Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is an original U.S. Civil War wood framed Artillery "Hard Pack" Knapsack or Backpack. Dating between the 1860 - 1865 this Union issue Civil War Artillery pack is marked to the 5th Independent Battery Light Artillery of New York part of the First Excelsior Brigade.

Wood framed pack covered with waterproofed canvas like is often seen on Civil War issued haversacks. Pack measures approx. 15.0 inches long x 4.0 inches wide x 13.75 high. All three blanket straps appear to be present as to the shoulder straps, however they are completely detached and in pieces inside of the pack. The two buckles at bottom are also present yet delicate. The two inner flaps are in good condition and retain all four blue cotton ties. This pack is well worn but is a good example of militia and early issue “hard pack” knapsacks of the Civil War era. This backpack has identifying regiment markings on the front cover that reads 5 BATTERY. in red and in the back lower right hand corner it reads 5/ 45. These are always difficult to find, especially ones that are marked to a specific regiment.

History of the 5th Independent Battery, First Excelsior Light Artillery
The following is taken from New York in the War of the Rebellion, 3rd ed. Frederick Phisterer. Albany: J. B. Lyon Company, 1912.

Mustered in: November 8, 1861.
Mustered out: July 6, 1865.

This battery was organized in New York City and was to be part of the Excelsior Brigade. The men were recruited principally at New York City, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Yonkers and Peekskill, and the battery was mustered in the United States service for three years November 8, 1861. It left the State November 16, 1861, under Capt. Elijah D. Taft. December 12, 1863, it received by transfer eighteen of the enlisted men of the 4th Battery; June 27, 1864, some of its own men were transferred to the 6th Battery. At the expiration of its term of service the men entitled thereto were discharged and the battery retained in service.

It served at and near Washington, D. C., from November, 1861; in detachments with Batteries E 2d, K 4th and K 5th, U. S. Artillery of the Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, from March, 1862; in the Artillery Reserve, 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac, from September, 1862; in the Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, from December, 1862; in the 2d Volunteer Brigade, Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, from May, 1863; in the Horse Artillery, Army of the Potomac, from June, 1863; in the 3d Brigade, Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, from July, 1863; in the 2d Volunteer Brigade, Artillery Reserve, from August, 1863; in the 1st Volunteer Brigade, Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, from January, 1864; in the 2d Brigade, Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac, from March, 1864; in the Artillery Brigade, 5th Corps, from May 16th to 19th, 1864; in the defenses of Washington, D. C, 22d Corps, from May 19, 1864; in the 6th Corps, from July, 1864; in the 1st Division, 19th Corps, from August, 1864; in the Army of the Shenandoah from October, 1864; in the Department of West Virginia from February, 1865, and July 6, 1865, commanded by Captain Taft, it was honorably discharged and mustered out at Hart's island, New York harbor, having lost during its service by death, killed in action, 4 enlisted men; of wounds received in action, 2 enlisted men; of disease and other causes, 15 enlisted men; total, 19 enlisted men; of whom 1 died in the hands of the enemy.