This infantry cartridge box sling has a large very nicely done ink identification on the inside reading, “OLIE, R. BROUSE. / 2^nd Ward Indianapolis,” who seems to have served in three different short term Indiana units recruited in Indianapolis and has come down to us in different records also as “Olin R. Brouse,” and “Allen R. Browse.” We assume Olie was his preferred nickname, inked by his own hand, though his tombstone went for Olin Robert Brouse (1843-1921) when he died in Rockford, Illinois, a respected member of the community and member of the local G.A.R. post. We are aware of cap box out there also attributed to him by a paper note.

The sling is a regulation black buff cartridge box sling, full length, with no tears, nice buff surface and good black color oxidizing just slightly toward brown, measuring 55 inches overall, including narrow billets each measuring 4 ½ inches long, counting from the beginning of the semicircular cut narrow the strap down from 2 ¼ inches for the billet to the billet’s tip. One billet is pierced with four holes and the other with one for cartridge box buckles. Despite its precise correspondence to the specified overall length for the belt, that length usually excludes the billets and in this case the billet with a single hole, and measuring slightly wider and bit off center, indicates the belt was shortened slightly to fit the soldier. The belt also shows three piercings for the two loops of round eagle cartridge box plate, now missing, also indicating there was some adjustment.

Brouse served first in the 54^th Indiana, (as Olin R. Browse) a three-month regiment, from 7/26/62 to 9/14/62. They were assigned to Camp Morton, but did see some field service, moving to Kentucky to help repel Kirby Smith. His second tour (as Olin R. Brouse) was as First Sergeant in Co. G, 107^th Indiana, one of the emergency “minute men” or “Indiana Legion” regiments hastily assembled in July 1863 upon receipt in Indianapolis on July 8 of news of John Hunt Morgan’s raid. The city boasted that some 65,000 men had responded to the call for troops. These were given numbers in the state line, numbered 102 through 114, with the 107^th consisting of 12 companies, with the single battalion raised also assigned to it, adding another eight. The regiment was mustered into service on July 10, but the threat ended when Morgan crossed into Kentucky on July 14, and the regiment, not having taken the field, was discharged on July 18. This corresponds to Brouse’s service record, though he is listed as mustering in July 9. His last service (as Allen R. Browse) was in Co. A 132^nd Indiana from 5/18/64 to 8/1/64, which had seven companies from Indianapolis, and was among several recruited to relieve other troops for field service. They served as railroad guards near Nashville, serving beyond their time and, “keeping Sheman’s lines of communication open for the transportation of supplies to his army.”

We don’t know to which service this belt belongs, but since he used his home address as the identification rather than an assigned regimental number, it may date to his 1863 service, which was the briefest. In any case, this is very good example of U.S. regulation accoutrement belt.  [sr] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!