UNIFORMS of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1775-1783, Volume 2
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Digital Illustrations of Allied French Forces and German Au...
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UNIFORMS of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1775-1783, Volume 2
GR
Digital Illustrations of Allied French Forces and German Auxiliaries In British Service
Timothy J. Reese 2007
Introduction Too often the American War of Independence has been portrayed as a struggle between British Crown troops and the insipient Continental Army. In truth neither side could have sustained itself for long without the substantial aid of European forces from France and various sovereign German states. The American war was a significant part of an enduring global conflict, a wholly protracted rivalry between Great Britain and France. If it can be truly said that Hessian and other German troops abetted loss of the colonies, so too might it be said to an even larger degree that French forces—more significantly the French navy—were by in large responsible for achieving American independence, this being long-awaited retribution for French ignominy suffered in the Seven Years War and in its catalytic French and Indian counterpart. In like manner the clothing styles of these European forces had their influence, be it German conservatism or French innovation. Perhaps an echo of earlier 18th Century conflict, the former remained old-fashioned in cut and style while the latter evolved as pioneering and progressive. Once independence had been won the United States Army would pattern its uniforms after both nations for over a century according to whichever evinced preeminence on the world stage. Not until the mid-20th Century would America embark on its own distinctive styles of clothing and equipment, forever abandoning the time-honored European model.
German Troops The American War of Independence made all too apparent the military limitations of the British Army, hence the formulation of six separate treaties with German free states to provide additional manpower to quell the colonies. Many of the regiments so furnished were raised solely for this purpose. Treaties for the supply of troops were made by King George III of England as follows: 1) Duke Charles I of Braunschweig (Brunswick), 9 January, 1776 2) Friedrich II, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, 15 January, 1776 3) Duke Wilhelm IX of Hesse-Hanau, 5 February, 1776 4) Prince Friedrich of Waldeck, 17 March, 1776 5) Christian Friedrich Carl Alexander, Margrave of Anspach-Bayreuth, 1 February, 1777 6) Prince Friedrich Augustus of Anhalt-Zerbst, October, 1777 In appearance German states units were chiefly influenced by and nearly indistinguishable from the Prussian standard of Frederick the Great typified in the Seven Years War period. Clothing, accoutrements and equipment reflected a striking conservatism reminiscent of earlier decades, making the subject rather arcane and frequently difficult to pin down with exactitude. Sadly, many original specimens and vital research materials were no doubt lost to Allied bombing in the Second World War. Headdress for grenadiers and fusiliers remained wholly distinctive in the use of metallic front and rear plates in white or yellow metal according to regimental standard. Musketeers continued to wear a dated pattern of cocked hat irrespective of the British and French evolutionary style increasingly more akin to the bicorn so typical at century’s close. Wherever possible known patterns of embossed cap plates have been shown, otherwise generic designs have been depicted based on the rudimentary standard known to have been used by each state. Metallic cartridge pouch plates too varied from state to state and even among units of like nationality. These too often fall within the realm of the unknown, here shown according to the current state of ongoing research. Regimental coats, though generally universal in pattern, were remarkably diverse in their use of lapels, collar, buttonhole lacing and musicians’ trimmings. Even neck stocks varied between common black leather and a red wool variety to which a thin strip of white cloth was sewn to its upper edge to simulate the shirt showing above.
Lace patterns and their application to musicians’ coats varied dramatically in a riot of regimental specialization. Small clothes were usually white, yellow being the exception for some regiments. More often than not, when worn out by American service these were replaced with overall trousers of plain, blue or red striped ticking, it being equally difficult to ascertain which was issued in most instances. Though universally identified as “Hessians”, German states regiments have been divided according to nationality. In the case of Hesse-Kassel units—comprising the preponderance of German auxiliaries—these have been further separated according to type of regiment. Conventional Infanterie-Regiments are frequently and incorrectly identified as “musketeer” regiments, what were in fact the “battalion company” men which made up the bulk of such regiments to which was added an elite grenadier company. Fusilier and Garrison (or reserve) regiments, as well as composite Grenadier-Battalions are arranged in separate files. Care should be taken in studying dress variations between regimental types because these in fact often defined a regiment’s classification. Vagaries are numerous and, from the artist's standpoint, vexing to the point of distraction. Units bore the names of their chef, either a prince, duke or colonel commanding who upheld nominal autonomy in determining dress characteristics over any perceived communal regulation. Contrary to the British establishment wherein regimental numbers superseded colonel’s names circa 1751, Hessian and other German regiments were tagged solely by their chef’s name. Most if not all regiments exchanged chefs during this period making it often difficult to determine a unit’s identity at any given point. Confusing matters further, chefs from one regiment deployed in North America more often than not accepted command of another unit in the same theater. For this reason the sequence of a regiment’s titles is reflected in labeling. Each regiment is depicted in two uniform plates illustrating types within the unit, followed by a plate displaying its regimental colours where known. Musicians’ lace is shown as both tape and looped buttonhole for clarity.
Each Hessian regiment carried two patterns of colours. The first was the LeibFahne or colonel’s colour carried by the colonel’s company. This had a white field and appears as a small illustration at the top of each text page. The second colour was the Compagnie-Fahne, one each carried by the line companies. When a battalion was fielded together all colours were grouped in the center flanked by a half platoon to either side to constitute the Fahnen-Peloton. This group was not included in the firings, but was kept as the reserve of last resort. Each Compagnie-Fahne appears after each pair of regimental plates.
French Troops Deployment of French land forces can be broken down into three expeditionary epochs which determine how uniform plates are arranged into files. The first embraced expeditionary forces committed to the siege of Savannah by Admiral d’Estaing in 1779. The second, commanded by Maj. Gen. Claude-Anne, Marquis de Saint-Simon, Maréchel de Camp, was principally assigned to the West Indies. It was conveyed to the American mainland as a mobile strike force by the fleet of Admiral de Grasse preparatory to closing operations at Yorktown, arguably a pivotal deployment. The third and most far-famed group, under Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, arrived in Newport, Rhode Island, 11 July 1780. These troops operated in concert with Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army in the North pitted against the British garrison at New York City and environs, but were dramatically diverted southward when Saint-Simon closed in on Cornwallis at Yorktown. There is great uncertainty as to whether specific French regiments were clothed according to the 1776 or 1779 uniform regulations. For this reason each regiment is depicted wearing both versions wherever applicable. Documented instances are underscored where known. A profound dearth of primary source material all too often makes this an imprecise if not vexed subject to graphically portray. At this time the French army was in fact steadily climbing toward a higher benchmark of professionalism in both deportment and training, no doubt rooted in the deeply regretted loss of New France in the so-called French and Indian conflict twenty years earlier. The guiding light of this ascendance was the Duc de Choiseul, the King’s minister for both army and navy. It was he who energetically instituted the necessary reforms to upgrade French forces to a standard capable of overseeing global possessions. Under Choiseul’s tutelage French forces aspired to a new standard that would fully blossom in the Napoleonic era. In the short term, the King's troops would settle old scores with Great Britain, then adjust to an uncertain world born of their own Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
In the insightful words of René Chartrand: “The American War of Independence was one of the finest hours for France’s military and naval forces and certainly the best during the 18th century. At last, France managed to humble her ancient enemy in 1783 just as she had been humbled twenty years earlier.” America’s foreign allies “were mostly French; and the independence of the United States owes much to the vast deployment of troops and ships across the world by France between 1778 and 1783.” One would be justified in going a step further in asserting that, when continental stalemate had set in, the American forces unable to make headway against the ensconced British military establishment, French might tipped the balance on a global scale. It then becomes inescapable that without French involvement American independence could not have been achieved.
