Dunmore's War 250th Encampment August 31st, 2024

 "...We according marched, we marched to the waters of New River to Drapers Meadows at Col. Billy Prestons..."

 

Pension Application of Robert Bleakley (Blakeley) W279 

Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris

 

 

Portraying Virginians under Lewis: Smithfield Plantation, August 31, 2024

The encampment will be centered around a Composite/Model Company scenario, portraying a volunteer company of Virginians in August 1774 on the spot where they originally encamped at William Preston's home prior to marching to battle at Point Pleasant. 

Participation is juried, and by invitation only. Emphasis will be on quality, not quantity,  and participants will be doing some interpretation, drill and demonstrations for the general public during daytime hours (reading Glenn Williams' book on Dunmore's War is highly recommended). Female impressions should be centered around sewing hunting shirts/grain bags for the group during public hours.

When: The Weekend of August 31st, 2024. Friday (8/30) night arrivals, Sunday morning departures (no public programming on Sunday).

Where: Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg Virginia.

Wear: Civilian clothes with the majority of participants in unbleached linen "Osnabrigs" hunting shirts and blue woolen "Indian leggings". See below.

 

The Volunteer companies from western Virginia mustered in their civilian clothing and for the most part brough their personal arms and equipment. Some of the westernmost companies under Lewis appear to have purchased unbleached osnabrig linen hunting shirts and blue woolen Indian leggins, as well as other minor necessaries such as clasp knives and printed handkerchiefs from local stores.

Rifled arms were preferred, but shortages of rifled arms meant that some men were armed with smoothbores. The portion of the army under Dunmore received 300 stands of arms and accoutrements (bayonets and cartridge boxes) from the magazine in Williamsburg, the western companies appear to have utilized shot bags and horns exclusively. 

 

Tomahawks or small hatchets appear to have been common sidearms. 

 

 

Modern glasses and facial hair of any kind beyond three days’ growth will not be allowed (three days' growth being assumed to be similar in appearance to the British grenadier in Morier's Culloden painting).

 

 

 Detail from Morier showing the outer limits of acceptable facial fuzz for the event.

Participants will be expected to encamp in reproduction tents (or sleep outside under the stars) with minimal camp equipment.

 

 

 

Clothing:

Civilian clothes, Eighteenth century men commonly wore a coat, waistcoat and breeches of linen, wool, cotton, silk or a blended fabric, as well as a linen or cotton shirt, black felt hat, and wool or linen stockings, buckled shoes and a stock or handkerchief around their neck.


A full civilian suit of appropriate cut and fabrics with the addition of an unbleached linen hunting shirt (caped, fringed and open before) and blue woolen Indian leggings are preferred (numerous instances of 1.25 to 2 yards of "coating" or "blue cloth" were purchased for this purpose). Sleeved waistcoats and linen trousers are acceptable substitutions.

 

1770s rifle by Adam Haymaker of Winchester Virginia. 

Haymaker was later paid for "repair of Guns" for the campaign in October 1775.

 

Preferred Arms:
Pre 1774 American rifle (barrel 36 inches or more) with a wooden or 2 piece brass box. Kibler "Colonial American" or "Woodsrunner" kits are recommended for the novice.

Pre 1774 British military musket, fowling piece, Dutch musket, or Indian trading/Carolina gun, or an American composite gun featuring parts of the above.

Accoutrements:
Plain, small leather shot bag (around 7 inches square with flap and shoulder strap)
Powderhorn in good repair/well sealed (large 1 pound or so capacity)
Powder measure of tin, horn or antler
Pre 1774 style hatchet, tomahawk or small axe with leather cover for the blade.
Blanket- white woolen with red, blue or black stripes, recommended to be carried with a hoppus or blanket strap.
Canteen- staved wood, tin, or a glass bottle for water
Market wallet for small necessaries and rations

Documentation:

