Unidentified civilian sutler of the 6th Missouri Infantry; sutlers were merchants who were allowed to sell goods not provided by the government to soldiers of a particular unit or post. Only one sutler was allowed per unit or post; they were appointed by the Secretary of War, regimental officers or governors. The most popular goods sold by sutlers were usually fresh and dried fruits, molasses, milk, eggs, butter and other edibles that supplemented the monotonous army rations. Although sutlers were prohibited from selling liquor, they were known to sell pickled fruits and patent medicines.

Many soldiers considered sutlers to be greedy swindlers who sold overpriced goods.

Most sutlers were found with Union forces; due to the Union naval blockade and the high cost of such goods, there were relatively few sutlers in the Confederate army.

Carte-de-Visite by T.L. Rivers, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31854