1

“To hold thirty-six cartridges of powder and ball …”

Continental Army Tin and Sheet-Iron Canisters, 1775-1780

John U. Rees _________________________

Also including:

“They will … scarcely last one Campaign.”

The Problem of Poorly-Made Continental Army Cartridge Pouches

and Introduction of the New Model Box

“The tin magazines … preserve the ammunition from wet … better than any other.”

Miscellania Concerning Crown Forces and Tin Canisters.

Alternative Names for Tin/Iron Cartridge Boxes

“Carried by Moses Currier in the Rev. War.”

Descriptions of Extant Canisters

________________________________

During the War for Independence Continental soldiers carried musket ammunition any number

of ways, the most usual container being a leather cartridge pouch holding from nineteen to twenty-

nine rounds. General orders for 4 July 1782 noted, "The General having observed inconveniency

and loss of Ammunition to attend the practice of carrying Cartridges loose or in bundles in the

men's pocketts or in the bottoms of their Cartridge boxes, directs that the troops carry about them

no more ammunition than the number of cartridges their boxes are pierced for, in general twenty

Nine rounds, except when parties or Corps are ordered on a particular service detached from their

Ammunition Waggons." While cartridge receptacles (pouches and boxes) of leather with a wood

block were the norm, an interesting and simple alternative saw widespread use during the war. This

was the tin canister.1

Tin cartridge canisters were mentioned as early as October 1775 when Brig. Gen. Horatio Gates

gave his opinion to Gen. George Washington concerning soldiers' accoutrements. Among other

items he stipulated "a tin canister, to hold thirty-six cartridges of powder and ball, with a leather

strap to sling it across the shoulder." This was in addition to a "cartridge-box, to contain

twenty-three cartridges or thereabouts." Gates’ suggestion bore fruit, when on 11 November 1775

Congress , “Resolved, That 3,000 tin cartridge boxes be made and sent to the Camp, but if tin

sufficient to make them can be procured, to send it.” The following year Congressional

proceedings show a total of 860.6 dollars owed to John Bruce, Joseph Fernauer, and Benjamin

Marshall for 1,986 tin boxes, likely the ones distributed to Washington’s forces in the summer

and autumn of 1777.2

Gage intimated in his 1775 missive that the tin canister's original purpose was to carry spare

ammunition, which was the intention when issued in summer 1777. By that autumn it was also

designated for use by troops who had no leather cartouch (cartridge) pouch. October 13 1777 orders

for Washington's army stated, "the General observes by the late returns how deficient of arms and

accoutriments the Continental troops are; He directs that they may be immediately supply'd with

muskets and if there is not a sufficient number of Cartouchboxes that the tin Canisters be taken

2

from those who have Cartouchboxes to supply the defect of those who have none." The order also

directed that each man be issued with 40 rounds of ammunition; cartridges exceeding pouch or

canister capacity would need to be carried in a knapsack or the men’s pockets.3

Tin cartridge canister

(Illustration by Ross Hamel)

3

Several army and division orders, along with other records, trace the initial issue and use of the

canisters:

General Washington to the Board of War, 20 June 1777, "Be pleased to send on all the Tin

Cartridge Cannisters and have as many more made as possible, they will save an immense deal of

Ammunition from damage." 4

[See Afterward for a discussion of poorly-made American leather

cartridge pouches and rain-damaged ammunition.]

Again, the commander-in-chief to the War Board, 7 July 1777, “The draft of the Spear [a folding

spear made for riflemen to defend against cavalry] is exactly what I meant and wish that both they

and the Cannisters for Cartridges may be sent forward as quick as possible" 5

Army orders, “Head Quarters, Wilmington, August 28, 1777 … The cases, or canisters of spare

cartridges, are to be divided into eleven equal parts, and one such part delivered to each brigade,

including the two in Genl. Sullivan's division and Genl. Nash's brigade. The Brigadiers are to

distribute the cases in the most equal manner among the regiments of their brigades respectively;

and the commanding officers of regiments among their men.”6

Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene’s Division after orders, Wilmington, 1 September 1777, "His

Excellency having ordered 278 tin Boxes to carry spare Cartridges for the use of the Division,

Genls. Muhlenberg & Weedon will send a party from each Brigade to fetch them from the Genls.

Qurs. - They are to be divided equally between the Brigades, The Brigrs. will order such proportion

to each Regiment as they think necessary ... The Commanding officers of Regts. are also to divide

them to the Companies, the Captains ... are also to divide the Boxes among the Messes, who are to

be daily examin'd whether they have them & the Compliment of Cartridges belonging to them

N..Greene M[ajor] G[enera]l -"7

Army orders, “Camp, near Potsgrove, September 23, 1777 … The Genl. is Inform'd that the Tin

Canteens [canisters] which was serv'd out for the purpose of carrying Ammunition are in some

Instances applied to other uses. He therefore positively forbids such practices ..."8

Army orders, ”Pennybecker's Mills, September 27, 1777 ... Such Regts. as have not made up spare

Ammunition, so as to complete at least 40 Rounds pr Man are to do it this day, without fail ... The

Men are to carry only their Cartridge boxes & tin Cannisters full"9

On 27 September 1777, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Maryland Congressman Charles Carroll

informed the commander-in-chief, “I have had some conversation with Mr. Peters Secretary to

our board who informs me that in the month of June last 1000 tin cartridge boxes were sent to the

army and delivered to a Captain French. Mr. Peters moreover informs me that to his certain

knowledge several of these cartridges boxes were converted by the soldiers into cantenes &

by some officers into shaving boxes. Commissary Flowers also acquainted me that there are

now at Carlile upwards of 2000 tin cartridges boxes: if these are wanted in the army they may be

immediately sent for.” And a related incident: General orders, “Head Quarters, at Wentz's,

Worcester Township, October 19, 1777 … The Commander in Chief approves the following

sentences of a General Court Martial, held the 7th. and 10th. instant … [including] Lieut. Rains

of the 15th. Virginia regt. charged with ‘Sending a soldier (William Blyford) to bring water in

a tin Cartridge box,’ found, by the unanimous opinion of the court, not guilty of the charge.”10

4

Army orders, the evening prior to the attack on Germantown, “Head Quarters, at Wentz's,

Worcester Township, October 3, 1777 ... The distribution of tin Cannisters is to be made as

particularly directed this morning, and the officers commanding regiments are themselves to see

that the cartridges are carefully stored in them.”11

Army orders, 8 October 1777, "The Brigade Majors are to give in Returns tomorrow of the number

of mens arms and Accoutrements wanting in the Regiments of each Brigade that they may be

compleated immediately: also Returns of the tin Canisters. The mens pouches to be greas'd once a

week."12

(Note: Though only part of this order discusses tin canisters, the entire text is included as it shows

severe supply shortages and problems with standardization of arms and equipment.)