Pension Application of Robert Bleakley (Blakeley) W279
Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
[Capitalization and punctuation partly corrected]
State of Kentucky } Sct
Wayne County }
On this 24 day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the County Court th
of the County court of Wayne and State of Kentucky Robert Blakely a Resident of Wayne County
and State of Kentucky aged seventy four years or seventy five years old on the 12 day of th
January 1833, who Being first duly Sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following
Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 th
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served
as first Sirgent as herein stated.
My first service was in the latter part of September 1773 I enlisted with Capt. John Floyd
as a volunteer for 18 months to go to the opost [outpost?] on or near the Ohio. Col. Charles
Lewis was Col and Andrew Lewis Chief Commander of the Expedition, & I then lived in Henry
county Virginia [formed from Pittsylvania County in 1777] on Black Watter [Blackwater River, in
Franklin County since 1786]. We according marched, we marched to the waters of New River to
Drapers Meadows at Col. Billy Prestons [William Preston’s plantation at present Blacksburg] we
then marched down new River to the mouth of the Cannawwa [sic: Kanawha River at Point
Pleasant] and on the 10 day of October 1774 we had a severe battle under Andrew Lewis our th
chief commander and other officers, with the Shawnee Indians. 86 of our men was killed in the
battle & many wounded. Charles Lewis was mortally wounded Col. William Flemming [sic:
William Fleming] of Roan Oak [sic: Roanoke River near Big Lick, now Roanoke VA] was our
Doctor or Surgeon. on the next day the Indians sent in a flag & Govenor Dunmore came up with
about 2000 more officers & soldiers, and the Indian agreed to capitulate and gave 5 Indians as
Hostages, to be sent to this Opost, untill a final Treaty.

[Capt. William Russell to Col. William Preston. 3QQ78- undated believed to be August 1774]

Dr. Colo. I have long expected to have been releived, by Men at our Forts, that the Volunteers might March, to the appointed place of Rendezvous: such relief was promised the Men when they Engaged and such they must have; other ways are ready, only some brown Linen which Mr. Brander told me,
should be up before the Army Marched from Rendezvous..."

Capt Wm Russell to Col. William Preston
August 28th, 1774

"Dr. Colo. I have got as fare as Mr. Branders with a handful of Men out of my own Company.  I think our Number of private Men is thirty one....the Men I have, are fit for the business, but are badly fix'd, for want of Hunting shirts, and Blankets; but as I hear Mr. Branders Waggon,
is on this side New River; I hope we shall get supply'd...I shall be glad Sir., if it can be done, to have a Gun provided against we come down, as I have a very good Hand without: when I was in the service before, there was near twenty press'd Guns: which the Country freely pay'd for,
 and I doubt not, but the same necessity will be allowed now..."

 

 

New Dublin August 4th 1774

To 1¼ yds blue Cloth for leggons….@6……...…..- 7 - 6

 

 

New Dublin August 23 1774

47 Capt Harrod & [per] Cowen

    ...To Jno Cloys wife for making Hunting Shirts...1/2/6
    Miss Sally Kincaid for making 10 shirts 1/10/-
    To Miss Grills for making 9 do 1/7/-

[Col. William Christian to Col. William Preston. 3QQ89]

Head Of Rich Creek, Septr. 3: 1774
I am informed that Men & provisions were moving from Stanton Wednesday and thursday was a week and that several Compys were at the Warm Springs.
It is also said Mathews dont propose taking out all the flour at once, but to send back the pack horses from the mouth of Elk. That LA. Dunmore wrote to Ch. Lewis
that some of his men had taken some little Towns & killed three or [four] people & that his Lordship was at fort Pitt. The above news came by one of the Woods's.
 He says also that there is Jents plenty and all goods necessary for the men such as Shirts Blankets Leggons.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL WILLIAM PRESTON, DATED FINCASTLE, SEPTEMBER 28, 1774.
That part of the army under the command of Colonel Lewis, which is to meet Lord Dunmore at the mouth of the Great Kenhawa, or New River, assembled at the Great Levels of
Greenbrier,to the amount of about fifteen hundred rank and file. Colonel Charles Lewis marched with six hundred men on the 6th instant, for the mouth of Elk, a branch
of New River,which empties some distance below the Falls, there to build a small Fort, and prepare canoes. Colonel Andrew Lewis marched with another large party the
12th instant, for the same place; and Colonel Christian was to march yesterday with the remainder, being about four hundred, and the last supply of provisions.
This body of militia being mostly armed with rifle guns, and a great part of them good woodsmen, are looked upon to be at least equal to any troops for the number that
have been raised in America. It is earnestly hoped that they will, in conjunction with the other party, be able to chastise the Ohio Indians for the many murders and
robberies they have committed on our frontiers for many years past...

