First Troop of Rangers, Georgia  The Recreated First Troop of Rangers, Province of Georgia  during the period of the Seven Year's War Ron Shephard, Captain of the Troop

Packing to travel on campaign:

When on campaign, a soldier was expected to have everything required to do his job and little else.  Extra weight meant he was less effective, so personal items were very limited.  The information below outlines what should be packed in what location. 

Knapsack/Snapsack:

·         Spare shirt (s)

·         Fatigue shirt (may roll this in the bedroll to save space in the knapsack)

·         Neck stocks or cravats not currently being worn

·         2 pair worsted stockings

·         1 pair summer breeches

·         1 pair of shoes

·         1 clothes brush

·         1 shoe brush

·         1 blackball

·         1 pair leggings (or extra Gaiters)

·         1 handkerchief

·         1 combs

·         Knife (folding or fixed blade – may be carried on belt or in pocket also)

·         Musket maintenance and cleaning supplies if not wearing cartridge pouch

·         Personal items that are not illegal: These include:

o        Small wooden trencher

o        Soap ball, small linen towel, boar bristle toothbrush, tooth powder

o        “housewife” with needle and thread to do repairs on clothing.  Include a couple of spare buttons if you have them.

o        Handkerchiefs (linen or cotton appropriate to period)

o        Glasses and tin case

o        Pipe/tobacco/tongs

o        Strike-a-light kit

Haversack:

·         Rations (see separate articles on this)

·         Cup

·         Bowl

·         Spoon (may carry this in your pocket)

Bedroll:

·         Tumpline to tie up bedroll

·         Blanket

·         Fatigue shirt may be rolled up in the bedroll to save space in the haversack

Regimental Transport:

·         Tent

·         Regimental supplies

How to carry this equipage:

There was a specific order of equipping each item for marching.  This order was developed to allow effective management of the items and to encourage uniformity amongst the troops.  The items should be put on in the order listed.

On the right shoulder, hanging under the left arm:

·         Knapsack

·         Canteen

·         Blanket Roll

On the left shoulder, hanging under the right arm:

·         Batallion Box (Cartridge Pouch)

·         Haversack

Around the waist:

·         Waistbelt with frog, axe or sword and bayonet in scabbard attached.

·         Belly Box (should catch the strap of the cartridge pouch in this belt as well, keeping it from flapping about or sliding around)

When worn in this manner, the haversack, knapsack, blanket roll and canteen can be quickly disposed of if an attack is eminent, allowing the cartridge box and pouch, along with other weapons, to be readily available.