New York State Museum Collection, H-800

CARTRIDGE BLOCK INSERT

Manufacturer: Unknown

Dimensions: 3.25" x 9.75" x 4.5"

1812, wooden block with holes for cartridges. Fragment of strap and leather flap visible. Block was designed to be inserted into a leather cartridge pouch.

This cartridge block insert would have been carried by a member of the Washington County (New York) Militia. The Washington County Militia responded to Governor Tompkins’ call for troops to repel an anticipated British invasion from Canada. The men of the Washington County militia were stationed at Plattsburgh, New York, and participated in the city’s defenses during the September 1814 battle.