Daily Rations
Enlisted:
The average daily ration of troops in New France varied somewhat by location, time of year, their rank, and the fares of war. Early on in the conflict troops fared better than towards the end when the British blockade of New France was contributing towards startvation.
Typically daily rations for the enlisted man
1 and 1/2 lbs of bread or biscuit 1/2 lb salt pork, or jerked meat 1/2 lb dried peas - or the meat might be increased and the peas reduced. 1 Livre of brandy, or wine
Records also indicate that when out of garrison the troops often ate fish, ( cod, trout, and salmon being common ), or other small game when available.
This meager ration would of course be supplemented by by what the soldat could buy, or earn by working on his off duty hours.
Officers:
Fared better though they were responsible for their own provisions. When game and fish being plentiful they could be found eating pheasant, venison, duck, turkey and other woodland creatures.
From Parks Canada we find the following: The basic daily ration for a French 'soldat' on campaign was: 2 lbs. of bread or 1.5 lbs. of 'biscuit' 8 oz. of salted pork 4 oz. of peas Sometimes, wine or brandy was added. The basic daily ration when in garrison or in winter quarters was: 1.5 lbs. of bread 4 oz. of salted pork or 8 oz. of fresh beef if available 4 oz. of peas Doreil was able to convince Bigot to supply 1 lb. of salt per month to each 'soldat". For the winter 1756 expedition against fort Bull, each 'soldat' or 'milicien' received at fort de la Presentation: 15 lbs. of 'biscuit' 10 lbs, of flour 15 lbs. of salted pork 6 lbs. of corn flour with sugar For the winter 1757 expedition against fort William-Henry, the daily ration was: 2 lbs. of bread or 1.5 lbs. of 'biscuit' 8 oz. of salted pork 4 oz. of peas And the 'officiers' received in addition to the above: 3 pints of brandy and 2 lbs. of chocolate. Votre tr¸s humble et tr¸s obˇissant serviteur, Fran¨ois Gousse, Prˇsident et co-fondateur, Association d'Histoire Vivante Quˇbec-Canada.