A Commissary Sergeant’s Notebook: Documenting All the Food Issued to a Regiment During Its Entire Term of Service
By Craig Schneider
BACKGROUND
Some years ago I acquired a small, 5”x7” unmarked notebook, its thin pigskin and paper cover badly worn and separated from the binding. Despite the outward appearance, inside were some truly exciting handwritten words:
L. B. Phillips Jr.
Com Sergt 61st Bat Mass
Receipt Book
The inscription inside the cover of the notebook.
Recruiting for the 61st Massachusetts Infantry Regiment began in August 1864. By early October, the five companies that had been organized, with one-year enlistments, were accepted into Federal service and were ordered to Virginia as a battalion, with additional companies joining them in Virginia after they were formed. The battalion reached City Point on October 12 and joined the Army of the Potomac as it laid siege to Petersburg. They drew their first U.S. Army rations the following day.
Originally used by Sergeant Phillips, the notebook would eventually pass through the hands of several of the unit’s Commissary Sergeants. It contains a record of nearly every ounce of food the regiment was issued from the day it arrived in Virginia to the day the original five companies of the battalion mustered out. This simple notebook offers a unique record into the life of the U.S. Army soldier in Virginia; it is an excellent resource that documents the Subsistence Department’s efforts to provide food for its soldiers and details exactly what food was being issued to the Army of the Potomac on a daily basis for a significant part of the war.
This article will include a brief discussion of THE ARMY RATION, a complete TRANSCRIPTION of the notebook, followed by an ANALYSIS and CONCLUSIONS, as well as a FOR LIVING HISTORIANS section offering suggestions on how to use this information to improve unit impressions.
THE ARMY RATION
The daily ration that the U.S. Army Subsistence Department was tasked to provide varied slightly by law and regulation throughout the war. By the time the 61st Massachusetts entered service and the siege of Petersburg was in full swing, the ration had been set by Act of Congress on June 20, 1864 and ordered into effect by General Orders, No. 226 on July 8, 1864. It consisted of the following:
Meat Ration – Salt Pork, Salt Beef, Fresh Beef, Bacon, or equivalent, varying from ¾ pound to 1 ¼ pound per man per day.
Bread Ration – Hard Bread, Soft Bread, or flour or cornmeal equivalent, varying from ¾ pound to 1 ¼ pound per man per day. When the men were on the march, they were to be issued Hard Bread at the rate of 1 pound per man per day.
Beans, Peas, Rice, or Hominy Ration – varying from 10 to 15 pounds per 100 rations, or 1.6 ounces to 2.4 ounces per man per day.
Coffee or Tea Ration – varying from 1 ½ pounds of tea per 100 rations or 0.24 ounce per man per day, to between 8 and 10 pounds of coffee per 100 rations or 1.28 to 1.6 ounces per man per day.
Sugar Ration – 15 pounds per 100 rations, or 2.4 ounces per man per day.
Salt Ration – 3 ¾ pounds per 100 rations, or 0.6 ounces per man per day.
Pepper Ration – 4 ounces per 100 rations, or 0.04 ounces per man per day.
Vinegar Ration – 1 gallon per 100 rations, or 1.28 ounces per man per day.
Soap Ration – 4 pounds per 100 rations, or 0.64 ounces per man per day.
Candles Ration – 1 ¼ pound per 100 rations, or 0.2 ounces per man per day.
In addition to the regular rations, the Beans, Peas, Rice, and Hominy could be replaced with Desiccated Vegetables. Beyond this standard substitution, any ration that was unavailable or in short supply could be replaced with another article, or fresh or non-standard foodstuffs could be utilized in lieu of another item if the Subsistence Department had managed to procure them:
“When deemed necessary, fresh vegetables, dried fruit, molasses, pickles, or any other proper food, may be purchased and issued in lieu of any component part of the ration of equal money value. The Commissary-General of Subsistence is alone authorized to order such purchases.”
The task of drawing rations was done at the regimental level and was the responsibility of the regiment’s Assistant Commissary of Subsistence—typically a Captain or sometimes a Lieutenant if temporarily filling the role as an Acting Assistant Commissary of Subsistence—and the regiment’s Commissary Sergeant. The Commissary Sergeant, as one of the regiment’s three non-commissioned staff sergeants along with the Quartermaster Sergeant and Sergeant Major, served as the primary overseer of the distribution of rations to the men. Usually every five to ten days while in camp, or every one to five days while on the march, the Commissary Sergeant would receive a Provision Return from each company listing the actual strength of the men present. He would merge these forms onto a single Consolidated Provision Return, which, along with a number of empty wagons, would be brought to the Post Commissary while in camp, or to the Brigade’s Commissary of Subsistence while on the march. Returning with potentially several tons of food and other subsistence stores, he would then superintend the weighing and distribution of rations to the individual companies, either immediately in bulk or more often in multiple smaller distributions over the course of several days. Certainly, at the very least, a notebook was necessary.
General Orders, No. 226, which dictated the rations issued during the last year of the war.
The 61st Massachusetts Commissary Sergeants’ Receipt Book.
The ration issue for the first 10 days of February 1865.
A 10-day ration issue from mid-March 1865.
