This ensemble is a grouping of military artifacts from the Spanish American War that is identified to Private Jarred A. Law of Company “M”, 1^st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, aka the Sumter Light Infantry.  Law’s grouping includes his M1858 smoothside canteen, his US stamped canvas haversack, his blue /gray woolen army blanket and his black leather shoulder harness system.

Law joined Company “M”, 1^st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry when it organized in Columbia, SC on May 5, 1898.  The unit mustered into service at Columbia on May 19 and left for Camp Thomas, GA on June 6.  Then it went to Camp Cuba Libre, Florida on July 29, 1898.  On Sep 29, 1898, unit left Florida back to Columbia, SC and furloughed for thirty days. At expiration of furlough, the unit save the officers and guard were mustered out of service on Nov 10, 1898.  It never saw action.

Law’s smoothside canteen is covered with its original period canvas cover with his name “J. A. Law / Co. M/ 1^st S.C.V.I.” handscribed in black ink on one side while a government stamped “U.S.” appears on the opposite face.  Canteen has its pewter spout, chain, and its ring pull cork stopper, all in excellent condition. The light beige colored, canvas haversack is in very good condition, strong and tight with black letters “U.S.” stamped on the front flap cover.  Haversack cloth body has staining spots and light surface grime from storage and age. Law’s light blue / gray colored woolen blanket is original and in very good condition with minor edge fraying in areas.     Law’s black bridle leather harness is excellent and retains all brass hooks, clasps and black japanned roller buckles. Individual leather straps are strong and supple and could use just a coat of dressing to bring to very good to excellent condition.  Leather shoulder harness is marked “ROCK ISLAND / ARSENAL / E. H. S.” in clear strong stampings.

This set of Span-Am War accoutrement is a fine representation of those items carried and used by the US soldiers in 1898.