket, 1 coat, 1 jacett, 2 shurts, &c.; Do. Walker, 1 blankett;

Do. Campbell, 1 blanket, 1 coat, 2 shurts, 1 pair stokons; Joshua Chace, 1 blanket, 1 shurt, 1 pr Briches, stokens; John Johnson, 1 shurt. 1 pair stokens, 1 pail Briches; Edward Bevins. 1 blanket. 1 shurt, 1 pair stokens; John Osgood, 1 Gun. 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 2 pr stokens, 2 shurts; Andrew Thompson, l coat, 1 Blankett, 1 Hankercheff; David Glover, 1 Blanket, 1 coat, 1 pr Briches, 1 shurt, 1 pair stokins; Robert Glover 1 blanket, 2 shurts, 2 pr stokens, pr. Briches; Samuel Currier, 1 gun, 1 blankett, 1 coat & jacket & Briches; Thomas Harday, 1 blanket, coat, jacket, stocking &c; Benja. Starnes, 1 jacket, 2 shirts, 1 pr. Briches; Jona. Starnes. 1 gun, 1 coat, 2 shurts, 1 pr. Briches, 1 pr Trowsers; Natha'l Bacheldor, 1 blanket, 1 coat, 3 shirts, 1 pr Briches; James Campbell, 2 shirts, briches, stockens, hand kerchief; Timothy Mclntire, 1 Blanket, 1 shirt, catreg [box?]; David Carlton. 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 stokens, 2 shirts; Phineas Hardy, 1 coat, 1 Blanket, 1 shurt, Briches; Joseph Elingwood, 1 coat, 2 Blankets, 1 shurt, &c.; Samuel Lowel, 2 shurts. 1 jacket, Catridge Box; Samuel Leeman, 2 coats, 1 Blankett; Isaac Carkin, 2shurts, 1 Briches, 1 pair Trowsers; Ezra Button, 1 coat, 1 shurt, Briches, stokens, &c; Eaphraim Rolf, 1 gun. 1 Blankett, 1 shurt, stockens; Ephraim Smith, 1 shurt, 1 snapsack, stockings; Samuel Stils, 1 shurt, 1 Trowsers, Catridge Box; Richard Hughes, 1 pair Briches, 1 coat, stokens; William Brown, 2 coats, 1 Briches, 2 shurts, stokens; William Duck. 2 coats, 1 shurt, 2 pair stokens; Andrew Baley, 1 coat, 1 shurt, 1 Trousers, stokens; Isaac Cowen, 1 Blankett, 1 coat, Trowsers; Robert Wilkins, 1 Blankett, 1 shurt, Briches. stokens. shoos; Jacob Wellman, 1 coat, 1 jacot, 1 shurt; Ephraim How, 1 gun Briches and shurt.

(page 592)
A Return of the things lost in Capt. Ezra Towne's Company, in Col. Reed's Regiment on the seventeenth of June, 1775, in the fight at Charleston. The names of those that lost things: Lieut Josiah Brown, 1 hat, 1 sword, 1 Malitia Book, one Bottle; Ensign John Harkness, 1 gr't coat, 1 st[out?] Bod'd do., 1 sword, 1 Ink-pot; Benja. Williams, 1 cutlass. 1 Razor. 1 Bottle, tobacco; Farrow Miller, 1 st. Bod'd coat, 1 shirt, 1 pair hose, 1 Napsack; Isaac Stanhope, 1 Blanket; Timo. Avery, 1 Cartridge Box; Sam'l Soper, 1 gun; Eben'r Pratt, 1 st. Bod'd coat, 1 blankett, 1 Napsack; Josiah Stone, 1 coat, 2 shirts, 2 pair of hose, 1 pr. shoes. 1 hankerchief, 1 razor, Napsack; 1 pair Breeches, 1 pair of Trowsers; Levi Adams, 1 pr. of Trowsers;

Daniel Severance, 1 g't coat, 1 st. Bod'd Do, 1 pr. of Breeches, 1 pr. trowsers, 1 bayonet, 1 pr. hose; 1 shirt, 1 Napsack. 1 Tumpline, 1 hankerchief, 1 waistcoat. 1 shirt, 1 Psalm book, 1 pr. spectacles, 1 gun lock; Daniel White, 1 Blanket, 1 coat, 1 shirt, 1 pr. hose, 1 Napsack, 1 hankerc'f ; Jonathan Stevens, 1 st. Bod'd coat, 1 g't coat, 1 pr. Breeches, 1 pr. hose, hat; 1 razor, 1 pr. of shoes, 1 Napsack, 1 Tumpline; Nath'l Carlton, 1 pr of shoes, 1 pr. of Buckles, 1 razor, 1 Book; Thos. Pattison, 1 Blanket, 1 shirt, 1 gun, 1 pr. Trowsers, 1 coat; Arch'l White, 1 hankerchief, 3 Fills [phials?] of Firr Balsome; Stephen Adams, 1 bayonet, 1 razor; David Eliot, 1 gun; Sam'l Hutchins, 1 st. bod'd coat, three shirts; Jeremy Pichard, 1 st. Bod'd coat, 1 bayonet ; David Avery, 1 cartridge box.

