Union Bedroll

[SackCoat]

New to reenacting and will be going to my first event soon as a Union soldier.

Trying to find a balance between getting some rest at night and being authentic. So, did Union soldiers use quilts, (say sent from home), or other period bedding with the standard issue blankets?


Thanks!

[mrobeson]

In a word, no. They used a blanket and maybe a rubber blanket, that's it.

[dixieflyer]

Sack Coat (I assume you have a real name?), :confused:
Good question, and one i had many, many years ago when I started out. (It took me just under a year to transition to this, I'll have to find the really ancient CCG article on stages sometime.) ;)
Luckily for me I ended up with a pard who had done tons of research (and in the early 80's no less, no internet searches then kids) on the Western Federal soldier. The short answer is no. Quilts, while they may look cool, are a horrible choice for an outdoor life for the simple reason that when they get wet, and they will, you will be forever getting them dry, will weigh a ton, and will not keep you warm while in that state. (I am sure you know that wool does a decent job of still insulating you when wet.)
While I am sure that you and I can find certain accounts during the war when Federal troops might not have had all that they needed, the overall picture, at least at your stage, should be one of proper equipage. Really good, properly made U.S. wool issue blankets are not easy to come by these days, but a diligent search might turn something up.
Now that you've decided to carry a blanket roll, you now have to decided how to carry it. Are you going to wear it as a horseshoe or a "hobo" roll? (Note: I saw this pretzel roll thing getting started back in the 80's. To be honest, I think it is overdone, and there is very, very little photographic documentation to back it up.)
Also, (I'll let you go in a minute, I promise) I have to assume that you are doing the blanket roll because you are new, just starting out, and haven't purchased a knapsack yet. I understand completely, as I did this for years too. However, two things:
- once you get a good, properly made knapsack, and learn how to pack it, you will hate taking the field without it.
- there are definitely times when Federal troops did, and didn't, use blanket rolls. Good research, which I am sure you will be doing as you develop your impression, will show when this did and didn't occur. Seldom if ever have I found it something that was left up to the choice of the soldier.

FWIW, YMMV, HTH,

[Tiger_rifles]

Sackcoat, you have gotten some good pointers here! I can tell you that if a night is so cold that a good wool blanket is not enuff...... a quilt will be of no use also. A gum blanket and spooning will keep you warmer.As for the "Hard Ground", there are many accounts of soldiers gathering corn stacks, hay, dried leaves, etc.. to put down as bedding. My view on this is why try and sleep? Just enjoy the night time, that is when I feel closest to "what they had", moments.

Have to agree w/Dixieflyer here, a good knapsack will become your best friend! I really like my "HOBO" roll, but if I know we will be marching long distance, I go with the pack!
Good luck!

[52ndgeorgia]

Best way to stay warm is make a taco. Lay your ground cloth on the ground then your blanket. Lay on one side and fold the other side over on top of you. If you have a good ground cloth you will sweat! The ground cloth will do two things. It will help hold in your heat in and it will keep out the moisture from the ground and from the air. Also consider getting a period sleeping cap. One can be made or bought pretty cheap and they are priceless. If your head is warm the rest of you will be warm. Also keeps the skeeters outta your ears.

[Rob Weaver]

I have read period advice to snag up an extra blanket if possible. I frequently carry one in my pack and another on top, or a blanket and my overcoat. I've also practiced sleeping with my hat on. You'd be surprised how much more comfortable that is than trying to cover your head with a corner of blanket to stay warm. I've found you can make a reasonably comfortable bed with your gear piled up for a pillow and a blanket doubled under you. Coat and overcoat over you will see you through unless it's really cold. And you know, they couldn't sleep in the cold either.

[GaWildcat]

I've actually been pretty taken with the blanket carriage offered by Nick Duvall. Rides very comfortably, and out of the way of the rest of my traps, and dont have to jury rig anything. ONe to two blankets and a painted ground cloth, and I am good to go.

