Powder Horns and Shot Pouches
Ammunition & Accessories • 1803
Each of the 15 riflemen was issued a powder horn and shot pouch. The powder horn was a hollowed-out cow or ox horn, sealed at both ends, with a measuring spout at the narrow tip for pouring a measured charge of black powder into the rifle barrel. The shot pouch was a leather bag worn on a shoulder strap, containing pre-cast lead balls, patching material (greased cloth or leather), and small tools. These were essential personal equipment for every soldier carrying a firearm.
Specifications
Powder Horn: Cow/ox horn, 10-14 inches, wooden plugs
Shot Pouch: Leather, ~6x8 inches, shoulder strap
Quantity: 15 complete sets
Total expedition powder: 200 lbs best rifle powder
Where It Was Used
Journal entries mentioning this weapon along the expedition route.
NPS L&C National Historic Trail
Journal entry mentioning this weapon
August 7, 1804
Missouri River near Soldier River — Charles Floyd: August 7, 1804
Missouri River near Soldier River
August 18, 1804
John Ordway: August 18, 1804
Near present-day Homer, NE — Maha (Omaha) country, Reed court-martial site
October 4, 1804
Missouri River near Cheyenne River — John Ordway: October 4, 1804
Missouri River near Cheyenne River
April 8, 1805
Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River — Patrick Gass: April 8, 1805
Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River
April 8, 1805
Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River — John Ordway: April 8, 1805
Departure from Fort Mandan, Missouri River
May 23, 1805
Missouri River near Musselshell River — Joseph Whitehouse: May 23, 1805
Missouri River near Musselshell River
Showing 6 of 39 journal entries that mention this weapon.