A Sling Designed by a Committee
Before Jefferson Davis became President of the Confederacy, he served as Secretary of War in Lincoln's first Cabinet. While in that position, he became convinced that camels would be useful for military purposes in the western United States. He presented the idea to Congress, which agreed and established the Camel Military Corps. Thirty-three of the animals were purchased in North Africa and brought to New York. Two experienced camel drivers were also hired to assist in the founding of the corps, and an excursion to the West Coast was planned. Two attempts were made and they both failed. One reason was that the camels could not subsist on the vegetation that grew in the American West. The second was that the Army insisted on going by the book and securing the loads carried using the tack at hand, which was designed by the Quartermaster Corps for use with horses and mules. Over the objections of the camel drivers, the standard issue was utilized and the camels developed sores and got sick; they refused to or were incapable of carrying a load. Eventually they all died or escaped.
I have long suspected that the "horse collar" snare drum slings used during the Civil War involved the same kind of thinking. They are uncomfortable and restrict the mobility of the drummer's arms. Early in the war, over-the-shoulder slings were worn until the Quartermaster Corps messed things up with the "horse collar." Some drummers continued to use the over-the-shoulder variety throughout the war. Many Civil War reenactors do today. However, I often see white slings worn, which presents a rather garish display against the dark blue Union uniforms.
Be A Fifer now offers a sling made of black leather, with two drumstick loops provided. Made from the finest grade of cowhide by the same man who makes my Leather Fife Case. It has very rugged stitching and it terminates in two leather ties with a conventional "S" hook. It will last for many years, under harsh battlefield conditions. The cost is $49.95 plus shipping.
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