THE CIVIL WAR CARTRIDGE BOX
The armament and accouterments of the Civil War soldier were varied, but the most common weapon was the three-banded, muzzle-loaded, rifle musket with an effective range up to 600 yards. A marksman could hit a target at 1,000 yards, although most battles were fought around 200. The musket fired a one-ounce conical lead bullet which upon impact took every- thing with it. The soldier carried what he needed. Beside the musket, he slung his cartridge box over his shoulder. On his belt he wore a cap box, bayonet scabbard, and canteen.
The cartridge box of the Civil War was adopted in 1855. This pouch was attached to the soldiers belt and would contain rifle cartridges. "Forty Dead Men" - slang for a full cartridge box, which usually held forty rounds. Fully armed, a soldier carried about seven pounds of ammunition. Although his cartridge box contained 40 rounds, an additional 60 rounds might be conveyed in the pocket if an extensive battle was anticipated. |
