Water Proof Solution, or Paint, for Awnings, etc (page 576) *
Ingredients
1 oz Rosin
1 oz Bee Wax
1 pint Linseed Oil (boiled)
(3 oz Bone Black to make it a black paint)
Directions to mix
(Add all ingredients together, may need to use a bit of turpentine and heat to dissolve the rosin and bee wax before adding to the oil)
Application - Apply one to three coats as you desire
Chinese Method of Rendering Cloth Waterproof **
Ingredients
1 oz White Wax (Paraffin)
1 quart Spirits of Turpentine
Directions to mix - Allow all the wax to dissolve in the turpentine
Application - Dip the cloth and hang to dry
The above two period recipes courtesy of 'Monterrey Jack' Brass on an NCOWS Forum thread a year or so ago.
I could see why 'fire hazard' and 'tent cities' went hand in hand.