Equipment for Militia:
A Guide for Accessories for Men, Women or Children
Men:
The Militiaman, as provided by the Militia Bill of 1775 was (and is) the was expected to bring to muster, for inspection specific articles required to make him an effective fighting man. Fines were specified for the lack of each article.
Muskets: First and foremost the militiaman was required to bring his musket in good working order, although rifles were in use at the time, there is evidence they were rare in the Hudson Valley. A popular style of musket was the Hudson Valley fowler, a long barreled, large caliber Dutch musket used, in civilian life as a hunting gun. Many other guns, English, French and Dutch were common as well and are appropriate for a militiaman's impression. For more information on Dutch Muskets, read:
"Dutch Muskets in the Revolution" an 'American Rifleman' article
Below are examples of types of muskets that were used (Click on an image for a larger view), others are also appropriate:
2008 Gene Tozzi, First Ulster County Militia, All Rights Reserved
Early Dutch Doglock Musket
Hudson Valley Fowler c. 1740
Long Barreled Hudson Valley Fowler c.1730
Dutch Fowler c.1760
English Fowling Piece c.1770
British Brown Bess Musket c.1770
French Charleville Musket c.1770
French Tulle Fusee de Chasse
Cartridge Box: We fire only from rolled paper cartridges, much the same as they did then, without the ball, of course. A leather cartridge box is required to carry the rounds into the field. It can be either worn over the right shoulder or attached to a belt (belly box) and should contain holes enough for at least 18 cartridges.
Belly Box
Shoulder Box
Canteens: In order to carry water, one must have a canteen. Canteens varied widely and were made of tin, wood or even gourd. The could be cask shaped, half moon or kidney (in tin), or staved like a barrel.
Edged Weapons: As per the Militia Bill, one was required to have a number of edged weapons: A knfe, tomahawk or axe, and/or bayonet (if your firelock could take one).
Tomahawk/Axe: Usually simple design, rarely more decorated Indian styles, very rarely a "pipe"tomahawk. This was a tool as well as a weapon.
Knives were too varied to illustrate here and ranged from a simple folding pocket knife to large belt knives, usually with wood but occasionally bone or antler handles.
In addition to these a haversack or snapsack (tubular bag worn over shoulder) would be needed to carry personal items including, but not limited to: tin cup (for rum ration?), bowl, wooden or tin; spoon: horn, iron or bone; razor; pipe and tobacco; musket tools and cleaning kit; etc.
