F L Henry

This is the standard Confederate issue wood drum canteen with forged iron bands and three tin cross straps. The canteen has a pewter spout which is secure inside but is somewhat loose. The canteen retains part of its original leather sling. A bit of grey (how fitting!) paint has at some time dripped onto the face of the canteen. Otherwise, the canteen is in very good condition with a nice patina.

These wooden canteens were the perfect thing for a bored fellow to carve on, so they did. The level of information found carved into wooden canteens runs from simple initials, to elaborate carvings, and every possible variation between. This canteen has F. L. Henry carved into the face in large letters, surmounted by a large G.

There are three F. L. Henry’s who appear in the Confederate records. None were in Company G, but there is one who served the State of Georgia, one Tennessee, and one Louisiana. Due to the large G carved into the canteen the likeliest of these three options is F. L. Henry of Macon, Georgia. Henry served in Company D, 14^th Battalion Georgia Infantry (Georgia State Guards) defending Macon during the War. He was originally a fireman when, in 1863, he along with 63 other firemen were mustered into Confederate service in the 14^th Georgia. A letter dated January 14, 1864 describes Henry as a brick mason and speaks of his desire to be employed at the Macon Arsenal. The letter writer, presumably a superior of Henry’s, recommends that the request be granted.

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