Pack Trains and Support again

[Pat Holscher]

Having had some recent experience with semi long times in the field with horses, I'm again raising the logistical tail question.

Does anyone know how extensive, in comparison to the cavalry troops themselves, the pack trains were? Take, for example, campaigning in the American west. In the big, or even average, field campaign in the American West, how many men and pack animals were in the train? I'd think it would have to be fairly extensive.

And I'd think that it'd likely be even more extensive for the British forces in the Desert in WWI, although perhaps that was partially motor vehicle supported. Or for the American forces in the Punitive Expedition. Campaigning in Mexico must have required a lot of bacon, beans, and bullets even without a declared war going on, not to speak of the animal feed, if any, that was brought along.

Any details?

[Trooper]

"...Crook had some experience working with pack mules fighting Indians prior to the Civil War. Pack mules were a common sight around the mining areas along the Pacific Coast. When promoted to the Commander of the Department of Arizona in 1871, Crook finally had the resources to work on the problem. He had his quartermaster purchase 15,000 mules and recruited civilian packers. Crook hired Thomas Moore as his chief packer and Dave Mears as his assistant to recruit, train, equip, organize and supervise the pack trains. Crook then treated the study of the pack trains as a science. He learned that if they custom fitted the aparejo pack to each mule, they could increase the weight carried to four hundred pounds. Loading only mission essential items such as food, ammunition and medical supplies made field operations leaner. With the load capacity of each mule increased, Crook then set out to plan the organization of the train.
The ideal pack train contained fifty pack mules and one “bell” mare horse to lead them. When accompanying cavalry, a section of ten pack mules could support a cavalry troop. One packer or “mule skinner” was assigned to supervise loading of five mules and make minor repairs to equipment. ..."
From an interesting short study:
"Pack Mules
Richard E. Killblane
Transportation Corps Historian"
at

http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:Cr ... =clnk&cd=1

[Pat Holscher]

Thanks Dusan, outstanding information.

A couple of followu comments.

He had his quartermaster purchase 15,000 mules and recruited civilian packers.

Wow. 15,000 mules. A huge number really.

He learned that if they custom fitted the aparejo pack to each mule, they could increase the weight carried to four hundred pounds. Loading only mission essential items such as food, ammunition and medical supplies made field operations leaner. With the load capacity of each mule increased, Crook then set out to plan the organization of the train.

400 lbs!

I wonder how this incredible load compares to the load born by the mule with the Philips Pack Saddle? 400 lbs is much higher than I anticipated, and higher than I'd dare weigh a mule down with myself.

Note the burden this amounts to for the packer. A mule can't be left packed all the time, so this means that sort of load was put on, and taken off, at least once a day.

The ideal pack train contained fifty pack mules and one “bell” mare horse to lead them. When accompanying cavalry, a section of ten pack mules could support a cavalry troop. One packer or “mule skinner” was assigned to supervise loading of five mules and make minor repairs to equipment. ..."

Again, very interesting information. Ten mules per troop, one packer per ten mules. I wonder how this ratio compares to later eras?

[Couvi]

Some notes from Daly on pack trains in the Indian Wars:

Manual of Instruction in Pact Transportation, H.W. Daly, Press of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, 1901,

Chapter IV, Marches and Loads,

I. Employment of Pack Trains in Our Service.

113. Under Ordinary Conditions. Wagon transportation has naturally been regarded as the rule in our service, due to its relative cheapness, and the greater loads per animal thus transported. On account, however, of the nature of the country through which most of our Indian campaigns have been conducted, it has often been found impracticable for wagons to follow the troops. As a consequence, pack mules have been very frequently employed; in fact, in many cases, a certain number of pack mules have been regularly attached to each troop of cavalry.

Several pack trains followed the troops taking part in the various operations. These trains were continuously on the move, traveling through the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona, and through the States of Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico, crossing the Sierra Madre Mountains at their highest and most precipitate part, from Opoto in Sonora to Casa Grandes in Chihuahua. Through such a country any other form of transportation would have been utterly impracticable.

The mules carried loads averaging 250 lbs.; the average day's march was 30 miles, except when climbing mountains, when about 15 miles per day was the rule.

The mules subsisted entirely on the grasses found in the country, and when the campaign was over, were returned to their posts in good condition.

114. Forced Marches. The following instances, out of a great many, may be briefly mentioned: In the campaign of 1881, under Colonel Buell, 15th Infantry, against Chiefs Victoria and Nana, of the Warm Spring tribe of Apaches, a company of Indian scouts and one pack train made a march of eighty-five miles in twelve hours, loaded 200 lbs. to the pack animal.

