Cartridge Box
Owner
John Whitlock
Periodca. 1770 - 1775
MediumLeather, silver, brass, tin
Dimensions3.5 × 36 in. (8.9 × 91.4 cm)
InscribedEngraved, "J.W."
ClassificationsMilitary Artifacts
Credit LineGift of William Whitlock Smock, 1934
Object number522
DescriptionA red-dyed leather belt with attached cartridge box. The pouch has an elongated front flap with a diamond-shaped silver monogram plate attached to the center front, engraved "J.W." The flap lifts to reveal twelve tin cartridge holders. A brass buckle is attached to the waist belt.Curatorial RemarksA Revolutionary soldier's cartridge box was often found slung over his shoulder or around his waist, housing several paper-wrapped charges made of black powder and a lead bullet.NotesThis cartridge box was worn by Second Lieutenant John Whitlock (1733 - 1777) during the Battle of the Navesink in 1777. In the hours before dawn on the morning of 13 February 1777, Major Andrew Gordon and 170 men of the 26th Regiment of British regulars landed on the shore of the Highlands and surprised the main body of militia stationed nearby. After an exchange of gunfire, 30 or 40 militiamen escaped into the woods; 72 were taken prisoner, and four men lay dead in the snow, including John Whitlock.
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