THE EQUIPMENT OF PVT BRYAN, 160TH INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY

[BEAST]

This group appeared on eBay a few times and did not sell. The seller is local and I was able to work out a deal with him. I'm pretty pleased to add this to my collection!

 

Howard E. Bryan was from Columbia City, Indiana and was mustered into Company G, 160th Indiana Volunteer Infantry (IVI) on April 26, 1898 at Camp Mount in Indianapolis. The 160th IVI left for Camp Thomas at Chicamauga Park arriving there on May 18th. It was then ordered to proceed to Puerto Rico, arriving at Newport News, VA. At Newport News they received new orders and were sent to Camp Hamilton in Lexington, KY. They left Camp Hamilton and arrived at Columbus, GA on November 11, 1898. The in January 1899, the regiment then sailed to Matanzas, Cuba for occupation duty. They remained in Cuba until March 27th when they were ordered to Savannah, GA to be mustered-out. Bryan was discharged on April 25th, 1899.

 

Cabinet photo of PVT Howard E. Bryan

 

[BEAST]

Bryan and some men from a sister company, I believe, Company I. The names are written on the back, but badly faded. This was taken at Camp Thomas.

 

 

An interesting detail, that I did not notice until I scanned the images and enlarged them. Note the man in the back row, viewer's right.

 

 

This is the back of the photo if anyone would like to help read the names.

 

 

Another friend of Bryan from Company F, Cassius Lutz.

 

 

Bryan received the pattern 1878 Haversack. This is marked from the Rock Island Arsenal and although it is hard to see, it does have his company designation at the top. This one saw a lot of use as the d rings have been sewn to the back with thread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flap of the haversack

 

 

His canteen marked with the same soldier's number.

 

 

The straps for the haversack and the canteen. I can't find a arsenal stamp on them, but they are very worn.

 

 

 

A photo of Bryan and men from his company in front of his tent. Once again, all of the soldier's names are written on the back of the photo. This time, clear enough for me to read. Bryan is standing leaning against the tent pole.

 

Bryan's field gear is barely visible on the viewer's left inside the tent. You can make out the "7" from his roster number.

 

 

 

 

 

Bryan was also issued the third pattern 1874 meat can and mess ware. Only the knife and fork were present. Both are marked U.S..

 

 

 

 

The final piece that was included in the group were his infantry leggings. One leather strap still remains.

 

 

 

That's it! Like I said, I was really pleased to add this to my collection as it had several of the pieces I was looking to add this year. Thanks for looking!

[BEAST]

In the photo of the tent with the field gear, I see Bryan's equipment with his roster number. It appears that what I am seeing is his blanket bag not his haversack. After a soldier was discharged, were they allowed to keep the blanket bag also or was it turned in? My guess is that the soldier would keep it.

[3ARTYFO]

Really great grouping.  You dont find such very often these days.  Congrats!

[Backtheattack]

Great items and interesting background!