Later, in pursuing Indians of the same tribe, a company of Indian scouts and one pack train marched from old Fort Cummings to Fort Seldon, on the Rio Grande, about 60 miles, from sunrise to sunset. Then went by rail to Fort Craig, N.M.; loaded 250 pounds to the mule; struck the trail of Chief Nana and party; and, without making an all night's camp, followed the hostiles into Old Mexico, south of the Hatchet mountains.

This was a running fight the whole way. A distance of about 300 miles was covered in about four days.

During the "Loco" outbreak from San Carlos Agency, Arizona, in 1882, one company of scouts and one pack train loaded 200 pounds to the mule, made a forced march of 280 miles in three days.

During the Garza campaign on the Rio Grande frontier in Texas, in 1891 and 1892, a troop of the 3d Cavalry and a part of one pack train, marched 108 miles in 16 hours; the mules were loaded 300 pounds to the mule.

In the same campaign another troop with part of a pack train marched 104 miles, in a night and part of the following day.

And in another instance, in the same campaign, a pack train made 90 miles in less than 24 hours, the animals carrying 275 pounds.

II. What May Be Considered of the Pack Mule.

115. Under Ordinary Conditions. Under ordinary conditions the pack mule, carrying a load of 250 pounds, will travel from 20 to 25 miles per day, and maintain a rate of speed of 4 ½ to 5 miles per hour.

With occasional days of rest, he may be expected to perform this amount of work steadily; and this, too, without aid of grain or hay.

It must be remembered, however, that, except on extra ordinary occasions, pack mules should never be tired to a picket like. In bivouac they should be taken to graze, night as well as day, packers being detailed as herd guard. The bell horse, being hobbled, or picketed in the vicinity, there is no danger of the mules stampeding, as they will not leave the bell.

If allowed to graze, mules will always keep in average condition, and , on nutritious grasses, will stand a twelve month’s campaign, and keep fat.

116. Mountainous Country. In rough and mountainous country, the pack mule will carry the same load (250 lbs.), and travel from ten to fifteen miles per day. He should not, however, be forced, when traveling up or down a mountain, unless the occasion is very urgent. Uphill work is hard on man and beast.

117. Forced Marches. In forced marches, the pack animal should not be loaded in excess of 200 lbs.

If traveling with cavalry, the pack mule may not be able to spurt off at a ten mile gait, but he will be pushing the horse before 30 miles are covered, and he has the horse at his mercy in a march of 75 or 100 in 24 hours.

III. Gaits.

118. When moving at a slow rate of speed, the walk is the ordinary gait of the pack mule.

As the rate of travel is increased, however, a trained pack mule instead of quickening the walk, falls into an amble or fox trot. This is for the reason that an extended walk or a jogging trot, would transmit motions to the load which would greatly inconvenience the animal. He has accordingly learned to acquire the gait which enables him to move to the best advantage without rocking his load. At this ambling gait, he is able to cover from five to six miles an hour, without fatigue.

[Couvi]

More from Manual of Instruction in Pact Transportation , H.W. Daly, Press of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, 1901, paragraph:

112. Showing the Usual Organization and Equipment of a Pack Train.

Men: Packmaster 1, Cargador 1, Blacksmith 1, Cook 1, Packer 10.

Animals: Horses 1 (the bell horse), Mules, Pack 50; Mules, Riding 14.

Equipment: Aparejos, complete 50; Headhalters and shanks 65; Blinds 14; Saddles 14; Bridles 14; Blankets (saddle) 14; Cargo Covers 3; Rigging Covers 5; Feed Covers 5; Pack Covers, extra 15; Lashropes, without cincha 5; Sling Ropes 5; Lair Ropes 30; Bell ( sheep), with strap 1; Hobbles, pair 1; Mess or kitchen boxes 2; Field stove with kit 1; Pack train mess kit 1; Clothes or war bags 14; Wall tent with jointed poles 1; Cargador’s box 1; Blacksmith’s kit 1; Tool sacks 1; Moss or hay pads 10; Boxes for mule shoes 2; Mule shoes Nos. 1 and 2 (fitted) 200; Horseshoe nails No. 6 1 box, Axe 1; Spade 1; Pick 1; Curry combs 10; Horse brush 1 and Picket line, ¾-inch.

[Pat Holscher]

Great stuff Couvi.

I don't have Daly's book, but I think I'll get it. It looks very interesting.

[Pat Holscher]

The mules carried loads averaging 250 lbs.; the average day's march was 30 miles, except when climbing mountains, when about 15 miles per day was the rule.

