83 pennsylvania

[packrat]

Our research finds the 83 Pennsylvania purchased hair on Packs from France for the Reg. Can anyone offer any details concerning dates and numbers? Paul Lopes

[Cannoneer]

Paul,

Try this thread on the AC board.

French Knapsacks (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17015)

French Knapsack take two (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20914). This one is more about current makers and such

Regards,

[GrumpyDave]

Purchase Shellhammer's(sp) book on the 83rd. It's in the first few chapters. There's also neat stuff about the first shirts the regiment was issued. Also, the historical society in Erie has a website and an e-mail address for contact. They're a wealth of information on the old 83rd.

Got a search engine?

BTW, All of those packs were, for the most part, lost to the Confederates at Gain's Mill. Some were recovered at Malvern Hill but, gone again when they were re-equipped at Harrison's Landing.

[packrat]

Gonna try the Erie connection, go to the source we always say. YHS Paul Lopes

[83pvi]

Paul,
Reading Oliver Norton's Army Letters 1861-1865, he says the 83rd got the knapsacks when they won a drill compition in late 1861, and were issued Chasseur uniforms in early December of 1861, and says the entire regiment was issued the clothes and gear. In mid-March '62 when the division marched from Alexandria, Va. to Fairfax,Va. Norton says around three or four miles in to the march, the roadside was strewn with knapsacks.
The only problem with Mr. Schellhammer's book is that it pretty much ends after Gettysburg, even though the enlistments did not run out until September, 1864.
Hope this helps.

John Sivak
83rd PVI Co. I

[Pennvolunteer]

On page 23 of "History of the Eighty Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers" there is a long list of items issued to the 83 PVI and it includes the hair tanned leather knapsacks. This book is by Amos Jusdon, Capt Co E is closest in my view as the "official" history of the 83rd. Only one I know of that is period by a member of the regiment. Reprinted in 1986 by Morningside, ISBN 0-89029-087-3.

Frank Siltman
Pennvolunteer

[83pvi]

Frank,
Judson's book is pretty good. There is also a Army Letters 1861-1865 by Oliver Norton. The problem with his book is that Norton became Brigade Bugler in early 1863, and transfered to a USCT commision in 1864. It is also rare, and may cost over $100 to get a hardcover copy.
Also Grumpy Dave, the 83rd recovered the French knapsacks at Chancellorsville, not Malvern Hill.

John Sivak
83d PVI Co. I

[RJSamp]

Frank,
Judson's book is pretty good. There is also a Army Letters 1861-1865 by Oliver Norton. The problem with his book is that Norton became Brigade Bugler in early 1863, and transfered to a USCT commision in 1864. It is also rare, and may cost over $100 to get a hardcover copy.
Also Grumpy Dave, the 83rd recovered the French knapsacks at Chancellorsville, not Malvern Hill.

John Sivak
83d PVI Co. I

Norton's book was republished, it is not rare, and doesn't cost anywhere near $100. Amazon.com

I like his use of the issued to all in the 83rd PA 48 ounce mucket......
scoop up water into the mucket from the ocean (no additional seasonings allowed).....cut up a chicken, add onions, etc......delicious chicken soup....