Did they use patches?

[Carbon 6]

The ball was patched with what appeared to be paper torn from a book. Not sure when it was last loaded but they did use something of a patch.

I wonder what type of paper was used, (rag paper) cotton, linen or hemp, as wood pulp paper didn't come on the scene until 1843 ?
I can totally see paper other than wood pulp working.

 

[Buff]

Here's another source for the 1803 rifle:
https://www.muzzleloaderbuilderssupply.com/rifles/1803HarpersFerry.html

 

[Lonesome Charley]

I wonder what type of paper was used, (rag paper) cotton, linen or hemp, as wood pulp paper didn't come on the scene until 1843 ?
I can totally see paper other than wood pulp working.

I wasnt smart enough to keep it. It had kind of a linen feel but I really am not sure I remember being surprised at seeing faint print on it.

 

[sawyer04]

Sorry, I suspect they was feeding a kid that didn't know any better a B.S. story.

AHHH< you don't think the old timers would pull a kids leg a little ,do ya? I can answer that with a H--l Yes.
I found some ancient shooting materials in the attic, I was around 12 years of age at the time, year of 61. In a small shooting bag was several homemade canisters. Wasn't cardboard, any kind of ceramic, they was deteriorated and just bad shape. Granddad told me his dad put them in the old rifle and filled them with shot with sheep's wool on top for bird hunting. I have shot 30 yards with the old Kentucky with shot and placed enough pellets in the target for a kill, or wounding enough to catch. Sparked my interest in what the cannisters were made of. No one around here that can tell me now, and was this just an experiment? Rotating shot does spread the shot for sure.