Still, a surprisingly heavy weight. I would not have guess an average of 250 lbs. And 30 miles day's march is quite a distance.

It must be remembered, however, that, except on extra ordinary occasions, pack mules should never be tired to a picket like. In bivouac they should be taken to graze, night as well as day, packers being detailed as herd guard. The bell horse, being hobbled, or picketed in the vicinity, there is no danger of the mules stampeding, as they will not leave the bell.

If allowed to graze, mules will always keep in average condition, and , on nutritious grasses, will stand a twelve month’s campaign, and keep fat.

Again, very interesting information.

[Trooper]

There is a nice 1906 film of a pack train in the San Francisco disaster on the LOC "American Memory" site, but for some reason I can't post a workable link - it times out.
Anyway, worth the effort of looking for it - and those splendid ones of ammo mules in Cuba, which, I seem to recall, are herded.

[Pat Holscher]

There is a nice 1906 film of a pack train in the SanFrncisco disaster on the LOC "American Memory" site, but for some reason I can't post a workable link - it times out.
Anyway, worth the effort of looking for it - and those splendid ones of ammo mules in Cuba, which, I seem to recall, are herded.

Thanks for reminding me of that.

A search for "mules" at that same site brings up a lot of great mule photos. Many are agricultural (and many agricultural from the late 30s and early 40s) but quite a few are military. Unfortunately, quite a few of the really fascinating military ones are somehow protected, and only posted as thumbnails. Too bad, as they're neat. There's a great one, for example, of Ethiopian soldiers marching with a pack mule. Their uniforms are very European. There's another of a fat Army mule carrying a radio, which would be a great one for a radio thread here, as it's such an early photo, but it's only a thumbnail.

[Pat Holscher]

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3 ... 12744t.gif

[Couvi]

There is a nice 1906 film of a pack train in the SanFrncisco disaster on the LOC "American Memory" site, but for some reason I can't post a workable link - it times out.
Anyway, worth the effort of looking for it - and those splendid ones of ammo mules in Cuba, which, I seem to recall, are herded.

Thanks for reminding me of that.

A search for "mules" at that same site brings up a lot of great mule photos. Many are agricultural (and many agricultural from the late 30s and early 40s) but quite a few are military. Unfortunately, quite a few of the really fascinating military ones are somehow protected, and only posted as thumbnails. Too bad, as they're neat. There's a great one, for example, of Ethiopian soldiers marching with a pack mule. Their uniforms are very European. There's another of a fat Army mule carrying a radio, which would be a great one for a radio thread here, as it's such an early photo, but it's only a thumbnail.

There are also some post- Span-Am shots of Battery “D”, 5th Field Artillery performing in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. There are also shots of the same unit listed as 'Cavalry Pulling Caissons.'

[FtValleyPS]

In other threads I've spoken of Tom McConnell, 83 year old son of Leland McConnell, who was a packer on the Punitive Expedition. Today we went to the annual Babbitt Ranch colt sale (Driftwood/Hancock line of horses) with Tom, had coffee afterward, and we talked about Leland. Relative to this particular thread, Tom told us his father told him of packing some (occasional) loads on mules in the 400 to 500 pound range, but that often this was hard on the animals, animals were frequently damaged or lost, and particularly when such loads were improperly managed. He said packers who couldn't get it right became infantrymen.

Tom said his father had been in Cuba first for the Spanish American War, caught malaria, later went with Pershing into Mexico. He said his father showed him pictures of pack trains, talked about what they packed, including the smaller two-piece artillery pieces (not sure what particular piece that is - imagine someone here could clarify that). He said the piece consisted of the block or carriage and barrel, that a rod went through the assembly, and one criteria for becoming packers was to be able to pick up the barrel by the rod (with one arm) and place it on the pack saddle. Not sure what that weighed, but sounds heavy.

Tom said that after WW1 his father left the Army and became a civilian contract packer for the Army along the Arizona and California border with Mexico (the family is from Julian, California). He said Leland worked mostly out of Fort Huachuca with the pack strings, supplying troops along the border. He said the border had been adjusted around that time (ca 1920?), that Mexico contested the new line, and the troops were subsequently stationed there for some time to maintain the line. I hadn't heard of this, it was sure interesting. Tom said he recently loaned two 10" x 30" photos of Leland's Army Pack Train to Fort Huachuca personnel to copy and restore, that he will get me a digital copy of the two photos when he gets them back so I can post them here.

[bisley45]

....... Moss or hay pads 10;.......

[/quote]

Though this list dates from 1901, I wonder if these are the same as an ACW-era spanish moss pad?