(page 593) An account of the things that was lost in Capt. Whitcomb's company In Colo. Reed's Regiment on the 17th day of June, 1775, by the fight that was between the Continental troops, and General Gage's troops on Bunker Hill, at Charlestown. Capt. Jonathan Whitcomb, Great coat, St. Bod'd coat, handkerchief, sundries; Ens. Stephen Carter, shirt, hat; Sarg't William Heaton. shoes; Sarg't Amos Boynton, great coat, stockens; Sarg't Josiah Hastings, St. Bod'd coat. stockens, shirts. pocket book; Sarg't Silvenus Reed, St. Bod'd coat, jacket, shoes, stockens, trousers, handkerchief, short breeches, shirt; Corp'l Luther Trowbridge, stockens, short breeches; Elisha Walton, stockens; Samuel Follet, shoes, trousers, shirt; Stephen Brigum. Sr. Bod'dcoat; Jo. Harrendon, St. Bod'd coat, stockens, trousers, shirt, hat ; Moses Tucker, Bt. Bod'd coat, trousers, handerkerchief; Asa Gale, st. Bod. coat, stockens, shirt; John Merrill, st. Bod. coat, shoes, stockens, short breeches, shirts, sundries; Edward Arnold, great coat, jacket, cartridge box, &c; Joshua Farr, st. Bod'd coat, hat, &c; Holowel Merril, great coat, stockens, short breeches, shirt; Eleazur Gurdin, stockens, trousers, short breeches; Jonathan Farr, hat, &C ; Charles Millens, st. Bod'd coat, stockens; Josiah Burton, cartridge box shot to pieces; Charles Jonston, great coat, shoes, stockens, short breeches, shirt; Luther Trobridge, stockens, short breeches; Jesse Cheney, great coat, st. Bod'd coat, shoes, stockens, tronsers, short breeches, shirt; Joshua Ellis, wounded, st. Bod'd coat. stockens, shirt, gun, &c.; Ebenezer Parsons, jacket, shoes; Benjamin Toleman, shoes, stockens. trousers shirt: Joseph Fassett, great coat, shoes, stockens, trousers, shirt. &c;

Andrew Butler, great ooat, stockens, trousers, shirt, &c.; William Toleman, stockens. trousers short breeches; John Whitney, shoes, stockens; Enoch Cummins, sundries; Amasa Parker, stockens, short breeches, shirt; Pearson Newell, sundries; Abija Whitcomb, st. Bod'd coat, shoes, stockens, trousers, shirt.

(page 594) A Return of what was Lost in Capt. Wm. Walker's company on the 17th of June, 1775. Lieut. James Brown, 1 surtoot, coat; Francis Putnam, 1 blanket, 1 surtoot, 1 shirt, 1 gun ; Jona. Emerson, 1 gun; Israel How, 1 snapsack, 1 great coat, 1 shirt, 1 pare Trowsers, 1 pr Hoes; Wm. Harris, jun 1 pr. Mooskin-breeches, 1 snapsack, 1 shirt, 3 woolen shirts, 1 pr. hoes; Abel Danforth, 1 snapsack. 1 shirt. 1 pr. hoes, 1 great coat; Jona. Danforth, 2 shirts. 1 tow-shirt, 1 pair breeches, 1 blanket, 1 catteridge box. 2 pr. hoes; Phineas Whitnev. 1 shirt, 2 pr Trowsers. 1 pr. hoes, 1 pr. shoes, 1 blanket, 1 snapsack; Paul Clogston, 1 snapsack. 1 pr. mooskin breeches, 2 shirts, 1 pr. trowsers, 1 blanket, 2 pr. hoes; Henry Lovewell. 1 snapsack, 1 coat, 1 shirt. 1 pair Hoes; Medad Combs, 1 snapsack, 1 shirt, l pr. Hoes; Ichabod Lovewell, 1 Blanket, 1 shirt, 1 pr. Hoes, 1 coat. 1 Pistol, 1 Fife; Phillip A. Roby, 1 snapsack, 1 blanket, 1 shirt, 1 pr. trousers, 1 pr. Hoes; John Snow, snapsack, 1 blanket. 1 shirt, 1 pr. trowsers, 1 pr. Hoes; Eleazer Blanchard, 1 new Blue serge coat lin'd; Nehemiah Winn, 1 shurt ; Wm. Butterfield, 1 snapsack, 1 shirt, 1 pr. Hoes; Joseph Greele, 1 snapsack, 2 shirts, 2 pr. Leather-breeches, Cartridge-box; Jacob Blodgett, 1 pr. hoes: Jona. Harris, 2 shirts, 1 pr. Trousers, 1 Blanket, 1 gun, 1 Catteridge Box ; Nehemiah Lovewell, 1 shirt, 1 gnapsack; Adrian Hawkins, 1 pr. shoes. 1 pr. Hoes; Mansfield Toplin. 1 shirt, 1 pr. Hoes, 1 gnapsack; Silas Chamberlain, 1 coat, 1 jacket, 2 shirts, 1 gnapsack; John Lovewell, 1 gnapsack, 2 shirts. 1 pr. Hoes; Henry Lovejoy, 1 gnapsack, 1 Blanket, 1 shirt. 1 great coat, 1 pr. Deerskin-breeches. 1 pr. sheepskin-breeches, 2 Hoes; Jona. Gray, 1 gnapsack. 1 Blanket, 1 great coat, 1 shirt, 2 pr. Hoes, 1 pr. trowzers; Wm. Harris. Drum sticks & sling; Isaac Brown, 1 gnapsack, 1 pr. Hoes, 1 pr. shoes, 1 shirt, 1 pr. breeches, 1 surtoot, 1 jacket, 1 pr. trowsers; James Harwood, 1 coat, 1 pr. Breeches. 1 shirt, 1 pr. Hoes; Benja. Whitney, 1 snapsack, 1 shirt, 1 pr. trowsers, 1 blanket, 1 pr. shoes. 1 Bible; Timothv Darlin, 1 coat, l snapsack; Benj. Bayley. 1 Powder horn, 1 cattridge-box ; Capt. Wm. Walker, 2 pair shoes, 1 3-4 yds. fine cloth att 3-4 per yd.; Asa Cram, 1 gun and bayonet.

