The Kit Of The Corps

[mario]

4. The Canadian Corps of Voyageurs was formed to conduct "irregular" warfare" ( against the Yanks.( basically on land ) & supply of isolated posts. In spite of their "oddities" they were effective, but in 1813, they were disbanded & the Brits formed them into a more "formal unit" = the Provincial Commissariat Voyageurs

All the online sources I found had them as waterborne teamsters rather than raiding parties.

5. Now why swords ??  = I can not say, but they were required/issued. did they keep or use

The online sources I found were all modern writings, with no primary documentation. Is there primary documentation as to what they were issued? I haven't gone this far in history, so I don't really know.

Mario, What do mean by "officers"??

If by NWC/HBC "def." then UPPER level  ( usually a "wintering partner" (NWC )) or a Sr. clerk , factor or above ( HBC)

Bingo. The guys that weren't paddling, portaging and doing the grunt work.

Also, what do you mean by "average guy"?
If the lowest level "clerk ( often a young teenager) = Then YES ( required "load out" ) Also include t "bad as*s. ( not "offically" NWC/HBC )

Yup. The laborers/voyageurs/Home Guard Indians/ low end clerks.

If gen. employee Emigre etc = not required, they carried & used. ( both NWC & HBC. Did they own. = some apparently did. but most drew from the post armory.

Gale has quotes showing the officers kept arms and brought some with them.

Mario

[Puffer]

[quote="mario

There are pics of some nice swords carried by HBC/NWC officers in Gale's book, but the avg guy?
Mario

Mario, What do mean by "officers"??

If by NWC/HBC "def." then UPPER level  ( usually a "wintering partner" (NWC )) or a Sr. clerk , factor or above ( HBC)

Also, what do you mean by "average guy"?
If the lowest level "clerk ( often a young teenager) = Then YES ( required "load out" ) Also include t "bad as*s. ( not "offically" NWC/HBC )
If gen. employee Emigre etc = not required, they carried & used. ( both NWC & HBC. Did they own. = some apparently did. but most drew from the post armory. Were they used in the "field" ? = yes often.

BTW, the naive Amer.s also carried as well as the Yank fur traders.

Also note, the HBC had heavy armed ships here in the PNW (&  else where) Many of the "crew"were South Sea Islanders.)

puffer

[/quote]

[Puffer]

AHH, Mario.

I will try to address in order But NOTE- I "specialize"in NWC/HBC history  from the 1800s to the 1850s in the PNW. My "knowledge of the 1812 era  comes from from those that steady this era.
1. What sources are you viewing ??
The common Voyageurs were, but these guys were NOT.
2. weapons - only what you posted
3. Ok, but see below
4. Ok, But Home Guard Indians did not exist. & even the Lowend clerks ( most often young teenagers) swords were a part of req'd loadout.
5. Gale is iffy here.   Many NWC/HBC accounts  vary.

With respect, Puffer

[Trois Castors]

Honestly (and just my personal opinion), I don't see these guys getting swords. They going to repel boarders on a canoe or York boat/batteau?

Most of my books are gone now,so this kit list came from 5 different internet sites(modern writings).I thought it funny all the stuff they were issued......however the general consensus of these sites was that the Voyageurs traded,sold or through overboard most of this kit so they didn't have to schlep the extra weight.

The blade, sure. But I'd switch out the handle and get a shell guard for it. It'd be a nice hunting sword.

I think I will change out the handle,thanks for the idea.(It's really no good to me the way it is)

[Puffer]

Puffer--is that "spittoons" or "spontoons." I can't see a spitoon as a defensive weapon. :oops:  :oops:  :oops:  :lol:

Puffer

Well, here is what I meant to Type - SPADROON
Here is a pic of a Brit. 1786 Officer's.
Note these "tech" had the longer blade, but some did nt.

[albumimg:37pb9i1m]5266[/albumimg:37pb9i1m]  [albumimg:37pb9i1m]5267[/albumimg:37pb9i1m]

Puffer