Imagine you are a soldier in the Army of Tennessee. It is December

Soldiers on both sides of the war had as much in common as they had differences. They missed
their family and friends and the comforts of home. They were often tired, hungry, cold and sick. Most
joined up to fight for what they thought was right and just, but after months of drills, marching, battles
and hardships most soldiers lost sight of their original inspiration to enlist.
Imagine spending month after month living from only a small bag. All of your comforts of home
would be a distant memory. Simple things like coffee, sugar, bathing, and a warm bed became luxuries
rarely enjoyed. The only connection a soldier had to home was through letters. Between battles a soldier’s day was often filled with boredom. Drills and chores occupied their time when not waging war.
Once work was done, time was passed with card games, checkers, chess, dancing, music, reading or writing
letters to home.
The soldier at the end of the war was very different from the soldier at the beginning. In the early
days of the Civil War, most thought that it would be over quickly and life would return to normal. With
some of the first battles civilians set up picnics to watch the fighting as one might watch a theatrical play.
By the end of the war, soldiers had altered their uniforms and equipment to best deal with endless miles
of marching. Knapsacks and heavy coats were left behind in favor of less bulky clothes and a haversack
and bedroll. Mollie Claiborne, a child staying at Travellers Rest during the Battle of Nashville, was struck
by the condition of the Confederate soldiers camped on the lawn. Although it was an unusually cold
December, many of the soldiers were without coats and even shoes.
Imagine you are a soldier in the Army of Tennessee. It is December of 1864
and you are camped on the lawn of Travellers Rest. While the ladies of the
house have done without luxuries like sugar and pork on occasion, they are
much better stocked than the average soldier. You have been away from home
a long time. You are tired, cold, hungry and sick of fighting a war you no longer
understand. Now, write a letter home to a family member or friend. What would
you write about? Would you let them know of your troubles or keep it hidden so
they don’t worry? What would you miss about home? What would you say if you
thought these might be your last words?
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Catching the Pig
Frank Leslie Famous Leaders and Battle Scenes of the Civil War (New York,
NY: Mrs. Frank Leslie, 1896) Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology, www.etc.usf.edu
Cooking in Camp
Frank Leslie Famous Leaders and Battle Scenes of the Civil War (New York, NY: Mrs.
Frank Leslie, 1896) Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology,
www.etc.usf.edu
Wheelbarrow Race
Frank Leslie Famous Leaders and Battle Scenes of the Civil War (New York, NY: Mrs.
Frank Leslie, 1896) Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology,
www.etc.usf.edu
15
At the beginning of the war, equipping the troops was the responsibility of individual states.
Because of this, the appearance and quality of equipment varied greatly from one regiment or
brigade to another, yet most were fairly well equipped. However, after 1862 the Confederate soldier’s dress quickly
changed from the parade-ground soldier to the economy and practicality of the “grey-jacket rebel”. Men threw
away anything that weighed them down and often replaced army issue items with articles from home and army
depots. Towards the end of the war with supplies in short demand scavenging items on the battlefield was often a
necessity.
Shell Jacket: The shell jacket replaced frock coats to save time, cost and materials. The jacket varied widely in pattern and
material. Southern-made jean cloth was used in the first year of the war, but by 1862 was often replaced with supplies of grey
wool imported from Europe.
Shirt: Army issue shirts tended to be made of coarse materials that were rough on the skin. To combat this soldiers were
often issued undershirts of soft flannel or they might request a shirt sent from home. Sometimes in the summer a soldier
would choose to wear only his undershirt beneath his shell jacket and on occasion orders were given that allowed the men to
go without their jackets.
Trousers: Army or state-issued trousers were usually made of a cotton/wool blend. It was more durable and warmer than
plain cotton, but the wool made it scratchy on the skin. Because of this a pair of cotton drawers were often worn
underneath...even in the summer months.
Handkerchief: Tied around the neck to prevent chaffing from the coarse fabric of the jacket collar it could also be used to
prevent sunburn and a damp one to keep cool in the summer heat. In addition, it might be used as a washcloth or to pick up
a hot frying pan or cup from the fire.
Socks: Cotton socks were commonly issued to the Confederates, however hand-knit wool socks from home were highly
prized as they were ideal for marches and the cold winter months. Heavy, well-made socks were extremely helpful to combat
the poorly made, ill-fitting brogans issued to soldiers.
Brogans: Made of rough leather with square toes and heavy soles, brogans laced over the ankle for support on long marches.
Shoes wore out faster than any other element of a soldier’s uniform. To meet demand, depots used almost any shoe they
could find, including civilian patterns and imports from England. As the war continued, many army-issue shoes were of such
poor quality that they were practically unusable. Towards the end of the war soldiers routinely went barefoot or wrapped
their feet with whatever scraps of cloth they could find. Mollie Claiborne, a child at Travellers Rest during the Battle of Nashville, remembered seeing soldiers with no shoes, wrapping their feet with whatever scraps of cloth that could be found.
