Greeley Relief Expedition Knapsack

[jprostak]

An old Bannerman's Catalog got me interested in this item.

 

After looking around on the net I found this book. It contains a short description of the Haversack and it's use. I much doubt any are left in existence, but if one is, I would love to see it.

 

The Relief Expedition report makes an interesting short read about a time when exploring the north west coast of Greenland was like going to the moon.

 

 

 

Report of Winfield S. Schley, Commander, U.S. Navy, Commanding

GREELY RELIEF EXPEDITION OF 1884.

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1887.

 

The exercise of your ship's company will be limited to "fire quarters" and "abandoning ship;" both will be frequent and exact; during the latter men will be stationed in the boats, and the clothing, provisions, and ammunition to he provided by each one is to be accurately described, and the officers and crew are to be instructed in carrying them to the boats, where stowed, and how most quickly and easily reached.

The rubber knapsack provided is to be kept packed with a complete shift of clothes and is to be kept hanging in the quarters of men and officers and must be worn in all exercise of abandoning ship.