Feast or Famine: Army Rations in the Civil War

During the American Civil War the standard army ration was the same for both Federal and Confederate armies. Each ration was divided into five components ---meat, flour, vegetable, coffee/sugar, and seasoning. Commissioned officers in the United States Army did not draw rations directly. They were given a cash allowance that was used to purchase food from the Commissary; while commissioned officers in the Confederate Army drew the same ration as privates. Depending upon the season, the region of the country and the availability, the food that was actually issued varied dramatically.

During the Civil War soldiers did not rely solely upon the government for food either. Foraging, or taking food from the land and farms in the path of the army was common in all the armies. They could also purchase food from sutlers and recieved food from family and friends who sent food to camp.  

This presentation will describe the food soldiers actual ate and how they cooked it through original ration returns, diaries, letters and cooking equipment.