* Supplies to soldiers: This included food, clothing, tobacco, alcohol, and other necessities.
* Services: Sutlers also offered basic services like mending clothes, sharpening tools, and even providing basic medical care.
Think of them as the "mobile convenience store" of the military.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
* Sutlers weren't government-employed. They were independent entrepreneurs who operated under a license.
* Their services were vital: Armies relied on sutlers to keep soldiers supplied and morale high.
* They could be quite profitable: However, the job was also risky as they were often exposed to the same dangers as the soldiers.
Important note: The term "sutler" is most commonly associated with the American Civil War, but they have been a part of military life since ancient times.