Seeing the Civil War

Tag: cap box

Within easy reach on the back of the soldier’s belt was the cartridge box, filled with paper packets that contained gunpowder and a minie ball. On the front of the belt was the smaller cap box, holding percussion caps that were inserted to be struck by the cocked hammer when the trigger was pulled.

Wikipedia says: The typical Union soldier carried his musket, percussion cap box, cartridge box, a canteen, a knapsack, and other accoutrements, in addition to any personal effects. By contrast, many Southern soldiers carried their possessions in a blanket roll worn around the shoulder and tied at the waist. They might have a wooden canteen, a linen or cotton haversack for food, and a knife or similar sidearm, as well as their musket.

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