4th Virginia Soldier’s Identified Haversack & Canteen

This haversack and canteen are identified to Charles I. Fisher, from Durham, North Carolina, who served in the 4th Virginia Infantry. He was assigned to Company “C.” Although raised in Virginia, this regiment, like Fisher, was comprised of officers and men from several states, as far as Massachusetts, and Missouri, and London, England.  Charles Fisher was with the 4th Va. the entire time in service.

The 4th Virginia Infantry mustered into federal service on May 9th, 1898, at Richmond. By October they were stationed at Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, Florida. Nine days following the official surrender, this regiment sailed for Cuba as part of the occupational forces.  The encamped near Havana until their service was concluded and returned the states on March 27, 1899, and mustered out of service in April.  During their time in service the regiment lost 30 men who died of disease, 63 discharged on disability, 22 men deserted.

• Movements:
  • Left Richmond June 4; arrived at Jacksonville, Fla., June 5
  • Left Jacksonville October 25; arrived at Savannah, Ga., October 26
  • Sailed from Savannah on steamship “Chester” December 19; arrived at Habana, Cuba, December 21
  • Company F sailed from Savannah on steamship “Mobile” December 13, arrived at Habana December 15, 1898
  • Sailed from Habana, Cuba, on the steamships “San Antonio”, “Yarmouth”, and “Whitney”, March 25 to 27; arrived at Savannah, Ga., March 27 to 30, 1899.

The 1878 haversack is well marked on the front flap, and has no other markings. The 1885 canteen is marked U.S.  with Fisher’s equipment number “36,” and he printed his name and unit below; the other side is well marked as well to the the unit. Both pieces of equipment show field use; soiling, and some rust stains. Retains all buckles, rings, and straps.  The 1878 haversack sling is very good condition and original to the haversack with an untouched patina. Faint arsenal markings.

A fine set of id’d equipment.