Army orders, “Towamensing, October 13, 1777 ... It is with real grief and amazement that the

General observes, by the late returns, how deficient of arms and accoutrements the Continental

troops are. He directs, that they may be immediately supplied with muskets, and if there is not a

sufficiency of cartouch boxes, that the tin Cannisters be taken from those who have cartouch

boxes, to supply the defect of such as have none. After this the General positively orders that the

arms, ammunition and accoutrements be examined once a day, by an officer of each company.

That this may certainly be done, he expects the commanding officer of each regiment will give

particular attention to the duty here enjoined. He also recommends it to the General Officers, as a

matter well worthy of their care. Any soldier after this, who shall loose, sell or otherwise dispose

of his arms, accoutrements or cloathing, shall be punished in the most exemplary manner,

without the smallest mitigation.

As there are not spare cartouch boxes at this time, to supply the militia, Col. Crawford is

desired to use his utmost skill and industry to procure horns and pouches to carry their

ammunition in, or to adopt any other method, he may, upon consulting his officers, find more

expeditious. He is to appoint some active person acquainted with duty, as Brigade Major pro:

tempore, who will be allowed pay during the time he acts.

As many great and valuable advantages, would result, from the having the arms of a division,

or even of a brigade, of the same bore, the Commander in Chief directs, that each officer

commanding a brigade would have a return instantly made to him of the different Calibers and

number of each kind in his brigade; and that as soon as this is done Major General Sullivan

would call all the General officers, and officers commanding brigades, together, and see if such a

disposition of arms can be effected, as many happy consequences would flow from it.

After orders

Altho' orders have been given to complete the army with 40 rounds of cartridges a man, the

General did not intend that they should be distributed to the men 'till further orders, except so far

as should be necessary to fill the cartridge boxes and tin-cannisters: All above that number are to

be collected immediately, and deposited in a good covered waggon of the brigade or division, no

delay is to be made in this matter, lest the cartridges be spoiled or lost.13

On 19 December 1777 General Washington’s troops reached the site of their winter cantonment at Valley

Forge. While the troops settled in to their new quarters equipment needed to be accounted for:

“Head Quarters V:F: January 10th. 1778 … All the Tin Cannisters that have been issued to the

Troops are to be return'd forthwith to the Commissary of Military Stores, Who is to enter the

number received from each Corps and Brigade."14

The document below shows the original

allotment of canisters in the left-hand column, as opposed to those turned back in.

5

"Return of Tin Cartridge Boxes Delivered to & Received from the Different Divisions &C. of the

Army ... Artily Park Jany 24. 1778"15

Tin Cartridge Boxes Delivered Tin Cartridge Boxes Received

To Genl. Sullivans Division 458 From Genl. Weedons Brigade 54

Genl. Greenes do 278 Genl. Huntingdons do 130

Genl. Lord Stirling's do 228 1st. Virginia Regiment 23

Late Genl. Stephen's do 272 4th. Virginia ditto 25

Genl. Wayne's do 228 8 ditto ditto 8

Genl. McDougals Brigade 200 11 ditto ditto 21

Genl. Maxwells do 65 14 ditto ditto 24

Genl. Muhlenberg's do 90 [10?] ditto ditto 11

Genl. Conways do 45 3 P ennsilvania ditto 20

Genl. Nashes do 184 8 ditto ditto 10

Genl. Scott's do 45 4 Jersey ditto 11

Genl. Woodford's do 45 5 Jersey * ditto 6

7th. Penlvan. ditto 46

2,138 389

* Spencer's Additional Regiment

On 19 March 1778 Congress authorized the adoption of a “new model” leather cartridge pouch

based on the twenty-nine round British box, as well as the manufacture of tin canisters as an

acceptable substitute.

Resolved, That it be recommended to each State, to appoint some suitable person or persons, to

get made, with all possible despatch, as many compleat setts of accoutrements and spare bayonet

sheaths as shall be sufficient for their respective quotas of troops; the cartridge boxes to be made

to hold at least 29 rounds of cartridges when made up with ounce-balls, and the cover of good

substantial leather, with a small cover or flap under it, that the ammunition may be most

effectually guarded against rain: and to prevent impositions from the workmen, that proper

inspectors be appointed to examine and receive the accoutrements, with orders to reject such as

are bad and insufficient; and that the accoutrements, so provided, be sent forward with the

troops, or as soon after as possible: That, in case in any State they have quantities of tin, instead

of the cartouch boxes, an equal number of tin cartridge canisters be furnished agreeable to a

pattern or description to be sent by the Board of War.16

A detailed description of the canisters was provided each state by Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates.

(Circular) War office 28 March 1778 … The recommendation to provide cartridge boxes and tin

cannisters for cartridges is given, because of the almost total want of them in the public stores,

and the impossibility of making a number in any degree equal to the demands of the army, in the

public manufactories, where the workmen are few, and it is impossible to encrease them:

agreeable to the direction of congress, the board give the following description of the tin

cannisters. They are to be six inches and an half deep, or long; three inches and three quarters of

an inch broad (this breadth receiving the cartridges lengthways, as they lie in a horizontal

6

possition) and two inches and seven eighths of an inch thick; (this thickness admitting four

cartridges, to lay side by side) a box of these dimensions, in the clear, will well contain thirty six

cartridges with ounce balls. A wire is to be fixed in all the edges at the top, and then each side

turned down (outwards) a full half inch, and soldered. The cover is to be a full half inch deep, so

that when fixed on the cannister the edges shall come close down to the ledge formed by the

inclosed wire. This cover at one end turns on a hinge an inch and a quarter long, the wire (fixed

as above mentioned) being laid naked, that space, for the purpose; and a piece of tin is run

underneath this wire, doubled together, and soldered on the inside of one end of the cover. The

soldier carries a cannister by a shoulder belt, as he does a cartridge box: and for this reason the

cannister has fixed to it three loops of tin, each half an inch wide, with the edges turned back, to

be smooth and strong; one of them is placed underneath the middle of the bottom, and one on

each of the narrowest sides, the latter at four inches distance from the bottom to their lower

edges. The loops are to be sent down at each end and very well soldered, leaving a space to admit

a leathern belt full one inch and a half wide, and nearly an eighth of an inch thick. The cover

opens against one part of the belt, which causes it to fall down, after a cartridge is taken out, by

wh means the rest are secured from accidental fire. If possible, the cannisters should be japanned,

or painted, to preserve them from rust; and all fixed with belts. The board are of opinion that

these cannisters are preferable to cartridge boxes, as they will infallibly secure the cartridges

from rain, and their weight is so trifling as to be no burthen to the Soldier. And seeing leather is

so scarce they will be a most excellent substitute for cartridge boxes. I am Sir with great respect

Your most obedient Servant

Horatio Gates President [Board of War]

[to] His Excellency Thomas Johnson Esqr [governor of Maryland]

17

Gates tells of a canister with a lid hinged to one side, opening against the leather shoulder belt. All

known surviving canisters differ in that their lids open against the wearer’s back.