Troupes Françaises L'déploiement des forces terrestres françaises peut être décomposé en trois époques expéditionnaires qui déterminent comment des plats uniformes sont arrangés dans des dossiers. Les forces expéditionnaires d'abord embrassées investies dans le siège de la savane par l'amiral d'Estaing en 1779. La seconde, commandée par commandant Gen. Claude-Claude-Anne, marquis de Saint-Saint-Simon, Maréchel de Camp, ont été principalement affectés en Indes occidentales. Elle a été transportée au continent américain comme une force mobile de grève par la flotte d'amiral de Grasse préparatoire aux opérations de fermeture chez Yorktown, discutablement un déploiement pivotal. Troisième et la plupart loin-célèbre du groupe, sous Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, est arrivé dans Newport, île de Rhode, 11 juillet 1780. Ces troupes ont opéré de concert avec l'armée continentale de générateur George Washington dans le nord piqué contre la garnison britannique à New York City et environs, mais étaient au sud nettement détourné quand Saint-Simon s'est fermé dedans sur Cornwallis chez Yorktown. Il y a grande incertitude de savoir si des régiments français spécifiques ont été vêtus selon les 1776 ou 1779 règlements uniformes. Pour cette raison chaque régiment est dépeint portant les deux versions là où applicables. Des exemples documentés sont soulignés où connus. Une pénurie profonde de matériel de source primaire toute fait trop souvent à ceci un imprécis si non vexé sujet à graphiquement dépeignent. Actuellement l'armée française en fait s'élevait solidement vers un repère plus élevé de la professionnalisme dans la tenue et la formation, aucun doute s'est enracinée dans la perte vivement regrettée de la nouvelle France en prétendu conflit français et indien vingt ans plus tôt. La lumière de guidage de cet ascendant était Duc de Choiseul, le ministre du roi de l'armée et de la marine. C'était lui qui a énergétiquement institué les réformes nécessaires pour améliorer les forces françaises à une norme capable de surveiller les possessions globales. Sous la tutelle de Choiseul les forces françaises ont aspiré à une nouvelle norme qui se développerait entièrement dans l'ère napoléonienne. À court terme, les troupes du roi arrangeraient de vieux points avec la Grande-Bretagne, puis s'ajustent sur un monde incertain soutenu de leur propre révolution et de l'élévation de Napoleon Bonaparte.
Dans les mots perspicaces de René Chartrand : "la guerre américaine de l'indépendance était l'une des heures les plus agréables les forces militaires et navales de la France et certainement le meilleur pendant le 18ème siècle. Enfin, la France est parvenue à humilier son ennemi antique dans 1783 justes comme elle avait été humiliée vingt ans plus tôt." Les alliés étrangers de l'Amérique "étaient la plupart du temps français ; et l'indépendance des Etats-Unis doit beaucoup au vaste déploiement des troupes et des bateaux à travers le monde par la France entre 1778 et 1783." Un serait justifié en allant une étape plus loin en affirmant que, quand l'impasse continentale avait placé dedans, l'Américain force incapable de faire des progrès contre l'établissement militaire britannique caché, Français que la force a incliné l'équilibre sur une échelle globale. Il devient alors indéniable que sans participation française l'indépendance américaine ne pourrait pas avoir été réalisée.
Sources:
Ortenburg, Georg, Das Militär der Landgrafschaft Hessen-Kassel zwischen 1783 und 1789 (1912-1913). René Chartrand and Francis Back, The French Army in the American War of Independence (Osprey MAA 244), 1991. Lawson, Cecil C.P., A History of the Uniforms of the British Army, Vol. 3, pp. 243251 (1961). Mollo, John and Malcolm McGregor, Uniforms of the American Revolution (1973). Elting, John R., ed., Military Uniforms in America: The Era of the American Revolution, 1755-1795; from the series Produced by the Company of Military Historians. (1974). Company of Military Historians, Plates 781, 804, 815, 816, Anspach-Bayreuth troops, Arno Störkel and Robert J. Marrion. Troiani, Don, Earl J. Coates, and James K. Kochan, Don Troiani’s Soldiers in America, 1754-1865. (1998). Edward J. Lowell, The Hessians and the other German Auxiliaries of Great Britain in the Revolutionary War (1884). (web site) Infanterie-Regiment von Donop http://www.vondonop.org/ (web site) Vexillologie militaire européenne, Drapeaux militaires européens 17001914 http://www.drapeaux.org
Special thanks are reserved for Joseph M. Malit and Robert N. Sulentic, both of the Infanterie-Regiment von Donop reenactment group. In a very literal sense, without the vast knowledge and expert consultation of Mr. Malit in particular the Hessian sections of this CD would have been quite impossible to produce.
Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Carl Regiment Prinz Carl landed at Staten Island, N.Y. on August 15 and fought in the battle of White Plains on October 28, 1776. It participated in the capture of Newport, R.I. July 29 to August 31, 1778 as well as other minor actions. It remained in garrison at Newport throughout 1776-1777, then was in garrison at New York City. On November 12, 1783 the Regiment sailed from New York for Bremerlehe, returning to its original garrison at Hersfeld on May 28, 1784. Coat facings were red with yellow lace trim around lapels, cuffs and cuff flaps, these embellishments being unusual for private soldiers of Hessian regiments. Musicians had five lace chevrons on each sleeve. Regimental metallics were yellow also in keeping with regimental continuity. Drum hoops were painted with alternating red and white diagonal stripes. Brass drum shells traditionally bore the rampant Hessian lion. Cap tassels and hat pompoms were medium blue, hats bound in white worsted tape. Although there was an officer rank of ensign (Faehnrich), he never carried the regimental colours. This job was entrusted to a young officer trainee, the Fahnenjunker, who was attired as a noncommissioned officer. This rank was marked by a white and red ball pompom and tassels, and gold edging on the hat, also metallic lace where appropriate for the unit. The NCO’s sword knot or saebelquaste was mixed red and white.
Infanterie-Regiment von Trümbach Regiment von Trümbach had white facings to its coats and laced buttonholes beneath the lapels and on cuff flaps. As with all Hessian regiments lapel buttons were in three equidistant pairs, a single-breasted pair appearing beneath each lapel only in use when lapels were buttoned over. Musician’s coats had six lace chevrons on each sleeve and the customarily lace trimming around lapels, wing epaulettes and non-lapel buttonholes. Drum bandoliers were also trimmed with lace on each edge. Musicians’ lace or tambouborten was yellow with a central red stripe. Hats were trimmed in white worsted tape and carried a red pompom. This veteran regiment was raised in 1701 and was among the first Hessian units to arrive in America. It comprised part of the New York garrison from 1776 to 1780. It fought at Brooklyn, White Plains, and Fort Washington. It was also active at Kingsbridge and in the Hudson Highlands 1777. In 1778 it was re-designated Infanterie-Regiment von Bose. Thereafter it was engaged at Paramus, N.J., 1780 before being moved south. It was conspicuous at Hampton Roads 1780, Guilford Courthouse and Green Spring, N.C. 1781. Regiment von Trümbach was bottled up with Cornwallis at Yorktown and compelled to surrendered. Soldiers of this regiment defended Redoubt No. 9 when it was stormed by French troops on the night of October 14. It lost an estimated 18 killed, 40 wounded and 11 missing at Yorktown. It was not repatriated to Germany until December, 1783.
Infanterie-Regiment von Donop Soldiers of Regiment von Donop wore buff lapels and cuffs on their coats, their small clothes of an equally pale shade of buff. Note that even in regiments whose coats had no collars, officers and noncommissioned officers nevertheless had collars, a lesser feature of rank. Musicians’ coats had the usual lace array with seven chevrons to each sleeve. In this unit tambouborten was of an unusually complex pattern of black, red, buff and yellow. Enlisted ranks wore yellow lace loops on non-lapel buttons and buttonholes with fine red edging applied to cuff flaps. For officers these same locations were adorned with ornate floral embroidery (stickerei) in gold bullion. Grenadier cap plates bore an elaborately embossed design depicting Mars enthroned, he sustaining a shield bearing the quartered arms of Hesse in applied white metal, the whole flanked by panoplies of arms. This is a very rare instance of a bi-metal miter plate. The regimental pioneer (zimmerman) wears his traditional leather apron and the universal off-duty forage cap or schlafmutze (trans. sleeping cap) with head band and tassel in the regimental facing color. Von Donop was raised in 1687. In America it fought at Long Island, Fort Washington, Brandywine, and Germantown. It was in garrison in Philadelphia 1777-1778. It was at Monmouth Court House and then garrisoned New York, 1778-1783. It also marched to and took part at Springfield, N.J. in 1780.
Infanterie-Regiment Erbprinz Formerly a Fusilier-Regiment (see Fusiliers file), Regiment Erbprinz was converted to an orthodox Infanterie-Regiment in 1780 for unspecified reasons, thus giving up its fusilier caps in favor of cocked hats. Also with the conversion came crimson facings to replace those of lavender or rose. Ornate white buttonhole loops previously worn on lapels and cuff flaps were abandoned. Cap and hat pompoms were crimson and white. Here the “Erbprinz pattern” cartridge pouch plate excavated at Yorktown is shown, a Hessian lion supporting an eight-pointed star bearing the crowned and quartered arms of Hesse. In keeping with the European practice, several Hessian regiments are known to have acquired black drummers, among them Regiment Erbprinz. Musicians’ coats had seven lace chevrons, but no cuff flaps. Metallics for this regiment were of white metal. Late war colours for this regiment are not depicted due to lack of extant specification. The Erbprinz Regiment moved to Virginia in March of 1781 with troops under the command of British Maj. Gen. William Phillips. When General Phillips died in Virginia, the unit was temporarily under the command of Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold who by that time was commanding British troops. A week later the unit came under the command of Cornwallis during the Virginia and Yorktown campaigns. During the siege of Yorktown the unit consisted of 404 men commanded by Lt. Col. Mathew Fuchs. It lost an estimated 23 killed, 57 wounded and 16 missing during the siege.
