St. George's Notes - XXIX - 'Army Surplus'...
« on: July 17, 2006, 12:57:36 PM »
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This 'note' addresses a seldom-referred-to - but popular myth that there was a sort of thriving 'Army-Navy Surplus' sales system on the Frontier.
Far from it.
The Army - though it had won a long and bloody war - was left with the security of the Frontier and of the increasing stream of Emigrants opening up the West to contend with - and the Mission was woefully under-funded by an impecunious Congress who viewed the military as a drain on the economy.
There were mounds of equipment 'surplus to the needs' of the country - but there were also 'needs of the Service' to be met.
What better way to do that than to continue issue of already-paid-for uniforms and gear?
So - that's exactly what they did.
Granted - the many large cannon and much rolling stock - along with livestock - were sold, as was Government Whisky and numerous other 'stuff' - but that went to folks who were, for the most part - end users or brokers for same.
The average civilian didn't have the local Army-Navy Store - ala' a Bannerman's - until after the Spanish-American War.
Meanwhile, back at the Fort - troops on campaign were busily wearing out issue clothing at a furious rate and having it replaced with old, shoddy, Civil War stocks.
Then - there was another player in the game - the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, often referred to as the Freedmen's Bureau, which was established in the War Department by an act of March 3, 1865.
The Bureau supervised all relief and educational activities relating to refugees and freedmen, including issuing 'rations, clothing and medicine'.
And where did they get 'those' things?
From the vast stockage still held by Uncle Sam.
Uniform and clothing items designated 'condemned' were given to this agency as well as others - though that title really only meant that there was no continued need for it or that it was in worn condition.
As an aside - the Bureau also assumed custody of confiscated lands or property in the former Confederate States and Border states, the District of Columbia and Indian Territory.
Never popular, and sometimes mis-managed - it was eventually disbanded after 1872.
By that time - the Uniforms were changing as well and the old stocks were depleted.
Could a civilian buy a rubber ground cloth or a blanket or canteens?
Certainly - in town - from a dealer in goods who would also buy from deserting or thieving soldiers.
As to other uniform items - not really, as the Quartermaster made no provision for it.
The soldier simply wasn't issued very much and what was issued as often of poor quality - thanks to the clothing contracts going to low bidders of the War.
He was also 'signed' for it and had to replace it out of pocket, should it go missing.
Not always the best option, for a man whose Congress may've forgotten to pay him for a couple of months.
Besides - better clothing was available at the Sutler's and in town.
Should you so desire - by all means, outfit your Impression with an old Army canteen and ground sheet - and a pullover shirt, as well.
And maybe a greatcoat, to boot - since there were enough of them floating around, heavy and cumbersome though they were, and besides - you could cut the bottom off, to better mount your horse.
You could've realistically bought them outright from your Supply Sergeant as you finished your enlistment - or from 'a guy in town' - but being able to walk into a store for a selection of those goods would be a few years in coming.
The Soldier - and the Army, itself - weren't looked upon fondly - unless needed.
Folks were tired of the War, and wanted fresh starts, and didn't want reminders.
Post-Civil War, the returning Veterans on both sides would wear what they were issued - but when it wore out - they went into a Dry Goods - or to a seamstress for their next outfit, and didn't look back, as they were too busy re-building America.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!