On May 1st General Washington wrote the War Board urging that sheet-iron be used instead of

tin: "The Iron cartridge Cannisters should be by all means carried on. They will upon an emergency

serve instead of the Cartouch Box and will always carry spare ammunition perfectly secure from

Rain, and will save tin of which the former ones were made."18

For the time being that proved

unnecessary, there being ample supplies of tin on hand, as Timothy Pickering informed the

commander-in-chief:

War Office June 9. 1778 … We are disappointed in our expectations of getting a number of iron

cartridge boxes. We hoped they would have yielded immediate relief. But the principal workmen in

that branch are busily engaged in making camp kettles, and cannot touch the [iron] cartridge boxes

under two months from this time. Only 1000 have been contracted for at Morristown. However, the

disappointment is of less consequence than was feared, for our stock of tin suitable for cannisters is

much larger than was imagined; and with eight workmen Capt. Coren can make about 500 in a

week: but some of his hands are hired, & less steady than could be wished. Colo. Flower judges

there is tin enough at Carlisle for 10,000 canisters; and observes, that if a few good hands could be

sent from camp the present deficiencies in the army would in a short time be supplied, & a stock be

provided for future use. … the board, on the 17th of April, impowered a Capt. Starr of Middleton

in Connecticut to receive a quantity of public leather of Colo. Trumbull, and get it made up into

shoes and accoutrements, half of each, the cartridge boxes upon the new model; and to send on both

to the main army.19

7

In the meantime, Continental regiments were preparing for field service. In spring 1778

Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York enacted a draft to garner men to

serve nine months in their Continental regiments. All five states faced an influx of hundreds of

short-term men, many joining the army in time to participate in the June Monmouth campaign.

General Washington notified the Board of War on June 6th,

I have lately received 1900 Stand of Arms from the Eastward, which will nearly, if not quite

compleat the number of Men who are at present in want. But we are exceedingly distressed for

Cartouch Boxes. By an exact return made a few days ago 1700 were wanting for the new

Recruits [mostly nine months levies], and to replace the old ones, worn out in the last Campaign.

Since this a number of Recruits from New York and Maryland have arrived. The Deputy

Commissary of Stores informs me, that Lebanon will furnish about 150 pr. week. The supply

from that quarter will be so slow that we must not put any dependence upon it. I do not know

what quantity has been made at Springfield, but Genl Knox inform'd me, that the manufactory

there would be considerable; I shall be much obliged by your dispatching an Express to that

place, with orders to send forward what are ready, with the utmost dispatch. In the mean time, if

you have a number of the thin Iron Cannisters finished, be pleased to have them sent down, as

they will serve as a substitute for leather Boxes.20

Needing equipment for hundreds of new men joining his four New Jersey regiments, Brig. Gen.

William Maxwell cast about for supplies. John Conway, a captain in the 1st New Jersey Regiment,

wrote the general from Valley Forge on 12 June 1778 that "By Mr. Samuel Caldwell, conductor of

Waggons I send you sundries as per the inclosed invoice - The Arms are mostly French & Hessian,

one box only of British. I stript the store to get them & am sorry there was no better on hand. There

is not a tent in the store, nor a cartouch box; I drew 250 [tin] canisters as a substitute 'till they can be

got ..."21

Five days later army orders noted,

The Brigade Quarter Masters will call on the Commissary of Military Stores for their respective

Proportions of Tin Cannisters which are to be kept by them with the Spare Ammunition, filled

with Cartridges and delivered out proportionably to the several Regts. only in time of an Alarm

or when the Troops are actually going to attack the Enemy, except to such Soldiers as are

destitute of Cartridge Boxes, the Cannisters are to be delivered to them in lieu thereof, 'till they

are furnished with boxes, when they are to be lodged with the Brigade Quarter Masters as before

mentioned. As the Proportion of Cannisters will be but small it would be proper to intrust them

to the Non Commissioned Officers only or some of the most trusty soldiers when the Brigades

are completed with Cartridge Boxes.22

8

Tin cartridge canister, West Point Museum collection. Image from Don Troiani and

James L. Kochan, Don Troiani’s Soldiers of the American Revolution (Mechanicsburg,

Pa.: Stackpole Books, 2007), 125.

_______________________________________

Following the Monmouth Courthouse campaign, and its culminating battle on 28 June,

Washington’s forces still lacked equipment; while the desired “new model” leather pouches would

not reach the army in numbers sufficient to supply needs until late 1779 into 1780, canisters

remained the preferred alternative. Unfortunately, those containers were still in short supply in the

summer of 1778, General Washington telling William Maxwell on 13 August, “There are not at

present either Cartouch Boxes or Tin Cannisters in the hands of the Comm[issar]y. of Military

Stores. I will direct him to send to the Magazines and, Manufactories and endeavour to obtain a

supply.”23

August 16 army orders indicate that any available canisters were reserved for Brig.

Gen. Charles Scott’s newly-embodied light infantry corps:

The Brigade Quarter Masters are to apply to the Deputy Commissary General of Military Stores

tomorrow for their proportion of tin Cannisters, Wires and Brushes, Fifes, Drum-heads, Snares,

Sticks &c. and proportion them to the several Regiments agreeable to a late order. The tin

Cannisters are to be put into the hands of those men who are in the Light Infantry.24

The following year saw a similar allotment to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s light troops: "Head

Quarters, Moore's House, July 25th, '79 ... The Ammunition Canteens are to be Delivered to the

Light Infintrey, agreeable to the Returns of the officers Commanding their Respective Regiments

who will be Purticlarly attentive to Prevent them Being Lost or Misapplied.”25

9

Cartridge canisters remained an acceptable alternative to leather pouches until 1780, and

perhaps later. Appended are several documents mentioning their manufacture, presence in army

stores, or issue to the army in the field.

1779

Malcom’s Additional Regiment, orders 4 February 1779, "The Cartridge Boxes of all the men are to

be fill'd with good Cartridges, those who carry their Cartridges in Cannisters or Pouches to have

two dozen those well packed ..."26

1780

99 "Tin Catuch Boxes Covred," listed in "A Monthly Report of the work maid and Delivered in the

Factrey of Lether Accuterments for the Yuss of the Armey of the United States of America in Capt

Theops. Parkes Comy. of Artillery and Artificers in Coll B. Flowers Regt CGMS, under the

Comand of Lieut Alexr. Dow for the Month of March - 1780"27

1,540 "Tin Cartge Boxes" along with 438 straps listed in "A Return of Arms and Accoutrements

Received and Delivered ... out of the Com[missar]y. Genl. Mil[itar]y. Stores in the Month of March

1780"28

1,244 "Belts for Tin Cartrige Boxes," listed in "A Monthly Report of the work Maide and Delivred

in the Factrey of Lether Accuterments for the Yuss of the Armey of the United States of America in

Capt Lieut Dows Compy. of Artillery and Artificers, Coll B. Flowers Regt CGMS, For the Month

of June 1780"29

1,842 "Tin & Iron Cartge Boxes," along with 1,805 straps were delivered to the army in June 1780;

1,695 remained on hand with the Commissary General of Military Stores. "A Monthly Return of

Arms and Accoutrements Received in and Delivered out of the Comy. Genl. Mily. Stores by Majr.