[zouavecampaigner]

Oddly enough, when I worked at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center (the "good one"), we had a quilt donated to the Friends of the Park that was given by a Union soldier to a civilian during the battle, as he felt that he wouldn't have any use for it anymore.

~Shaun G.

[dixieflyer]

I've actually been pretty taken with the blanket carriage offered by Nick Duvall. Rides very comfortably, and out of the way of the rest of my traps, and dont have to jury rig anything. ONe to two blankets and a painted ground cloth, and I am good to go.

Bobby, only thing is: where is the original from which he makes his copy? How many journals or diaries from the period mention using this? How many times does it show up in a period image? I rest my case on that.

Shaun, I never say never, but maybe that is why he gave the quilt away, he found out how useless it was. Just sayin'.

[Tkessen]

I would not go with the quilt unless your scenario calls for it. I too am relativly new to reenacting (only my 2nd year.) I like the "Hobo Roll." It it very comfortable, rides well on my back, and doesn't get in the way of my cartridge box or haversack. To make one, fold your blanket into desired width (I like to make mine only about 2 and a half foot), put your shirt, housewife, twine, ect. in there, roll it up, if you have a gum blanket, use some rope or blanket straps to roll it around the blanket (or you can put the gum blanket inside the roll), then tie a rope (not recommended, as it CUTS into your shoulder) or a strap (I made my own) to it and get the proper length (I like mine to be a bit loose, but not flopping around while I march.) I've never used the "mule collar" style, as it looks to be very HOT, but I encourage you to try it if the "hobo roll" is not to your liking. GOOD LUCK!

[GaWildcat]

Bobby, only thing is: where is the original from which he makes his copy? How many journals or diaries from the period mention using this? How many times does it show up in a period image? I rest my case on that.

Shaun, I never say never, but maybe that is why he gave the quilt away, he found out how useless it was. Just sayin'.

From Nick's Website:

Our Blanket & Overcoat Sling Is Based On The US Patent Information Filed By Joseph Short On April 15th, 1862. The "Improved Sling For Carrying Blankets & Overcoats" Patent Provides Plenty Of Details And Measurements Which Were Used To Reproduce This Sling Due To The Lack Of An Original Specimen. You Can Rest A Sure That We Have Done Our Part Using The Information Available To Make You An Excellent Reproduction. The Sling Is Made Of Firm Oak Tanned Leather And As Always Sewn Entirely By Hand. It Features Two Japanned Iron Roller Buckles With Plenty Of Adjustment For A Blanket, Overcoat, Groundcloth, Shelter Half, Or Whatever You Want To Carry In It. This Is A Great Alternative To A Blanket Roll Especially On Those Wonderful Hot Summer Days In The Field. This Was Not An Issue Item And Its Entrance To The Field Was Entirely Private Purchase From The Many Sutlers That Followed The Army Everywhere. Perfect For Officers, Privates...Federal Or Confederate Impressions! Due To The Small Dimensions Given In The Patent Information, Those Of You Who Are Over 6 ft Tall May Wish To Choose The "Long Length" Sling From The Drop Down Menu Above. As With All Of Our Products, This Sling Has Been Properly Oiled And Greased For Years Of Use.

[johnduffer]

I made my own with overcoat straps and a rifle sling, one of the prisoners in the "punch bowl" photos has what sits the same as mine.

[dixieflyer]

Bobby, I've read his site before. Did you note that he did not point to an original that he used to model his reproduction upon?* Why? Because no original specimen exists. Why? Well, numerous reasons spring to mind, but the most obvious is that it was never used in any numbers that are significant, if at all, and I applaud Nick Duvall for pointing that fact out in his description. However, it begs the question, if it didn't exist, whey does he reproduce it at all? Again, show me it's use in period images or in diary/journal accounts of the period. BLUF: (Bottom Line Up Front) it is not common, if it even existed at all. Sackcoat is a new guy who no doubt has scarce reeancting dollars (don't we all?), and I see no point in trying to influence him to spend money on an item that may very will have not even existed when he can accomplish the same thing in a cheaper, more authentic manner as Mr. Duffer has pointed out above.

