Circular No. 383 April 22, 1864, Gorgas transmitted the following request to his Ordnance officers in the field:
"Please advise as to the propriety of dispensing with knapsacks, and substituting a light oil cloth six feet by three feet-so arranged as to be convertible into a shelter tent"
"I am in favor of oilcloth instead of knapsacks." J.T. Holtzclaw, Col. 18th Alabama.
"I am in favor of oilcloth instead of knapsacks." A.R. Lanford, Col. 38th alabama.
"I am in favor of oilcloth instead of knapsacks." S.D. Oliver, Capt, Commadg. 32nd Alabama.
"I think the proposed change is advisable and should by all means be applied". H.D. Clayton, Brig. Gen.
Gorgas recalled that "In time, knapsacks were little thought of by the troops"...Ordnance Bureau Circular No. 42 dated May 24, 1864, Gorgas announced the following for the knapsacks: "The manufacture of of knapsacks will be discontinued, only those cut up will be made up. existing contracts for knapsacks will be changed to to furnishing enameled cloth or something else to save the contractor from loss. Instructions will shortly be issued as to a substitute for the knapsack.
From:Entrepot: Government Imports into the Confederate States by C.L. Webster - pages 264-265
Kevin Dally