I would like to say, first that I recently found this site, and since reading it, have found it to be full of information that is extremely useful to new members of this wonderful hobby. My hats off to all of you..
I am curious as to what brands of food, and other assorted sundries that were available to the CW soldier on both sides that is still available today. I may do a presentation for education days at different reenactments on the food that was issued to the troops in the field, as well as assorted luxury items that were available from sutlers,and feel that it would be easier for the students to better understand the material if they can relate it to current products.
Items such as Lea & Perrins Worshestershire sauce was, I believe, available, but McIlhenneys Tabasco wasn't (Didn't come out until after the war). Any other items you can think of to add to my list would be greatly appreciated.
I may do a presentation for education days at different reenactments on the food that was issued to the troops in the field, as well as assorted luxury items that were available from sutlers,and feel that it would be easier for the students to better understand the material if they can relate it to current products.
Read somewhere the prescribed ration, but forgot where. Roughly, dried beans, salt, sugar, salt meat and hardtack. Union soldiers generally had flour available; Confederates leaned toward cornmeal. And, of course, coffee when available -- issued as green beans which the soldier had to roast and grind, usually with a rock and a musket butt.
Worchestershire sauce might have been available at a sutlers, as would be other such things as candy, canned fruit, and the like.
Sounds like you can make a neat presentation with cloth bags of this 'n that you can pick up at the grocery store. If you can work in a goose or a chicken, that would make a point.
Guessing you're read Company Aytch, Billy Yank, and Johnny Reb.Excellent accounts of the soldiers day-to-day life.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
I would like to say, first that I recently found this site, and since reading it, have found it to be full of information that is extremely useful to new members of this wonderful hobby. My hats off to all of you..
I am curious as to what brands of food, and other assorted sundries that were available to the CW soldier on both sides that is still available today. I may do a presentation for education days at different reenactments on the food that was issued to the troops in the field, as well as assorted luxury items that were available from sutlers,and feel that it would be easier for the students to better understand the material if they can relate it to current products.
Items such as Lea & Perrins Worshestershire sauce was, I believe, available, but McIlhenneys Tabasco wasn't (Didn't come out until after the war). Any other items you can think of to add to my list would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Lea N Perrins, ketchup both tomato & mushroom, Bordens Milk has already been mentioned.
Canned Peaches by the millions, both candied & brandied apples, pickled everything, various jerked meats, tinned ham & chicken, doughnuts or "bearsign" (they looked more like modern donut holes), fry bread and every kind of preserve you can think of.
BTW on a more adult nature. Johnie Walker & Hennesey were contemporary adult beverages... though how available they were to the men in the field is up for debate.
__________________ Shane Christen
American Legion Post 352
SUVCW Camp Abernethy# 48
Lifetime NRA member
3rd MN VI
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Eccl 1:18
I would like to say, first that I recently found this site, and since reading it, have found it to be full of information that is extremely useful to new members of this wonderful hobby. My hats off to all of you.. Thanks.
Welcome to the board ..
I posted i thread in section on rations you should be abe able to find it by doing a little searching
regards
Steven
__________________ Steven Noel Cone Living Historian and Battlefield Preservationest
"Silver Spring Mess" ; "Citizens of the Bonnie Blue" ; "46th Tn Inf. Co. K"
This may be buried somewhere in this site; but, has anyone of yous tried to make hardtack? I'm going to give it a try. I guess it's basically whole wheat flour, salt, water and some oil or fat. Any tips?
Calicoboy
__________________ My dear mother:- I have come safely through two more terrible engagements with the enemy, that at South Mountain and the great battle of yesterday (Antietam). Our splendid regiment is almost destroyed. We have had nearly 400 men killed and wounded in the battles. Seven of our officers were shot and three killed in yesterday's battle and nearly 150 men killed and wounded. All from less than 300 engaged. The men have stood like iron....Maj. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
Okay, I'm on my own. I'll let you know how it comes out. As far as foodstuffs, many a Reb traveled with nothing but a pocket full of parched corn.
Calicoboy
__________________ My dear mother:- I have come safely through two more terrible engagements with the enemy, that at South Mountain and the great battle of yesterday (Antietam). Our splendid regiment is almost destroyed. We have had nearly 400 men killed and wounded in the battles. Seven of our officers were shot and three killed in yesterday's battle and nearly 150 men killed and wounded. All from less than 300 engaged. The men have stood like iron....Maj. Rufus Dawes, 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
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Foodstuffs: Then & Now... 
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