Jonathan Gostelowe Comy. Mily. Stores, in the Month of June 1780"30

2,525 "Tin & Iron Carteridge Boxes" and 1,014 straps for same listed in "A Monthly Return of

Arms and Accoutrements Received in and Delivered out of the Comy. Genl. Mily. Stores by Majr.

Jonathan Gostelowe Comy. Mily. Stores, in the Month of July 1780"31

2,724 "Tin Cartge Boxes" and 1,008 straps for same listed in "A Monthly Return of Arms,

Accoutrements, Necessaries and Sundry Mily. Stores which Arrived from Boston in the Dean

Frigate ye 22d. of August 1780 Rec.d in & Deliverd. out of the C.G.M. stores ... in said Month"32

10

"A Return of Military Stores wanting for Six compleat Regiments of Va Troops to enable them to

perform their Duty in the Field" listed,

6 regimental standards

24 division colors (this number seems to have been reduced to 12 on the return)

144 camp colors

120 espontoons

56 drums and the same number of drum slings, spare cords, spare snares, spare heads, fifes

and fife cases.

112 pairs of sticks

302 sergeant's swords

302 sword belts

3,198 muskets and the same number of bayonets, belts and scabbards, "Cartouch Boxes,"

"Tin Canisters with Slings," and gun slings.

533 "Bullet screws"

3,198 screw drivers and a like number of "Brushes & Pickers"

"N.B. out of the 3000 Stands of Arms and Accoutrements sent to the Southward General

Muhlenberg had retained 2000 Stand and in Case the Stores are inadequate to the Supplies

demanded in this Return, Such Number of Arms not less than 1000 as the Board shall think

proper will in my Opinion suffice: But the Cartouch Boxes sent with the 3000 Stand

mentiond are chiefly unfit for service being intended only for the Militia - No Tin

Canisters were sent [south] at all The whole Ammunition was forwarded on and of

Course the Quantity demanded being only 72 Rounds pr. Man will be wanting.

P.S. it will be necessary that two Brigade Conductors each with a travelling Forge be

also sent on." Christian Febiger, "Colo 2nd: Va: Regt" Philadelphia, 28 September 1780.33

West Point Museum canister on the left; Bergen County Historical Society artifact on the right.

(Image courtesy of http://www.hotdiptin.com )

11

A cartridge canister worn by a soldier of Lt. Col. Thomas Gaskin's Virginia Battalion.

Gaskin’s men served under the Marquis de Lafayette in their home state during the

summer and autumn of 1781 against Maj. Gen. Charles Earl Cornwallis’s forces. Like the

two Virginia Continental regiments commanded by Colonels John Green and Samuel

Hawes, and fighting under Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, Gaskins’ unit contained some

numbers of African-Americans. Artwork by Don Troiani (Courtesy of the artist,

www.historicalimagebank.com)

12

Afterward

“They will … scarcely last one Campaign.”

The Problem of Poorly-Made Continental Army Cartridge Pouches

and Introduction of the New Model Box

On 16 September 1777 Continental and British forces moved into position around the White

Horse Tavern in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The events of the day and ensuing consequences

were recorded in the “Proceedings of a Council of Genl. Officers,” seven days later at the army’s

Potts Grove camp:

when the Army left Germantown upon the 15th. instant it was a determination to meet the Enemy

and give them Battle whenever a convenient opportunity should be found … they advanced the

same day to the Sign of the Buck and the day following to the Warren Tavern upon the Lancaster

Road. On the 17th. [actually 16th] in the morning intelligence was brought that the Enemy were

advancing, upon which the Army were paraded and a disposition made to receive them, the

Pickets had exchanged a few shott when a violent Storm of Rain, which continued all the day and

the following Night, prevented all further operations. Upon an examination of the Arms and

Ammunition on the 18th: it was found that the former were much impaired and all the latter, that

was in Cartouch Boxes, was intirely ruined, wherefore it was judged expedient to with draw the

Army to some place of security, until the Arms could be repaired and the Ammunition recruited.

Before this could be fully effected, advice was received that the Enemy had quitted their former

position near the White Horse Tavern and were marching down the Road leading to the Swedes

Ford; but the Army not being in a condition to attack them, owing to the want of Ammunition, it

was judged most prudent to cross the River at Parker's Ford and take post in the Rear of the

Fatland Ford opposite to the Enemy.34

The aborted action became known as the Battle of the Clouds; General Washington provided

more details in a missive to Congress, calling the storm “a most violent Flood of Rain,” and that

“When it held up, we had the Mortification to find that our Ammunition, which had been

compleated to Forty Rounds a Man, was intirely ruined …” Maj. Gen. Henry Knox was more

specific in a letter to his wife, “After some days’ manoeuvring, we came in sight of the enemy

and drew up in order of battle, which the enemy declined, but a most violent rain coming on

obliged us to change our position, in the course of which nearly all the musket cartridges of the

army that had been delivered to the men were damaged, consisting of about 400,000. This was a

most terrible stroke to us, and owing entirely to the badness of the cartouche-boxes which had

been provided for the army.”35

Curiously, a small portion of the British forces suffered the same

embarrassment. A British light infantry officer recorded in his journal for 16 September 1777,

The Army march’d in two Columns & join’d at Goshen Meeting House, after halting to refresh the

Men, mov’d on again in the same Order, the Patroles having fallen in with a party of the Rebels –

the Advance of both Column[s] soon had a remarkable successful skirmish, the 1st L.I. kill’d

wound’d & took 50 Men with the Loss of one Man wounded – the Yagers were equally fortunate –

these were Corps pushed forward by Washington to impede our Advance when to his great

Astonishment he heard of our Approach & to gain Time to Retreat – a most heavy Rain coming on

frustrated the good Effects which were expected from this Capital Move & sav’d the Rebel Army

13

from a more compleat Over throw than they had met with at Brandewine / the Left Column headed

by Sir Wm. Howe encumber’d with all the heavy Cannon, Baggage, &ca in a narrow Broken Road,

& tired Horses was incapable of proceeding & notwithstanding the impatience of Lord Cor[n]wallis

to Attack the General found himself under the disagreeable Necessity to order him to halt – the

Violence of the Rain was so lasting that it was afterwards known the Rebels had not a single

Cartridge in their Pouches but was Wet, the [British] Light Inf.y Accoutrements being mostly

Rebel were in the same Situation.36

It is not known why the British light troops were using American cartridge pouches; perhaps the

captured accoutrements held more rounds than their own, or the American pouches were being

used to carry extra ammunition.

