Sutlers
By Mary A Whisante,
Alexandria, AL

In a few weeks, Civil War Reenactment Sutlers will be rolling into town with their cargos of clothing, books, toys and unique historical items. They’re a strange breed of traveling vendors who specialize in Civil War and Victorian reproductions. You might spot a gray airbrushed box truck which we have fondly nick-named “The Gray Ghost” or trucks and trailers with tags from states such as GA, FL, and IL. There are also the sutlers who call Alabama home--I am one of them. Like the other sutlers arriving to form our Sutler Settlement, I will be spending hours setting up a tent, placing tables, unpacking merchandise, and setting up a display of my specialty--ladies handmade corsets. We supply the reenactor family and educate the public on material goods of the 19th century. I am a hard working, full time modern day sutler.
The word sutler was an English military term that came from the Dutch word soetelaar or zoetelaar which originally meant “one who does dirty work”. Strange name for a business man but during the Civil War, sutlers were an important part of a soldiers daily life; following the war-weary armies with their wares.
A sutler filled a need, if not a necessity for the military. He was a grocery and dry-goods dealer stocking such things as cheese, butter (often rancid), fruit, candy, loaf sugar, canned goods (can openers were not invented yet) illegal liquor, clothing such as shirts and socks and night caps, tobacco, lye soap and razors, newspapers and books, stationary and ink powder, and numerous other luxuries. Some sutlers were also known to carry patent medicines and body armor. Today’s equivalent might be the Post Exchange. Without the sutler, military life would have been extremely dreary.
One sutler was appointed for each regiment by either the governor of the state or by regimental or brigade officers. The civilian merchant was licensed to sell provisions in the field, camp or quarters. He was given a list of articles he could sell by the Inspector General Department and his prices were set by a board of officers. Despite these precautions, many sutlers were accused of profiteering . The soldier was not compelled to patronize the sutler’s monopoly, however, it is common knowledge that nearly every soldier maintained some sort of an association with the merchant because of the services he provided.
Pay for the average Confederate private was only thirteen dollars a month. The private’s pay was raised to sixteen dollars a month on June 20, 1864. The sutler made a point to be present when the soldier mustered in front of the paymaster for his monthly pay because paymaster had the authority of signing away a portion of the paycheck, perhaps three or four months worth, simply to settle claims the sutler had against the poor private.
The price of a sutler’s goods in the 1860’s were inflated well above normal shop prices. In his defense, he could argue that he required a higher compensation for the risks to his life and his inventory while traveling with the army. He had to supply wagons which followed the regiment in the field. His inventory was always a prime target for raids from dissatisfied customers. A sudden retreat sometimes made it necessary to totally abandon his tent, wagon, or stall to the pleasure and good fortune of the enemy.
Today, we no longer run from the armies but we still travel and share some of the other hazards and hardships of sutlers in the 1860‘s. There is always a threat of fire from lanterns and candles used in the tents at night or from wind carrying embers from nearby campfires. We have items that are irresistible to thieves. And then there is always Mother Nature who tests our abilities to camp in ever-changing conditions. Some of you may have visited the Selma event in the past and been mesmerized by hail drumming on my store’s fabric roof or witnessed the strength of the wind on tent ropes and canvas.
At the beginning of the year, each modern day sutler plans a personal circuit of Civil War Reenactments and CSA Shows for the coming year, choosing one event from among the two or three being held each weekend all around the country . Some sutlers stay “on the road” and set up their canvas shops almost every weekend averaging 28 to 32 events a year from January through December. One sutler from Florida jumps off from Selma to travel as far north as the Canadian border in the spring and summer season, returning south in the fall. Others like me only travel 300 to 400 miles from home and only for a week or two at a time.
This year, some of the best dress and bonnet designers in the CW Reenactment Industry will again be set up on Sutler Row. In addition, there will be several large, well known military sutlers attending with kepis, uniforms, boots and numerous military supplies. And if you love research as I do, there will be books on a wide range of subjects as well as period artwork and recorded music for sale. A family could enter our Merchant Village and walk away dressed ready to step back in time equipped with all the small trinkets needed to round out their 1860‘s impression. And don’t forget the food! If you like popcorn, you must try the kettle corn--oh, I can smell it now! Root Beer along with other old-fashioned drinks will be available to tickle your taste buds and quench your thirst. A new addition this year will be hand rolled Indian Fry Bread filled with flavorful delights. Enjoy these treats while listening to period brass and string bands from Alabama. All presented to give you a taste and feel of the 1860’s era.                 2009                   

Sutlers for 2010

The Paper Lady
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The Lady in Black
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Barranncas Merchantile

Old South Art
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Donna Lee's Sutlery
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Dixie Gun Works

Fall Creek Sutlery
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Crescent City Sutler
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Pa Kettle Korn

Root Beer Patty