Stretching blankets

[rebel yell]

Pards,
Does anyone know of a reference to how this was done? The things I have read usually state "we stretched blankets for the night", but never implies to how they did it. Tied between trees or stretched out on the ground??:confused:

[Western Blue Belly]

I think the term "stretching blankets" could mean a number of things. In the book The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent Frederick Gaede used an 1865 image showing a blanket being used as one half of a shelter tent. I think the thing here is not to read into it too much. Like you said, could mean on the ground or across a pole..etc.

[huntdaw]

I always took it as something of a euphemism meaning that some sort of shelter was made and not describing a specific way of doing something.

[TimKindred]

Pards,
Does anyone know of a reference to how this was done? The things I have read usually state "we stretched blankets for the night", but never implies to how they did it. Tied between trees or stretched out on the ground??:confused:

Comrade,

If you find yourself in a position that requires you to make a shelter of your blanket, then you will need some rope or twine, and four small stones or walnuts, acorns, etc.

Use the stones or nuts to provide a place to attach the rope or twine to. Just push the stone up from the inside of the blanket corner, then tie the rope or twine around underneath it. That way you don't need to make a hole in the blanket, or use up a lot of cloth on each end. Voila... instant shelter half. Not very rain resistant, but makes a good sunshade. It's especially useful in making temporary shelters for wounded or otherwise invalided persons.

It can also be a euphamism for "stretching" or sharing blankets between several men. Rice Bull, in his memoirs "Soldiering" writes about how, in his regiment (123rd NY) 3 men shared a shelter tent. They put two halfs together, then staked the 3rd half over the rear guy rope so as to make an extension, as it were. Then, they laid a rubber blanket and a wool blanket on the ground, placed their knapsacks up in the extension for pillows, and then crawled in, pulling the remaining two wool and two rubber blankets over themselves.

If you don't have "Soldiering" by Rice Bull, then by all means get a copy. It really ought to be a mandatory read for anyone who wants to portray a Federal soldier. Much great details on everyday life in the ranks, problems they faced, and solutions they came up with.

Respects,

[Rob Weaver]

Don't read too much into that expression. "Stretching blankets" may simply mean going to sleep for the night. You know, "hitting the hay," "turning in?"

[jurgitemvaletem]

Don't read too much into that expression. "Stretching blankets" may simply mean going to sleep for the night. You know, "hitting the hay," "turning in?"

When I first read the original post this is precisely what I thought and still think.

thanks,
Jurgitem Valetem

[rebel yell]

Pards,
Tim, thanks for the recommendation of the book, I just ordered a copy. I have found that memoir's from soldiers on both sides are applicable no matter witch side you portray. As for "Stretching Blankets" used as a euphemism sounds right, in the context of how it is stated. Today we would say "we crashed for the night" and wouldn't explain how we crashed.;) Also the tip with the rocks in the corner of the blanket will be very useful, at some events I can leave the shelter half at home.:D "The roadside was littered with objects they deemed unnecessary" and I'm all about not carrying more than I need!

[ianshanks]

In the "fighting for the confederacy" , Edward Porter Alexander refers to a practice he saw being practiced commonly in the trenches, stretching out a blanket and holding it upright by pinching the corners of the blanket in the hammers of four muskets then planting the guns bayonet first into the ground. Hope this helps.

[rebel yell]

Ian, Thanks.