Transcriptions
-
L. B. Phillips Jr.
Com Sergt 61st Bat Mass
Receipt Book
October 6th 1864 appointed commissary sergeant – commenced to officiate October 7th on board Steam Transport “Charles Thomas”
685 Men Total on board SteamerOctober 13th 1864
Rations commence 5 days
Ending October 17th 1864
468 men
2 days Pork
1 “ Bacon
1 “ Mackerel
1 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
5 ” Soap
5 “ Salt
5 “ Pepper
5 “ Candles
5 “ Soft Bread
Drawn at the Post Com. City Point Va and issued to the Regt by
L. B. Phillips JrOctober 18th 1864
Rations commence 5 days
Ending Octo 22nd 1864
468 men
1 days Hard Bread
4 “ Soft Bread
1 “ Salt Beef
2 “ Fresh Beef
1 “ Pork
1 “ Mackerel
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Beans
5 “ Soap
5 “ Salt
5 “ Pepper
5 “ Candles
Drawn of Post Com and issued by
L. B. Phillips Jr
October 23rd 1864
Rations commence 5 days
Ending October 27th 1864
470 men
5 days Soft Bread
1 “ Salt Beef
1 “ Pork
1 “ Cod Fish
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Beans
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Soap
5 “ Candles
5 “ Salt
5 “ Pepper
Drawn of the Post Com and issued by
L. B. Phillips Jr
October 28th
Rations commence 4 days ending October 31st 1864
463 men
4 days Soft Bread
1 “ Pork
1 “ Salt Beef
1 “ Fresh Beef
1 “ Mackerel
2 “ Rice
2 “ Potatoes
4 “ Coffee
4 “ Sugar
4 “ Soap
4 “ Salt
4 “ Candles
4 “ Pepper
Drawn of the Post Com and issued by
L. B. Phillips Jr -
November 1st
Rations commence 5 days ending November 5th 1864.
463 men
5 days Soft Bread
1 “ Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
2 “ Mackerel
5 “ Beans
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Soap
5 “ Salt
5 “ Candles
5 “ Pepper
Drawn and issued by
L. B. Phillips Jr
November 6th
Rations commence 5 days
Ending November 10th 1864
464 men
4 days Hard Bread
1 “ Soft Bread
1 “ Pork
1 “ Bacon
1 “ Mackerel
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Coffee
2 “ Rice
3 “ Beans
5 “ Soap
5 “ Salt
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Candles
5 “ Pepper
Drawn and issued by
L. B. Phillips
November 11th 1864
Rations commence 10 days ending November 20th 1864
457 men
5 days Hard Bread
5 “ Soft Bread
4 days Pork
2 “ Bacon
4 “ Fresh Beef
10 “ Sugar
10 “ Coffee
2 “ Rice
8 “ Beans
10 “ Soap
10 “ Salt
10 “ Vinegar
10 “ Candles
10 “ Pepper
Drawn and issued by
L. B. Phillips
November 21st 1864
Rations commence 5 days ending November 25th 1864
465 men
3 days Hard Bread
2 “ Soft “
2 “ Pork
2 “ F. Beef
1 “ Bacon
4 “ Coffee }
1 “ Potatoes in Lieu
5 “ Sugar
3 “ Beans }
2 “ Potatoes in Lieu
0 “ Soap }
5 “ Potatoes in Lieu
0 “ Vinegar }
5 “ Potatoes in Lieu
5 “ Salt
5 “ Pepper
5 “ Candles
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips
November 18th 1864
Extra Ration return for Co. “F” commencing on the 18th Nov. and ending the 25th Nov. 8 days
83 men
5 days Hard Bread
3 “ Soft “
3 “ Pork
2 “ Bacon
3 “ Fresh Beef
0 “ Sugar }
8 “ Potatoes in Lieu
0 “ Coffee }
8 “ Onions in Lieu
8 “ Candles
0 “ Soap }
8 “ Vegetables in Lieu
8 “ Salt
0 “ Vinegar }
8 “ Vegetables in Lieu
8 “ Pepper
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips
November 26th 1864
Rations commence 5 days ending November 30th 1864
540 men
3 days Hard Tack
2 “ Soft “
2 “ Pork
1 “ Cod Fish
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
0 “ Soap }
5 “ Potatoes in Lieu
5 “ Salt
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Pepper
5 “ Candles
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips -
December 1st 1864
Ration return commence 5 days
Ending December 5th 1864
538 men
2 days Hard Bread
3 “ Soft Bread
2 “ Pork
1 “ Bacon
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
5 “ Soap
5 “ Salt
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Pepper
5 “ Candles
Drawn and Issued
L. B. Phillips
December 6th 1864
Rations Commence 5 days
Ending Dec. 10th 1864
536 men
1 days Soft Bread
4 “ Hard do
3 “ Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
5 “ Candles
5 “ Salt
5 “ Pepper
0 “ Soap }
0 “ Vinegar } Potatoes in Lieu
Drawn and Issued
L. B. Phillips
December 11th 1864
Rations commence 5 days
Ending December 15th 1864
535 men
2 days Hard Bread
3 “ Soft do
2 “ Pork
1 “ Mackerel
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
0 “ Beans } Vegetables in Lieu
5 “ Candles
5 “ Salt
5 “ Pepper
0 “ Soap }
0 “ Vinegar } Vegetables in Lieu
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips
December 16th 1864
Rations commence 5 days
Ending Dec 20th 1864
533 men
3 days Hard Bread
2 “ Soft do
3 “ Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
5 “ Candles
5 “ Salt
5 “ Soap
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Pepper
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips
December 21st 1864
Rations commence 5 days
Ending Dec. 25th 1864
533 men
3 days Hard Bread
2 “ Soft do
3 “ Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
5 “ Candles
5 “ Salt
5 “ Soap
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Pepper
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips
December 26th 1864
Rations commence 6 days
Ending Dec 31st 1864
533 men
4 days Hard Bread
2 “ Soft do
4 “ Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Coffee
5 “ Sugar
5 “ Beans
5 “ Candles
5 “ Salt
5 “ Soap
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Pepper
Drawn and Issued by
L. B. Phillips -
January 1st 1865
Rations commence 10 days
Ending Jan. 10th 1865
532 men
5 days Hard Bread
5 “ Soft do
5 “ Pork
1 “ Cod Fish
4 “ Fresh Beef
8 “ Coffee }
2 “ Tea
10 “ Sugar
10 “ Beans
10 “ Candles
4 “ Soap } Vegetables in Lieu of
5 “ Vinegar } the balance
10 “ Salt
10 “ Pepper
Drawn and Issued
L. B. Phillips
January 7th, 1865.
