Uniform Primer

COCKADES
Cockades were originally prescribed only to be worn by officers. I have asked the Chapter to purchase “Alliance” cockades for each of us to wear on our headgear to give us one piece of matching uniform item. These will be the black and white cockades signifying the American/French Alliance and came into use in 1780. These will be issued to each member.

EPAULETTES
Corporal: 1 Green on right shoulder
Sergeant: 1 Red on right shoulder
Ensign/Lieutenant: 1 silver on left shoulder
Captain: 1 silver on right shoulder
Majors –Colonels: silver on each shoulder
If ancestor was in artillery then the epaulet(tes) should be gold in color.

REGIMENTAL COATS
All Regimental Coats should be blue unless unit was shown to wear brown coat during the war. Blue was specified by Washington during the war as the proper color but brown was originally authorized and continued to be worn by some units an example being the 6th PA Battalion of the Continental Line. Blue and Brown were the main colors supplied by the French also.
As for the facing colors we will follow the regulation General Washington prescribed to represent various states. Unless your ancestor was a general officer, you should follow these color patterns. Add the proper epaulet(tes) to denote your ancestor’s rank.
If your ancestor was Artillery then your coat should be blue faced and lined in scarlet with plain brass/gold buttons.
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and Rhode Island: White facings and lining
New Jersey and New York: Buff facings and white lining
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia: Scarlet (Red) facing and white lining
Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina: Blue facing with buttonholes lined in white and white lining
After 1779 the “USA” buttons were prescribed to be worn on the coats but if you would prefer to have a unit specific button which is historically documented such as the New Jersey or Rhode Island Regiment buttons that is perfectly fine. Also if your ancestor was Artillery and you wish to use the Artillery button you may also do that.
The Hunting Frock was authorized by General Washington as a supplemental issue and worn as standard uniform item in many regiments. Just do a thorough research on your ancestor’s unit. I have plenty of books relating to uniforms and I know some other members do. Don’t be shy about asking to borrow them. Or if you would rather me research it for you and tell you what I think would be right I can do that also…key to that is “what I think.”
Bottom line is we want to accurately portray our ancestors and by so doing properly honor the sacrifices they made to win our independence. That said I want each of you looking to buy a regimental coat (me included), to purchase a re-enactor quality uniform. You can still march with a flag if you purchase one of the poly uniforms, but if there will be any firing of weapons I will not even allow you to do that for safety reasons. I will find another job for you supporting the event but I won’t take the chance on any of you being injured by a spark igniting your poly coat or other clothing item.

SMALL CLOTHES
Small clothes are your shirt and neck stock, breeches, weskit (vest), and stockings. This is where you get to individualize (unless you are wearing a regimental uniform).
Shirt: Honestly, even with a regimental, if you want to wear a checked or colored shirt go ahead. I doubt each soldier was able to provide a white or off-white shirt constantly through campaigning or even general wear on the frontier. I wear a blue checked from Fort Downing and will be purchasing a green check from them at Rock Castle.
Neck Stock or scarf: I know you don’t like these things but it is proper to wear a neck stock or piece of cloth tied around your neck. I prefer the cotton/linen neck stock myself but this is your decision.
Weskit: For regimentals do your best to go with a white or off-white colored 1770’s pattern vest. For the Militia, just don’t get too crazy. For regimentals I would say that a color matching the facing of your coat would be ok also.
Breeches: once again for regimentals go with white or off-white. These can be French-fly or drop down and if you prefer to wear the coverall style that is fine too but you’ll need gaiters then. Militia, like the vest, it’s up to you.
Stocking: I would prefer that everyone use white or off-white. This will help with the uniform appearance a little. But, at least use a solid color…no stripe stockings. If you can get ones made out of Linsey Woolsey they seem to stay up better and provide a little more cushion.

FOOTWEAR
The standard men’s shoe with brass buckles is the preferred footwear. If you want to pay for the period correct riding style boot then by all means go ahead. Brogans are acceptable for Militia uniforms. The only authorized moccasins would be the center seam style and they would need to be worn with proper period correct leggings.

HEADGEAR
The preferred headgear is the black tri-corn. If you ancestor was an officer get one with black, silver, or gold (General Officer or Artillery) trim. Soldier ancestors you can get one with white tape if you would like. If you are purchasing a uniform for a rifleman the round hat is perfectly fine. There were numerous units with different headgear so once again just ask.
As mentioned, the Alliance cockade will be worn on headgear.

FOR THE PARSONS
http://18thcenturybibles.org/Parsons_Persona.html

THE KEY
The key to all this is to decide on which ancestor(s) you would like to represent and thoroughly research through period descriptions, general orders, regulations, paintings, etc. what they would have worn. Then take these guidelines and begin putting your attire together. Until you have a complete outfit, see if you can borrow clothing items in order to participate. I have spent the past six years trying to put together a militia outfit I am happy with and I’m still working on it so don’t think this is an overnight work.