| Often in camps following the Sutlers, were troops of entertainers. They would often play hometown favorites for the men that were homesick for their wives, girlfriends and friends. But most of all they were urged to play inspiring marches to keep the mens spirits high. |
| Objects left to right (clockwise) Clay pipes, watch part, poker chip, purse top ,clay marbles and bone rings |
Favorite past-times
When the men were retired to camp during the lulls in between the fighting, there was often long periods of boredom.
Once their equipment was put in order and camp duties performed, to while away the time the men, on both sides often smoked or
chewed their ration of tobacco, wrote letters, gambled, played marbles, chess, checkers, domino's and even carved their lead
Minnie bullets into every day useful or recreational objects or toy soldiers. Remember back then there was no store to run out to
purchase this stuff so the men improvised. The most available object in plenty supply was lead bullets.
Once their equipment was put in order and camp duties performed, to while away the time the men, on both sides often smoked or
chewed their ration of tobacco, wrote letters, gambled, played marbles, chess, checkers, domino's and even carved their lead
Minnie bullets into every day useful or recreational objects or toy soldiers. Remember back then there was no store to run out to
purchase this stuff so the men improvised. The most available object in plenty supply was lead bullets.
clay pipe
| this old tin possibly contained chewing tobacco or snuff > It was found near a redoubt in Virginia |
Poker chip
| Bone dice and dominos with playing card |
Clay marbels
carved minie ball to fish sinker
In the throngs of death men
would cast any playing
cards aside. To have them
on your remains and mailed
to your family was a
disgraced symbol. A mark
of the devils work.
would cast any playing
cards aside. To have them
on your remains and mailed
to your family was a
disgraced symbol. A mark
of the devils work.