Slouch Hat: Kepis and forage hats were fairly impractical as they afforded little protection from the elements. The wide brim
of the slouch hat could be turned down to protect the face and eyes from sun, snow and rain. Soldiers purchased or stole any
kind of brimmed hat they could find. Stories abound of soldiers simply walking up to civilians and swiping their hat, leaving
a battered kepi in exchange. In mid-1862, men of the Texas brigade encamped near a rail line just outside of Richmond, VA
would line up along the tracks and set fires or shout to draw attention of the passengers. Once the passengers stuck their
heads out of windows to take a look, the soldiers would knock off their hats with pine boughs.
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Other Essential Items:
Cartridge Box: The cartridge box was worn across the chest and rested on the hip. Inside the leather box were two tins
that held loose cartridges on top and bundles of ten in the lower compartments. These tins and leather flaps protected the
paper cartridges from moisture. Inside the box would also be a pocket where soldiers stored cloth patches and various
tools for maintaining their rifle. With a materials shortage in the South, the strap was sometimes made of cotton webbing
instead of leather. A fully stocked cartridge box weighed over 5 lbs.
Cap Box/ Pouch: The cap pouch was used to store items necessary to fire a percussion musket—the caps. Constructed
of leather with an outer flap that closed with a brass button and lined with sheepskin and wool. Picking caps out of the
box was difficult in the heat of battle, prompting some soldiers to throw away their cap pouch and instead store their caps
in the tool pouch of their cartridge box or their pockets.
Belt: The belt carried the cap pouch and bayonet scabbard and was worn over the shoulder strap of the cartridge box to
keep it in place. Though some had a decorative brass insignia buckle, it was not uncommon in the South for army-issue
belts to be fitted with plain iron buckles often found on harnesses and baggage straps. Leather was the preferred material
for belts, but often being in short supply army depots sometimes used cotton webbing instead.
J. G. Holland, ed. Scribner's Monthly, An illustrated Magazine For the People (New York, NY: Scribner and Company, 1876)
Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology, www.etc.usf.edu
17
Caroline Mays Brevard, A History of Florida (New York: American Book Company, 1904) 161
Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology, www.etc.usf.edu
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By late 1861, Union issued uniforms were mass produced (with few exceptions) and distributed by
four major Federal arsenals in New York, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and St. Louis. This created a fairly
uniform “average soldier” look for Federal forces. After 1862, Union troops were better supplied than the Confederates with their greater access to manufactured goods and better supply lines. By the end of the war the
Union soldier was still fairly well equipped while Confederate soldiers struggled to have even the most basic of
necessities.
4-Button Sack Coat : The four-button, lined fatigue blouse or “sack”coat was issued to soldiers in four regulation sizes.
Alterations were often needed to ensure proper fit. The brown lining was sometimes ripped out during the warm summer
months and used as a gun rag.
Shirt: The shirt issued to soldiers was made from a wool flannel which meant it was scratchy against the skin and very hot
in the summer months. Soldiers would often replace the “issue” shirt with a civilian one sent from home or one purchased from a sutler. These “civilian” shirts would usually be made of a printed cotton, which was more comfortable,
breathable and less likely to show stains.
Trousers: The U.S. Army Regulations of 1861 stated that trousers for enlisted infantrymen should be of dark blue wool.
But, only about a year and a half later supplies of indigo dye were running low so most volunteers received sky blue
instead. Trousers were often hemmed and altered by the soldiers themselves for a better fit.
Drawers: Cotton flannel drawers were issued in three sizes. Drawers helped soldiers stay warm in the winter and also
shielded the skin from the scratchy wool of the trousers. Some soldiers had civilian drawers sent from home or just wore
none at all.
Socks: Soldier issue socks were made of wool. These were often late in getting to the soldiers, if they received replacements at all. Many soldiers would request more comfortable hand knit socks from home. In addition, national organizations like the U.S. Sanitary Commission and local aid societies sent thousands of pairs of socks to soldier camps and military hospitals.
Brogans: Soldiers despised army-issue brogans...they tended to fit poorly and be of low quality. These shoes were massproduced in a time when a pair of shoes from home might be made by a local shoemaker. The soles were thin and were
either hand sewn, machine sewn or pegged with wooden nails. The regulations stated that each soldier was to receive four
pairs per year, however with the amount of marching and shoddy quality of the shoes meant that many wore holes
through the leather and even went barefoot before a new pair was issued.
Forage Cap: By far the most common kind of headgear it was constructed from lightweight dark blue wool. Unfortunately the lightweight wool was not very helpful in the winter and was too hot in the summer. Soldiers were always trying
to find ways to cool off like wearing damp handkerchiefs under caps and punching air holes in the crown. Soldiers often
wore brass numbers and letters on their caps to indicate regiment and company.
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Other Essential Items:
Cartridge Box: The cartridge box was worn across the chest and rested on the hip. Inside the leather box were two tins
that held loose cartridges on top and bundles of ten in the lower compartments. These tins and leather flaps protected the
paper cartridges from moisture. Usually the outer flap was decorated with a lead stamped, polished brass “US” box plate.