Both linen tents and tin kettles were in use by the men of the expedition.

[Captain John Floyd to Col. William Preston. 33S42, 43.]
    Sept. 18th 1774...
    I am in hopes we shall make out pretty well about kettles we are also allowed 60 yards of tent cloth for a company...” p. 206-07.


      [Col. William Christian to Col. William Preston. 3QQ146.]
    “Camp Union Septr. 12, 1774...
    The kettles and Tents were chiefly distributed before I came  I could get but 16 or 17 battered tin kettles for all Fincastle & but few Tents  But I am told oxen brigs [unknown symbol or doodle here] enough for Tents will be brought with the Pack horses to morrow  If the major is not marched
when you get this Intelligence I really think we ough[t] to send over the whole Country and try to beg or borrow kettles for to do withougt[sic] is very hard almost [im?]possible
 It will presently make men sick to live on Roasted meat without broath.” p. 198. 

 

 Glenn Williams at Smithfield, August 31, 2024

18th century Clothing Workshop with Henry Cooke in Manassas Virginia Oct 21-22

 

18^th Century Clothing Workshop

October 21-22, 2023 Old Manassas Courthouse, Manassas, VA

 

Henry Cooke at the Paul Revere House

As 18^th century garments were generally fitted (if not in their initial construction, upon distribution by regimental tailors), it is nearly impossible to produce most period garments on a “off the rack” basis. To get a proper fit, it is necessary to either find a quality tailor or taking up the needle and thread on your own. For those who choose the later, fitting and sewing 18^th century clothing can be daunting to the novice to say the least, as well as those with experience in modern techniques.

To help with whatever garments you’re working on, this general sewing skills 2-day workshop with Henry Cooke of Historic Costume Services is an opportunity for participants to get assistance with their projects. While the novice may not complete their project in two days, they at very least should leave with a partially constructed garment, the skills to finish the project and instructional information to refer to.

Students are encouraged to bring their own materials and patterns (or coordinate with the instructor for a “kit”), whether it’s a project you already started and need troubleshooting to finish, or haven’t begun yet as you’re not sure where to start.

Because of the limited workspace and the attention required for each student, the class sizes are limited to first come, first served. Continental breakfast and boxed lunches with your choice of sandwich, chips, a drink and cookie will be provided both days. Complete workshop details, including directions, material lists, etc. will be distributed to registered participants.

What you need:

• A sewing kit including scissors, pins, tailors chalk, linen thread (or cotton hand quilting thread), seam ripper, hand sewing needles, beeswax, tape measure, and yardstick. Please also bring any fabric and patterns you may need for your garment. Sources of supplies are available upon request.

• Optional: Sewing machine with cotton thread for internal seams, iron (with steam feature) and ironing board (we will have one for general use)

Location: Old Manassas Courthouse, Manassas VA

Date: October 21-22, 2022

Class Size: 12

Class Cost: $165

Includes: Two days of instruction, continental breakfast and Boxed Lunch (sandwich, chips, a drink and cookie) both days

Contact Todd Post at historyhandson@gmail.com or 703-920-0133 with any questions.

Cody Firearms Museum's 2023 "Arsenals of History" Symposium

 

I am just back from Cody Firearms Museum's 2023 "Arsenals of History" Symposium- hosted by the fine folks at Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Massachusetts. Topics ranged from matchlocks to machine guns, and featured a diverse group of presenters from Australia, England, Europe, and America who presented lectures on firearms history, design, aesthetics, forensics, economic/industrial perspectives as well as 3d modeling and printing. Although not solely focused on 18th century topics, there was plenty of content from that era.

 

Mathieu Willemsen of the Dutch National Military Museum presented a fantastic lecture on the evolution of Dutch Military Muskets from 1599-1795, Joel Bohy discussed bullet strikes and ballistics at sites from Lexington and Concord,  Zac Distel highlighted a Pomeroy fowler from the SAR's collection, Erik Goldstein from Colonial Williamsburg shed new light on the arms of the 50th and 51st regiments in the French and Indian War, and Matt Keagle from Fort Ticonderoga had a spirited discussion on A Public History approach to early modern arms. My presentation discussed Carolina Guns: English Trade guns for the American South. I highly recommend this symposium for serious students of firearms history and associated museum professionals.