Land-Grenadier-Regiment Rall This was the only all-grenadier Hessian regiment to serve in America, often misstated as von Rall. Johann Gottlieb Rall was a commoner risen from the ranks to high command (he therefore lacking the nominal von prefix), a soldier of fortune who fought in the Russian army against the Turks before returning to Hesse. He was quite popular among his subordinates though never entirely accepted among the nobility which constituted Hessian senior command. The regiment was raised in 1760 and was engaged at Long Island, White Plains, and Fort Washington. Colonel Rall commanded the Hessian brigade at Trenton where it was surprised and forced to surrender to Washington’s forces the day after Christmas, 1776. In the melee Rall was mortally wounded. The following year the reconstituted unit was re-designated Woellwarth. It then fought at Brandywine, Germantown, and was in garrison at Philadelphia, 1777-1778. In the latter year it was again renamed von Trümbach in which persona it was present at Savannah 1778, Charleston and Stone Ferry, S.C. 1779, then returned to Savannah. From 1780-1783 it did garrison duty at Charleston then New York, receiving its third moniker—d'Angelleli—in 1780. The regiment did not accompany Cornwallis to Yorktown and thereby avoided surrender. Rall’s men had no lapels to their coats, red cuffs only, and wore buff small clothes. Grenadier caps are the only known example where the Prussian-style kranz or rear headband was used, this covered in red cloth with decorative brass grenades. Some evidence indicates the wearing of red and white ticking overalls. Grenadiers were permitted to wear mustaches.
Leib-Infanterie Regiment The Leibregiment abounded in uniform novelties befitting its favored status. Though the regiment wore deep yellow facings, its musicians wore rose or perhaps a faded red depending upon illustrations examined. Musicians’ lace reflected their nonconformist facing color in that it bore a rose central stripe. This unit appears to have followed the Prussian practice of having two widths of lace. Lace loops for all ranks were sewn in a figure eight configuration and applied to lapels and all other button positions. This atypical arrangement was also used by the Hesse-Hanau Erbprinz Infanterie-Regiment. Cap and hat pompoms were yellow, and metallic embellishments were white metal. Neck stocks were red wool edged white. Small clothes were yellow for all ranks. There is some evidence that elaborate scalloped hat lace was used as trimming. Grenadiers’ saber knots had black tassels in all Hessian regiments, as did those of fifers by merit of their being assigned to the grenadier company. The regiment fought at White Plains, then was assigned garrison duty at Newport, R.I. 1776-1777. It moved south again and was engaged at Brandywine and Germantown. Thereafter it went into garrison at Philadelphia PA, 1777-78, from which posting it marched to and fought at Monmouth Courthouse. It was then assigned to the New York garrison where it remained until war’s close.
Infanterie-Regiment von Mirbach This regiment was raised in 1745 and was also among early arrivals in America. It fought at Long Island, White Plains, Brandywine, Germantown, and Fort Mercer, N.J. 1776-1777. It then did garrison duty at Philadelphia 1777-1778, then at New York 1778-1783. In 1780 it was re-designated Regiment Jung von Lossberg. Facings were red with the uncharacteristic addition of white lace edging around lapels and cuff flaps. Cap and hat tassels were medium blue, metallics white metal. Musician’s coats had six chevrons per sleeve. Their lace pattern was white with a central red stripe on which was superimposed a fine green line. Soldiers’ lace was plain white. In this regiment officers took metallic lace embellishment (stickerei) to extremes. It appeared as usual on non-lapel buttons and buttonholes, but also outlined the lapels, cuffs and cuffs flaps, oddly not the cuff flap buttons themselves perhaps to prevent making these flaps too stiff to easily button over. All drums had brass shells embossed with the rampant, striped Hessian lion. Drum hoops were most commonly painted with diagonal red and white stripes, through peculiar regimental patterns abound. Coat turnback closures always displayed a decorative button with lace strip in keeping with a regiment’s metallic preference.
Infanterie-Regiment Wutginau In 1776 Regiment Wutginau came under the special patronage of Frederick II of Hesse-Kassel, hence the new title Landgraf. Regimental coats had red collar and cuffs with white lace buttonhole loops throughout. Small clothes were buff, metallics yellow metal. Musicians’ sleeves bore seven lace chevrons, the two closest the cuff each having a decorative button. Note that soldiers’ cartridge pouch belts were held in place by a cloth strap in the facing color offset to the rear of the left shoulder. Cap and hat pompoms were yellow and white. The Fahnenjunker or colour bearer carries the colours case wrapped about his body from the left shoulder, his cane suspended from an upper coat button by its cord. A curious practice in Hessian regiments was the painting black of all pole arms and colours staffs in infanterie-regiments and white in all fusilier-regiments. Colours cases among fusilier units were also white, black for regular infantry regiments. The Landgraf Regiment was engaged at Fort Washington, N.Y., 1776. It then saw garrison duty at Newport, R.I. 1776-1779 followed by more of the same at New York City 1779-1783. It also took part in punitive expeditions to Newhaven and Fairfield, Connecticut.
Fusilier-Regiment von Ditfurth The von Ditfurth Regiment was raised in 1702, characterized by at least one wartime British observer as “outstanding and suitable for any type of service.” The unit fought at Long Island and possibly at the storming of Ft. Washington. In November, 1776 The regiment was forwarded to Newport, R.I. for garrison duty where it remained until October, 1779. It then returned to New York where it was embarked for further garrison duty at Charleston, S.C., 1780-1782, taking part in the siege of that city. Upon the city’s evacuation in December, 1782 the regiment again returned to New York until its departure for home the following year at war’s close. Regiment von Ditfurth wore brilliant yellow lapels and cuffs on its coats, a striking contrast. Soldiers of all fusilier regiments wore the distinctive fusilier cap instead of cocked hats, this unit’s caps having a yellow cloth crown. Grenadiers wore the taller miter cap so closely associated with their branch. White metal embellishments were standard throughout this unit. Musicians had five lace chevrons on each sleeve, points downward. Another idiosyncrasy was a small vertically arrayed chevron appearing behind each cuff flap, a flourish unique to fusilier regiments. Fusilier companies had no fifers because a battalion always fielded en bloc, with musical accompaniment provided by its band. Grenadiers were ordinarily detached, so they were responsible for their own tunes, hence fifers always wore a grenadier’s miter.
Fusilier-Regiment Erbprinz Raised in 1680, Regiment Erbprinz (trans. hereditary prince) landed at Staten Island, N.Y. and fought in the battles of Long Island, White Plains and Fort Washington. It then remained in garrison at New York City 1776-1781. In 1780 it was converted to a conventional Infanterie-Regiment for reasons as yet unexplained (see Infanterie-Regiments file). It was detailed for the southern campaign under Lord Cornwallis. In its early-war Fusilier persona the regiment wore lavender or rose lapels and cuffs, the former having white buttonhole lace loops, each with an elegant, decorative tassel at the outside edge. Red coat linings were universal among all Hessian regiments. Fusilier cap crowns were made up in wool of the facing color. Musicians’ lace was white with a central red stripe superimposed by a fine blue line. Musicians’ coat sleeves bore six chevrons with points downward. An excavated white-metal cartridge box plate attributed to this regiment was uncovered on the Yorktown battlefield, here depicted on both fusilier and grenadier figures. This depicts a Hessian lion supporting an eight-pointed star bearing the crowned and quartered arms of Hesse. Colours were red with medium blue piles or “flames”. Note that the Fahnenjunker or colour bearer has a white cane in keeping with the painting of all fusilier pole arms and staffs. Of the same motif, the colours case wrapped about his body is also white.
Fusilier-Regiment von Knyphausen The fusilier cap had a frontal plate of lesser height than that worn by grenadiers, bearing the rampant Hessian lion. The cap’s facing cloth crown, in this instance buff, was unattached to the front plate, had metal reinforcing ribs, and was surmounted by a metallic cap and finial matching the height of the front plate. An extant example of a von Knyphausen fusilier cap, kept as a Trenton souvenir by a Massachusetts soldier, resides in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History. Officers’ decorative metallic floral embroidery (stickerei) adorned non-lapel button and buttonholes, either gold or silver according to a regiment’s metallic scheme which also applied to officers’ gorgets worn below the throat. These displayed the state arms in enamel usually surrounded by a panoply of arms. All Hessian officers wore a red and silver sash tied about the waist, the Landgrave’s state colors. Raised in 1684, Regiment von Knyphausen wore black lapels, cuffs and neck stocks, as well as buff small clothes. The buff-and-black motif carried over to their colours. Metallics were yellow metal. The unit fought at Long Island, White Plains, and Fort Washington. It was among Colonel Rall’s ill-fated command at Trenton where it was captured entire. Exchanged and repatriated, von Knyphausen next fought at Brandywine and Germantown, 1777. It was in garrison in Philadelphia 1777-1778 and fought at Monmouth, N.J. The regiment was then detailed to the New York garrison 17781780. For two years it was detached to Canada, specifically to Prince Edward Island, after which it returned to garrison duty in New York until the cessation of hostilities.
