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A new product we have been waiting hoping someone could make for YEARS!

"SPANISH MOSS BLANKETS TO DEBUT AT CAVALRY CONGRESS!"

After many years of research, experimentation, set backs and frustration I have recently learned that we "might" very well be on the verge of finally reproducing the Confederate Spanish Moss Saddle Blanket. This is an exciting development!

Karl Pepper of Glen Pier Depot has contracted with an experienced weaver who has apparently (in my opinion anyway) the knowledge, ingenuity and determination to finally bring this legendary, mysterious, elusive and long sought item into the 21^st century. The first prototypes are now under construction and expected to make their debut at the Cavalry Congress, July 13-15 at East Fork Stables, Jamestown Tennessee (see www.cavalrycongress.com )

Due to my intense interest in the subject, I am proud to say that I have been of some assistance to Karl and his weaver in this effort. About a dozen years ago I published an article detailing the "rediscovery" of this common 19^th century item, its widespread CS manufacture and use and, therefore its rightful place in Confederate history (see www.confederatesaddles.com for a copy of this article). Although widely known, understood and used during the period as an exceptionally useful, economic, "alternative" to expensive wool saddle blankets, due to mass production and new technological advances, by the 1920's Spanish Moss products of all kinds were quickly disappearing. Sadly, by the 1950's the tedious, laborious methods of retting, separating, spinning and weaving of Spanish Moss into saddle blankets or mats was yet another lost and forgotten craft.....until now.

CONFEDERATE USE:

Saddle blankets of Spanish Moss were in civilian use dating back at least to the 18^th century. The U.S. Army experimented with them in the 1850's and found them to surpass wool blankets in keeping the horse’s back cool and free from heat related skin injuries. As for the Confederacy, many thousands of Spanish Moss saddle blankets (and mats for artillery) are documented to have been made and issued to the Southern mounted forces. It is a well known fact that wool blankets for military use of all kinds were difficult for the South to obtain or make during the war. This shortage necessitated that they be imported in huge quantities. Unfortunately, their priority as a sleeping blanket required the Ordnance Department to acquiesce English wool saddle blankets to infantry issue leaving the bureau no alternative for under the saddle except the moss blanket.

Many tens of thousands of Spanish Moss blankets were issued from arsenals in all three of the major departments of east, west and Trans Mississippi Confederacy. To meet the demand, major production facilities were set up at arsenals like Columbus, Georgia; Mt Vernon Alabama and by contract suppliers. Contractors and other arsenals such as Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, Savannah and elsewhere also made them with varying degrees of success. As an item of issue, this blanket was no doubt very common in the eastern (ANV) mounted forces and likely the most wide spread saddle blanket issued to troops in the western and TM departments. Nevertheless, correspondence and ordnance returns indicate that of all of the items of horse equipment issued to the Confederate mounted soldier the saddle blanket was the most chronically deficient item throughout the war.

Now, for the first time it is "possible" (we are very hopeful) we may soon have a reproduction of this common article. The price and quantity available is not yet known at this time but if you are interested in getting on the priority list to purchase one (no obligation) or desire more information contact Karl Pepper at karlpepper@glennpierdepot.us Or....Stay tuned for more information.