Revolutionary War Roanoke: William Fleming's Powder Magazine

Although conveniently near the state operated lead mines near Fort Chiswell in modern Wythe county- the Revolutionary War era families of Southwest Virginia frequently had dangerous shortages of arms, powder, and flints; particularly after the mobilization of Virginia's 15 Continental regiments who then carried large quantities of arms outside of the State. A significant portion of these arms would never return to Virginia.

[Col. William Preston to Governor Henry July 8th 1778.]

 "... The Inhabitants of both mostly collected into Forts, and we are sorry to find that numbers of Our effective Men are not  armed, which we can only account for from the Number of Firelocks that were purchased in these parts, for the use of the State & the People being prevented from again supplying themselves, as the Importation from Germany fails the Gunsmiths being mostly engaged to work for the Publick.  This dificiency has induced us to Apply to your Excellency to get an order for one hundred & fifty riffles, or Muskets for each County as they can be spared from the publick magazine.  on any plan your Excellency shall think proper to adopt in the distribution, should you grant our request, we propose sending down from the Arms We forbear particularizing the Murders committed by the Enemy tho they are many at present as it is a desagreeable subject.

And subscribe Your Excellencys Most Obt Hble Servts

Wm Fleming.
Wm Preston."

Preston's request for additional firearms seems to have fallen on deaf ears, but plans to forward ammunition had already been set in motion.

   Governor Patrick Henry to Col. Wm Preston
"Wmsburg June 27th 1778.

Sir: I am favor'd with yours by Mr. Madison & Send by him £1,500 for furnishing provisions I also direct Colo Southall of Henrico to hire a Waggon & send in it 1,500lb powder of the best rifle kind & 5,000 Gun flints. This powder & the Flints to be lodged at Colo Flemings & to be for the general use of the So Western Frontier."

Scottish born physician and Virginia Provincial officer William Fleming served his new home of Virginia with distinction throughout the French and Indian war, and suffered multiple gunshot wounds while serving as a Volunteer at the battle of Point Pleasant in 1774. Those severe wounds would end his ability to actively serve as an officer in the field during the Revolution, although he would later travel extensively in Kentucky on business and would continue to practice his career in medicine.

After retiring from Virginia Provincial military service Fleming resumed his civilian life as a physician and land speculator, marrying and building a home for himself in what would become Roanoke, Virginia by 1768.

Fleming's home from Colonel William Fleming of Botetourt, by Edmund P. Goodwin

Fleming wrote Governor Henry that "I have built a house of squared timber 16 feet by 14, sufficient to hold any Stores necessary to this quarter." adding that "Six Men I thought necessary to keep here as a gard for our little magazine." Fleming's personal magazine appears to have been an above ground building near his personal home, unlike the in ground powder magazines he would have been familiar with at Fort Ligonier in Pennsylvania and Fort Chiswell. 

 

Conjectural drawing of Fleming's Magazine.

 

Copper hoops from English gunpowder casks excavated at Fort Ligonier (ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF FORT LIGONIER 1960-1965 by Jacob L. Grimm p79). The gunpowder stored by Fleming was likely French or possibly Dutch in origin.

 Fleming acknowledged receipt of the gunpowder and flints in July:

[Fleming to Henry ]July 19 1778]

"The 16th Inst I received 1462 lbs. of G: powder and the Flints agreeable to your Excellencys orders. 38 lbs. of the Powder was lost in the Carriage up by the heads of two of the Barrels being loose, this with what was in store before makes 2909 lbs. now in my care. Colo Southal desired the Waggon to be loaded down to lessen the expence. I derected the Waggoner to take a load of Country lead left near this. I am since informed he only took the half. should your Excellency think proper the remainder might be lodged here, as there is not 100 lbs. of Lead in store...Several persons have Applied to me for G. powder, as they could not be supplied elsewhere on this occasion, I let them take some from the County store at 12/ p. lb. which I suppose will reimburse the State An Account of which I keep. Your Excellency will receive with this a request from Colo Preston & myself in behalf of Montgomery & Botetourt counties for some fire arms." 