Fusilier-Regiment von Lossburg Fusilier-Regiment von Lossberg was also surprised and largely taken prisoner at Trenton, New Jersey the day after Christmas, 1776. For a time thereafter captured Hessians served in a composite battalion until replacements arrived to reconstitute them as separate units. Raised in 1672, this regiment arrived in New York with the above named units in August of 1776. It fought at Long Island, White Plains, and Fort Washington before its humiliating Trenton fiasco. After exchange it again fought at Brandywine and Germantown with new drafts, after which it joined the Philadelphia garrison 1777-1778. It was at Monmouth followed by garrisoned duty at New York 17781780. In the latter year it changed its name to Alt-von Lossberg. The unit finished its war in Canada, 1780-1783. Regiment von Lossberg wore brilliant orange coat lapels and cuffs. Musicians wore the common arrangement of fusilier’s lace. The lace pattern itself was yellow with a red central line offset with an intermittent black design. Fusilier caps had black cloth crowns, though some sources suggest black leather. Each regimental pioneer or zimmerman carried an axe and saw and was allowed to wear a moustache as he was always assigned to the grenadier company. Though of sound utility, the leather apron also served as a trade badge and mark of recognition. Here the zimmerman wears his off-duty schlafmutze with orange head band and tassel.
Garrison-Regiment von Wissenbach Garrison regiments were dissimilar in that they generally wore coat collars in the facings color. By the same token their coats did not have lapels. All regiments serving in America had white-metal embellishments. Otherwise coat and other clothing patterns conformed to the Hessian norm. Though intended as fixed garrison or reserve units, these nevertheless joined the field army whenever necessary and in effect acted as traditional infantry regiments. Regiment von Wissenbach was assigned to the New York garrison from 1776 to 1778. In the latter year it was transferred to Savannah, Georgia where it remained for over a year. In 1780 it was re-designated Regiment von Knoblauch by the usual exchange of colonels. It then took part in the siege of Charleston, S.C., 1780 after which it remained there in garrison until 1782. In that year it returned to the New York garrison where it remained until 1783 at the cessation of hostilities. Facings—that is color and cuffs—were white, a color carried over to hat and cap pompoms. The Compagnie-Fahne was pale yellow likely in keeping with the armorial tincture of its colonel. Garrison regiments also had all staffs and pole arms painted black.
Garrison-Regiment von Huyn Regiment von Huyn was distinctive in its yellow facings and small clothes. Musicians’ lace was white with a red central stripe on which was superimposed a fine green line. Among garrison regiments this lace was only applied to cuff flaps and the musicians’ wing epaulettes. Hat and cap pompoms were yellow. Drums had alternating stripes of yellow and light blue with a red line left edging to the red. Officers of garrison regiments, lacking lapels to their coats, added metallic wire stickerei or floral embellishments to all buttons and buttonholes. Waist sashes were of the customary red and silver variety in keeping with the Landgrave’s armorial colors. The regiment arrived in North America in 1776 minus its grenadier company which remained at home. It fought at Fort Washington shortly thereafter, its first and last combat outing. Thereafter von Huyn reverted to its designated garrison role, first at Newport, R.I. 1776-1779, then at Charleston, S.C. 1780-1782. In 1780 the unit’s name was changed to von Benning. Late in the war the regiment was transferred to the New York garrison where it remained until it returned home in 1783.
Garrison-Regiment von Bünau The service history of Garrison-Regiment von Bünau closely matched that of Regiment von Huyn with the exception of garrison duty in South Carolina. It too fought at Fort Washington in 1776 and was thereafter detailed to Newport, R.I. into 1779. In that year is was moved to the New York garrison where it tranquilly abided until war’s close in 1783. Facings were crimson, reflected in its Compagnie-Fahne. The crowns of grenadiers’ caps naturally were made in the regiment’s facing color. Fifer’s were distinguished by eight lace chevrons on each sleeve, but no cuff flap. Lace loops were also applied to each buttonhole. Drum hoops were painted with diagonal stripes of rose and white, each rose stripe edged to its right with a thin light blue line. Hat and cap pompoms were white, excepting of course the distinctive red and white worn by noncommissioned officer. Note that all garrison regiments wore black leather neck stocks.
Garrison-Regiment von Stein Regiment von Stein wore orange facings, but its Compagnie-Fahne was a deep yellow probably through association with the colonel’s arms. Cap and hat pompoms were white. Here it should be noted that all Hessian colours staffs were adorned with cords and tassels worked in red and silver, the colors of Landgrave Frederick II. Drums had alternating yellow and white stripes, thin blue lines to the right of each yellow stripe. The regiment was present at Fort Washington and was then attached to the New York garrison until 1778. This was a pivotal year for von Stein because at that time it was renamed Garrison-Regiment von Seitz and was relocated to Halifax, Nova Scotia where it idly remained for the balance of the war. In 1783, the year it returned home, the regiment was again renamed, this time as Garrison-Regiment von Porbeck.
Grenadier-Battalion von Linsing In like fashion to British practice, grenadier companies from various Hessian regiments were converged into grenadier battalions for use as heavy infantry shock-troop units. Conceived amid the ascendance and proliferation of light infantry tactics, the concept quickly waned. Well before war’s end each grenadier company was returned to its parent unit. Grenadier-battalions carried no colours. Battalion von Linsing embodied grenadiers from the Leib and von Mirbach regiments to which were added the grenadier companies of the 2nd and 3rd Guards regiments sent to America for this purpose. Guards had red facings and yellow small clothes. Coats were adorned with extremely wide doily lace with a red woven central stripe, a tassel affixed to each strip of lace. Cartridge pouch flaps bore a crowned eight-pointed star superimposed with the Hessian arms. Caps bore the rampant Hessian lion with sword, essentially the same pattern employed on fusilier caps. With few exceptions, 2nd Guards among them, cap crowns routinely followed a regiment’s facing color. All grenadiers’ saber knots had black tassels. Scabbards throughout the army were of un-dyed leather, only the brass ball finial protruding from the tip. Battalion von Linsing fought at Long Island, White Plains, Ft. Washington, Ft. Lee, and in New Jersey, 1776. The following year it was engaged at (2nd) Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Ft. Mercer. It remained in Philadelphia 1777-1778 and was at Monmouth. A portion appears to have been moved to Charleston, S.C. in 1780. The cadre remained in New York 1778-1783 after companies had been repatriated to their proper regiments.
Grenadier-Battalion von Block The service history of Grenadier-Battalion von Block identically paralleled that of Battalion von Linsing, these two hybridized units operating within the same brigade. To build Battalion von Block grenadier companies were assimilated from regiments Prinz Carl, von Wutginau, von Trümbach and von Donop. No special uniforms were issued, each wearing its original regimental issue. In April, 1777 the regiment changed its name to von Lengerke by exchange of colonels. The rear views of these units emphasizes the wearing of the tornister or combination knapsack-haversack, a distinctively Hessian article of equipment. These were made of cowhide tanned with the hair left on, seams tightly bound to minimize wear. It held extra clothing, rations, personal items and incidentals in separate compartments. The hair made it waterproof and durable. The tornister was worn high on the shoulder tucked closely into the left armpit to prevent it bumping up and down against the soldier’s hip or side on the march. Canteens were made of sheet tin and held approximately one quart of water, or spirits if and when available.
Grenadier-Battalion von Koehler Grenadier-Battalion von Koehler was comprised of companies from regiments Buenau, Rall, von Stein and von Wissenbach. It was present at Ft. Washington, N.Y. and Ft. Lee, N.J. in 1776, and was active in the New Jersey campaign into 1777. It was then moved to New York where it remained in garrison until war’s close with a brief stint in Charleston, S.C. in 1780. The regiment was twice re-designated, first as the Graf Battalion in 1779, then as Regiment Platte in 1781. It is therefore no wonder that Hessian regiments are so difficult to identify in wartime documents and narratives. However short lived the grenadier-battalion expedient might have been, it is easy to imagine the impressive array these battalions would have presented in the field and in garrison. The grenadier’s miter cap had evolved in the late 17th Century from a simple cloth cap with drooping, pointed bag. Stiffened and embellished, it served as an optical illusion lending added, fearsome height to the soldier. The German establishment dramatically refined the embossed metal front plate into something akin to ornate Royal advertising space. As storied exemplars of the military trade, the 18th Century was the age of the grenadier, an epoch that would not entirely wane until the mid-19th Century.
