Dispatch rider?

[TheRealMrHoward]

Is this object a messenger bag or case for a "dispatch rider"?

Photo labeled, cavalry horses outside the old church hall.

 

[Sheltowee]

Do I see a pair of legs/ shoes underneath the horse on the right?

What's he doing down there?

 

[Gettmore]

Stealing the Saddle?

 

[Sheltowee]

Stealing the Saddle?

Good- afraid he was milking a horse.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

Judging by the shape and size of that bag/case, it looks like it carried more than just documents.

 

[Dan Kohli]

I remember seeing somewhere else identifying it as a modified medical supply knapsack (I forget the specific name).