Rations drawn for 10 days, commencing on the 11th, and ending on the 20th January, -615 men.
5 days Pork
4 “ Fresh Beef
1 “ Fish (Codfish)
5 “ Hard Bread
5 “ Soft “
10 “ Sugar
10 “ Coffee
8 “ Beans
2 “ Rice
10 “ Candles
10 “ Soap
10 “ Pepper
Drawn and Issued by
E. F. Hadley.
January 17th, 1865.
Rations drawn for 11 days, commencing on the 21st, and ending on the 31st January. -611 men.
6 days Pork
5 “ Fresh Beef
6 “ Hard Bread
5 “ Soft “
9 “ Coffee
11 “ Sugar
2 “ Tea
11 “ Candles
2 bbls Onions }
2 “ Turnips } In lieu of Soap, Vinegar, Salt, and Pepper.
1 “ Beets }
Drawn and Issued by
P. J. Donovan.
January 27, 1865.
Rations drawn for 10 days, commencing on the 1st and ending on the 10th day of February 1865. – 608 men.
5 days Pork
1 “ Salt Beef
3 “ Fresh Beef
1 “ Mackerel
5 “ Hard Bread
5 “ Soft Bread
8 “ Coffee }
2 “ Tea }
10 “ Sugar
10 “ Candles
7 “ Beans }
3 “ Onions in lieu of Beans
10 “ Vinegar
10 “ Soap
10 “ Pepper
10 “ Salt
Drawn and Issued by
P. J. Donovan. -
Feb 13, 1865 Drawn.
Balance of 10 days ration; commencing 10th and ending 20th Feb. 1865 -608 men- part having been drawn while up front of Petersburg, for portion of command, and also portion drawn for those remaining in camp, and on picket in defences of City Point, Va.
8 days Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
8 “ Hard Bread
2 “ Soft Bread
10 “ Coffee
10 “ Sugar
5 “ Candles
5 “ Beans
5 “ Vinegar
5 “ Soap
5 “ Pepper
5 “ Salt
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan
February 16, 1865.
Rations drawn for 6 days, commencing on the 15th and ending the 20th Feb., 1865, for Co. H, new arrival -75 men.
4 days Pork
2 “ Fresh Beef
5 “ Hard Bread
1 “ Soft Bread
6 “ Beans
6 “ Coffee
6 “ Sugar
6 “ Candles
6 “ Pepper
6 “ Soap
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
February 17 and 18, 1865.
Rations drawn for 8 days, commencing on the 21st, and ending on the 28th Feb. 1865, -682 men.
7 days Pork (3,580 ½ lbs)
1 “ Fresh Beef (852 ½ “)
4 “ Hard Bread (2728 “)
4 “ Soft Bread (2728 loaves)
8 “ Beans (818 lbs)
8 “ Sugar (818 “)
8 “ Coffee (436 ¼ “)
8 “ Candles (68 ¼ “)
8 “ Pepper (13 ¾ “)
5 bbls Onions (in lieu of soap)
1 “ Vinegar (42 gals.)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
February 24 and 25, 1865.
Rations drawn for 10 days, commencing on the 1st and ending on the 10th of March, 1865 = 681 men.
7 days Pork (3575 lbs)
2 “ Salt Beef (1702 “)
1 “ Fresh Beef (851 ¼ “)
6 “ Hard Bread (4006 “)
4 “ Soft Bread (2724 loaves)
8 “ Beans (817 lbs)
2 “ Rice (136 “)
10 “ Coffee (544 ¾ “)
10 “ Sugar (1000 lbs) 20 left in lieu of molasses
10 “ Candles (85 lbs)
1 bbl Mollasses } in lieu of salt, soap and pepper (42 gals.)
1 “ Vinegar (42 gals)February 25, 1865.
Also drawn – 2 days hard bread (extra) for 608 men. (1216 lbs.)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan. -
March 6 and 7, 1865.
Rations drawn for 10 days, commencing on the 11th and ending on the 20th day of March, 1865 = 678 men.
6 days Pork (3051 lbs.)
2 “ Salt Beef (1695 “)
2 “ Fresh Beef (1695 “)
6 “ Hard Bread (4068 “)
4 “ Soft Bread (2712 “)
10 “ Beans (1016 “)
10 “ Coffee (540 “)
10 “ Sugar (1016 “)
10 “ Candles (84 “)
10 “ Soap (271 “)
10 “ Pepper (17 “)
10 “ Salt (252 “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. DonovanMarch 15, 1865.
Rations (special) drawn for 6 days, commencing on the 15th and ending on the 20th day of March, 1865 – Co’s I and K – 191 men.
4 days Pork (573 lbs)
1 “ S. Beef (238 “)
1 “ F. Beef (238 “)
6 “ Hard Bread (1146 “)
6 “ Sugar (171 “)
6 “ Beans (171 “)
6 “ Coffee (91 ½ “)
6 “ Candles (14 “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan
March 16, 1865.
Rations drawn for 5 days, commencing on the 21st and ending on the 25th day of March, 1865 = 866 men.