The above Account is the true account of what my company Lost on Bunker Hill, Charlestown. the 17th of June, 1775, and justly prized according to the best of my knowledge. Winter Hill, July 15th, 1775. William Walker, Capt. (page 595) A List of Losses, sustained in the Batal and Retreat on bunker hill the 17th of June, 1775, of Capt. Thomas's Company in the New Hampshire Reserves. Lieut. [John Harper,] one hat; Ens'n [Ezekiel Rand] coat two shirts, one gun, iron strike sword, pr hose; Sarg't. Benjamin Davis, a blanket, surtout. one byanot; Ezekiel Larned, one gone [gun] one byanot & belt, one powder horn; Sarg't Simon Dans, one coat; Sarg't Jacob Pierce, a coat, a shag great coat & pack; Corporal John Demary, one blanket, one byanot. one haversack; Corp'l Semion Inglas, one Cartridge Box, one gun, & byanot, one powder horn, one blanket: Corp'l. Benjamin Lovring, Cadous Box & silke handkerchief ; Drums & Fifers Daniel Lake, one pair of suse [shoes] one blanket; Lemi Page, one shagge greatcoat; Richard Alexander, caduse Box & a coat; Thomas Hutchinson, a pare of trowsors; David Daves, a fine shirt, & a pair of yarn hose; Jonathan Lovejoy, a surtoot, four shirts, one coat, two waistcoats, one gun. three pare of hoe, one pouch, neckcloth, one pr. of trousers, one cat box, Baynot; Thomas Henderson. 2 shirts. 2 pr. hose, coat & waistcoat, & a pare of Lether breeches; James Cochran, blanket, pr. Briches, a pr. of hose, a Rasor, havsak; Dudley Griffin, a coat & shirt; Benjamin Beales, a shirt, two pr. of hose; Ezekiel Demary, one pr. of hose; Reuben Paige, a great cote, & one shirt. 1 pr. of hose, l powder horn, one cartridge Box, one wastcoat; Obadiah Marsh, one shirt. 1 pr. of hose, one Havisack; Joell Russell, 1 coat, 1 pr. Leather-briches, 1 pr. hose, two shirts, one hat, 1 powder horn, haversack; Jacob Hobbs, one blanket; Timothy Rogers, one shirt : Godfary Richison, one pare of suse [shoes] : Henry Davis, one pare or trousers; Hugh Gregg, one shag great coat, 1shirt. 1 powder horn. Bulet-pouch. Philip Thomas. Capt.

(pages 595-596) A True account of what was lost in the Battle on Bunkers Hill in Capt. Benjamin Mann's Company in June ye 17th 1775. Samuel Campbell, a coat, a pare of Trousers, shirt, Snapsac, Tumpline, Blanket, a pr. Of Breches, a pare Stockens; ; John Adams, a pare of Soes; John Buxton, a gun; John Thomas, a coat, a pr. of shoes,,a Snapsack, a Tumpline; Robert Wolsey, a pare of Stockens; John Slone, a coat, shirt, a Snapsack & Blankett; Zacheus Hodgman, a Blankett; William Parker, a shirt, a pare of Trousers, snapsack, a pr. of stockens, hat;

