Posted by Elaine on November 27, 2000 at 11:59:10:
In Reply to: Re: bedrolls posted by Many Flags on November 27, 2000 at 11:23:43:
: Corporal MacWilliam and I put our heads together about this (ouch!) and tried to come up with some answers. However, we are wondering if the items we carry in our bedroll (pack) is the same that a modern scout, especially a girl, would need. Also, we're not sure that your young lass should go scouting, it being wild country. But, if she does, here are items we have which are needed (the key word is needed, no unneccesary items).
: The Corporal and I both carry a pack which was common in the mid 1700s. It is a pack with a belted flap, all measuring about 20 inches long by 14 inches wide, with a wide carrying strap so the pack is slung over the left shoulder. We carry one blanket which is rolled and can either be put into the pack or belted under the flap. We carry an extra shirt, extra hose (you call them socks), extra pair of moccassins. The Corporal also carries a brush to clean his uniform and a tar ball to blacken leathers (belts and sword baldric). It's also wise to carry some extra foodstuffs in the pack, some venison jerk, cornmeal, tea, and a sugar cone. A fishing kit is handy, a few hooks and line; and some extra candles, and a sewing kit of some needles, sinew, linen or wool patches and leather. Also good to have some extra tobacco and geegaws (beads and such) to trade with savages.
: We also carry haversacks which is where we keep that which is most needed. A fire kit of tow, flint, steel, and charcloth. Some candle stubs, gun cleaning stuffs of oil, tow worm and cleaning linen. The pipe and tobacco is usually kept in the haversack, and a wood spoon and tin cup. Food stuffs of dried corn or beans, salt pork or beef, cheese and bread are kept wrapped in a cloth.
: I don't know if this helps. The Corporal and I are concerned that you are sending your young lass out in the forest without much experience. Will she be traveling with other scouts to reconnoiter for savages or is this a hunting trip where she will be with experienced riflemen? We are not completely sure this is appropriate for a young lass, to be out scouting in the wilds, but then we don't understand modern civilized ways.
: The Corporal gives your Lass a Slante' Mhath and from me a hearty...
: Pax Aye!
: Many Flags, retired scout of the 77th Reg't of foot, Grenadiers, now a homesteader in Berks County, Pennsylvania colony
:
What?!!!!! No West Indies Rum, Portugese Madeira, or, at least, Spruce Beer????!
It's cold out there, man!
E