Original Query:

This term is very commonly used these days (I plead guilty -Big Ed.) for the charges in which a musketeer carries his powder. In C17th counts there are freguent mentions of these objects; Accounts books, Drill books, Supply orders, but in the 5O or so sources I have used, they are refered to as 'Bandillers' or 'Bandiliers of Charges'.

Are there any C17th sources quoting them as Apostles, or can someone track down the earliest reference to them as such? (standard prize here for the earliest reference - Dave)

Answer

We are offering a prize here MUSKETEERS IN THE CIVIL WAR by Stuart Reid. Out EASTER. - For the person who can come up with the earliest reference of Bandoliers being known as the 'twelve Apostles' or apostles. It may well be just a C20th idea, but we would like to know who first coined the phrase. Someone has mentioned CROMWELL'S ARMY by Firth. First published 1902, it was put forward as the first source. However, the only time 12 Apostles are mentioned, they refer to Cromwell's nickname for the field-artillery he took in his 1650 Scottish campaign. Firth only calls bandoliers 'bandoliers'!- The prize still stands. -Eds.

More Mercurius Publius

Prince Rupert's Foote at Naseby
Cromwell and Freemasonry
Field Signs
Son of Cromwell
Apostles???
Auxiliaries

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