[Couvi]

....... Moss or hay pads 10;.......

Though this list dates from 1901, I wonder if these are the same as an ACW-era spanish moss pad?[/quote]

The users of he Aparejo spent an inordinate amount of time adjusting the padding. From what I can gather as the mules gained or lost weight the pads had to be adjusted. The hay or moss was for that purpose. Also used was horsehair, grass or leaves.

[Couvi]

He said his father showed him pictures of pack trains, talked about what they packed, including the smaller two-piece artillery pieces (not sure what particular piece that is - imagine someone here could clarify that). He said the piece consisted of the block or carriage and barrel, that a rod went through the assembly, and one criteria for becoming packers was to be able to pick up the barrel by the rod (with one arm) and place it on the pack saddle. Not sure what that weighed, but sounds heavy.

It sounds like the 1.65-inch Hotchkiss Mountain Gun, Model of 1875, I believe. See enclosed: http://www.spanamwar.com/hotchkis165.htm

I once had the privilege of removing a coat of 1960’s Olive Drab paint from one of these with solvent, acetone and Q-tips. Originally the carriages were Battleship Gray, remarkably similar to the French Horizon Bleu, and the tubes were black. Someone in the 1960’s had painted it OD because as everyone knows; “Guns are supposed to be OD.” I can vouch for the fact that one man can handle the tube unassisted. It is heavy, but not impossible to handle.

[Pat Holscher]

In other threads I've spoken of Tom McConnell, 83 year old son of Leland McConnell, who was a packer on the Punitive Expedition. Today we went to the annual Babbitt Ranch colt sale (Driftwood/Hancock line of horses) with Tom, had coffee afterward, and we talked about Leland. Relative to this particular thread, Tom told us his father told him of packing some (occasional) loads on mules in the 400 to 500 pound range, but that often this was hard on the animals, animals were frequently damaged or lost, and particularly when such loads were improperly managed. He said packers who couldn't get it right became infantrymen.

Tom said his father had been in Cuba first for the Spanish American War, caught malaria, later went with Pershing into Mexico. He said his father showed him pictures of pack trains, talked about what they packed, including the smaller two-piece artillery pieces (not sure what particular piece that is - imagine someone here could clarify that). He said the piece consisted of the block or carriage and barrel, that a rod went through the assembly, and one criteria for becoming packers was to be able to pick up the barrel by the rod (with one arm) and place it on the pack saddle. Not sure what that weighed, but sounds heavy.

Tom said that after WW1 his father left the Army and became a civilian contract packer for the Army along the Arizona and California border with Mexico (the family is from Julian, California). He said Leland worked mostly out of Fort Huachuca with the pack strings, supplying troops along the border. He said the border had been adjusted around that time (ca 1920?), that Mexico contested the new line, and the troops were subsequently stationed there for some time to maintain the line. I hadn't heard of this, it was sure interesting. Tom said he recently loaned two 10" x 30" photos of Leland's Army Pack Train to Fort Huachuca personnel to copy and restore, that he will get me a digital copy of the two photos when he gets them back so I can post them here.

Thanks Tom. I'll look forward to hearing more of what Tom had to say.

[Pat Holscher]

He said his father showed him pictures of pack trains, talked about what they packed, including the smaller two-piece artillery pieces (not sure what particular piece that is - imagine someone here could clarify that). He said the piece consisted of the block or carriage and barrel, that a rod went through the assembly, and one criteria for becoming packers was to be able to pick up the barrel by the rod (with one arm) and place it on the pack saddle. Not sure what that weighed, but sounds heavy.

It sounds like the 1.65-inch Hotchkiss Mountain Gun, Model of 1875, I believe. See enclosed: http://www.spanamwar.com/hotchkis165.htm

I once had the privilege of removing a coat of 1960’s Olive Drab paint from one of these with solvent, acetone and Q-tips. Originally the carriages were Battleship Gray, remarkably similar to the French Horizon Bleu, and the tubes were black. Someone in the 1960’s had painted it OD because as everyone knows; “Guns are supposed to be OD.” I can vouch for the fact that one man can handle the tube unassisted. It is heavy, but not impossible to handle.

Interesting about the gray. The courthouse in Lander, WY, has some big old howitzer out in the front that's painted gray. I've posted photos of it here before. It does look odd in that color.

When did gray go out, and what color replaced it?

[Couvi]

He said his father showed him pictures of pack trains, talked about what they packed, including the smaller two-piece artillery pieces (not sure what particular piece that is - imagine someone here could clarify that). He said the piece consisted of the block or carriage and barrel, that a rod went through the assembly, and one criteria for becoming packers was to be able to pick up the barrel by the rod (with one arm) and place it on the pack saddle. Not sure what that weighed, but sounds heavy.