Despite being precluded from active field service as an officer by his injuries, Fleming played an active role in munition logistics and defensive planning for western Virginia during the Revolutionary war.

 

Worn flints from Cook's Fort, Monroe County, WVa via youtube

 

William Preston wrote to William Fleming that "I would be much obliged to you for 100 flints as several of my Guns are useless for want of them." [May 30, 1778]

"John Madison to Col Wm Fleming 2ZZ80 ALS
5th April 1779

My Dr Colo:
The frequent reports we have of the Hostile Intention of our Sable Neighbours is by no Means Clever, for which reason I would fain Put my Family in the best Posture of Defence I Possibly can, Say Good Sir can you spare me a Musquet or two at any Price or can you supply me with a little Amunition in case of Danger. I think you Intimated that I might have 2 or 3 Dozen of Gun Flints pray send them by Rowland for I have not one
I am with much Esteem Yr Obt Servant
John Madision." [John Madison to Fleming April 5, 1779]

 

Powder Horn marked "William Fleming His Horn 1782" MESDA

 

 

In addition to ammunition, Fleming also handled small arms. In a letter to Governor Jefferson dated January 19, 1781, Fleming mentions "The Waggoner who took up the Salt to Washington County brings down a Chest of Arms, containing thirty four Firelocks that want repairing, with Six that are in order, retained for the use of the Militia makes up the compliment of Arms committed to my care..." (Works of Jefferson Vol. 3 pages 407-8).

For further information on Fleming I highly recommend Colonel William Fleming of Botetourt, by Edmund P. Goodwin and William Fleming, Patriot, by Clare White.

"...to James Young for 3 hundred Napsacks" 1776

 Prior to the Revolution, French and Indian War era supplies held in the Williamsburg Powder magazine held "one Tierce of Leather Shot Bags, and another of Canvas Knapsacks." (Journals of the House of Burgesses of Virginia 1761-65, Volume 10, Page 306, Thursday, the 20th of December, 5 Geo.
iii. 1764).

 A somewhat contentious item to modern material culture scholars; the "New Invented Napsack and haversack in one" was peddled to Maryland authorities in 1776 as being previously adopted by soldiers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia. Evidence survives that Maryland and Pennsylvania utilized this design, but little information exists other than the sales pitch to document their use in Virginia. In fact, some Virginia Continental units like Captain Taliaferro's company of the 2d Virginia drew osnabrig linen from the Public Store on November 6th, 1775 to make up both separate haversacks and knapsacks:

"73 yds Ozns deld Capt Taliaferro for knapsacks @ 1/6 9 yds do for Haversacks deld ditto @1/6” (Journal of the Public Store at Williamsburg, p208. Gregory Sandor, ed.)

 

Saml. Chase Esqr. Philad. Feby 9 1776 

Sir

The above is a rough draft of the new Invented Napsack and haversack in one That is adopted by the American Regulars of Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Virginia @ 8/6 each. I could furnish any quantity that may be wanted for Maryland by ye first of April. Best cartouch boxes, for 23 rounds, with a pouch, large flap, and Shoulder Belt - @8/6 Bayonet Belts, to go over ye Shoulder with a double frog to Carry a Bayonett & Tomahawk @4/6. Gun Slings @2/each, priming wires & Brushes @7/6 doz. Any quantity of the above articles that may be wanted for ye province of Maryland, you may depend on being punctually & carefully supply’d with, if you see proper to employ Your Obdt. Ser, J. Young 

 

J. Young to Samuel Chase, 9 February 1776, enclosed in Samuel Chase to Thomas Jenifer, 10 February 1776, "Journal of the Maryland Convention, 26 July-14 August 1775/Journal and Correspondence of the Maryland Council of Safety, August 29, 1775-July 6, 1776," William Hand Brown, Archives of Maryland, vol. 11, (Baltimore, Md., 1892), 150. A "rough draft of the new Invented Napsack and haversack in one that is adopted by the American regulars of Pennsylvania, New Jersey & Virginia ...," contained in Samuel Chase to J. Young, 9 February 1776, is found in the Maryland State Papers, (Red Books), Archives of the State of Maryland, access. no. MdHR 4561, loc. 1-6-3-38, 4, item 13 

 

 

