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
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.]
