![\"Muster](\"http:\/\/tslacconservation.files.wordpress.com\/2011\/05\/dsc1294_web.jpg\" "\\"Muster")
<\/a>Muster roll, silked, before treatment. <\/p><\/div>\n
In my mind, I\u2019ve come to refer to this as \u201cbarn floor paper,\u201d because it would appear to be made from sweepings off the barn floor.\u00a0 Given the stresses and disruptions in manufacturing in the Confederacy, this isn\u2019t so difficult to imagine.\u00a0 A close-up may reveal more detail:<\/p>\n
<\/a>Muster roll, detail, during treatment.<\/p><\/div>\n
The paper is very coarse, with\u00a0a variety of\u00a0fibers visible throughout.\u00a0 It is poorly sized, if at all, which creates challenges in removing existing mends without disturbing the fibers.\u00a0 After treatment, wash water is a deep, molasses color, though the color of the paper itself remains quite dark.<\/p>\n
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![\"Muster](\"http:\/\/tslacconservation.files.wordpress.com\/2011\/05\/image001_web.jpg?w=300\" "\\"Muster")
<\/a><\/dt>\n- Muster roll, close-up on heading “Pay Roll,” during treatment.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
Do any readers have knowledge of or experience with this paper?\u00a0 Do you know what it was made with, or have your observed it in other collections?\u00a0 I\u2019m curious to know whether its homely composition reflects difficulties in economics and supply chains in the Confederacy, as I imagine.\u00a0 Or, perhaps this paper was made this way quite intentionally, for a particular purpose.\u00a0 As with so many record-keeping supplies, I\u2019d argue that purpose definitely wasn\u2019t preservation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An ongoing project here at TSLAC is the treatment of our large collection of Confederate muster rolls.\u00a0 These documents provide a fascinating snapshot of men enlisting in the Confederate army, often stating their age, hometown, and personal supplies brought into … Continue reading
- Muster roll, close-up on heading “Pay Roll,” during treatment.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n