::SOLDIERING - CLOTHING::

There was no true standad outfit for the Continental Army which often relied upon whatever the soldier was able to bring with their enlistment.  By the time of the Battle of New York many soldeirs had worn clear through their shoes and went to battle in bare feet - often leaving a blood-filled trail of their march.

A soldier had to have a powder horn, although powder was scarce.  A cartridge box (often called a Belly Bag) could be utilized for the making of pre-made cartridges.  While this made the firing quicker, the number of cartridges was limited to the number of holes availble (often 18 to 20).  The Brown Bess musket was very inaccurate and the smooth bore provided little aid in straigtening the trajectory of the musket ball (notice the imperfection at the seam and the nib at the top).