Amos Coburn, a coat, a pr. of trousers, a snapsack, a Blankett, pr. Stockens; Joseph Hodgman, a Blankett; Thomas Tarbell. a coat; Isaac Barrett, a Blankett; Samuel Scripture, 2 shirts, a gun, a snapsack ; Elijah Avery, a pair of Stockens, a gun ; Benjamin Mann, a gun ; James Brewer, a pare of shoes; Jeremiah Holt, Snapsack; Samuel Right, a coat, 2 shirts, 1 gun, a snapsack, a Tumpline, a Blankett, a pr. of breeches, a pr. of Stockens; Isaac Flagg, 2 coats, a shurt, a pr of shoes, a Snapsack & tumpline, a Blankett, a pare of Breeches, a pr. of stockens; Samuel Abbott, a gun & Bayonet; John Fish, a jacot, a pare of trousers, 2 shurts, a pr. of shoes, a Snapsack & Tumpline, a pair of breeches; Daniel Collins, a pr. of Breeches; Simeon Hildreth, a coat, a shurt, a snapsack, a Blankett; Ebenezer Carlton, a silk handkerchief; Geo. Willson, a coat and handkerchief. Benjamin Mann, Capt. (page 596) An account of things that was lost at the Battle on Bunkers hill, on the 17th of June, 1775, belonging to Capt. Crosby's Company, viz. Capt. Crosby's things are 1 pistel & 1 pair of worsted stockings; Lieut. Daniel Wilkins 1 cotton shirt; Ens'n Thomson Maxwell, 1 fine shirt & one powder horn ; Adg't Stephen Peabody one blanket & one shirt; Quarter Master Frye one coat & one Hatt ; Serg't William Bradford one shirt; Serg't Lemuel Winchester one pair of shoes; Eli Wilkins 1 Blanket& one Bullet Mold; Alexander Brown 1 cotton shirt, one pair of stockings & one gnapsack; Thaddeus Fitch 1 shirt, 1 pair of calfskin pumps, 1 pr. trowzers & Gnapsack; Samuel Starnes 1 pair of shoes; Stephen Crosby, 1 great coat& 1 shirt; Jona. Wilkins 1 shirt; Thomas Giles one gun, 1 cartooch Box & one jacket; Thomas Perry one woolen shirt, one powder horn & one gnapsack; Joseph Boutel, one pair of stockings, 1 pair of Leather-Breeches; Nathaniel Barrett 1 gnapsack, one pair of shoes & buckles & 1 handkerchief; Sam'l Williams 1 shirt & one handkerchief & one gun; James Gilman, 1 Blanket & one Handkerchief; Joseph Wakeiield, 1 pr of Deer-skin Breeches, 1 Cartooch Box; Eben'r Wakeiield, 1 sett of shoe-makers Tools, 1 shirt 2 pr of stockings & 1 pr of shoes; Dan'l Kenney, 1 great coat & one gun; Joseph Wallis 1 pair of shoes; Andrew Leavitt, 1 coverlid, one pr. of stockings, 1 gnapsack & Handkerchief: Josiah Sawyer one gun, one coat, one Powder horn & one Bible; Joshua Abbot 1 gnapsack & pair of stockings. Josiah Crosby. Capt. (page 597) Charleston, June ye 21. This is the acompt of the Packs that was lost in the fite the 18[sic] of the same month Belonging to Capt. John Marcy. Capt. Marcy 1 good coat, 2 good fine shurts, 1 pr. stockings, 1 blanket, 1 pr Boots:

