The day-to-day pleasures and privations enjoyed and endured by the Revolutionary fighting man are brought to life by the skillful and articulate pen of C. Keith Wilbur. The text and illustrations combine to present a vivid picture of the Continental soldier as a living man–from the clothes he wore, gear he carried, and personal items he used to the food he cooked, weapons he bore, medical supplies he relied on, and religious beliefs in which he found solace.
Using 85 full-page plates of hand-lettered text and meticulously detailed drawings, The Revolutionary Soldier 1775-1783 offers a fascinating glimpse of
- ammunition for firearms and cannon–cannister shot, grape shot, cartridges
- artillery equipment–field cannon, garrison cannon, howitzer, mortar
- the bill of fare and its preparation–rations, spirits, stoves and kettles, flints, tinder, tinderboxes, cooking utensils
- creature comforts–clay pipes, thread tobacco, whittling, razors, hair curlers and dressing
- treatments for the sick–fleams and brass basins for bloodletting, open fires for purifying" the air, diseases and vaccinations, surgical tools
- uniforms–upper facing, cuffs, pockets, breeches, buckles, gaiters, waistcoats, buttons, boots
- essential accessories–canteens, wooden bottles, lanterns and candlewood, haversacks, knapsacks
- living accommodations–tents, cabins, log huts
- entertainment–fishing, backgammon, darts, tomahawk throwing, "rifle frolics," toys
The Revolutionary Soldier 1775-1783 presents an engaging profile of the man who lived, worked, fought, and won a nation's freedom more than two centuries ago. A full index, guide to where illustrated relics may be found, and bibliography complete this all-inclusive reference and reading treasure.
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