Warrant to  James Young  for 3 hundred Napsacks delivered to James Hunter in Fredericksburg, July 1776

 Day Book, Council of State, 1776 July 12-Aug. 3 Library of Virginia

A warrant in the Council of State of Virginia day book, includes payment to someone named James Young for 300 knapsacks. It is tempting to assume that this is the same "J. Young" producing "New Invented Napsack and haversack in one" but further research is necessary to confirm if this is indeed the case.  In Mary R. M. Goodwin's Clothing and Accoutrements of the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Forces 1775-1780, she notes that "On July 22, the Council ordered that a letter of credit be written to "Mr Young, in Philadelphia to supply" Captain John Nelson with "Saddles & Accoutrements for his Troop of Horse."[McIlwaine, Journals of the Council°, Vol. I, pages 60-61.& Ibid., page 85.]

 

Linen Shot bags

 A somewhat oddball item pops up every now and then in primary documents- the linen shot bag. Generally speaking, this is encountered as a military issue "make do" item in the absence of the more typical leather pouches for 18th century American soldiers, but there are English sporting treatises that mention a similar item:

 

 Conjectural linen shot bag based on multiple period accounts and the crudely sewn Hutchins pouch.

 

"Our Shot of sev'ral sorts, half round the Waste, In Ticking semicircularly plac'd," (Pteryplegia London, 1727)

"A leather pouch, or small canvas bag, to carry the shot; with a tin, or other measure..." p9 (A Treatise on English Shooting; by GEORGE EDIE, Gent. London 1772).

Shortages of both cartridge paper and ready made shot bags forced French and Indian War Provincials to utilize such linen pouches. 

 “The Col. Is desired to collect in Virginia as many Powder horns as can be got, all that can be had from Pensilvania shall be ordered... For Shot Pouches, osnabrug [a course, unbleached and cheap linen] will be bought, with thread to make them one yard will make 8 bags.”  (Bouquet to Washington June 13, 1758 George Washington papers p 208).   

"I have us'd my best endeavours to get my Men equip'd with Powder Horns and Shott Pouches, and have procur'd 330 of the former, and 339 of the latter; besides the Linnen ones, with which we are compleated." (George Washington to Henry Bouquet, July 3, 1758, two same date ).

Osnabrigs widths are hard to come by, but the intrepid Steve Rayner found the references below:

‘78 yards brown linen at 15d (33 ins wide, nearly)___£4_17s__6d
100 1/2 yards white oznabrig at 10d (28 ins wide)___4__3s__4d
100 yards brown oznabrig at 7 1/4d (27 ins wide)___3_11__0d
24 1/2 yards Russia drab (28 ins wide)_____________1__42__6d...’” p. 130.

Hall, Douglas; “In Miserable Slavery: Thomas Thistlewood in Jamaica, 1750-86.” University of the West Indies Press, Kingston, Jamaica. 1999.

 

Observations on the Present state of the Linen trade Robt Stephenson, Dublin 1784; an additional hat tip to Steve Rayner

Keeping in mind that osnabrigs in the period were generally around 28 inches wide, it would seem that if using the whole amount for a pouch the beginning fabric dimensions would be around 9 x 14.  Similar arrangements seem to have been used by the Revolutionary War 2d Virginia Regiment.

 October 12, 1775:  “… Each Company is to draw a sufficient Quantity of Dutch or Russia Drilling to provide Each Soldierwith a Shott Pouch with a partition in division in the middle to keep buckshot and bullets separate.  Each Soldier to make his own sack and Shot Pouch as near one
General Size Pattern as possible…”

 “The Captains in the there Respective Companys are to fix up the Powder horns & Shot Bags.  When both are finished & See that proper Belts & Stoppers are Provided, where Shot Bags only are Ready the must be Fixed with Belts & 6:  Cartridges of Powder and also Six Bullets Deposited in Each Bag & Dilivered to the Soldiers Respectively.”

(Tartar, Brent, editor. "The Orderly Book of the Second Virginia Regiment, September 27, 1775-April 15, 1776." Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, 85 (April, July 1977), pp. 156-183, 302-336.)

Various notations in the Virginia public store for shot pouches indicate the 2d Va shot bags were made of "Twill" and "Duck" linen.  The "belts" are likely fabric straps similar to those sewn to haversacks. 

