IRV Pack Layout

Every soldier in the Illinois Regiment carried a model 1776 haversack which is secured with three straps and buckles.  In each layout a soldier was expected to have the following items:  

• An extra pair of shoes or moccasins

• A whisk and pick for clearing the pan and touch hole of the lock

• A knit hat for colder seasons

• A scabbard for his bayonet, axe, or hanger (infantryman's sword)

• Belt

• Cartridge Box or Belly Box

• Papers and a rolling dowel for making cartridges

• A worm for cleaning his musket or to pull a stuck lead ball from the barrel

• Bayonet

• Tin cup and tin plate

• Utensils consisting of a two tined fork, folding knife and maybe a spoon

• The pack itself

• An extra shirt

• An extra pair of stockings

• Rations consisting of 1 lb. of cornmeal and 1/2 pint of peas

• The soldier's musket

• A wad of tow for fire starting

• A canteen made from tin, wood, leather, bottle, horn, or even a gourd

• A flint purse to carry musket flints

• A musket tool that had a flattened side to be used as a screwdriver

• The soldier's ramrod for his musket

• Blanket