Maj. Gen. William Heath gave an early intimation of the problem of shoddy equipment, writing

from Boston to the commander-in-chief on 7 June 1777, “The Cartridge Boxes which have been

commonly made for the Army have been made of the most miserable Materials and in case of

storm commonly serve only to waste the ammunition which is carried in them.” Heath went on,

“Colo. [William] Lee [commander, Lee’s Additional Regiment] who undoubtedly may be called a

Martinet in Military matters is desirous that the Boxes for the Three Regiments which are to be

posted Here may be made of better Leather. He has brought me a sample. The first Expence will be

considerably more than that of the present modle, but in a long run they will be much the cheapest.

They will, with proper care last the War, whilst the other will scarcely last one Campaign. I would

beg your Excellency ‘s Opinion.” Washington replied on 23 June, “I have long found the ill effect

of the Wretched Cartouch Boxes generally in use, and I am very glad to find that Colo. Lee has

found out a kind that will preserve the Ammunition; you will admit him to have them made and I

should be glad of one by way of pattern,” to which Heath responded in early July, “I have directed

that the Cartridge Boxes be made as soon as possible for Colo. Lee’s & Jackson’s Regiments, one

of the first that is finished shall be sent to your Excellency.” This seems to be the inception of the

Continental Army “new model” cartridge pouch. If so, Colonel Lee duplicated the British army

cartridge pouch, of the same design and with a capacity of twenty-nine rounds of ammunition.37

Shoddy accoutrements were still on General Washington’s mind as Continental forces, large

and small, moved to reinforce the armies in New Jersey and New York, writing General Heath at

Boston, “Let every party that you send off be fully supplied with Ammunition, which Should be

delivered to the Officer and carried with their Baggage. If it is put into their Cartouch Boxes it

will probably be damaged by Weather before they arrive.”38

Following the White Horse Tavern

deluge on September 16th some efforts were made to improve equipment. Writing John Hancock

on 13 October, Washington noted,

With respect to Cartouch Boxes, without which it is impossible to act, I cannot find from my

inquiries, that there are any in store. Several of the Continental Troops are deficient in this

instance, and what adds to our distress, there are but very few of the Southern Militia that are

provided. I am trying to make a collection about the Country, but from the information I have

receiv'd, the measure will be attended with but little success. This want, tho' not remedied

immediately, may be removed in time, and I would take the liberty to recommend, that the

earliest attention should be had to making a large supply. I would also advise that much care

should be used in choosing the Leather. None but the best and thickest is proper for the purpose,

and each Box should have a small inner flap for the greater security of the Cartridges against rain

14

and moist weather. The Flaps in general, are too small and do not project sufficiently over the

ends or sides of the Boxes. I am convinced of the utility nay necessity of these improvements and

that the adoption of them, tho' they will incur an additional expence at first, will prove a

considerable saving, and of the most beneficial consequences. For we know from unhappy

experience in the severe rain on the 16th. Ulto, the few Boxes we had of this construction,

preserved the ammunition without injury, whilst it was almost wholly destroyed in those of the

Common form with a single flap.39

That November the commander-in-chief mentioned an expedient suggested by the Board of

War: “Head Quarters, Whitemarsh, November 3, 1777 … Lining the flap of the Cartouch

[pouches] with painted Canvas will certainly be of Service, considering the badness and thinness

of the leather in general; but the greatest preservative to the Cartridges, is a small inside flap of

pliant leather, which lays close upon the top of them and not only keeps them dry but from being

rubbed.” Leather quality remained a problem, Washington notifying Congress on 6 March 1778,

“I am … apprehensive, that the scarcity of leather will occasion a Scarcity of Accoutrements.

From what the Commissary of Hides informed me some time ago, his prospects of dressed

leather are distant, he having put out a great quantity to be tanned, which will not be fit for

Service until next Fall. The Cartouch Boxes made in this Country, are generally very bad, and I

see little chance of their being made Substantial and fit to turn the weather until we can bring our

manufacture of leather to a greater perfection; which is only to be done by letting it lay much

longer in the Vats, than we can afford, under our present wants. Military Accoutrements of the

leather kind are said to come exceedingly cheap and good from France, and I would therefore

Suggest the propriety of ordering a quantity from thence, if it should not have been already done.

The Hides of the Cattle killed in the Army might then be in a manner totally applied to procuring

Shoes for them …” 40

The need to retrofit old pouches in an attempt to make them waterproof

continued to be necessary for several years, despite directives like that from the War Office in

June 1778:

the board, on the 17th of April, impowered a Capt. Starr of Middleton in Connecticut to receive a

quantity of public leather of Colo. Trumbull, and get it made up into shoes and accoutrements …

the cartridge boxes upon the new model; and to send on both to the main army.41

Despite the best of intentions, sufficient supplies of the new-designed cartridge pouches

remained elusive for much of the war. By mid-September 1778 the commander-in-chief had to

inform the War Board,

I would also take the liberty to mention to the Board, that we are in great want of Cartouch

Boxes. At this time we have many Men without any, and a large proportion of those we have in

use, serve but for little more than to spoil ammunition. This is an object worthy of consideration,

and I am well persuaded the waste of Cartridges in the course of a Campaign, independent of

their utility and the inconveniences experienced for want of them, is equal nearly in value to the

sum necessary to procure a competent supply. The Board are acquainted with the best patterns

and the quality of the leather of which they ought to be made; and I trust they will direct the most

expeditious measures to be pursued for furnishing the Army with them.42

15

Continental Army “new model” cartridge pouch, with improved weather-proofing

and a capacity of twenty-nine rounds of ammunition. (Collection of J. Craig Nannos)

16

Interior (above) and rear view of Continental Army “new model” cartridge pouch.

Collection of J. Craig Nannos)

17

A year and half later, old pouches were still being issued, Washington again writing the Board

of War,

Morris Town, May 8, 1780 ... Gentlemen: It appears by … a letter from Baron [Maj. Gen.

Friedrich Wilhelm de] Steuben that about 1500 Muskets fitted with Bayonets and the same

number of Bayonet Belts and Cartouch Boxes of the new construction, are wanting to compleat

the troops in this Cantonment. You will be pleased therefore to direct the above quantity to be

sent forward as speedily as our circumstances will admit. The Muskets which will be returned

are for the most part in perfect order, except wanting Bayonets and the Cartouch Boxes are of the

old kind.43

The southern states’ forces seem particularly to have received short shrift. War Board member

Timothy Pickering had to tell Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson in early July 1780,

We expected to be able to send you 2000 cartridge boxes; but we have been disappointed and Maj.