 

Georgia

Order Book of Samuel Elbert, Colonel and Brigadier General in the Continental Army [2d Georgia Battalion] Headquarters, Fort Howe, 1778 [6? May 1778]

"Commanding officers of corps are to see that such of their men as are without do immediately provide themselves with powder-horns and as many have not the proper means of carrying their cartridges, application must be made to the Deputy Quarter Master General, for leather or canvas to make pouches for supplying the deficiencies..."

 

Massachusetts

 

1756, 4- Making up Snapsacks, bullet bags, tents, leather for buttons, Vol. 249, p. 56-2 (1) Massachusetts Archives Collection 

 

North Carolina

 Enoe Camp Friday May 10th 1771.

The Commanding Officer of each Detachment will send to Mr. Hogen this morning for the Quantity of Ticking, Gartering, Thread and Needles to make shot Bags which they will Immediately get made by the Taylor of their Respective Detachments to be Distributed to their several Corps that wants them.

“His Excellency Govt. [sic] Tryon to Johnston & Thackston,
1771_______________________________________________Dr.
May 7. To 1 quire paper______________________________£0__1__4
___11. 674 yd. Bedtyke for Shotbags,
    4s. 4d.______________________________£1__7__1
    47 yds. Cotton for blankets and
    tools, 3s._____________________________7__1__0
    6 oz. thread for making Do, 6d__________0__3__0
    3 pr. Garters, 10d._____________________0__2__6
    5 doz. Vest Buttons for Shot-
    bags, 10d.____________________________0__4__2
    1 brod. hoe, 5s. 8d.; 1 quire paper,
    1s. 6d._______________________________0__7__2
    21 yds, osnabs. for hunting-Shirts,
    1s. 3d._______________________________1__6__3
    2 oz. thr’d, Do, 6d.____________________0__1__0
    Cash paid for making Do.______________0__9__0 - 11__1__2
___14. 5 narrow axes, 7s. 6d_________________1_17__6
    3__________Do, 6s. 6d.________________0_19__6
    3 broad____Do, 7s. 6d._________________1__2__6
    1__________Do________________________0__6__8
    2 blanketts for the Hospital, 1s. 11d____1__8__0 - 5_14__2
___________________________________________________--------
Rec’d June 20, 1771, the Above Acc’t in full.__________£16_16_10
    Johnston & Thackston.” p. 455.
 

Letter from Jethro Sumner to Horatio Gates

September 15, 1780, Volume 14, Page 616

Camp Near Salisbury, 15th Sepr., 1780.

Sir:

I arriv'd here last even'g, and my encamping ground about half Mile in front of Salisbury, a little to the left of the road lead'g to Charlotte. I saw Colo. Lock; he informes me that he moves to day with the party under his Command towards Charlotte. The Guns, & wagons out of repair, I am geting fix'd.
Cartridge box's. I substitute a pouch of Deer Skin & Canvas and shall be diligent untill provided.

In addition to these intriguing, yet vague primary sources there is a surviving 6.5 x 13 inch linen pouch with Revolutionary War provenance at the New Hampshire Historical Society.

Shot Pouch. Canvas. Said to have been carried by Levi Hutchins (1761-1855) of Concord, NH, at Bunker Hill, 1775; Credit Line: Gift of John B. Hills Object ID: 2005.042.03

 

Combining the above accounts allows a conjectural reproduction to be made within the fabric allotments stated. The Forbes expedition references give us a material size, but lack further information on carriage, yet Virginians a scant  17 years later are making a divided pouch that may have been very close to the example used by Levi Hutchins. 

Thanks to the several folks who have shared info on this topic, in no particular order: Todd Post, Justin Mienert, Steve Rayner, Greg Theberge, and Joel Bohy, apologies if anyone was left out.

 

Save the Date: Dunmore's War 250th Anniversary encampment August 31st, 2024

 

 These sons of the mountains renowned of old...All volunteered freely to go
And conquer their foeman like patriots bold, Or fall by the Ohio.