Lt. Farwell, 1 sword, 1 good coat, 4 good shurts, 4 pr. of stockings, 1 pr of Boots, 1 pr. Sadelbags, 1 pr of spurs, 1 pr. Lether briches, 2 silk handkerchief, 1 Blanket; Ens. James Tagard, 2 good shurts, 3 pr stockings. 1 pr sadelbags. 1 pr shous, 1 Tumpline, 1 pillar case: Isaac Johnson. 1 good Blanket. 1 good piller case. 3 good shurts. 3 good pr. of stockings. 1 good pr. trouses, 1 good frock. 1 good razor and sum other things Besides; Ebenezer Kingsbury 1 good shurt, 1 pr. stockings. 1 pr trouses, 1 pr. shoos, 1 tumpline, 1 Blanket; Jonathan Eastman, 1 good Blanket, 1 good shurt, 1 pr trouses, 2 good capes. 1 good Rasher, 1 new pair of shoues; Jonathan Eastman jun'r. 1 good piller-case. 1 good Blanket. 1 shurt. 1 pair trouses; Heskier Clark. 1 Blanket, 1 shurt, 1 pr. trouses. 1 pr stockings; Daniel Adams, 1 Blanket, 1 coat, 1 shurt, 1 pr velvet briches; Elisha Gustin 1 Blanket. 1 shurt, 2 pr stockings. 1 piller case, 1 tumpline; Stephen Gilman. 1 shurt, 1 pr stockings, 1 piller case. 1 pair shous, 1 pr buckels; Joseph Parke, 1 velvet jacat. 1 shurt, 2 pr stockings, 1 tumpline; Amos Flud, 1 shurt, 1 pr trouses. 1 piller case, 1 shurt; Alexander Dihbel, l Blanket, l pr cloath Briches. 1 pr stockings; Caleb Airl, 1 pr stockings. 1 tumpline; John Downs. 1 blanket, 1 tumpline, 1 pr stockings, 1 shurt, 1piller case; Gilbert Castwell, 1 blanket. 1 coat. 1 fir stockings. 1 shurt. 1 piller case; David Cross. 1 blanket. 1 shurt. 1 coat. 1 jacut, 1 pr trouses. 1 pr stockings. 1 tumpline: Cornelius Warren, 1 blanket, 1 piller-case, 1 shurt. 1 pr trouses. 1 Rasher; Samuel Marcy, 1 blanket, 1 pr stockings, Samuel Bur, 1 blanket, 1 pr of Lether Briches. 1 gun. 1 tumpline, 1 pr stockings, 1 piller case; Isac Read, 1 gun. 1 coat, 1 Blanket. 1 shurt. 1 pr stockings, 1 piller case, l tumpline. l pr Briches; Jesse Knot, 1 Blanket; John Cross. 1 shurt. 1 snapsack, 1tumplin, 2 pr stockings; Joseph Powars, 1 pr trouses, 1 pr stockings, 1 piller case. 1 tumpline; John Pulsepher, 1 piller case, 1 blanket. 2 shurts. 1 good pr. briches. 1 pr trouses, Timothy Clark, 1 grate coat, 1 tite coat, 1 good shirt, 1 good Drum. 1 tumpline; John Barrett, 2 pr stockings, 2 shurts, 1 pr lether Briches, 1 pr shous, l pr white briches, 1 white shurt; Phillip Huntoon. 1 grate coat. 1 Blanket. 2 shurts. 2 pr stockings. 1 piller [case], 1 tumpline. 1 pr shous: Edward Kies. 2 good shirts. 1 pr shous, 1 grate coat, 1 pr stockings, John Calkins. 1 shurt. 1 tumpline.

Snapsacks: Several of the above returns listing clothing and equipment lost at Bunker Hill contain alternate spellings of the word knapsack; the variations are napsack, gnapsack, and snapsack. The list for a single company, Capt. William Walkers, uses two of those variations, gnapsack and snapsack, leaving one to think the writer was describing two different items. Possibly the list may have been written by two different people, each with their own spelling preference. Unfortunately, without examining the handwriting on the original document we have no way of knowing. In recent years, the term snapsack has been linked to a simple single-strap crude knapsack, formed like a bag and closed by a drawstring at one end. The examples pictured in period images of British soldiers were made of skin, but many reproductions have been made of linen. Previously this author broadcast requests for others to provide research confirming that such receptacles were named snapsacks in 18th century America or Britain, and, failing that, have also been unable to do so myself. Pending solid information on the matter, I am left to conclude that the term snapsack is an alternate spelling of knapsack, and a generic term referring to no specific design. For now, let us close with the definition provided by the Oxford English Dictionary, Snapsack A knapsack. Common from c 1650 to 1700. The Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, vol. 2 (Oxford University Press, 1971), 2889. Finally, at this time there is no evidence at all that the single-sling drawstring bag/knapsack was used during the American Revolution by anyone, even American militia.

Linen drawstring knapsack, modern reproduction made of linen. http://blueboxsutlery.com/photos4.html See also, http://www.18cnewenglandlife.org/18cnel/wallets.htm

Detail from David Morier, Grenadiers, 16th and 17th Regiments of Foot, and Grenadier and Drummer, 18th Royal Irish Regiment of Foot, 1751

Detail from David Morier, Grenadiers, 46th, 47th and 48th Regiments of Foot, 1751 http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection-search/david%2520morier

Detail from Edward Penny, R.A. (1714-1791), An Officer Giving Alms to a Sick Soldier (circa 1765, oil on canvas). The painting depicts an officer of the 3rd Irish Horse (now the Scots Dragoons Guards) extending charity to an infantryman and his family. A variant of the Marquis of Granby

relieving a sick soldier, which was exhibited by Penny at the Society of Artists in 1765 and which was presented to the Bodleian by the artist in 1787. The 3rd Irish Horse fought under Granby at the battle of Warburg in 1760 during the Seven Years War, and it is probable that this painting may have been commissioned from the artist at the same date.