Pierce has received at present but between six and seven hundred. – as time is pressing a slight kind

may be provided – The British have for several years past, furnished their new levies with cartridge

boxes made of close wood (as maple or beech) with no other covering than a good leather flap

nailed to it at the back near the upper edge, and of sufficient breadth to cover the top & whole front

of the box; they are fixed to the body by a waist belt, which passes through two loops that are nailed

to the front of the box – cartouch boxes of this kind will answer very well & may be made at small

expense.44

And on 21 July 1780 Brig. Gen. Edward Stevens wrote Major General Gates of pouches received,

likely for issue to Stevens’ Virginia militia:

Sir, the 300 cartouch boxes, that I informed you I understood were on the road from Virginia, are

just come in. Numbers of them are without any straps, others without flaps, and scarce any of them

would preserve the cartridges in a moderate shower of Rain – What straps there are to the boxes are

of linen.

The arms are in general good but the cartouch boxes bad, many of the old construction and wore

out. Some with waist belts, others without any belts at all slung by pieces of rope or other strings

…45

Let us close with Deputy Commissary of Military Stores Samuel Hodgdon’s June 1781

valuation for the Board of War,

Estimate of the Sum necessary to procure 1300 new Constructed Cartouch Boxes to be

forwarded with the Musketts under Order for use of the Southern Army …

1300 New Constructed Carto[uche] Boxes . . . . . @ 18[shillings]/9[pence] …46

18

“The tin magazines … preserve the ammunition from wet … better than any other.”

Miscellania Concerning Crown Forces and Tin Canisters.

Several references have been found of tin canisters being used by British and Loyalist troops.

Capt. John Peebles, 42d Regiment of Foot, recorded in his journal at Long Island, New York,

"Tuesday 6th. [April 1779] A little rain in the morning. -- went to Town to see

about the painted Knapsacks and bespeak a set of Tin Cartridge boxes for the Compny. -- return'd

in the eveng."47

Entry in orderly book of Capt. Eyre Coote’s light company, 37th Regiment:

19 Novr 1779 Batn Orders

The Light Infantry to Parade half an hour before sunset in front of their Hutts. The Officers

Servants to attend Battmen Excepted, the Arms to be inspected by an Officer of each compy, the

Teen boxes to be left behind; 9 Light Cartridges to remane in the [leather] Catuch boxes.48

Opinion regarding equipment for Provincial troops, 13 March 1780:

Captain SHAW presents his best respects to Mr. MORSE and by desire of Mr. ATKINSON

sends him Paterns of Trowsers for winter and summer, and tin Cartridge Magazines proposed for

the Provincial Troops in Georgia and Carolina, if approv'd of by Lord AMHERST. Capt. SHAW

thinks the tin magazines the best kind of accoutrements for these Troops - they preserve the

ammunition from wet particularly better than any other, as he saw proved in the course of last

Campaign, and the kinds then used (by some of the light Companies) were inferior in

construction to the Paterns now sent. Trowsers save both Breeches and stockings, and are worn

by the whole American Army both men and Officers as being reckon'd the best wear for

service. C. SHAW is prevented by indisposition from waiting personally on Mr. MORSE.49

A "Return of ordnance and military stores taken at York and Gloucester, in Virginia, by the

surrender of the British army, on the 19th of October, 1781,” included 6,444 “cartridge boxes”

and 800 “tin cannisters.”50

All the above beg the question; were British cartridge canisters copied from captured

American specimens, or did Horatio Gates’ tin canisters have some British military antecedent?

Alternative Names for Tin/Iron Cartridge Boxes

“tin canister”

“Tin Cartridge Cannisters”

“tin Boxes to carry spare Cartridges”

“Iron cartridge Cannisters”

“iron cartridge boxes”

“Ammunition Canteens”

“Tin Catuch Boxes”

(British) “tin Cartridge Magazines”

19

“Carried by Moses Currier in the Rev. War.”

Descriptions of Extant Canisters

Four known extant tin cartridge canisters:

1. West Point Military Academy Museum collection.

2. Bergen County (New Jersey) Historical Society; “Revolutionary period American [tin or sheet-

iron] cartridge box or canister found in Schraalenbergh, now Bergenfield, New Jersey, with the

date 1776 imprinted on the box.” Warren Moore, Weapons of the American Revolution and

Accoutrements (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1967), 199.

3. Moses Currier tin canister (Hank Ford collection)

4. Tin or sheet-iron canister (private collection, known to author)

Tin cartridge canister (private collection), identified by an old paper inside noting, “Carried by

Moses Currier in the Rev. War.” “This example is approximately 4 inches wide by 3 inches deep

and 6 ½ inches tall. The tinned iron material has an old coat of dark green paint of which only

traces remain, and has now acquired a deep gray patina. The piece exhibits excellent

workmanship, as well as artistic touches not required, or expected, in a military piece. The extra

‘curls’ on the latch tab, and triangular hinge on the back, are examples of artistry being combined

with functionality. Just as with the other known canister, this one is designed to be carried by a

cloth or leather strap that would have been 1 ½ to 1 ¾ inches wide, held in place by three strap

retainers.” (Frederick C. Gaede, “A Revolutionary War Tin Cartridge Canister,” Military

Collector & Historian, vol. 46, no. 4 (Winter 1994), 191.)

Pension deposition of Moses Currier, age 70, 12 February 1833, Merrimack County, New

Hampshire.

he enlisted at Epping in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire in the Spring of

the year 1776 for one year and marched to Portsmouth … was there mustered by May … and

joined the company comd by Capt Timo. Climent in the Regt of NH Militia comd by Colo Long

& was stationd on Great Island (now New Castle) near Portsmouth … he again enlisted at

Epping … the first of Sept 1777 for four months under Capt Enoch Page in Colo Senters Regt of

NH Militia and marched directly to Rhode Island & there served four months … was discharged

at that place the first of January 1778 51

Tin canister, West Point collection: “The inside dimensions of the West Point item are: depth, 6

½ “; breadth, 3 ¾ “; thickness, 2 7/8”. The lip on the top is made (as in the Board’s specifications)

by turning down and soldering ‘a full half inch’ of metal over a wire; the cover is the same half-inch

depth, turning on a hinge, consisting of a 1 7/8” section of metal cut back the full depth of the lip

and soldered to the lid over the wire. (The Board’s length for this hinge was an inch and a quarter.)