 

What: Dunmore's War 250th Anniversary encampment September 28th, August 31st, 2024. The encampment will be centered around a Composite/Model Company scenario, portraying a volunteer company of Virginians in September 1774. Participation is juried, and by invitation only. Emphasis will be on quality, not quantity,  and participants will be doing some interpretation for the general public during daytime hours. Impression guidelines, event goals/extras and contact information will be added in the coming months.

When: The Weekend of September 28th, August 31st 2024.

Where: Historic Smithfield, Blacksburg, Virginia at the site of a volunteer company encampment in 1774.

Wear: Civilian clothes with the majority of participants in unbleached linen "Osnabrigs" hunting shirts and blue woolen "Indian leggings".

Fowling pieces and Shotguns of Colonial Virginia

Portrait of James Lewis ca. 1772 by Charles Willson Peale at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation emuseum Note the blued barrel, keyed or wedge "sliding loop/sliding bolt" fastener, and brass mounts.

Undoubtedly the most common form of civilian firearm in Colonial Virginia; the fowling piece was a useful and versatile item capable of taking both large and small game depending on the size of the shot and charge that was used to load the piece. Advertisements and primary documents from the era point towards a predisposition in Virginia towards imported English fowling pieces, frequently with walnut stocks and around a four foot long barrel. Bores in the 1/2 inch, 5/8s inch and 3/4 inch range predominated. Some colonial era stores stocked fowling pieces (commonly referred to as "guns") at various price points. Customers could purchase ready made stock on hand, place orders with their custom specifications though their local stores, or, (in the case of the more prosperous gentry) order directly with English factors or Gunsmiths in England. Prices ranged due to the quality of locks, mountings and embellishment. 

 

 

English Fowler by William Staples of Birmingham (d 1771). Private Collection

 Alexander Henderson's Virginia Colchester Store Letterbook has the following order information from 1761:  

1 doz. Guns at 10/per gun...1/2 doz. Guns at 15/per Gun + "PS at the Request of two of my very good Customers, I beg leave to add- 2 good & well fixed guns, the Barrell to be 4 feet 4 inches long and of good Substance, the Bore to be three quarter of an inch Diameter, with a very good Lock & Plain mounting- 1 ditto, the Barrell the same Length & substance with the above, the Bore to be half an Inch Diameter with good Lock & plain Mounting- These three Guns I would chuse to be very good but not too costly and I fancy London is the best place to order them from."  

Brass trigger guard finial from a fowling piece excavated at Point of Fork Arsenal in Virginia. Giles Cromwell collection.

 Invoice- London October, 1767, George Washington Papers June 6, 1765-March 9, 1775:

"1 Handsome fowling Piece 3 feet 2 inches in the Barl 3/4 inch bore, fine silver Mountg, with Water pan Lock, Walnut Stock, barrel blewed within a Silver Sight, a false britch and sliding bolts, worm to the Rammer & List Case [cost 8/8/0 ]" Gill Gunsmith in Colonial Virginia p13 

 

David and William Geddy advertisement. Virginia Gazette, August 8, 1751 

 

 

Imperfect cast brass wrist escutcheon from the Geddy site, Williamsburg Va. James Geddy and Sons Colonial Craftsmen. Colonial Williamsburg Archaeological Series No. 5 page 22

 

Although very affordable imports were widely available prior to the Revolution, it was sometimes advantageous to repair older fowling pieces. Williamsburg Gunsmith James Geddy advertised in 1739 that he had on hand "a long Gun, about 6 or 7 feet in the Barrell, was brought by a young Gentleman of Gloucester County, to me, the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, to be new Stock'd and Lock'd..." (Gill's Gunsmith of Colonial Virginia p28)

 

A composite long fowler from the Woodson family of Virginia survives in the collections of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. The gun features an 0.80 caliber recycled 17th century barrel that is approximately 6 feet long, a round faced lock by Collicott of Bristol dating prior to 1773, and is brass mounted with reused Long land style British musket furniture. Overall length is 89 inches. A 1738 advertisement by James Geddy mentioned "large Guns fit for killing Wild-Fowl in Rivers." This very long barrel is indicative of such a use. Shorter, lighter guns were generally favored for upland hunting. Virginia Militiaman Thomas Kitchens mentioned "When I went out to Guilford I took my small shotgun..." in his pension application.

Jim Kibler recently uploaded a great video on the aesthetics of English fowlers from this period.