Coffee sack

Coffee was among both Union and Confederate soldiers' mess kits. Unlike other edibles in the kit, soldiers always looked forward to coffee. Although Union soldiers were issued green coffee beans, they were able roast them over a fire and grind them with the butt of their rifle. Confederates usually had to add or substitute roasted corn, chicory, or peanuts in their coffee due to scarce supplies caused by Union blockades at Southern ports.