Three tin loops 7/8” wide are riveted to the narrow sides and bottom of the box – varying from the

specifications which stated they were to be one-half inch wide and soldered. Their edges are not

turned back as required, nor are the two on the sides placed 4 inches from the bottom. The distance

is three and one-half inches. They will admit a leather belt 1 ½” wide and 3/16” thick … rather than

a belt 1 ½” wide “and nearly an eighth of an inch thick.’ The metal used is 3/32” sheet iron. Inside

the cannister are traces of lacquer and it is assumed that the entire case was once painted as

specified, ‘to preserve them from rust.’” Milton F. Perry, "Revolutionary War Iron Cartridge Box,"

Military Collector & Historian, vol. 7, no. 1 (Spring 1955), 25 (description of West Point canister).

20

Endnotes

1. General orders, 4 July 1782, John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington from

the Original Manuscript Sources 1745-1799, vol. 24 (Washington, 1938), 398-399.

2. “At a Council of War held at Head-Quarters, October 8, 1775, present: His Excellency General

Washington; Major-Generals Ward, Lee, Putnam; Brigadier-Generals Thomas, Spencer, Heath, Sullivan,

Greene, Gates.… Brigadier-General Gates’s Opinion on Queries of October 5, 1775 ….

Question 4th. What regulations are further necessary for the government of the Forces?

Answer. This question comprehends almost all the others. As those are particularly answered, I shall

confine my answer to so general a question to the smallest possible compass; and, first, the Army ought

to be so regulated that every non-commissioned officer and soldier be provided with good and sufficient

clothing, (as well for winter as summer,) substantial and complete arms and accoutrements, as follows: A

powder-horn; a bag for buck-shot; a tin canister, to hold thirty-six cartridges of powder and ball, with a

leather strap to sling it across the shoulder; a cartridge-box, to contain twenty-three cartridges or

thereabouts; and every soldier, without exception, should have a bayonet,“ Peter Force, American

Archives, series 4, vol. III (Washington, 1853), 1039-1041.

Continental Congress, 11 November 1775, “On motion made, Resolved, That 3,000 tin cartridge

boxes be made and sent to the Camp, but if tin sufficient to make them can be procured, to send

it.” Worthington Chauncey Ford, ed., Journals of the Continental Congress 1774-1789, vol. III,

21 September-30 December 1775 (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1905), 351.

14 March 1776, “The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due … To Joseph Fineur, for

five hundred and eleven tin cartridge boxes, the sum of £83 0 9=221.4 dollars.” (Note: At a

cost of .433 dollars for each tin box.), ibid., vol. IV, 1 January-4 June 1776 (1906), 205-206.

9 April 1776, “The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due … To John Bruce, for 402

tin cartouch boxes, the sum of £65 6 6=174.2 dollars,” ibid., 265.

29 April 1776, The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due, To Benjamin Marshall, for

tin cartouch boxes, the sum of £174 18 0=465 dollars:” (465 dollars at .433 per item would

amount to 1,073 tin canisters.) ibid., 317.

19 June 1776, “The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due … To John Bruce, the sum

of £5 0 6=3 36/90 dollars, being the ballance of his bill for tin cartouch boxes: To Joseph

Fernauer, the sum of £6 7 9=17 3/90 dollars, the ballance of his bill for tin cartouch boxes,”

ibid., vol. V, 5 June-8 October 1776 (1906), 465.

From the above, tin cartridge canisters manufactured in 1776 numbered at least 1,986; the

January 1778 return shows 2,138 issued to the Washington’s army, 152 more than those

mentioned in the 1776 Congressional records.

3. George Weedon, Valley Forge Orderly Book of General George Weedon of the Continental

Army under Command of Genl. George Washington, in the Campaign of 1777-8 (New York: The

New York Times & Arno Press, 1971), 85-87.

4. Washington to the Board of War, 20 June 1777, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol.

8 (1933), 272-273.

5. Washington to the Board of War, 7 July 1777, ibid., 367.

6. General orders, 28 August 1777, ibid., vol. 9 (1933), 144

7. Weedon, Valley Forge Orderly Book, 27-28.

8. Ibid., 56.

21

9. Ibid., 59-60.

10. Charles Carroll to George Washington, 27 September 1777, Paul H. Smith, et al., eds. Letters

of Delegates to Congress, 1774-1789. Vol. 8, September 19 1777-January 31 1778 (25 volumes,

Washington: Library of Congress, 1976-2000), 21-22. See also, Kate Mason Rowland, The Life

of Charles Carroll of Carrolton 1737 - 1832 with his Correspondence and Public Papers, vol. I

(New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1898), 217-218. General orders, 19 October 1777,

Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol. 9 (1933), 403-404.

11. General orders, 3 October 1777, ibid., 307.

12. Weedon, Valley Forge Orderly Book, 75.

13. General orders, 13 October 1777, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol. 9 (1933),

362-363.

14. Weedon, Valley Forge Orderly Book, 189.

15. "Return of Tin Cartridge Boxes Delivered to & Received from the Different Divisions &C. of

the Army ... Artily Park Jany 24. 1778," Miscellaneous Numbered Records (The Manuscript File)

in the War Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records, 1775-1790's, Record Group 93,

National Archives Microfilm Publication M859, reel 69, item no. 21101.

16. Ford, Journals of the Continental Congress, vol. X, 1 January-1 May 1778 (1908), 270-271.

17. William Hande Browne, ed., "Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety

March 20, 1777-March 28, 1777," Archives of Maryland, vol. XVI (Baltimore, 1897), 557-559.

18. George Washington to the Board of War, 1 May 1778, ibid., vol. 11 (1934), 334.

19. Timothy Pickering (Board of War) to Washington, 9 June 1778, George Washington Papers,

Presidential Papers Microfilm (Washington: Library of Congress, 1961), series 4 (General

Correspondence. 1697–1799), reel 49.

20. Washington to Board of War, 6 June 1778, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol.

12 (1934), 25. For detailed information on the 1778 levies see: John U. Rees, “`The pleasure of

their number’: 1778, Crisis, Conscription, and Revolutionary Soldiers’ Recollections” Part I. “’Filling the Regiments by drafts from the Militia.’: The 1778 Recruiting Acts”

Part II. "’Fine, likely, tractable men.’: Levy Statistics and New Jersey Service Narratives”

Part III. "He asked me if we had been discharged …”: New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, and

North Carolina Levy Narratives”

ALHFAM Bulletin, vol. XXXIII, no. 3 (Fall 2003), 23-34; no. 4 (Winter 2004),

23-34; vol. XXXIV, no. 1 (Spring 2004), 19-28.

http://tinyurl.com/blz2gjw

http://tinyurl.com/cttrxe8

http://tinyurl.com/cayayg5

21. John Conway to William Maxwell, 12 June 1778, Israel Shreve Papers, Buxton Collection,

Prescott Memorial Library, Louisiana Tech University.