4 days Pork (1948 lbs.)
1 “ S. Beef (1082 “)
1 “ Fresh Beef (1082 “)
5 “ Sugar (647 “)
4 “ Coffee (277 “)
1 “ Tea (12 ½ “)
5 “ Candles (53 ¾ “)
5 “ Beans (647 “)
4 “ Hard Bread (3464 “)
1 “ Soft Bread (866 loaves)
4 bbls. Onions } in lieu of soap, vinegar, pepper, salt, &c
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Rations (special) drawn for 10 days, commencing on the 16th and ending on the 25th day of March, 1865 – 15 men –
135 lbs Hard Bread – 2 lbs Candles, 22 ½ “ Sugar
P. J. Donovan
March 25, 1865.
Rations drawn at new Commissary Dept. for 6 days, commencing on the 25th and ending on the 31st day of March, 1865 – 904 men.
2 days Pork (1356 lbs.)
2 “ Fresh Beef (2260 “)
1 “ Salt Beef (1130 “)
1 “ Bacon (678 “)
3 “ Hard Bread (2712 “)
3 “ Soft Bread (2712 loaves)
6 “ Beans (814 lbs)
6 “ Sugar (813 “)
6 “ Coffee (434 “)
6 “ Candles (68 “)
6 “ Soap (217 “)
6 “ Vinegar (54 gals.)
6 “ Salt (202 lbs)
6 “ Pepper (13 ½ “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
March 28 –
Special Req. for 9 men for 5 days, ending the 31st Mch.
P. J. Donovan
March 31, 1865.
Rations for 10 days, commencing on the 1st and ending on the 10th day of April, 1865 = 900 men.
5 days Pork (3375 lbs.)
1 “ Beef Tongues (1125 “)
4 “ Fresh Beef (4500 “)
10 “ Coffee (720 “)
10 “ Sugar (1350 “)
10 “ Beans (1350 “)
10 “ Candles (112 ½ “)
5 “ Hard Bread (4500 “)
5 “ Soft Bread (4500 loaves)
28 bbls Potatoes } In lieu of Salt, Soap, Pepper and Vinegar
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan. -
April 8, 1865
Rations drawn for one day, commencing and ending April 11, for 900 men:-
1 days Pork (675 lbs.)
“ “ H. Bread (900 “)
“ “ Sugar (135 “)
“ “ Coffee (72 “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
April 11, 1865.
Rations drawn, for 2 days, commencing on the 12th and ending on the 13th April 1865 = 900 men – (by Q.M. Sergt., in absence of of Com. Sergt., on march):-
2 days Pork (1350 lbs.)
“ “ Hard Bread (1800 “)
“ “ Sugar (270 ”)
“ “ Coffee (144”)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
April 13, 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 14th, and ending on the 15th of April, 1865 – 877 men:-
2 days Pork (1315 lbs.)
“ “ H. Bread (1754 “)
“ “ Sugar (263 “)
“ “ Coffee (140 “)
“ “ Candles (22 “)
“ “ Soap (80 “)
“ “ Vinegar (6 gals.)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
April 14, 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 16th and ending on the 17th of April, 1865, - 877 men
2 days Pork (1315 lbs)
“ “ H. Bread (1754 “)
“ “ Coffee (140 “)
“ “ Sugar (263 “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Southerland Station, April 16, 1865.
Rations drawn by Lieut. Johns, to what extent I know not, but understood for three days, ending and including 20th inst., and for 3800 men.
P. J. Donovan.
Burkesville, Va. – April 20, 1865.
Rations drawn for three days, commencing on the 20th and ending on the 22nd day of April, 1865.
3 days Hard Bread (2523 lbs)
2 “ Fresh Beef (2102 “)
1 “ Pork (630 ¼ “)
3 “ Sugar (317 “)
3 “ Coffee (201 “)
3 “ Soap (60 rec’d)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
April 22, 1865.
Rations drawn for three days, commencing on the 23rd and ending on the 25th day of April, 1865, -836 men:-
3 days Hard Bread (2508 lbs)
2 “ Pork (1254 “)
1 “ Fresh Beef (1045 “)
3 “ Sugar (376 “)
3 “ Coffee (200 “)
Salt (about 50 lbs rec’d)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan
April 24, 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 26th and ending on the 27th day of April, 1865, -861 men:-
2 days Hard Bread (1722 lbs.)
“ “ Pork (1291 ½ “)
“ “ Coffee (137 ¾”)
“ “ Sugar (258 ¼ “)
Soap (80 lbs. rec’d)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Nottoway Court House,
April 26, 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 28th and ending on the 29th day of April 1865 – 857 men.
2 days Hard Bread (1714 lbs.)
“ “ Sugar (257 “)
“ “ Coffee (137 “)
“ “ Soap (68 “)
“ “ Salt (64 “)
3 “ Potatoes (771 “)
1 “ Pork (651 “)
1 “ F. Beef (1112 ½ “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
April 27, 1865.
Rations drawn for one day – 30th April – 868 men:- (should have been 858 men).
Sugar (130 lbs) Coffee (69 lbs)
Soap (36 “) Salt (27 “)
Vinegar (8 ½ gals) (not drawn) Soft Bread (868 loaves)
Pork (637 ½ lbs)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
April 30, 1865.
Rations drawn for four days, commencing on the 1st and ending on the 4th day of May, 1865 – 844 men:-
1 days Soft Bread (844 loaves)
3 “ Hard Bread (2532 lbs.)
