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The 18. Century Oxford Dictionary defrnition of the Haversack is as follows- "the bag in which the Calvary (sic) and horsemen carried oats for their horses. Hence extended to a bag which travelers and others carried personal property, and to that used by the French and English soldiers... a bag of stout canvas, worn with a strap over the shoulder, in which a soldier carries his current days rations. Also any similar bag used for a like purpose by travelers, etc. British Officer Bennett Cuthbertson defined both the Haversack and Knapsack in his book- System for the Complete Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalion of Infantry -Article XLIV- "On Service, a soldier cannot conveniently get through the duties of a campaign, with out a haversack of strong grey grey linen to carry his bread.and provisions on a march." The Knapsack is defined as follows: "A bag or case of stout canvas or leather, worn by soldiers, strapped to the back and used for carrying necessaries; any similar recepticle used by travelers for carrying light articles." Cuthbertson recommends is as such: Article XLII- "Square Knapsacks are most convenient, for packing up the soldiers necessaries and should be made with a division, to hold the shoes, blackball and brushes separate from the linen; a certain size must be determined on the whole, and will have a pleasing effect on a march." He further defines the position the pack is to be worn in- "to hang over each shoulder; which makes the Carriage of the Knapsack much easier, than across the breast, and by no means so heating." Historically Correct Knapsacks & Haversacks 8515 So. Cowan Rd. Muncie, IN 47302-9127 (765) 289-2042 casada@colonialmarket.com  Copyright © 2001 Chuck Casada. All Rights Reserved. This website is designed and hosted by The Colonial Market a service of Historical Enterprises. |