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Life of a Civil War Soldier. Living in Camp. Officers in the field lived better than enlisted men. They slept one or two officers to a tent. Since the officers provided their own personal gear, items varied greatly and reflected individual taste. Living in Camp.
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Living in Camp • Officers in the field lived better than enlisted men. They slept one or two officers to a tent. Since the officers provided their own personal gear, items varied greatly and reflected individual taste
Living in Camp • Enlisted men, unlike their officers, carried all their belongings on their back. On long marches, men were unwilling to carry more than the absolute essentials. Even so, soldiers ended up carrying about thirty to forty pounds.Each soldier was issued half of a tent. It was designed to join with another soldier's half to make a full size tent. The odd man lost out. The shelter halves were so useful that they were used after the war. As a result, very few remain today.When suitable wooden poles were not available for tent supports, soldiers would sometimes use their weapons.
Existing Day to Day • Daily RoutineFrom reveille to taps, soldiers endured the daily round of roll calls, meals, drills, inspections, and fatigue duties. Throughout this tedious and seemingly endless routine, it was often the personal necessities sent or brought from home, or purchased from sutlers [licensed provisioners to the army] that made camp life tolerable. Many items were used for personal hygiene, grooming, and keeping uniforms in repair. These objects give us a personal and tangible connection to Civil War soldiers.
Existing Day to Day • Clothing and EquipmentConfederate and Union soldiers added other clothing and equipment to their military issue . To make their life more tolerable, they brought various personal items to camp or were given them by family and friends. Few soldiers owned all the items in this exhibit, although most had at least some of them at any given time.Soliders of both Armies often wore civilian-style underwear that they provided themselves. Officers and wealthy individuals usually wore linen undergarments purchased from commercial houses. Junior officers and enlisted men usually wore military issued cotton and wool garments.
Battling Boredom • Playing GamesLike soldiers of all wars, games of chance and the exchange of money were popular in both armies. A successful gambler could send money home to help in the hard times shared by many. • Soldiers could pass several hours away playing games with friends. Many games from the Civil War era are still popular today. Soldiers played board games including checkers or draughts, chess, dominoes, and cards, and other games of chanceAlthough many officers forbade gambling in their regiments, the practice couldn't be stopped. It wasn't unusual for some soldiers to lose a month's pay on unlucky wagers.
Writing • The arrival of mail played a large part in the soldier's life. Letters from home were critical to boost soldier morale, although there never seemed to be enough news from home or about the war
Drinking and Smoking Drinking intoxicating beverages and smoking tobacco was common in both armies. In moderation, they instilled a sense of well-being and normalcy. There was a lot of social drinking and some hard drinking, particularly among officers. Officers had more privacy and disposable income. Whiskey, gin, beer, and wine were the favored drinks. However, drunkeness was not tolerated in either Federal or Confederate camps.Tobacco use was prevalent in both armies. It was not always available to the soldiers due to lack of money or a place to buy it. During periods of quiet along the front, Confederate and Union soldiers often exchanged items of value. Union soldiers swapped coffee with Confederate soldiers for tobacco.
Whittling • Whittling is an age-old pastime. Skilled hands and idle hours often resulted in surprising displays of what has come to be known as 'soldier art.'
Making Music • Music played an important role in the Civil War army. Individually, and in groups, music and singing were common in the soldier's life in camp and on the march.