*Sorry, but I guess I'm spoiled from the old days of buying my goods from people like Chris Schreiber, Don Rademacher, Robert Serrio, Paul Smith, etc. who did not hesitate to share with me information, images, etc. of the originals they utilized to manufacture their reproduction items. They also deliberately chose NOT to reproduce items of questionable provenance even though it might have been in their financial interests to do so. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Nick Duvall or his work. He is a very talented man who makes some beautiful leather gear.

[GaWildcat]

Excellant points.. guess I wasted my money........

[dixieflyer]

Now Bobby, do not carry on so. ;) If you want to use it, do so in good health. If you show up next to me in the ranks, I will not think you a lesser form of mortal, a bad person, etc., etc.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Bobby, I've read his site before. Did you note that he did not point to an original that he used to model his reproduction upon?* Why? Because no original specimen exists. Why? Well, numerous reasons spring to mind, but the most obvious is that it was never used in any numbers that are significant, if at all, and I applaud Nick Duvall for pointing that fact out in his description. However, it begs the question, if it didn't exist, whey does he reproduce it at all? Again, show me it's use in period images or in diary/journal accounts of the period. BLUF: (Bottom Line Up Front) it is not common, if it even existed at all. Sackcoat is a new guy who no doubt has scarce reeancting dollars (don't we all?), and I see no point in trying to influence him to spend money on an item that may very will have not even existed when he can accomplish the same thing in a cheaper, more authentic manner as Mr. Duffer has pointed out above.

*Sorry, but I guess I'm spoiled from the old days of buying my goods from people like Chris Schreiber, Don Rademacher, Robert Serrio, Paul Smith, etc. who did not hesitate to share with me information, images, etc. of the originals they utilized to manufacture their reproduction items. They also deliberately chose NOT to reproduce items of questionable provenance even though it might have been in their financial interests to do so. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Nick Duvall or his work. He is a very talented man who makes some beautiful leather gear.

Warren, I too thought similiar thoughts, but sometimes we can't go by originals when none are left due to extreme usage over time. We know from supply records that millions of knapsacks were produced, but when a private entity makes something, we don't have as much access. There is a wonderful image of a Western Federal officer utilizing his rig in Fred Gaede's "Federal Shelter Tent", and I've seen at least three others of private soldiers utilizing one as well. Yes, I know, 4 images compared to hundreds of the other, but I'd rather see someone using something that has some documentation than no documentation. If Nick Duvall makes something, he's not arbitrarily throwing something on the market that something isn't known about it. There are also several mentions to their use in first-person accounts, so I'm not willing to write off their use just yet...

[dixieflyer]

Well! There ya go! Thanks Ross for helping clear all of that up. I'll go take my walk now . . . I'm trying to work on a more documented CW physique. ;):cool:

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Now Bobby, do not carry on so. ;) If you want to use it, do so in good health. If you show up next to me in the ranks, I will not think you a lesser form of mortal, a bad person, etc., etc.

Sir,

It seems a little presumptuous to think that you have seen it all. Any trip into the vaults of any good museum, archives, library will reveal things you might never have thunk. For that matter the interrornet is a pretty awesome tool, where if you spent some time searching patents, and relic sights you might find a good deal things, instead of saying things don't exists...or putting down vendors because they don't placate your non-request for free research, you might actually find some things.

Now...in case anyone was wondering about Nick Duvall's blanket sling, Nick has the following data posted on his website about it:


Our Blanket & Overcoat Sling Is Based On The US Patent Information Filed By Joseph Short On April 15th, 1862. The "Improved Sling For Carrying Blankets & Overcoats" Patent Provides Plenty Of Details And Measurements Which Were Used To Reproduce This Sling Due To The Lack Of An Original Specimen. You Can Rest A Sure That We Have Done Our Part Using The Information Available To Make You An Excellent Reproduction. The Sling Is Made Of Firm Oak Tanned Leather And As Always Sewn Entirely By Hand. It Features Two Japanned Iron Roller Buckles With Plenty Of Adjustment For A Blanket, Overcoat, Groundcloth, Shelter Half, Or Whatever You Want To Carry In It. This Is A Great Alternative To A Blanket Roll Especially On Those Wonderful Hot Summer Days In The Field. This Was Not An Issue Item And Its Entrance To The Field Was Entirely Private Purchase From The Many Sutlers That Followed The Army Everywhere. Perfect For Officers, Privates...Federal Or Confederate Impressions! Due To The Small Dimensions Given In The Patent Information, Those Of You Who Are Over 6 ft Tall May Wish To Choose The "Long Length" Sling From The Drop Down Menu Above. As With All Of Our Products, This Sling Has Been Properly Oiled And Greased For Years Of Use.


Did you read that, Nick is up front - lack of original specimen, but he is working to specifications of the patent direct. In some ways that's better than working from an original, as you don't make the mistake of copying modifications, wear, or stretchage/shrinkage (thinking the infamous Kibler pack with x-straps, that's NOT how it was designed/originally mfg.). Using google patents, I was able to pull of J. Short's Patent for the sling, Patented Apr. 15, 1862 No. 35,002.

Now if someone took on the mantle to prove the use of private purchase contract items like these, say by reading the classifieds in a NY paper we might have more to discuss. Mr. Lamoreux has directed to at least one image in Fred Gaede's The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent Book, but maybe we need to continue spoon feeding you, you all-knowing hardkewl types.

So was this a P.E.C. item, probably not. Heck after all it wasn't being issued, it was private purchase.

Paul B.

[dixieflyer]

Paul, please do show me where I said I had seen it all? Please, as I would like to see that and apologize to Bobby for having said I had. Also, you are the second person to post Nick's text in this thread. (I wonder, have you read the thread?) Yes, I read Nick's copy before it was ever posted here, yes I read it when Bobby posted it, and I even read it again when you posted it. Where did I say Nick was not being up front about it? Oh wow! that's right, I didn't, in fact I lauded him for being up front about there being no existing specimen.

Perhaps you should read my entire posting before slamming me in yours. Now, my original intent was to help a new guy who I have to assume is short on funds by not spending money on something that was not common, and save his hard-earned money on a knapsack, etc. Guess I'll know better next time, no good deed goes unpunished.
Bobby, if I have somehow insulted you, or implied that I have seen it all, I issue an apology for that fact.

Again Ross, thanks for your input.

[FloridaHoosier]

Gentlemen, and I know you all are in this case either for real or by act of Congress, lets continue on in the vein of scholarship and shared misery that only reenacting can bring, and start anew. Nobody knows it all, nobody has seen every original or image, and lets completely move on from the personal statements and/or accusations. Yes, knapsacks were more common, yes there is documentation on several levels to blanket slings and handles for blanket rolls, which were not as prevelant, but nonetheless available. At least its not jaguar skin trousers and accoutrements. We now go back to our regularly scheduled programming

[GaWildcat]

I thank everyone for their input, and apologize if I sounded a little "Short" LOL (sorry couldnt help it:))...

I have wondered if this isnt one of the slings in question.. looks like it could be

http://www.georgiasharpshooters.org/resources/_wsb_169x323_hobo+roll+2.jpg

[GaWildcat]

Warren,

I implied no insult sir. I actually digested much of what you said, and perhaps should have dug more, but was more mad at myself for possibly having wasted money on a poor purchase, even though i love how the thing rides and carries my blanket and painted ground cloth (and limits the extra truck that I really dont need in the field) I did note its private purchase look, and it was more of a purchase for my officer impression, but dang if I didnt fall straight for how it carried LOL

Again sir, we are square... no worries mate!

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Bobby,

Sweet pic man...where did you find that image?

Paul B.

[Tom Scoufalos]

That's a crop from one of the the 95th PA/Gosline's Zouaves series of photos taken around Manassas Jct. in '62

[GaWildcat]

Yes it is... I found it on the AC where they had a discussion on it, I had a hard time finding it again, but I thought it was the 95th PA