Quarters and Rations
If he had shelter at all, a soldier slept in a tent in summer and a log cabin or a wood and fabric hut in winter.
 
Confederate troops built and used these quarters during the winter of 1861-1862.
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Silbey tents were designed to house a dozen men. Soldiers slept with their feet to the center and their heads toward the wall. |
Rations varied in quality and quantity throughout the war. Soldiers in both armies experienced periods of plenty and periods of near starvation.
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This knife and fork belonged to a Union soldier. |
| Coffee was one of the most cherished items in a soldier's ration. Union troops usually had a good supply, but Confederate supplies slackened after 1861. |
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Soldiers broke apart canteens to make skillets and plates. |
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