Here is a letter possibly describing the use of knapsacks (not snapsacks) in the form of a bag with a drawstring closure used by Connecticut Provincial troops:
Norwich Connecticut, 6 September 1755 Capt [John] Terry [Maj. Gen. Phineas Lymans 1st Connecticut Provincial Regiment] Sir....I send you by the Bearor 33 knapsacks with cord and straps and twine to whip the end of the cords which your men may do and put them in; I sent 50 knapsacks to Lieut. [Prince] Tracy but had not their straps made and if he has supply'd that matter please to send back the 50 now sent by the bearor. Your humble servt Hez. Huntington [Col. Hezekiah Huntington, commissary to the Connecticut Provincial troops] Connecticut Historical Society, Miscellaneous Manuscripts. (Courtesy of Gary Zaboly, via Rob Frasier)

19. Bennett Cuthbertson, System for the Compleat Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry, (Dublin, 1768), 82-85, 93, 101. The 1779 edition included the amended directive that the leather straps be coloured as the Accoutrements. 20. Timothy Pickering, Jr., An Easy Plan of Discipline for a Militia (Salem, Massachusetts: Printed by Samuel and Ebenezer Hall, 1775), 3-4. Massachusetts authorized use of Pickerings Easy Plan for its militia in May 1776, though whether that extended to Continental regiments is unknown. Joseph R. Riling, The Art and Science of War in America: A Bibliography of American Military Imprints, 1690-1800 (Bloomfield, Ontario: Museum Restoration Service, 1990), 8, 9, 36-37. 21. E.M Ruttenbur, Catalog of Manuscripts and Relics in Washingtons Head-Quarters, with Historical Sketch (Newburgh, N.Y.: E.M Ruttenbur and Son Printers, 1874), item 661, knapsack of Capt. David Uhl, and worn by him when he joined the army at Harlem. Preserved by his daughter, Mrs. Henry A. Bell. Robert L. Klinger & Richard A. Wilder, Sketchbook '76, The American Soldier, 1775-1781 (Union City, Tn.: Pioneer Press, 1974), 30. 22. Dwight MacKerron, ed., Exult O Americans & Rejoice! The Revolutionary War Diary of Ezra Tilden (Stoughton, Ma.: Stoughton Historical Society, 2009), 37. 23. Ibid., 44, 50, 58, 60-61. 24. "Return of Tents and Knapsacks prepared and preparing for the campaign 1781, Numbered Record Books Concerning Military Operations and Service, Pay and Settlement Accounts, and Supplies in the War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records (National Archives Microfilm Publication M853, reel 29, target 4), Record Group 93, National Archives, Washington 25. MacKerron, ed., Exult O Americans & Rejoice! The Revolutionary War Diary of Ezra Tilden, 44, 58, 60-61. "Plan for the Cloathing of the Infantry," 1779, George Washington Papers, Presidential Papers Microfilm (Washington: Library of Congress, 1961), series 4, reel 63. 26. Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army During the War of the Revolution April, 1775, to December, 1783, New, Revised, and Enlarged Edition (Washington, D.C.: The Rare Book Publishing Company, Inc., 1914), 351. James Minor Lincoln, The Papers of Captain Rufus Lincoln of Wareham, Mass., Compiled from the Original Records (Privately Printed, 1904), 27. 27. Elisha Gross pension file (W14820), Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, 18001900, Record Group 15; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. 28. J. Young to Samuel Chase, 9 February 1776, enclosed in Samuel Chase to Thomas Jenifer, 10 February 1776, "Journal of the Maryland Convention, 26 July-14 August 1775/Journal and

Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, August 29, 1775-July 6, 1776," William Hand Brown, Archives of Maryland, vol. 11, (Baltimore, Md., 1892), 150. A "rough draft of the new Invented napsack and haversack in one that is adopted by the American regulars of Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Virginia ...," contained in Samuel Chase to J. Young, 9 February 1776, is found in the Maryland State Papers, (Red Books), Archives of the State of Maryland, access. no. MdHR 4561, loc. 1-6-3-38, 4, item 13. 29. The Maryland Gazette, no. 1609, 11 July 1776, Maryland Gazette Collection, MSA SC2731, 9 January 1772-10 September 1779, M1282, Archives of Maryland Online, Image 1134a-1134b. http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001282/html/m1282-1134a.html 30. John Gordon and Matthew Patten to Maryland Council of Safety, 17 July 1776, Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, 7 July to 31 December 1776, vol. 12, p. 69. http://aomol.msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/html/volumes.html 31. Council of Safety to John Gordon and Matthew Patten, 27 July 1776, ibid., vol. 12, p. 128. 32. In Congress June 3, 1776.
Resolved. That a flying camp be immediately established, and that it consist of ten thousand men, to make up which number, Resolved, that the colony of Pennsylvania be requested to furnish of the militia 6000 Maryland of their militia 3400 Delaware government of their 600 That the militia be engaged to the first day of December next, unless sooner discharged by Congress. That the pay of the militia commence from the day of their marching from home, and that they be allowed one penny a mile, lawful money, in lieu of rations, for traveling expences, and one days pay for every 10 miles, between home and the general rendezvous, going and returning. That three provincial brigadier generals be employed for the flying camp, two from Pennsylvania, and one from Maryland. Charles Thomson sec. June 4. Resolved, that it be recommended to assemblies and conventions of the colonies, requested to supply or furnish militias, by the resolutions of yesterday, to take particular care that the militias come provided with arms, accoutrements, and camp kettles. By order of Congress, John Hancock, president.