4 “ Fresh Beef (on march) (4220 “)
4 “ Coffee (270 “)
4 “ Sugar (506 “)
3 “ Soap (100 “)
4 “ Candles (43 “)
4 “ Pepper (8 ¼ “)
4 “ Salt (100 “)
Vinegar (small bbl.) (abt. 22 gals.)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan. -
Near Manchester, Va.,
May 4, 1865.
Rations drawn for four days, commencing on the 5th and ending on the 8th day of May, 1865 – 815 men:-
4 days Hard Bread (3260 lbs.)
2 “ Fresh Beef (2038 “)
2 “ Pork (1222 ½ “)
4 “ Coffee (268 “)
4 “ Sugar (489 “)
4 “ Salt (100 “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
May 5, 1865.
Rations drawn for one day, commencing and ending on the 9th day of May, 1865 – 778 men:
1 day’s Hard Bread (778 lbs.)
“ “ Tea (11 lbs 10 oz)
“ “ Sugar (116 ½ lbs)
“ “ F. Beef ( )
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan
A. M. – Molasses, beans, pepper and soap –
8 days pepper, ¾ ration beans, 1 day others. P. J. D.
Near “Concord” Church, Va.,
May 7, 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 10th and ending on the 11th day of May, 1865 –
745 men:-
2 days Hard Bread (1490 lbs)
“ “ Coffee (119 “)
“ “ Sugar (223 ½ “)
Salt –
“ “ Fresh Beef (1862 ½ “)
Near Dumfries, Va
May 10, 1865.
Rations drawn for three days, commencing on the 12th and ending on the 14th day of May, 1865 – 696 men:-
3 days Hard Bread (2088 lbs.)
3 “ Pork (1566 “)
3 “ Sugar (313 “)
3 “ Coffee (167 “)
4 “ Soap (115 “)
4 “ Potatoes (835 “)
Fort Barnard
(Special) 70 men – 13 and 14th May:-
10 ½ sugar - 70 H. Bread
5.9 coffee - 52 ½ Pork
All the above drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Fort Barnard, near Alexandria, Va.,
May 14, 1865.
Rations drawn for three days, commencing on the 15th and ending on the 17th day of May, 1865 – 824 men:-
3 days Coffee (197 ¾ lbs)
3 days Sugar (370 ¾ “)
2 “ Fresh Beef (2060 “)
1 “ Pork (618 “)
2 “ Hard Bread (1648 lbs)
1 “ Soft Bread (824 loaves)
Salt
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 18th and ending on the 19th day of May, 1865:-774men:-
2 days Soft Bread (824/774} 1598 loaves)
1 “ Pork (580 ½ lbs.)
1 “ Fresh Beef (972 ½ “)
2 “ Coffee (124 lbs.)
2 “ Sugar (232 “)
Beans, soap, pepper, vinegar.
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Fort Barnard, near Alexandria, Va
May 17, 1865.
Rations (special) drawn for 54 men, for 3 days, commencing on the 17th and ending on the 19th day of May, 1865:-
Coffee Hard Bread – 1 day
Sugar Soft Bread – 2 days
Also soap, and so forth.
P. J. Donovan.
May 18, 1865.
1 days ration drawn for 825 men, for 20th inst:-
Sugar (123 lbs) Coffee (66lbs)
Soft Bread (825 l.) Potatoes (5) Onions (2 ½)
Salt Beef (1031 lbs)
P. J. Donovan.
May 20, 1865.
2 days ration drawn for 830 men, for 21st and 22nd May:-
2 days Coffee (132 ¾ lbs)
1 day Sugar (124 ½ lbs)
2 “ Soft Bread (1660 L)
1 “ Fresh Beef (1037 ½ lbs)
2 ½ bbls.Potatoes
1 bbl beans
4 lbs pepper
Salt = 1 days
Pork (622 lbs)
All the above drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Fort Barnard, near Alexandria, Va,
May 22, 1865.
Rations drawn for 2 days, commencing on the 23d and ending on the 24th day of May, 1865:-830 men:-
1 days Soft Bread (830 loaves)
2 “ Sugar (249 lbs)
2 “ Coffee (132 ¾ “)
2 “ Soap (66 lbs)
2 “ Rice (165 lbs)
1 “ Hard Bread (830 lbs)
2 “ Fresh Beef (7091 lbs)
Potatoes
1 days Pork (622 ½ lbs)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Camp near Fort Barnard
May 24 and 25, 1865.
Rations drawn for 2 days, commencing on the 25th and ending on the 26th day of May, 1865 – 833 men:-
2 days Pork (1249 ½ lbs.)
2 days Sugar (249 “)
2 “ Coffee (133 “)
2 “ Soft Bread (1666 “)
2 “ Candles (21 “)
2 “ Soap (67 “)
2 “ Salt (No acc’t)
2 “ Beans (249 “)
1 “ Potatoes (250 “)
Sour Krout
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Camp near Fort Barnard, Va.
May 26 and 27, 1865.
Rations drawn for 2 days, commencing on the 27th and ending on the 28th day of May, 1865 – 831 men:-
2 days Sugar (249 ¼ lbs.)
2 “ Coffee (132 ¾ “)
2 “ Candles (10 ½ “)
2 days Pepper (4 “)
2 “ Rice (165 “)
2 “ Soap (66 ¼ “)
2 “ Soft Bread (1662 loaves)
1 “ Fresh Beef (1038 ¾ lbs)
1 “ Salt “ (1038 ¾ “)
1 “ Salt (31 ½ “)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Camp near Fort Barnard, Va.
May 28 and 29, 1865.