It sounds like the 1.65-inch Hotchkiss Mountain Gun, Model of 1875, I believe. See enclosed: http://www.spanamwar.com/hotchkis165.htm

I once had the privilege of removing a coat of 1960’s Olive Drab paint from one of these with solvent, acetone and Q-tips. Originally the carriages were Battleship Gray, remarkably similar to the French Horizon Bleu, and the tubes were black. Someone in the 1960’s had painted it OD because as everyone knows; “Guns are supposed to be OD.” I can vouch for the fact that one man can handle the tube unassisted. It is heavy, but not impossible to handle.

Interesting about the gray. The courthouse in Lander, WY, has some big old howitzer out in the front that's painted gray. I've posted photos of it here before. It does look odd in that color.

When did gray go out, and what color replaced it?

From pre-Civil War to about 1900 the color of US Artillery pieces was Olive, not Olive Drab, composed of 10 parts yellow and 1 part black, turpentine, various oils and driers. I have mixed this stuff from scratch and the color closely resembles that of a green olive. Some gun tubes continued to be painted Black until the early 1920’s and I could find no reason for that, other than tradition. There were complaints because paints did not match as colors were shipped in a paste form, similar to shoe polish, and thinned on the jobsite with turpentine and linseed oil. Needless to say every batch was mixed with different proportions and there was a considerable amount of variation in actual color. This stuff takes forever to dry, sometimes as long as two days. As late as WWI paint manufacturers were complaining about not being able to get paint colors to match exactly.

Escort wagons, two horse or four mule wagons; and the like were painted Prussian Blue with Brown running gear and red interior, although the ambulances may have gone to Olive sometime before the Civil War.

In 1900 the color was changed to Battle Ship Gray for all rolling stock. This lasted until the opening hostilities of 1914 when everything was repainted Olive or Olive Drab to avoid confusion with German materiel. WWI Dazzle Camouflage was also used on artillery equipment and consisted of a pattern of 30% Green (very similar to John Deere green), 30% Yellow (again, similar to the tractor color), 30% Cream (a very light pink) and 10% black interlining. When seen out of context it is a bit too startling for most military minds to accept today. This was to provide camouflage from the air and may actually have worked.

Tanks were painted in a pattern consisting of about 20% White, 25% Green, 25% Yellow, 20% Cream and 10% black interlining. My proportions may be a bit off on this last one. See enclosed limber painted in the tank colors:

http://www.lovettartillery.com/US%20M%2 ... imber.html

[Rick Throckmorton]

Couvi,
Wasn't there also a "field drab" that was more of a mustard color for field carriages for artillery during the IWP?
Rick T.

[Pat Holscher]

From pre-Civil War to about 1900 the color of US Artillery pieces was Olive, not Olive Drab, composed of 10 parts yellow and 1 part black, turpentine, various oils and driers. I have mixed this stuff from scratch and the color closely resembles that of a green olive. Some gun tubes continued to be painted Black until the early 1920’s and I could find no reason for that, other than tradition. There were complaints because paints did not match as colors were shipped in a paste form, similar to shoe polish, and thinned on the jobsite with turpentine and linseed oil. Needless to say every batch was mixed with different proportions and there was a considerable amount of variation in actual color. This stuff takes forever to dry, sometimes as long as two days. As late as WWI paint manufacturers were complaining about not being able to get paint colors to match exactly.

Escort wagons, two horse or four mule wagons; and the like were painted Prussian Blue with Brown running gear and red interior, although the ambulances may have gone to Olive sometime before the Civil War.

In 1900 the color was changed to Battle Ship Gray for all rolling stock. This lasted until the opening hostilities of 1914 when everything was repainted Olive or Olive Drab to avoid confusion with German materiel. WWI Dazzle Camouflage was also used on artillery equipment and consisted of a pattern of 30% Green (very similar to John Deere green), 30% Yellow (again, similar to the tractor color), 30% Cream (a very light pink) and 10% black interlining. When seen out of context it is a bit too startling for most military minds to accept today. This was to provide camouflage from the air and may actually have worked.

Tanks were painted in a pattern consisting of about 20% White, 25% Green, 25% Yellow, 20% Cream and 10% black interlining. My proportions may be a bit off on this last one. See enclosed limber painted in the tank colors:

http://www.lovettartillery.com/US%20M%2 ... imber.html

It's really odd that they went from a low visibility color, olive, to a more visible one, gray.

That WWI camouflage is startling.