Knapsack Inspection

This section describes the marking of knapsacks and the inspection procedures of knapsacks. One interesting post mentioned the packing of the knapsacks. In a double bag knapsack all government property was packed in the bag that was closest to the wearer. All personal items were packed in the other bag. Just thought this was of interest.

Article 13, Companies
110. All knapsacks are to be painted black. Those for the artillery will be marked on the centre of the cover with the number of the regiment only, in figures of one inch and a half in length, of the character called full face, with yellow paint. Those for the infantry will be marked in the same way, in white paint. Those for the ordnance will be marked with two cannon, crossing; the cannon to be seven and a half inches in length, in yellow paint, to resemble those on the cap. The knapsack straps will be black.
111. The knapsacks will also be marked upon the inner side with the letter of the company and the number of the soldier, on such part as may be readily observed at inspections.
Article 30, Inspection of the Troops
(After the inspection of arms and cartridge boxes)
314. The Captain will then command,
1. Shoulder-ARMS!
2. Close order.
3. MARCH!
4. Order-ARMS!
5. Stack-ARMS!
6. To the rear, open order.
7. MARCH!
8. Front rank-ABOUT-FACE!
9. Unsling-Knapsacks.
10. Open-Knapsacks.
315. The Sergeants will face inward at the 2nd command, and close upon the centre at the 3rd, and stack their arms at the 5th command; at the 6th command they face outward, and resume their positions at the 7th. When the ranks are closed, preparatory to take arms, the Sergeants will also close upon the centre, and at the word, take their arms and resume their places.
316. The knapsacks will be placed at the feet of the men, the flaps from them, with the great-coats on the flaps, and the knapsacks leaning on the great-coats. In this position the Inspector will examine their contents, or so many of them as he may think necessary, commencing with the non-commissioned officers, the men standing at attention.
317. When the Inspector has passed through the company, the Captain will command, Repack-Knapsacks; when each soldier will repack and buckle up his knapsack, leaving it on the ground the number upward, turned to him, and then stand at rest.
318. The Captain will then command,
1. Attention.
2. Company.
3. Sling-Knapsacks.
At the word sling, each soldier will take his knapsack, holding it by the inner straps, and stand erect; at the last word he will replace it on his back. The Captain will continue,
4. Front rank-ABOUT-FACE!
5. Close order.
6. MARCH!
7. Take-ARMS!
8. Shoulder-ARMS!
9. Officers and Sergeants, to your posts.
10 MARCH!
and will cause the company to file off to their tents or quarters, except the company that is to re-escort the colors, which will await the further orders of the Colonel.
Article 36, Troops in Campaign, Marches
687. When necessary, the orders specify the rations the men are to carry in their haversacks. The field officers and Captains make inspections frequently during the march; at halts they examine the knapsacks, valises and haversacks, and throw away all articles not authorized. The officers and non-commissioned officers of cavalry companies attend to the packs and girths.
Article 51, Uniform, Dress and Horse Equipment's
1576. Knapsack- of painted canvas, according to pattern now issued by the Quartermaster's Department; the great-coat, when carried, to be neatly folded, not rolled, and covered by the outer flap of the knapsack.

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