Rations drawn for 2 days, commencing on 29th and ending on the 30th day of May, 1865 – 828 men:-
2 days Soft Bread (1656 loaves)
“ “ Sugar (248 lbs 6 oz)
“ “ Coffee (132 “ 11 “)
“ “ Candles (20 ¾ “)
“ “ Soap (66 “)
“ “ Salt (abt. 60 “)
1 “ Pork (621 “)
1 “ Fresh Beef (1135 “)
1 small bbl. vinegar (22 gals.)
Special return on 28th May for 828 half rations of whiskey – 12 gals., 3 qts., 1 ½ pts.
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Camp near Fort Barnard, Va.
May 30th and 31st 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 31st day of May and ending on the 1st day of June, 1865 – 801 men.
1 days Fresh Beef (1001 ¼ lbs)
1 “ Salt Beef (1001 1/4 “)
2 “ Coffee (128 “)
2 “ Sugar (240 “)
1 “ Soft Bread (801 loaves)
1 “ Pickles (24 gals.)
1 “ Soft Bread (801 loaves)
May 31, 1865, -P.M.
Special Requisition for 2 days, to meet the old one, for 14 men, making 28 rations:-
2 days Fresh Beef (35 lbs.)
“ “ Coffee (2 lbs. 3 oz.)
“ “ Sugar (4 “ 3 “)
“ “ Soft Bread (28 loaves)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan. -
Camp near Fort Barnard, Va.,
June 1 and 2, 1865.
Rations drawn for two days, commencing on the 2d and ending on the 3d day of June, 1865 – 821 men:-
2 “ Coffee (131 lbs.)
2 “ Sugar (246 “)
2 “ Beans (246 “)
2 “ Candles (20.4 lbs.)
2 “ Soap (66 “) (24 lbs due us)
4 “ Pepper (8 “)
1 “ Soft Bread (821 loaves)
1 “ Pork (615 ¾ lbs.) (15 lbs due us)
2 “ Salt (about 50 lbs.)
June 2, 1865.
1 days Soft Bread (821 loaves)
1 “ Fresh Beef (1026 ¼ lbs.)
Special requisition for June 2 and 3 for 5 men – making 10 rations.
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
Fort Barnard, Va.
June 3, 1865.
Rations drawn for 2 days, commencing on the 4th and ending on the 5th day of June, 1865, - 819 men:-
2 “ Beans (245 lbs.)
2 “ Sugar (245 “)
2 “ Coffee (131 “)
2 “ Soap (80 “ included old debt)
2 “ Candles (20 ½ “)
2 “ Salt (53 “)
2 “ Vinegar (32 gals.)
1 “ Soft Bread (819 loaves)
1 “ Salt Beef (1024 lbs)
Extra requisition for Candles for use of Guard and Adjutant – 12 for former and 10 lbs. for latter – 22 pounds.
June 4, 1865.
1 days Pork (614 lbs.)
1 “ Soft Bread (819 loaves)
Also rations for 419 men (marching) – 3 days Pork (943 lbs.) 3 days sugar (188 lbs.) 3 days coffee (100 lbs.) 2 days soft bread (838 loaves). Also 1 days H. Bread (419 lbs.) (From 6th to 8th June inc.)
Drawn and issued by
P. J. Donovan.
ANALYSIS
Of the 241 days the 61st Battalion (later Regiment) Massachusetts Infantry spent in Federal service, 180 days were spent participating in the siege of Petersburg. While the regiment moved about and spent time building fortifications, positioned along Weldon Railroad, guarding City Point, serving as pickets, posted in front of Petersburg, and assaulting Fort Mahone, they can be considered to have been relatively stationary and were issued primarily the full “camp” ration that the Subsistence Department endeavored to provide troops serving near Petersburg, typically in intervals of every five to ten days. The regiment spent a further 22 days in camp near Washington, DC, usually drawing two days of rations at a time as they waited to participate in the Grand Review and be mustered out. The remaining 38 days of their service were spent on the march, and they were provided the characteristically shorter rations that a soldier could more easily carry himself, in more frequent intervals of every one to three days. This analysis looks at the rations issued during these three distinct periods independently with an emphasis placed on exactly what was issued and how often it was provided.
Hundreds of tons of food and other Subsistence Stores were offloaded from barges and directly onto rail cars and wagons at City Point, Va. each day. Here 200-pound barrels of Salt Pork and 50-pound crates of Hard Bread are clearly visible, as are piles of smaller boxes of the size that contained Candles and Soap.
