1850s Make-Do Beds

I sometimes accumulate trivia while researching other projects. In this case, primary source descriptions of camping and improvised beds in the 1850s:

The Prairie Traveler  (1859) lists for each person's bed: two blankets, comforter, pillow, and a water-resistant ground cloth of gutta percha or painted canvas. A large piece of sole leather may also be used as a waterproof layer. However, the book does give diagrams for two styles of folding field cot. [This is a guidebook from a military perspective, but apparently aimed at general audiences.]

Commerce of the Prairies (1851) claims that tents are rarely used, with men instead wrapping up in a Mackinaw or two, sometimes with a buffalo robe.

Scenes and Incidents in the Western Prairies (1857) describes mule-drivers sleeping under only a single blanket, while wealthy travelers through Mexico allegedly carry mattresses and other bed furnishing among their luggage, in order to comfortably camp outside. The author's other remarks indicate that it was common practice in the region is to carry one's own blankets, whether for camping outdoors or in unfurnished inns.

On military duty in Florida, blankets over rough 'clapboards' (supported by four sapling-posts) make improvised beds for soldiers. (c.1838-68)

Ezra Meeker refers to using cedar boughs for a bed when traveling west in 1853. [Mr. Meeker traveled overland with a wagon, and then from Oregon to Puget Sound on foot and by raft.]

The David & Catherine Blaine letters mention using clothing to improvise or improve sleeping places. On a ship deck, they share David's greatcoat as a blanket. While staying overnight in settler's cabin with a 'filthy' guest bed, they arrange Catherine's petticoat over the objectionable linen and again use David's coat as a blanket.