22. General orders, 17 June 1778, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol. 12 (1934), 71.

23. Washington to William Maxwell, 13 August 1778, ibid., 318.

24. General orders, 16 August 1778, ibid., 331.

25. The Orderly Book of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. James Chambers, 23 May 1779 to

25 August 1779, John B. Linn and William H. Egle, eds., Pennsylvania in the War of the

Revolution, Battalions and Line. 1775-1783, vol. II (Harrisburg, Pa., 1880), 475.

26. General orders, 4 February 1778, Orderly book of Lt. Col. Aaron Burr, Malcom's Additional

22

Regt., 15 January 1779-28 February 1779, Early American Orderly Books, 1748-1817, Collections

of the New York Historical Society, microfilm edition (Woodbridge, N.J., 1977), reel 7, item 78.

27. "A Monthly Report of the work maid and Delivered in the Factrey of Lether Accuterments for

the Yuss of the Armey of the United States of America in Capt Theops. Parkes Comy. of Artillery

and Artificers in Coll B. Flowers Regt CGMS, under the Comand of Lieut Alexr. Dow for the

Month of March – 1780," Miscellaneous Numbered Records (The Manuscript File) in the War

Department Collection of Revolutionary War Records 1775-1790s, no. 21143 (National Archives

Microfilm Publication M859, reel 69), U.S. War Department Collection of Revolutionary War

Records, Record Group 93, National Archives.

28. "A Return of Arms and Accoutrements Received and Delivered ... out of the Comy. Genl. Mily.

Stores in the Month of March 1780," ibid., reel 69, item no. 21073.

29. "A Monthly Report of the work Maide and Delivred in the Factrey of Lether Accuterments for

the Yuss of the Armey of the United States of America in Capt Lieut Dows Compy. of Artillery and

Artificers, Coll B. Flowers Regt CGMS, For the Month of June 1780," ibid., reel 69, item no.

21130.

30. "A Monthly Return of Arms and Accoutrements Received in and Delivered out of the Comy.

Genl. Mily. Stores by Majr. Jonathan Gostelowe Comy. Mily. Stores, in the Month of June 1780,"

ibid., reel 69, item no. 21069.

31. "A Monthly Return of Arms and Accoutrements Received in and Delivered out of the Comy.

Genl. Mily. Stores by Majr. Jonathan Gostelowe Comy. Mily. Stores, in the Month of July 1780,"

ibid., reel 69, item no. 21070.

32. "A Monthly Return of Arms, Accoutrements, Necessaries and Sundry Mily. Stores which

Arrived from Boston in the Dean Frigate ye 22d. of August 1780 Rec.d in & Deliverd. out of the

C.G.M. stores ... in said Month," ibid., reel 69, item no. 21070.

33. "A Return of Military Stores wanting for Six compleat Regiments of Va Troops to enable them

to perform their Duty in the Field," 28 September 1780, ibid., reel 69, item no. 21151.

34. Continental Army War Council (“Proceedings of a Council of Genl. Officers”), 23

September 1777, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol. 9 (1933), 261-262.

35. Washington to the President of Congress, 23 September 1777, ibid., 257-259. Henry Steele

Commager and Richard B. Morris, eds., The Spirit of ‘Seventy-Six: The Story of the American

Revolution as Told by the Participants (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1975), 619. See

also, Washington to Thomas Nelson, 27 September 1777, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George

Washington, vol. 9 (1933), 272.

36. 1st Battalion Light Infantry, anonymous journal,12 February 1776 to 30 December 1777

(possibly kept by the adjutant of the 28th

Regiment, as per Stephen Gilbert), document #409, Sol

Feinstone Collection, David Library of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing, Pa.

37. William Heath to Washington, 7 June 1777, George Washington Papers, series 4, reel 41.

Washington to William Heath, 23 June 1777, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington, vol.

8 (1933), 288-289. William Heath to Washington, 7 July 1777, George Washington Papers,

series 4, reel 42.

38. Washington to William Heath, 13 July 1777, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George Washington,

vol. 8 (1933), 394-395.

39. Washington to John Hancock, 13 October 1777, ibid., vol. 9 (1933), 366

23

40. Washington to the Board of War, 3 November 1777, ibid., 497. Washington to the Board of

War, 6 March 1778, ibid., vol. 11 (1934), 33-34.

41. Timothy Pickering (Board of War) to Washington, 9 June 1778, George Washington Papers,

series 4, reel 49.

42. Washington to the Board of War, 14 September 1778, Fitzpatrick, Writings of George

Washington, vol. 12 (1934), 454-456.

43. Washington to the Board of War, 8 May 1780, ibid., vol. 18 (1937), 339.

44. Timothy Pickering to Thomas Jefferson, 3 July 1780, William P. Palmer and H.W. Flournoy,

eds., Calendar of Virginia State Papers, 11 vols. (Richmond: 1875-1893), vol. I, 364-365.

45. Edward Stevens to Horatio Gates, 21 July 1780, William P. Palmer and H.W. Flournoy, eds.,

Calendar of Virginia State Papers, 11 vols. (Richmond: 1875-1893), vol. I, 367.

46. Samuel Hodgdon to the Board of War, Philadelphia, 6 June 1781, The Papers of the

Continental Congress 1774-1789, National Archives Microfilm Publication M247 (Washington,

DC, 1958), reel 160, p. 285. For an article and illustrations of a New Model pouch see,

H. Charles McBarron, Jr., "Early U.S. Infantry Cartridge Box," Military Collector & Historian, vol.

3, no. 1 (March 1951), 19-21

47. 6 April 1779 journal entry, Papers of Lt., later Capt., John Peebles of the 42d. Foot ("The

Black Watch"), 1776-1782; incl. 13 notebooks comprising his war journal, book #5, p. 63,

Scottish Record Office, Edinburgh; Cunninghame of Thorntoun Papers (GD 21/492). See also,

Ira D. Gruber, ed., John Peebles' American War: The Diary of a Scottish Grenadier, 1776-1782

(Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pa., 1998), 256.

48. Capt. Eyre Coote’s 37th Light Infantry Company Order Book, 1778 – 1781

Eyre Coote Papers, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, transcribed and edited

by Paul L. Pace, 15 June 2011 http://revwar75.com/library/pace/37-light-OB.pdf

49. Shaw to Morse, 13 March 1780, Great Britain, Public Record Office, War Office, Class 34,

Volume 161, folio 258. http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/supp/suppatterns.htm

50. “Notes to the Sixth Chapter” “Return of ordnance and military stores taken at York and

Gloucester, in Virginia, by the surrender of the British army, on the 19th of October, 1781,” in

Banastre Tarleton, A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781 in the Southern Provinces of

North America (Dublin, 1787), 468.

51. Moses Currier deposition (S12650), Index of Revolutionary War Pension Applications in the

National Archives (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1976), copies of depositions

and related materials in Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty—Land—Warrant Application

Files, (National Archives Microfilm Publication M804, reel 715), Records of the Veterans

Administration, Record Group 15.