Petersburg – In Camp – 180 Days
Meat Ration
Provided in full 180 days of 180 days (100%)
Salt Pork – 91 days (50.6%)
Fresh Beef – 59 days (32.8%)
Fish – 12 days (6.7%)
Salt Beef – 10 days (5.5%)
Bacon – 7 days (3.9%)
Beef Tongue – 1 day (0.5%)
Bread Ration
Provided in full 180 days of 180 days (100%), plus 2 days extra Hard Bread rations
Hard Bread – 91 days (50.5%)
Soft Bread – 89 days (49.5%)
Beans, Peas, Rice, or Hominy Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 164 days of 180 days (91.1%)
Beans – 142 days (78.9%)
Rice – 10 days (5.5%)
Desiccated Vegetables in lieu – 5 days (2.8%)
Potatoes in lieu – 4 days (2.2%)
Onions in lieu – 3 days (1.7%)
Not Provided – 16 days (8.9%)
Coffee or Tea Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 180 days of 180 days (100%)
Coffee – 172 days (95.6%)
Tea – 7 days (3.9%)
Potatoes in lieu – 1 day (0.5%)
Sugar Ration
Provided in full 180 days of 180 days (100%)
Sugar – 179 4/5 days (99.9%)
Molasses – 1/5 day (0.1%)
Salt Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 157 days of 180 days (87.2%)
Salt – 121 days (67.2%)
Fresh Vegetables in lieu (mixed onions, turnips, beets) – 11 days (6.1%)
Potatoes in lieu – 10 days (5.5%)
Molasses in lieu – 10 days (5.5%)
Onions in lieu – 5 days (2.8%)
Not Provided – 23 days (12.8%)
Pepper Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 175 days of 180 days (97.2%)
Pepper – 139 days (77.2%)
Fresh Vegetables in lieu (mixed onions, turnips, beets) – 11 days (6.1%)
Potatoes in lieu – 10 days (5.5%)
Molasses in lieu – 10 days (5.5%)
Onions in lieu – 5 days (2.8%)
Not Provided – 5 days (2.8%)
Vinegar Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 131 days of 180 days (72.8%)
Vinegar – 85 days (47.2%)
Potatoes in lieu – 20 days (11.1%)
Fresh Vegetables in lieu (mixed onions, turnips, beets) – 11 days (6.1%)
Desiccated Vegetables in lieu – 10 days (5.5%)
Onion in lieu – 5 days (2.8%)
Not Provided – 49 days (27.2%)
Soap Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 175 days of 180 days (97.2%)
Soap – 105 days (58.3%)
Potatoes in lieu – 25 days (13.9%)
Onions in lieu – 13 days (7.2%)
Fresh Vegetables in lieu (mixed onions, turnips, beets) – 11 days (6.1%)
Desiccated Vegetables in lieu – 11 days (6.1%)
Molasses in lieu – 10 days (5.5%)
Not Provided – 5 days (2.8%)
Candles Ration
Provided in full 175 days of 180 days (97.2%)
Candles – 175 days (97.2%)
Not Provided – 5 days (2.8%)
Near Washington – In Camp – 22 Days
Meat Ration
Provided in full 22 days of 22 days (100%)
Fresh Beef – 10 days (45.4%)
Salt Pork – 8 days (36.4%)
Salt Beef – 4 days (18.2%)
Bread Ration
Provided in full 22 days of 22 days (100%)
Soft Bread – 19 days (86.4%)
Hard Bread – 3 days (13.6%)
Beans, Peas, Rice, or Hominy Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 18 days of 22 days (81.8%)
Beans – 9 days (40.9%)
Rice – 4 days (18.2%)
Potatoes in lieu – 2 days (9%)
Potatoes and Onions in lieu – 1 day (4.5%)
Potatoes and Sauerkraut in lieu – 1 day (4.5%)
Pickles in lieu – 1 day (4.5%)
Not Provided – 4 days (22.7%)
Coffee or Tea Ration
Provided in full 22 days of 22 days (100%)
Coffee – 22 days (100%)
Sugar Ration
Provided in full 21 days of 22 days (95.5%)
Sugar – 21 days (95.5%)
Not Provided – 1 day (4.5%)
Salt Ration
Provided in full 9 days of 22 days (40.9%)
Salt – 9 days (40.9%)
Not Provided – 13 days (59.1%)
Pepper Ration
Provided in full 9 days of 22 days (40.9%)
Pepper – 9 days (40.9%)
Not Provided – 13 days (59.1%)
Vinegar Ration
Provided in full 6 days of 22 days (27.3%)
Vinegar – 6 days (27.3%)
Not Provided – 16 days (72.7%)
Soap Ration
Provided in full 14 days of 22 days (63.6%)
Soap – 14 days (63.6%)
Not Provided – 8 days (36.4%)
Candles Ration
Provided 10 days of 22 days (45.4%), plus extra for Guards and Adjutant
Candles – 10 days (45.4%)
Not Provided – 12 days (54.6%)
Special Ration (Whiskey), ½ Ration provided
On the March – 38 Days (35 days rations noted)
Meat Ration
Provided in full 35 days of 35 days (100%)
Salt Pork – 22 days (62.9%)
Fresh Beef – 13 days (37.1%)
Bread Ration
Provided in full 35 days of 35 days (100%)
Hard Bread – 31 days (88.6%)
Soft Bread – 4 days (11.4%)
Beans, Peas, Rice, or Hominy Ration
Provided in full or in lieu 7 ¾ days of 35 days (22.1%)
Beans – ¾ day (2.1%)
Potatoes in lieu – 7 days (20%)
Not Provided – 27 ¼ days (77.9%)
Coffee or Tea Ration
Provided in full 35 days of 35 days (100%)
Coffee – 34 days (97.1%)
Tea – 1 day (2.9%)
Sugar Ration
Provided in full 35 days of 35 days (100%), plus one extra day Molasses
Sugar – 35 days (100%)
Salt Ration
Provided in full 14 days of 35 days (40%)
Salt – 14 days (40%)
Not Provided – 21 days (60%)
Pepper Ration
Provided in full 12 days of 35 days (34.3%)
Pepper – 12 days (34.3%)
Not Provided – 23 days (65.7%)
Vinegar Ration
Provided in full 6 days of 35 days (17.1%)
Vinegar – 6 days (17.1%)
Not Provided – 29 days (82.9%)
Soap Ration
Provided in full 18 days of 35 days (51.4%)
Soap – 18 days (51.4%)
Not Provided – 17 days (48.6%)
Candles Ration
Provided in full 6 days of 35 days (17.1%)
Candles – 6 days (17.1%)
Not Provided – 29 days (82.9%)
CONCLUSIONS
Not unexpectedly, a vast difference is seen between what was provided when troops were in camp (or at least along a relatively stationary front line) and when they were on the march. In looking at the “camp” rations, a few points stand out. First, the ration is impressively consistent with law and regulations. Certainly the Subsistence Department, which at Petersburg was tasked with supplying an army of over 100,000 men and 65,000 animals, over water and on purpose-built military railroads, did not appear to give much time to shipping “any other proper food.” Even within the bounds of the law a number of items were wholly omitted from issue: Peas and Hominy were never once issued, with Beans instead being by far the most frequently issued foodstuff in that category. At the same time, the Subsistence Department seems to have provided a greater variety of meat, and often endeavored to provide an assortment of meats to a regiment within a single ration issue. The ration issue for five days completed on October 18, 1864 is one of many indicative of this: a five day ration of meat included two days’ worth of Fresh Beef, one day’s Salt Beef, one day’s Salt Pork, and one day’s Mackerel. The presence of bakeries constructed near the front lines can be seen in the notebook: half of the Bread ration is Soft Bread. At Petersburg, the Subsistence Department never failed to provide the 61st Massachusetts with Meat, Bread, Coffee, or Sugar, virtually always issued the requisite Candles, and regularly issued Beans and Pepper. Salt, Vinegar, and Soap were often issued as per regulation, but were frequently swapped for both fresh and Desiccated Vegetables. It is notable that, while vegetables were not a prescribed part of the daily ration, both fresh and Desiccated Vegetables were available on 65 of the 180 calendar days that the 61st Massachusetts spent near Petersburg—about 36% of the time.