The Maryland Gazette, no. 1606, 20 June 1776, Maryland Gazette Collection, MSA SC2731, 9 January 1772-10 September 1779, M1282, Archives of Maryland Online, Image 1123-1124. http://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc4800/sc4872/001282/html/m1282-1123.html 33. Minutes Maryland Council of Safety, 31 July 1776, Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, 7 July to 31 December 1776, vol. 12, p. 148. 34. Council of Safety to John Gordon, 16 August 1776, ibid., vol. 12, p. 213. 35. Council of Safety to Maryland Congressional Delegates, 16 August 1776, ibid., vol. 12, pp. 211-212. 36. Muster Rolls and Other Records of Service of Maryland Troops in the American Revolution, 1775-1783: Archives of Maryland, Maryland Historical Society (Baltimore: The Lord Baltimore Press, The Friedenwald Company, 1900), 4. Fred Anderson Berg, Encyclopedia of Continental

Army Units: Battalions, Regiments and Independent Corps (Harrisburg, Pa.: Stackpole Books, 1972), 47, 67-68, 120. 37. Eric I. Manders, Notes on Troop Units in the Flying Camp, 1776, Military Collector & Historian, vol. 26, no. 1 (Spring 1974), 9-13. 38. Minutes Maryland Council of Safety, 31 July 1776, Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, 7 July to 31 December 1776, vol. 12, pp. 233, 244-245, 247-248, 257. 39. Minutes Maryland Council of Safety, 6 September 1776, ibid., vol. 12, p. 259. Total number of knapsacks paid for is based on one pack costing eight shillings, six pence. 1 pound = 20 shillings or 240 pence 1 shilling = 12 pence 40. Council of Safety to Gerard Hopkins, 27 July 1776, ibid., vol. 12, p. 128. See also, Peter Force, American Archives, series 5, vol. I (Washington, D.C., 1848), 617. 41. Gerard Hopkins to the Council of Safety, 30 July 1776, Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, 7 July to 31 December 1776, vol. 12, p. 146. See also, Force, series 5, vol. I, 666. 42. Isaac Griest to the Council of Safety, 19 August 1776, Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, 7 July to 31 December 1776, vol. 12, p. 222. 43. Brent Tarter, ed., "The Orderly Book of the Second Virginia Regiment, September 27, 1775-April 15, 1776", The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 85, no. 2 (April 1977), no. 3 (July 1977), 180. 44. 4 November 1775,
"Expences Army 103 yds Ozns. [osnaburg linen] deld Capt Johnston [George Johnson, 2d Virginia] for Knapsacks @ 1/6 6 November 1775, "Expences Army deld Capt [Richard] Parker [2d Virginia] 100 yds Ozs. for knapsacks @ 1/6 6 November 1775, "73 yds Ozns deld Capt [William] Taliaferro [2d Virginia] for knapsacks @ 1/6 9 yds do for Haversacks deld ditto @1/6 8 November 1775, "154 yds Ozns deld Capt [William] Fontaine [2d Virginia] for Knapsacks & Haversacks @ 1/6

Mary R.M. Goodwin, Clothing and Accoutrements of the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Forces, 1775-1780. From the Records of the Virginia Public Store at Williamsburg (transcription and annotation, 1962), 160; The manuscript ledgers, journals, and day-books of the Public Store in Williamsburg, 1775-1780, have been preserved and held by the Virginia State Library (renamed the Library of Virginia), Richmond. The research Department of Colonial Williamsburg has microfilm copies of the manuscript volumes (C.W. M-1016, reels 1-3). E.M. Sanchez-Saavedra, A Guide to Virginia Military Organizations in the American Revolution, 1774-1787 (Richmond: Virginia State Library, 1978), 29-30, 34-36, 38-39, 41-42, 45, 48-49, 51-52, 54-55. 45. Receipt Book B of the Committee of Safety, 23 May 1776-31 July 1776, Record Group 27 (microfilm) reel Records of Pennsylvanias Revolutionary Government, 1775-1790, Pennsylvania State Archives. 46. Benjamin Warners knapsack and note are now in the collections of Fort Ticonderoga, in northern New York.