Grenadier-Battalion von Minnegerode Grenadier companies from the four Hessian fusilier-regiments—Erbprinz, von Ditfurth, von Knyphausen, and von Lossberg—were amassed to create Grenadier-Battalion von Minnegerode, arguably a singularly formidable assemblage. Nearly always the case, von Minnegerode was re-designated in 1779 as Regiment von Lowenstein. Here again service history parallels that of regiments earlier cited, grenadierbattalions being grouped together whenever possible for maximum effect in deployment on offense and defense.
Feld-Jaeger Korps Among the elite troops of the Hessian field forces, the Jaegers served in nearly every battle and campaign of the American Revolution, notably in and around New York 1776-1783, the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777-1778, the siege of Charleston 1780, and conspicuously in the Carolinas and Virginia 1780-1781. Green coats, rudimental camouflage, harkened back to their formation in 1744 predominantly from huntsmen, foresters, game keepers and the like. Facings were crimson, and these expert marksman were universally armed with deadly but heavy short rifles which were in fact precursors to the much vaunted Pennsylvania-Kentucky long rifle. Both foot and mounted jaegers, the latter shown at right, were assigned for American duty, but the mounted contingent was never provided horses. Virtually all jaegers, regardless of the German state from which they hailed, wore nearly identical dress after the Prussian model: green waist coats, buff or leather breeches, cocked hats trimmed in black worsted, with natural leather equipment and belting. Jaegers carried no colors and instead of drummers were maneuvered with the use of a hunting horn. Musicians’ lace was yellow with a central red stripe. Officers wore gold shoulder cords. Lapels of officers and sergeants were trimmed in gold lace. Some sources indicate that waist belt cartridge boxes were worn in front, though this seems somewhat odd given that rifles were customarily loaded with loose powder and ball. Gray gaiters were standard wear.
Feld-Artillerie Korps Three companies of Hessian artillery served the battalion guns of each regiment. After 1777 the artillery appears to have been mostly brigaded together in garrison at New York, the lion’s share of field artillery duty allotted to British batteries. However, artillery personnel are known to have been on hand for virtually every engagement down to 1781. Whether or not in this capacity they served their own 4-pounder guns is unclear. Coats were blue faced red, small clothes buff, and metallics were yellow metal. Matrosses wore a stout woven shoulder belt with which to manhandle their piece. The gunner wore a wide shoulder belt to which was attached a breech vent pricking wire. Some evidence indicates that waist belt cartridge boxes were worn for musket ammunition, this for battery defense in the event of close quarters fighting. An indistinct brass badge apparently adorned the box flap. The noncommissioned officer holds a linstock with which to fire the piece. His cocked hat is trimmed in gold, a more elaborate pattern adorning the officer’s hat. Pompoms were red and black. Implements shown are a sponge-rammer (left) and a worm (right) for reaming out smoldering cartridge matter from a gun’s bore after discharge. Drummers wore five sleeve chevrons and the small vertical chevron behind the cuff flap normally associated with fusilier-regiments. Lace was yellow with a red central stripe, this also applied to the lapels and as drum sling edging. The artillery carried no colours.
Infanterie-Regiment Erbprinz In 1776 Duke Wilhelm of Hessen-Hanau sent a battalion from the Erbprinz Regiment with a company of artillery to Canada. These units accompanied the Burgoyne expedition into upper New York State and were surrendered at Saratoga in 1777. The regiment was interned with 527 men, an ignominious end for such a brief period of service. Coats were faced red with the elegant addition of figure-eight lace loops to all buttons and buttonholes, each terminating in a white tassel. Waist coats were yellow, breeches white perhaps as replacement for yellow. Grenadiers’ caps had a white metal plate bearing Duke Wilhelm’s cypher. Pompoms were red with narrow white edging. Cartridge boxes bore a central device of the crowned and gartered arms of Hesse-Hanau to which was a added the usual corner grenades for grenadiers. The Erbprinz Regiment carried a lavender colour bearing a large representation of the Arms of Hesse-Hanau in full color. Regiments from this dukedom portray the Hessian lion facing to the viewer’s right, those of Hesse-Kassel being just the opposite. The Duke’s cypher appeared in each corner. Musicians’ coats had six sleeve chevrons and lapel edging in white lace having a central lavender stripe.
Hesse-Hanau Jaeger Battalion
The Hesse-Hanau Jaeger Battalion was sent to Canada in 1777 and served the entire war on the frontier between Canada and the United States. Troops ordinarily given to dispersed field operations had to content themselves with the occasional field foray when not confined to garrison. As with all German Jaeger corps, those of Hesse-Hanau closely resembled their counterparts of other states: green coats faced red, buff breeches, and gray gaiters.
Hesse-Hanau Artillery Company
The Hesse-Hanau artillery company served with Gen. John Burgoyne’s expedition and was compelled to surrender at Saratoga, bringing to a swift close its brief deployment in North America. There the company surrendered 82 men. Here again, artillery uniforms closely resembled those of other German states: blue coats faced red, buff small clothes, and black gaiters. The Hesse-Hanau artillery company appears to have been issued red and white ticking overalls to replace its worn out breeches and gaiters.
Frei Korps of Light Infantry
Very much an extemporized organization, the Frei Battalion was sent to New York City in 1781 where it was reported as suffering greatly from widespread sickness, losing one third of its men. It seems an unhealthy camp site was chosen for them which propagated disease to an alarming degree. Hence the battalion saw no field service or combat. Perhaps for this reason there is little or no available reference pertaining to their wartime appearance. For this reason a plate for this battalion does not appear herein.
Infanterie-Regiment von Rhetz The Brunswick expeditionary corps dispatched to America was commanded by Col. Friedrich Adolf Riedesel whose own regiment accompanied him. Riedesel was promoted to Major-General after the troops marched out of Brunswick. Regiment von Rhetz was raised in 1748 and reorganized into two battalions in 1770. It arrived in Quebec September 1776 and fought at Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, Bennington, Freeman’s Farm, Bemis Heights and Saratoga. Sharing the fate of the majority of the Brunswick Corps, it surrendered at Saratoga amid Burgoyne’s dismal defeat. Coat facings were white, the lapels arranged in the peculiar Brunswick button pattern of 1-2-1. Coats were also fitting with large Swedish cuffs without flaps, two buttons on each. Rhetz musicians had yellow lace to their coats. Officers wore gold shoulder knots. Their gorgets were silver bearing the enameled arms of Brunswick, the white rampant Brunswick horse superimposed on a red background. Soldiers’ cocked hats were trimmed in white tape and bore a red pompom. Officers and noncommissioned officers wore gold hat trim. Drums hoops seem to have been universally painted, more or less, with a redwhite-black diamond pattern. Brass drum shells were embossed with the arms of Brunswick.
Infanterie-Regiment von Specht Regiment von Specht had been raised in 1714 as the second battalion of Regiment von Rhetz. In North America it fought shoulder-to-shoulder with Regiment von Rhetz and so had an identical battle record and equally humiliating destiny at Saratoga. Facings were red, hat and cap pompoms red and white. All Brunswick officers were recognizable by their yellow and silver sashes, Brunswick’s armorial colors. Musicians livery in this regiment made bold departure from the norm in that drummers and fifers wore bright yellow coats faced red with the usual lace trimming. Drum shells bore the embossed crowned, rampant Brunswick horse in relief, but on occasion the crowned, reversed cypher of Duke Charles I. The Brunswick colors also appeared on the cords and tassels of all regimental colors. The colours themselves were of a pattern employing quadra-directional heraldic piles or “flames”, but unlike Hessian colours the piles were aligned to the vertical and horizontal, each bearing a flaming grenade. At center the Brunswick horse appeared on a red ground surrounded by a crowned wreath with motto ribbon which read Nonquam Retrorsum. Duke Charles’s cypher appeared in each corner. Grenadiers of Brunswick regiments seem to have retained the obsolete brass match case worn affixed to the cartridge pouch belt. This had been formerly used to house a burning slow match with which to ignite hand grenades, namesake of this branch.
Infanterie-Regiment von Riedesel Regiment von Riedesel wore brilliant yellow facings and pompoms. Small clothes and gaiters throughout the Brunswick corps were white and black respectively until such time as they wore out and were replaced with ticking overalls, plain or styriped. Cartridge pouch flaps were decorated with a central plate depicting the crowned cypher of Duke Charles surrounding the rampant horse emblem. This appeared alone on musketeers pouches, with corner grenades added for grenadiers. Musicians were gaily clad in yellow coats with medium blue lapels, cuffs and wing epaulettes. One source states that musicians wore mixed white and yellow tambouborten lace, but does not specify its pattern. Drums hoops were painted red-yellow-black in the traditional alternating diamond pattern. As part of Maj. Gen. von Riedesel’s ill-fated brigade this, his own regiment, was ingloriously consigned to the “Convention Army” after its capture at Saratoga. In the aftermath Gen. Burgoyne grumpily blamed his defeat on the Brunswick regiments, and General von Riedesel in turn blamed their defeat on the British.
Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Friedrich Regiment Prinz Friedrich was raised in 1683 and accompanied General von Riedesel’s brigade to Canada in 1776. By sheer good luck all but its grenadier company were assigned to the garrison at Fort Ticonderoga. Its grenadiers were assigned to Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann’s composite grenadier battalion and so went into captivity after the Saratoga fiasco. Coats had deep yellow collar and cuffs, but no lapels. Hat and cap pompoms were white. Colours were quite dramatic, having deep yellow heraldic piles on a black field. Musicians coats and lace followed the same dazzling color scheme as that worn by Regiment von Riedesel. There is some evidence that blue striped ticking trousers were issued to the regiment sometime during the war.
Grenadier-Battalion Breymann Employing the same methodology current among British and Hessian forces, the grenadier companies from all four Brunswick infantry regiments were combined into a composite grenadier battalion under command of Lt. Col. Heinrich Christoph Breymann. Each company retained the uniform worn with its parent regiment. Grenadiers were furnished by regiments von Rhetz, von Specht, von Riedesel and Prinz Freidrich. Here it is worth noting that the sheet metal front plates of Brunswick grenadiers’ miters customarily bore the reversed and entwined cypher of Duke Charles I displayed within an oval cartouche, the whole surmounting a panoply of arms within which appeared the rampant Brunswick horse. Other patterns may have been used, but the absence of extant specimens makes this nearly impossible to determine with any certainty. The composite battalion fought at Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, Bennington, Freeman’s Farm, Bemis Heights and Saratoga where it surrendered with the rest of Burgoyne’s army. Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann was killed in action at the battle of Freeman's Farm October 7, 1777. Thereafter the regiment assumed the name of von Mengen, its substitute colonel. After its release from the “Convention Army” the battalion was broken up, its constituent companies returned to their regiments.
Light Battalion von Barner Light Battalion von Barner was formed in 1776 of four companies commanded by Maj. Ferdinand von Barner. It arrived in Quebec in June, 1776 and played out a service record nearly identical to the balance of Maj. Gen. von Riedesel’s hapless brigade: Ticonderoga, Hubbardton, Freeman’s Farm, Bemis Heights, Saratoga. It too was consigned to the “Convention Army” until exchanged for the voyage home. The battalion was comprised of picked men able to take personal initiative in fluid operations. One source stipulates that these soldiers were better clothed than other Brunswick units. Like the jaegers, the men were intended to be armed with heavy rifles and hunting swords, but it remains debatable whether or not these items could be furnished in sufficient quantity throughout. However unsuccessful, the battalion was an attempt to keep up with the escalating use of light infantry tactics on the vast North American continent. Coats had black cuffs only and the customary red linings. Cap and hat pompoms were black and white. Though here depicted with the trademark Brunswick spontoon, noncommissioned officers soon abandoned these in favor of a musket and cartridge pouch. Musicians’ coats were yellow with black cuffs and wing epaulettes. Tambouborten lace was a white-black-yellow mix of indeterminate pattern.
Feld-Jaeger Company A single company of élite Brunswick Jaegers accompanied Light Battalion von Barner to North America and shared its field service and fate at Saratoga. Most of its complement were selected from the German State Forest Rangers who had all the consummate skills one would expect of jaegers. The company had but two musicians—horn players—who reportedly wore silver lace on their wing epaulettes and cuffs. It is also said that their coats were trimmed in white-black-yellow mixed tambouborten lace, but with no mention of arrangement. Though initially outfitted with boots, it seems logical that these would have been traded for shoes and leggings in keeping with the practice of other jaeger corps. Breeches were made of lightweight but durable leather, ultimately replaced with the usual striped ticking trousers. Hunting swords were likely discarded with hard service, leaving them their principal arm, the somewhat ponderous German jaeger rifle to which a bayonet could be affixed. Field jaegers were arguably the best German soldiers to fight in North America by merit of the caliber of men recruited, their training, and an inherent esprit de corps. They were invaluable in scouting, reconnoitering, sniping and skirmishing, skills learned the hard way by their American counterpart.
Dragoon-Regiment Prinz Ludwig Ernst This, the sole German cavalry unit detailed for America, arrived in Quebec in June, 1776 dressed and equipped for mounted duty, but without horses or saddlery. In typical Brunswick fashion, coat facings and small clothes were yellow, white cording adorning the right shoulder. For a time they served on foot using their carbines and cartridge pouches in an infantry capacity. Nevertheless the dragoons retained their heavy boots and dragoon swords with clam-shell hilt bearing the cypher of Duke Charles. Eventually the ubiquitous striped ticking overalls made their appearance as with many German units. Their dress was in fact modeled after that worn by Prussian dragoons, however unsuitable it may have been for North American forest fighting. The regiment had a black drummer outfitted in an exotic white turban with white and yellow cut-feather plume. He wore gauntlets, and his coat was dressed out with red wing epaulettes trimmed in yellow lace. One source maintains that the drummer’s coat colors were reversed, that is yellow coat faced blue. Definitely the odd men out, the dragoons accompanied the 16 August 1777 raid on Bennington, Vermont, they intending to acquire mounts and saddles for themselves, as well pack animals for Burgoyne’s command. They were surrounded and nearly all killed or captured. Survivors were interned for the rest of the war.
1st Infanterie-Regiment Anspach-Bayreuth cum von Voigt, cum 1st Anspach Battalion Two regiments of Anspach-Bayreuth infantry were sent to America along with a small artillery appendage. They remained brigaded together throughout their service, landing in New York in June of 1777. They were active in New York until 1778, then in Rhode Island 1779, and again in New York through May of 1781. Taken captive in the Yorktown surrender they were not exchanged until May, 1783 when they sailed for home. The 1st or “Anspach” Regiment wore red lapels, cuffs and collar. Grenadiers wore a cap with white-metal plate on which appeared the spread Red Eagle associated with the principality, as well the script letters “CFCA” standing for Margrave Christian Friedrich Carl Alexander under whose princely auspices these units were sent. The rear of the cap more closely conformed to the Prussian pattern in red and blue. Sword knots are conjectural as are many of the finer points of these regiments’ costume. Hats were bound with white worsted lace and bore a red pompom. The 1st Regiment was in part formed from a Leib (bodyguard) battalion, explaining the officer wearing yellow small clothes until worn out. Sashes were black and silver. A company of Anspach Jaegers was also committed to American service, this habitually brigaded with the Hessian jaegers in the colonies. Near war’s close the Anspach jaeger contingent was increased from a single company to a sixcompany battalion. Several of its under strength companies were posted to out-ofthe-way places like Penobscot, Maine.
2nd Infanterie-Regiment Anspach-Bayreuth cum Seybothen, cum 2nd Anspach Battalion In actuality identified as the “Bayreuth Regiment”, the 2nd Regiment wore black lapels, cuffs and collar to their coats. Otherwise their dress and equipment were identical to that of the 1st Regiment. Grenadier caps were also of the same pattern as that worn by the 1st. In the 2nd Regiment hat and cap pompoms were probably white. The rear of grenadier’s cap was white with a black head band decorated with grenades after the Prussian fashion. There is no evidence that Anspach-Bayreuth musicians wore elaborate tambouborten lace on their coats. The signature Red Eagle of Margrave C. F. C. Alexander of Brandenburg appeared on the cartridge pouch plates (with or without grenades for musketiers and grenadiers respectively), drum shells, and on the reverse of unit colours. The obverse side of the colours bore the entwined letters “SETCA” which are traditionally interpreted as the motto of the Red Eagle, i.e. “Sincere ET Constanter” to which an A was added initializing Margrave Alexander. Beneath this appear the letters “M.Z.B.” which stand for Margraf zu Brandenburg.
Anspach-Bayreuth Jaeger Company A lone company of jaegers was raised for service in North America. More often than not they were grouped with Hessian jaegers for joint duty. As such they were clothed, accoutered and armed in much the same manner. Red and green plumes were worn in the hats, red uppermost for the men, green uppermost for the hornist. Unlike jaegers of other states these had collars on their coats in the traditional red facing color. Otherwise their dress closely conformed to that traditionally worn by jaegers. Hats were bound in plain black worsted tape. Officers’ and musicians’ coats were minimally laced, gold aiguillettes signifying commissioned and noncommissioned rank. Waist belt cartridge boxes were the norm, that of the officer bearing the Margrave’s crowned cypher. Presumably these boxes were a backup for normal loading with powder horn and loose ball. The sergeant at far right shows the wear of campaign. His breeches and gaiters have been replaced with canvas overall-style trousers as was so often the case with German troops on hard service in the American hinterland. Evidence suggests that officers wore riding boots, these no doubt replaced soon enough by shoes and gaiters as with the men.