The product of the Army of the Potomac’s field bakeries—individual loaves, the equivalent of a one-day ration for one man, baked one dozen loaves to a pan. The pile of bread in this photo is roughly a one day’s ration for a regiment the size of the 61st Massachusetts.
While camped near Washington at the end of the war, the regiment seems to have been drawing rations for short periods of time, possibly with local Post Commissaries unsure of when regiments would be returning home. Nonetheless, the ration was again consistent and relatively complete. Again, notably, fresh or preserved vegetables were available on nine of the 22 days the regiment was camped there—about 41% of the time. The few weeks spent there also saw the only instances the regiment ever received items such as pickles, sauerkraut, and whiskey. Soft Bread was issued on 19 of 22 days, indicative of the extensive Army bakeries that had been constructed near Washington throughout the war.
One of several large Government Bakeries constructed near Washington.
The Commissary Sergeant’s notebook looks much different while on the march. Not just the rations, but even the entries themselves: some issues were documented in pencil rather than ink. One ration issue was overseen by the Quartermaster Sergeant while the Commissary Sergeant was absent, likely attempting to secure the next issue. Yet another ration issue was overseen by a lieutenant who, to the chagrin of Sergeant Donovan, did not adequately document the procedure.
Several ration items were prioritized on the march to the neglect of others. Meat, Bread, Coffee, and Sugar were issued without fail. Among those categories, Salt Pork, Hard Bread, Coffee (as opposed to Tea) and Sugar (as opposed to Molasses) were the daily staples. Regular rations of Beans, Salt, Pepper, Vinegar, Soap, and Candles were dropped almost entirely. When those items were available they were nonetheless provided, often without concern for the actual quantities being issued. For example, a ration issue for a single day provided in May included eight days’ worth of Pepper, ¾ of one day’s worth of Beans, and a quantity of Molasses despite Sugar having already been included. Another issue included a 50 pound sack of salt—not enough to complete a ration but apparently what was on hand. Yet another included three days’ worth of Potatoes on a two day ration return. Soap was issued in bulk when crates were available, and actually was provided in enough quantity to reach half of the regulation issue. Fresh vegetables were available on seven of the 35 calendar days on the march documented in the notebook—about 20% of the time—significantly less often than when in camp.
FOR LIVING HISTORIANS
When preparing for living history programs, one of course wants to match the rations they are eating to what was known to have been issued on the dates being portrayed if possible. The 61st Massachusetts Commissary Sergeants’ notebook offers a day-by-day record of what the primary Commissary for troops serving near Petersburg was issuing for over half a year at the height of the siege, the breakthrough, and the subsequent campaign that ended the war in Virginia.
Beyond a daily recording of rations issued at Petersburg, the notebook can be used to extrapolate a typical ration issue, both in camp and on the march, for U.S. Army soldiers in general, and serving in the Army of the Potomac in particular. It shows that, at least in the case of the Army of the Potomac, standardized foodstuffs matching the result of the Subsistence Department’s desire to purchase goods in mass quantities should be portrayed with more frequency than what most living historians usually do. Salt Pork should be utilized by living historians far more and Bacon far less. In fact, Fish should be seen more often than Bacon. Sugar should be issued (and used) in virtually every circumstance, and in significantly larger quantities than it usually is. In addition, this record indicates that non-standard foodstuffs that are popular items for issue at many U.S. events—pickles, canned goods, sausage, ham, cheese, raw corn, fruit, etc., should be nearly nonexistent unless specifically documented. Save those items for more appropriate scenarios or for the sutler impression.
Recreated rations in the field.
A daily ration issue while in a relatively stationary position would most typically look something like the following:
Meat: Salt Pork or Fresh Beef, or a combination of both
Bread: Hard Bread or Soft Bread, or a combination of both
Beans
Coffee
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Vinegar, or Fresh or Desiccated Vegetables provided in lieu
Soap, or Fresh or Desiccated Vegetables provided in lieu
Candles (in small quantities that would seemingly be enough to serve company or mess rather than individual needs)
A marching ration could be similarly consistent:
Salt Pork
Hard Bread
Coffee
Sugar
An addition of one or two, but not all of the following: Salt, Pepper, Potatoes, Vinegar, Soap, or Candles