47. Henry P. Johnston, ed., The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service during the War of the Revolution, 1775-1783 (Hartford: The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Co, 1889), 37, 39. 48. Deposition, 10 August 1832, Benjamin Warner pension file (S14798), Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, 18001900, Record Group 15; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. 49. Johnston, The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service during the War of the Revolution, 1775-1783, 41, 93. 50. Ibid., 91. 51. Kenneth Roberts, March to Quebec: Journals of the Members of Arnolds Expedition (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1946), 39. 52. Deposition, 10 August 1832, Benjamin Warner pension file (S14798), Revolutionary War Pension Files. 53. Ibid. 54. Johnston, The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service during the War of the Revolution, 1775-1783, 392, 432. 55. Deposition, 10 August 1832, Benjamin Warner pension file (S14798), Revolutionary War Pension Files. 56. Timothy Seward, (W11416) in his 1833 pension application, mentioned Samuel: "After the British took
New York, the militia company to which I belonged, was drafted and marched directly for New York and we encamped near Ft. Washington, from thence we were marched to Valentine's Hill, and from thence to White Plains, where we had an engagement with the enemy and there remained until the company returned to New York. We were then marched to North Castle [N.Y.] and were verbally discharged. I belonged to and served in Capt. Samuel Parmelee's company. ... Gen. [Rufus] Putnam was there and Gen. Washington, and I well remember seeing Gen. Washington standing in front of the line when the enemy was firing cannon at us. ..." Timothy Seward's pension papers also state Samuel served again, in April, 1777: "When the enemy burnt the public stores at Danbury, the militia was called upon and we went from Guilford to Fairfield and returned by way of Redding, in search of Tories. We succeeded in taking eight or 10 suspicious persons one night. One of them, named Griswold, proved to be a traitor, and was hanged. I was in service at this time as a private soldier, six days under command of Capt. Samuel Parmelee." The Family Parmelee, http://www.thefamilyparmelee.com/f-warrev.html

57. Deposition, 10 August 1832, Benjamin Warner pension file (S14798), Revolutionary War Pension Files. 58. Benjamin Warners name is listed on a Return of the Levies from the State of Connecticut, that served in the 2nd. Regiment of Artillery, in the Year 1780. Specefying the time of service, and sums due to each. He was a matross, and enlisted on July 20 1780, discharged December 22 1780. Revolutionary War Rolls, National Archives Microfilm Publication M246, Record Group 93, reel 117, folder 37, p. 280. The Muster Roll of Capt. Isaiah Wools Company in the 2d. Battn. Artilly. in the Service of the United States of America Commanded by Jno. Lamb Esqr., compiled at Camp Orange Town 22 August 1780 One sergeant and five matrosses were listed as on Command (i.e., detached duty) at Dobbs Ferry, ibid., reel 120, folder 49, p. 56. Anonymous, A Military Dictionary, explaining and describing the Technical Terms, Works and Machines, used in the Science of War (Dublin: Printed for C. Jackson, 1780) 59. 84th Regiment order book, Malcolm Fraser Papers, MG 23, K1,Vol 21, Library and Archives Canada. 60. "Orderly Book: British Regiment Footguards, New York and New Jersey," a 1st Battalion Order Book covering August 1776 to January 1777, Early American Orderly Books, 1748-1817,

Collections of the New-York Historical Society (Microfilm Edition - Woodbridge, N.J.: Research Publications, Inc.: 1977), reel 3, document 37. 61. Sheldon S. Cohen, "Captain William Leslie's 'Paths of Glory," New Jersey History, 108 (1990), 63. 62. "Howe Orderly Book 1776-1778" (actually a Brigade of Guards Orderly Book from 1st Battalion beginning 12 March 1776, the day the Brigade for American Service was formed), Manuscript Department, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. (Courtesy of Linnea Bass.) 63. British Orderly Book [40th Regiment of Foot] April 20, 1777 to August 28, 1777, George Washington Papers, Presidential Papers Microfilm (Washington: Library of Congress, 1961), series 6 (Military Papers, 1755-1798), vol. 1, reel 117. See also, John U. Rees, ed., "`Necessarys to be Properley Packd: & Slung in their Blanketts: Selected Transcriptions 40th Regiment of Foot Order Book, http://revwar75.com/library/rees/40th.htm 64. "Captured British Orderly Book [49th Regiment], 25 June 1777 to 10 September 1777, . George Washington Papers (microfilm), series 6, vol. 1, reel 117. 65. "Orderly Book: First Battalion of Guards, British Army, New York" (covers all but a few days of 1779), Early American Orderly Books, N-YHS (microfilm), reel 6, document 77. 66. Ibid. 67. A.R. Newsome, ed., "A British Orderly Book, 1780-1781", North Carolina Historical Review, vol. IX (January-October 1932), no. 2, 178-179; no. 3, 286, 287. 68. Order book, 43rd Regiment of Foot (British), 23 May 1781 to 25 August 1781, British Museum, London, Mss. 42,449 (transcription by Gilbert V. Riddle). 69. MG23-K31 (2), Library and Archives Canada. (Courtesy of Matthew Keagle); transcription of original manuscript, Orderly books kept in Halifax, Nova Scotia, MssCol 1221, Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library, Two orderly books kept by British Marines at Halifax, Nova Scotia. The first volume dates June 3-August 8, 1776 and was kept by the 27th (or Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot, commanded by Maj. Gen. Eyre Massey. This fragmentary volume records the activities of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of Marine Guards. The second volume dates April 13-May 19, 1777 and was kept by the 1st Battalion of Marines, commanded by Massey. 70. Ibid. 71. Capt. Paul Minchins order book, 29th Regiment of Foot, 1781-83, Malcolm Fraser Papers, MG23, K1, vol. 28, Library and Archives Canada. 72. Paul Fussell, Doing Battle: The Making of a Skeptic (Boston, New York, Toronto and London, 1998), 136.