Inside the box would also be a sewn implement pocket where soldiers stored cloth patches and various tools for maintaining their rifle.
Cap Box/ Pouch: Many different designs were developed during the war but the basic purpose of the pouch remained
unchanged. It was used to store items necessary to fire a percussion musket—the caps. Constructed of leather with an
outer flap that closed with a brass button and lined with sheepskin and wool.
Belt: Black leather belts were issued to Union troops to carry two important items: the cap pouch and bayonet scabbard.
Early on, belts had a “keeper” which meant the wearer was forced to step into the belt or put it on over his head. The inconvenience of this led to many soldier cutting the “keeper” off and in 1863 the army started issuing belts without it.
Frank Leslie, “Famous Leaders and Battle Scenes of the Civil War” (New York, NY: Mrs. Frank Leslie, 1896)
Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology, www.etc.usf.edu
20
Caroline Mays Brevard, A History of Florida (New York: American Book Company, 1904) 161
Courtesy of ClipArt Etc, Florida Center of Instructional Technology, www.etc.usf.edu
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The haversack was one of the most vital pieces of equipment a soldier carried. Although it was just a simple cotton or linen bag, a soldier
used it to carry rations (food), eating utensils and personal items. You might find the items listed below in a soldier’s haversack, along
with other items like letters, journals, writing equipment and personal care items (razors, combs, etc.). Veteran soldiers learned how to
live on campaign almost solely from their haversack.
Oilcloth Haversack: The oilcloth haversack was used by both
Canvas Haversack: The canvas haversack was also used by both
sides. Union troops generally were better supplied and would
sides, but much less by Union troops. It was much more com-
have had greater access to the waterproof oilcloth haversack. In
mon on the Confederate side as it cost less to make.
the summer, the waterproofed cotton/linen would often get
Confederate Currency: The Confederacy relied on paper money as
sticky in the heat and contaminate the food inside.
there was a shortage of metal in the South preventing the minting
Union Currency: The Union utilized paper and coins. Federal
of coins. As the war progressed CSA money lost much of its val-
currency was more stable and many Southerners preferred to
ue and many Southerners preferred to trade in US coins.
trade in US coins as opposed to CSA paper bills.
Hardtack/Sinker: Round hardtack—roughly the same size as the
Hardtack: A cracker that consisted of flour, water and salt—it
“usual” hardtack. As with the Union, the staple of a soldier’s diet
was the main staple of a soldier’s diet because it did not rot or
however, in the Confederate forces it was sometimes made with
ruin. Union hardtack was cut into rectangles or squares.
corn meal instead of flour.
Tin Canteen: Metal was more available in the North during the
Wood Canteen: Due to limited access to supplies, the Confeder-
war and stamped tin canteens were quick and easy to produce.
ates tended to be issued wooden canteens because wood was
A wool cover helped to keep water insulated and cooler in the
more readily available than tin.
summer months.
Tobacco: Confederate soldiers tended to carry tobacco (a South-
Toothbrush & Toothpowder: Items like toothbrushes and
ern commodity) more than Union soldiers so they would often
toothpowder had to be either purchased from sutlers or sent
trade tobacco for coffee. One of the few luxuries enjoyed by
from home.
Confederate troops, tobacco was often included as a standard issue.
Coffee: The army issued “raw” whole bean coffee so that merchants couldn’t stretch ground coffee with fillers like sawdust
Chicory: Because of naval blockades there was a shortage of coffee
and nutshells.
in the South. It was a prized commodity among Confederate
troops. Substitutes such as ground chicory root were often used
Newspaper: Union troops tended to have a higher rate of liter-
and between battles troops would sometimes trade tobacco for
acy and as such reading was a popular pastime in camp. News-
Union coffee.
papers and dime novels were especially popular.
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Match the items with their description and/or usage by writing the number of the
matching item in the boxes below. Fill in the blank with which side (Confederate or
Union) “mostly used” the item.
Used by both sides to carry personal items and
4-button Sack Coat
food. This type is waterproofed.
Iowa private wearing a standard
issue 4-button sack coat and shirt.
Mostly used by the
cwquartermaster.com
Standard issue coat of wool. In the summer, the
brown lining was sometimes ripped out and used
as a gun rag.
Shell Jacket
Mostly used by the
Unidentified young soldier with
Hardee hat, canteen and cup.
ww.loc.gov—library of congress
A coffee substitute.
Mostly used by the
Slouch Hat
Unidentified soldiers, probably
prisoners of war; photo taken by
the famous Civil War photographer Matthew Brady
This jacket was often made from jean-cloth.
Mostly used by the
Chicory
Chicory Plant from which a coffee substitute is made.
Used to shield the face and eyes from sun, snow
and rain.
Oilcloth Haversack
Mostly used by the
Waterproof Haversack
This was often traded for coffee.
Tobacco
Mostly used by the
Tobacco was often twisted and
rolled—this type could be either
chewed or smoked.
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