This is the most detailed "first person" description regarding the contents of a Confederate (or Union) Ordinance Wagon I have come across. It has been transcribed as it was written with additions for flow in (parentheses). I felt in this case, the description provided a more accurate and vivid image than any picture I've seen.
"I am sitting in my Ordinance wagon writing you these lines.
Its load presents quite a variety __ about 10000 cartridges for Enfield
Rifles_ a desk_ two or three Knapsacks_ as many sacks of corn__
a sword_ a gun_ and in front a box filled with cartridge boxes,
cap pouches, bayonet scabbards. waist belts. bayonets & c ad libitum __
From the bows is suspended a tin cup, a canteen with some loose powder
in it, and a gourd which I guard very particularly and
would not have it broken for a pretty (girl); as water drinks so much
better from a gourd than from a tin cup __ On the boxes of am-
munition is spread the wagoner’s bed (of) two or three blankets, that (is)
much better off than the soldier in the line who can carry only one__ "
Thought it might be of interest to some, including re-enactors.
Rob Swinson, RESwinson@aol.com
32nd & 45th Miss. (Consolidated) Flag Abstract