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Post by spence on Oct 20, 2021 17:33:07 GMT -7
When I'm out in really cold weather I do something which I've found works very well to keep me warmer. I wrap my leg from ankle to knee with a long strip of wool cloth and bind it with a criss-cross leather thong. I most frequently do this over shoes and wool stockings, but also do it when I'm wearing moccasins of some sort and leather leggings. This was common dress in the military from mid-19th century, but was apparently used back into pre-history by cultures in the Himalayan area. The original name for this was puttee, from the Hindi, and it was adopted by the British military and others.  I've never seen any evidence that this was done in this country in the 18th century, Does anyone have documentation of any sort related to this, either text or image? Spence |
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leg wraps?
Oct 20, 2021 18:53:27 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by brokennock on Oct 20, 2021 18:53:27 GMT -7
I don't recall reading of it being done as a matter of course. But, something is rattling around in the back of my near empty skull that says I read of similar being done under duress in the field.
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 21, 2021 4:46:08 GMT -7
Nothing stops the cold winter wind whilst dredging through snow than the simple woolen wraps. I haven't came across any specific evidence concerning use here in the colonies or on the frontier, which I'd like to find.
This is one of the items I've made an exemption with in using. I'd very much like to think given the simplicity and effectiveness of the wraps they'd have been used. However we know how important the woolen blanket was and is to us modern woodsman. Personally feel unless one came across a ragged woolen or second hand blanket the old boys probably would be much along our thinking in having a hard time processing their blanket down.
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Post by spence on Oct 22, 2021 10:47:32 GMT -7
I've come across a few period references to something which might indicate that wrapping the legs for one purpose or another was done in the day. This one might be an example of that. Leggings/gaiters worn over the stockings and shoes were common for everyday wear even among town folks, but they usually were buttoned. Maybe not always.
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE
December 22, 1768
AUGUSTA, Nov . 16, 1768.
RUN away from the subscriber in Augusta , on the 1st of this instant, a convict servant man named THOMAS KERR, who had on when he went away a new felt hat, a light blue cloth coat, a purple coloured vest, a coarse shirt, old leather breeches, woollen stockings, a coarse pair of linen wrappers, new shoes, and a pair of large brass buckles; he took with him a woman's shift, one sheet, one coarse apron, and three deerskin in the hair; he is supposed to have taken with him a short rifle gun , and some ammunition. He is of a middle stature, and a fair or sandy complexion.
Spence
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Post by brokennock on Oct 22, 2021 18:24:46 GMT -7
Hmmmm. Interesting ad for many reasons. However, I think assuming "wrappers" refers to the practice you are enquiring of is a stretch. A gator could be said to wrap around the leg, and thus could be referred to as a wrapper, same with an Indian legging for that matter.
Not saying it isn't the case you are seeking, but, without a description of said "wrapper" being used, I feel it is too vague.
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Post by spence on Oct 22, 2021 19:59:43 GMT -7
brokennock said: "Not saying it isn't the case you are seeking, but, without a description of said "wrapper" being used, I feel it is too vague." I agree. But...the terms gaiter, legging, Indian boot, etc. were in common use at the time, so why wouldn't they have used one of those terms if that's what they meant? That is the only time I've ever run across the term 'wrapper'. I don't really expect to find documentation for this practice, but maybe I can find something similar which could have given them the idea when cold weather came along.  Spence |
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 23, 2021 8:02:38 GMT -7
Other than Mr. Kerr using these "wrappers" round his legs I honestly cannot visualize any other dedicated use for the term. To me beating through the forest and underbrush in breeches without any protection, specifically leggings makes me speculate this option was the next best route for him and likely many others. Seems to be an expedited method for getting underway with leg protection quickly.
Besides leather leggings linen is some tough stuff. I'd imagine the old boys were on to their use in the winter, as in the wool variety...
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Post by artificer on Oct 25, 2021 2:06:56 GMT -7
I've come across a few period references to something which might indicate that wrapping the legs for one purpose or another was done in the day. This one might be an example of that. Leggings/gaiters worn over the stockings and shoes were common for everyday wear even among town folks, but they usually were buttoned. Maybe not always. THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE December 22, 1768 AUGUSTA, Nov . 16, 1768. RUN away from the subscriber in Augusta , on the 1st of this instant, a convict servant man named THOMAS KERR, who had on when he went away a new felt hat, a light blue cloth coat, a purple coloured vest, a coarse shirt, old leather breeches, woollen stockings, a coarse pair of linen wrappers, new shoes, and a pair of large brass buckles; he took with him a woman's shift, one sheet, one coarse apron, and three deerskin in the hair; he is supposed to have taken with him a short rifle gun , and some ammunition. He is of a middle stature, and a fair or sandy complexion. Spence Spence, I scanned it quickly, then went back to read it thoroughly. I thought wrappers MAY have been something to protect the outer breeches/stockings from dust/dirt like a smock did over upper garments; but I doubt a convict servant would have been given something that fancy/expensive/single purpose UNLESS they were too old/worn for a gentleman to wear. Maybe not a blanket they were made from, but lesser expensive blanketing? Gus |
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Post by spence on Oct 25, 2021 7:48:26 GMT -7
It's true that it was common for indentured servants to be provided with used clothing, more or less worn out depending on the circumstances. In this instance, though, the man had a new hat and shoes, so maybe the "linen wrappers", whatever they were, were in good shape.
I doubt if these wrappers were what are now called puttees, but it's the only even marginal clue I've been able to find which might relate to them. I don't put much credence in them.
Spence
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Post by spence on Oct 31, 2021 8:51:21 GMT -7
I doubt if these wrappers were what are now called puttees, but it's the only even marginal clue I've been able to find which might relate to them. I don't put much credence in them. I came across another item in my files which falls into the same category, I guess. Pennsylvania Gazette 1739 runaway..."old brown leggings and Raggs wrapp’d round ‘em" Spence |
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 31, 2021 10:25:17 GMT -7
I doubt if these wrappers were what are now called puttees, but it's the only even marginal clue I've been able to find which might relate to them. I don't put much credence in them. I came across another item in my files which falls into the same category, I guess. Pennsylvania Gazette 1739 runaway..."old brown leggings and Raggs wrapp’d round ‘em" Spence That is a good reference, simple and certainly appropriate. Thanks for sharing. |
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