Anspach-Bayreuth Artillery Company Little is known of the activities of the Anspach-Bayreuth Artillery Company beyond the loss of one of its four 3-pounder guns at Yorktown to enemy fie where they capitulated the balance plus all their equipment. Most of the battery’s casualties were the result of disease and desertion. Here again artillerists appear to have followed the Prussian model as did all other German states units. Breeches were of buckskin, probably replaced with the ubiquitous linen canvas overalls in time. Small clothes in general are described as “straw” colored. An American source specifies “buff”. Coat facings appear to have been red rather than the more typical crimson. Six Lapel buttons were worn as with all Anspach-Bayreuth units, coat collars also here the exception to the German rule. Buttons were of brass, gold for officers. Another departure from the artillery norm was the wearing of yellow worsted hat binding. Cockades were worn rather than pompoms. Noncommissioned officers wore gilt braiding on collar and cuffs as with the sergeant at far right. Officers’ coats had no lace loops, an aiguillette and sash apparently sufficient to denote commissioned rank in what was generally perceived as an inferior branch of service. Gilt hat trimming no doubt enhanced the effect.
3rd Infanterie-Regiment Waldeck The cadre of the 3rd Regiment was specifically raised for British service from mercenaries recalled from Holland, these augmented by callous conscription of the indigenous Waldeck citizenry. It comprised one grenadier and four musketeer companies and was accompanied to America by two 3-pounder field pieces served by fourteen artillerymen. Posted to New York 1776-1778, the 3rd was moved to Pensacola, Florida and captured at Mobile in 1780 during the Spanish offensive. Duly exchanged, it returned to New York for garrison duty until it sailed for home in July, 1783. Watercolor sketches in The Vinkhuijzen Collection of Military Uniforms, New York Public Library, depict soldiers of the 1st and 2nd Waldeck infanterie-regiments circa 1775. The 1st Regiment is shown wearing a coat having lapel buttons in 1-31 configuration which may have also applied to the 3rd, though the soldier of the 2nd Regiment is shown wearing a white coat faced yellow with eight equidistant buttons on the lapels. Hat binding also may have been yellow. Grenadiers wore a plain bearskin cap without plate after the Dutch fashion, a yellow bag with white tassel behind. Yellow was the armorial color of the House of Waldeck and so is reflected throughout the uniform and in the sword knot. As with many German troops, worn out breeches and gaiters appear to have been replaced with striped ticking overall-style trousers.
Infanterie-Regiment Anhalt-Zerbst Absentee Prince Frederick-Augustus raised this regiment under subsidy treaty intending to embody two battalions. However only one battalion of 625 men was achieved, this arriving May, 1778 in Quebec. Thereafter the regiment was largely given over to Canadian garrison duties. In 1781, along with additional lately arrived reinforcements, they were moved to New York for further garrison duty. From there they embarked for home in the summer of 1783 without having fired a shot in anger. The left-hand figure depicts a grenadier as he would have appeared in Canada, the figure second from left a musketeer in field uniform including linen trousers. The grenadier’s cap has a brass plate bearing a grenade with the letters “FA” to denote their patron, a device also appearing on the cartridge pouch flap. While in New York a British observer noted that replacements wore clothing more in keeping with the Austrian model as opposed to the Prussian style worn by the cadre. Shown at right these wore costume more akin to that of hussars, i.e. tall felt caps—also with a badge bearing “FA”—red cloaks, short boots, and red and yellow worsted sashes. These were likely Croatian pandours enticed into service due to a shortage of indigenous Anhalt recruits. White and black cut plumes appear to have been worn in both cocked hats and hussar-style caps. Of the approximately 1200 Anhalt-Zerbst troops sent to America, 984 returned to Germany, perhaps the highest rate of repatriation of any German regiment.
French Forces in America d’Estaing Following the British defeat at Saratoga, France’s barely concealed enmity came to the surface in a treaty of alliance with the infant United States. French operations against British world dominance largely centered on the West Indies. The first major involvement of French troops occurred in the abortive FrancoAmerican attempt to retake Savannah, Georgia, September 16 to October 18, 1779. French forces were under command of Vice-admiral Charles Hector, Comte d'Estaing who had earlier broken off a proposed attack on Newport, Rhode Island. On 9 October 1779 a major assault against the British Savannah siege works utterly failed in part due to d’Estaing’s inexperience, as well a deserter’s warning to the British of imminent attack. D’Estaing then sailed for the West Indies on November 4. After a feeble attempt to retake Santa Lucia, he captured St. Vincent and Grenada. He returned to France in 1780 and ultimately lost his head to the guillotine in the revolutionary “Reign of Terror”. This plate depicts types within d’Estaing’s fleet, from left to right a bombardier of the Bombardiers de la Marine, a common seaman armed for coastal combat, Admiral d’Estaing, and a fusilier of the Corps royal de la Marine. D'Estaing’s hurriedly assembled scratch force of 3,750 men for the siege of Savannah was composed of drafts and detachments from numerous French infantry regiments garrisoning various posts in the Indies. Though numerous, the plates appearing hereafter represent each of these less than battalion strength detachments. Each is shown wearing uniforms as prescribed by both the 1776 and 1779 Regulations, excepting colonial units which had their own system of regulation and supply.
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Forces françaises en Amérique d'Estaing Après la défaite britannique chez Saratoga, l'hostilité à peine cachée de la France est venue sur la surface dans un traité d'alliance avec les états unis infantiles. Les opérations françaises contre la dominance britannique du monde ont en grande partie porté sur les Indes occidentales. La première participation principale des troupes françaises s'est produite dans la tentative Franco-Américaine abortive de reprendre la savane, la Géorgie, septembre 16 octobre à 18, 1779. Les forces françaises étaient sous la commande du fanfaron de Vice-admiral Charles, Comte d'Estaing qui plus tôt avait interrompu une attaque proposée sur Newport, île de Rhode. 9 octobre 1779 un assaut important contre les travaux britanniques de siège de la savane a tout à fait échoué en partie dû à l'inexpérience des d'Estaing, aussi bien l'avertissement d'un déserteur aux Anglais de l'attaque imminente. D'Estaing a alors navigué pour les Indes occidentales novembre 4. Après qu'une tentative faible de reprendre Santa Lucia, il ait capturé la rue Vincent et Grenada. Il est revenu à la France en 1780 et a finalement perdu sa tête à la guillotine dans le "règne de la terreur" révolutionnaire. Ce plat dépeint des types dans la flotte des d'Estaing, de gauche à droite un bombardier des bombardiers de la Marine, un marin commun armé pour le combat côtier, amiral d'Estaing, et un fusilier des corps de la Marine royal. La force à la hâte assemblée de l'éraflure de D'Estaing de 3.750 hommes pour le siège de la savane s'est composée d'ébauches et de détachements de nombreux régiments français d'infanterie garrisoning de divers poteaux en Indes. Bien que nombreux, les plats apparaissant ci-après représentent chacune de ces derniers moins que des détachements de force de bataillon. Chacun est montré les uniformes de port comme prescrit par les 1776 et 1779 règlements, sauf les unités coloniales ce qui a eu leur propre système de règlement et d'approvisionnement.
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Régiment d’Armagnac 1776 dress regulations for Régiment d’Armagnac listed the wearing of sky blue facings with an aurore (deep orange) collar. These same regulations prescribed the wearing of feathers behind the cockade for all regiments, red and white for grenadiers, white for fusiliers, and green for chasseurs. Here too appears the less than popular belted waist coat which was in fact two separate garments, a lightweight sleeveless short jacket and a cloth four-button waistband to further protect the abdomen as fully shown on the figure at far right. Both garments were closed with cloth-covered buttons. The man second from right wears a redingote, a practical and popular fatigue or watch coat which for some curious reason was omitted from the 1779 clothing regulations. This was simply faced in the same manner as the regimental coat. Though exceptions are known, all branches of infantry wore the bayonet scabbard and frog attached to the front of the cartridge pouch belt for easy access, the belt over the right shoulder reserved for the short sword customarily carried by flank company men, the grenadiers and chasseurs. With the change in regulations, d’Armagnac men retained their sky blue facings, a color further applied as piping to collar and shoulder straps. Buttons remained white metal throughout.
