Civil War soldiers carried a lot of baggage — an average of 50 pounds. The knapsack, or “Patent Bureau,” issued by the government was not designed to support heavy weight. Soldiers suffered severe ...
View CIVIL WAR]. Sixth plate ruby ambrotype portrait of a 71st New York State Militia private posed in uniform with his knapsack, rolled blanket, and great coat sitting on the table next to him (1862) ...