Scarce Knapsack Pattern issued to an early war New England unit

Scarce Knapsack Pattern issued to an early war New England unit. I just picked this item up just several weeks ago, and still have not done the research on the pattern, having much difficultly so far.   This is another item that is headed for the Maryland Arms Collectors show in March, and I haven’t the proper time to do it justice here.  Call if you have interest as it is available prior to the show.

The sizable knapsack has the oilcloth cover, all the leather straps are present with some very minor damage.  Canvas lined with pockets for clothing etc. Well identified on the flap to the NEW ENGLAND DIVISION, with the soldier’s stenciled identification on both sides;  has his company designation and equipment number on one side, his initials on the other. The canvas back has his full name and hometown, Deerfield, Mass.

John M. Campbell a 45 year old painter enlisted in November of 1861 as a private in New England Division, a unit formed from all the New England states by General Benjamin Butler, under his control, not state authority. The Massachusetts unit was first named “the Eastern Bay State Regiment”, later forming part of the 30th Massachusetts  Volunteer Infantry.  Butler’s unit went to The Gulf area, after Admiral Farragut’s fleet opened up the Mississippi. with the, now recognized the 30th Mass, arrived in Baton Rough in April of 1862. The 30th did see some action, and in September of 1863 Campbell was discharged for promotion and a 1st Lt. in Co. “H” 88th U.S. Colored Troops, and resigned on  June 7, 1864.   I have some downloaded material on the New England Division, and their progressional history becoming the 30th Mass.

I have never seen this pattern knapsack, and had no clue what the real designation of the unit was other to guess the NE was New England.  Super condition for an early war unit, and presumably used by the 30th Mass.