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Régiment d’Armagnac 1776 règlements de robe pour le d'Armagnac de Régiment ont énuméré le port des revêtements bleus de ciel avec un collier d'aurore (profondément orange). Ces mêmes règlements ont prescrit le port des plumes derrière la cocarde pour tous les régiments, rouge et blanc pour des grenadiers, blancs pour des fusiliers, et le vert pour des chasseurs. Apparaît ici aussi le manteau ceinturé moins que populaire de taille qui était en fait deux vêtements séparés, une veste courte sans manche légère et un waistband de quatrebouton de tissu pour protéger plus loin l'abdomen comme entièrement montré sur la figure à la droite lointaine. Les deux vêtements ont été fermés avec les boutons tissucouverts. L'homme en second lieu de la droite porte un redingote, une fatigue pratique et populaire ou le manteau de montre qui pour une certaine raison curieuse ont été omis des règlements 1779 d'habillement. Ceci a été simplement fait face de la même manière comme manteau régimentaire. Bien que des exceptions soient connues, toutes les branches d'infanterie ont porté la gaine de baïonnette et la grenouille attachée à l'avant de la ceinture de poche de cartouche pour l'accès facile, la ceinture au-dessus de l'épaule droite a réservé pour l'épée courte d'habitude portée par des hommes de compagnie de flanc, les grenadiers et des chasseurs. Avec le changement des règlements, les hommes de d'Armagnac ont maintenu leurs revêtements bleus de ciel, une couleur encore appliquée en tant que tuyauterie au collier et des courroies d'épaule. Les boutons sont restés le métal blanc partout.
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Régiment d’Hainaut This regiment was clothed in what can only be described as classic, flamboyant French style. Its early facings were brilliant crimson delicately offset by a yellow collar. As one learned observer states, this would not be the somber British shade of crimson, but something more akin to the brighter hue later associated with Napoleon's Polish Lancers. The color was retained in the 1779 regulations, but only on the cuffs and elsewhere as piping. As with most regiments the drummer wears Royal livery, a dark blue coat festooned with the King’s lace, an interlocking pattern of white links on a dark crimson ground. The regiment’s facings color here appears on the lapels, cuffs, and musician’s shoulder caps. Drums had brass shells, and the hoops were customarily painted in the coat color. Here it should be noted that home or Metropolitan army infantry battalions wore cocked hats bound in black worsted tape. Units raised for colonial service wore hats bound in white as is evident in later plates. The colored cockade feathers prescribed in the 1776 regulations were abolished in 1779.
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Régiment d’Hainaut Ce régiment a été vêtu de ce qui peut seulement être décrit en tant que classique, modèle français flamboyant. Ses revêtements tôt étaient cramoisi brillant délicatement compensé par un collier jaune. En tant qu'un a appris des états d'observateur, ce ne serait pas la nuance britannique sombre du cramoisi, mais quelque chose plus apparentée à la tonalité plus lumineuse plus tard liée à Lancers polonais de Napoleon. La couleur a été maintenue dans les 1779 règlements, mais seulement sur les manchettes et ailleurs comme tuyauterie. Comme avec la plupart des régiments le batteur porte la écurie royale, un manteau bleu-foncé festonné avec le lacet du roi, un modèle enclenchant des liens blancs sur une terre cramoisie foncée. La couleur des revêtements du régiment ici apparaît sur les revers, les manchettes, et les chapeaux de l'épaule du musicien. Les tambours ont eu les coquilles en laiton, et les cercles ont été d'habitude peints dans la couleur de manteau. Ici il convient noter que les bataillons à la maison ou métropolitains d'infanterie d'armée ont porté les chapeaux entassés liés dans la bande worsted noire. Les unités augmentées pour le service colonial ont porté des chapeaux liés dans le blanc de même qu'évident dans des plats postérieurs. Les plumes colorées de cocarde prescrites dans les 1776 règlements ont été supprimées en 1779.
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Régiment de Foix Raised in 1684, the Régiment de Foix always wore green facings. A dark green was prescribed in the 1776 uniform regulations, but gave place to a brighter shade in 1779. The yellow collar also gave way to the more uniform white collar piped in the facing color. Brass buttons were also replaced by the white metal variety. De Foix furnished a detachment for Admiral d’Estaing’s siege of Savannah, after which it was reassigned to the island of Grenada in the West Indies from whence it had come. The regiment had in fact captured that island from the British in July 1779. An original brass cartridge box plate for this regiment was excavated near Savannah bearing the standard pattern design of the crowned royal arms flanked by panoplies of arms, beneath the whole appearing a ribbon bearing the regimental name. Though abolished in the 1776 regulations, cartridge box badges continued in widespread use until such time as replacement boxes were supplied without them. The earth-toned colors of de Foix were embellished in 1780 by addition of the regimental motto on the cross bar of the Greek cross: Fedelis Felix Fortis (Faithful Fortunate Strong).
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Régiment de Foix Augmenté en 1684, Régiment de Foix a toujours porté les revêtements verts. Un vert-foncé a été prescrit dans les 1776 règlements uniformes, mais a donné l'endroit à une nuance plus lumineuse en 1779. Le collier jaune a également mené à plus de collier blanc uniforme sifflé dans la couleur de revêtements. Des boutons en laiton ont été également remplacés par la variété blanche en métal. De Foix a fourni un détachement pour le siège des d'Estaing d'amiral de la savane, après quoi il a été attribué à nouveau à l'île du Grenada en Indes occidentales de d'où il était venu. Le régiment en fait avait capturé cette île des Anglais en juillet 1779. Un plat en laiton original de boîte de cartouche pour ce régiment a été excavé près de la savane soutenant la conception standard de modèle des bras royaux couronnés flanqués des panoplies des bras, sous le tout apparaissant un ruban portant le nom régimentaire. Cependant supprimé dans les 1776 règlements, les insignes de boîte de cartouche ont continué dans l'utilisation répandue jusqu'au moment où des boîtes de rechange ont été fournies sans eux. Les couleurs terre-modifiées la tonalité de de Foix ont été embellies en 1780 par l'addition de la devise régimentaire sur la barre de traverse de la croix grecque : Fedelis Felix Fortis (Fort Chanceux Fidèle).
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Régiment de Champagne In the first plate idiosyncrasies of the 1776 clothing regulations are in evidence: the belted waist coat and facings of solid color, though the redingote is not shown. Régiment de Champagne wore an elegant combination of steel gray facings with brass buttons. Another peculiarity of the early regulations was the absence of gaiter straps. Instead, gaiters were held in place by buttoning them to the lower breeches buttons. This must have caused undue strain on both gaiter tops and breeches bottoms, no doubt urging the introduction of gaiter straps in the 1779 regulations. Black knee-high gaiters were worn in winter or for fatigue duties, white full-length gaiters for full dress and warm weather stations. The bearskin cap worn by grenadiers were technically abolished prior to the American war, but seems to have been retained by many units and is here depicted, as well the grenadier’s red epaulettes. The two left-hand figures portray a fusilier in full dress and in drill order with pokalem forage cap. The second plate illustrates the 1779 changes. Steel gray gave way to sky blue in regulation array, also apparent with the drummer’s facings. The grenadier sergeant major at left retains his cap, though it is not known if this regiment in fact did so.
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Régiment de Champagne Dans le premier plat les idiosyncrasies des règlements 1776 d'habillement sont dans l'évidence : le manteau de taille et les revêtements ceinturés de couleur pleine, bien que le redingote ne soit pas montré. Régiment de Champagne a porté une combinaison élégante des revêtements gris en acier avec les boutons en laiton. Une autre particularité des règlements tôt était l'absence des courroies de manchette. Au lieu de cela, des manchettes ont été tenues en place en les boutonnant aux boutons inférieurs de culasses. Ceci doit avoir causé la contrainte anormale sur des dessus de manchette et enculasse les fonds, aucun doute encourageant l'introduction des courroies de manchette dans les 1779 règlements. De genou-hautes manchettes noires ont été portées en hiver ou pour des fonctions de fatigue, les manchettes intégrales pour la pleine robe et chauds blancs survivent à à des stations. Le chapeau de bonnet à poils porté par des grenadiers ont été techniquement supprimés avant la guerre américaine, mais semblent avoir été maintenus par beaucoup d'unités et sont ici dépeints, aussi bien les épaulettes rouges du grenadier. Les deux figures à gauche dépeignent un fusilier dans la pleine robe et dans l'ordre de foret avec le chapeau de fourrage de pokalem. Le deuxième plat illustre les 1779 changements. Le gris en acier a mené au bleu de ciel dans la rangée réglementaire, aussi évidente avec les revêtements du batteur. Le commandant de sergent de grenadier à la gauche maintient son chapeau, bien qu'on ne le connaisse pas si ce régiment en fait ainsi.
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Régiment Viennois Régiment Viennois was one of only two regiments to wear facings of red cloth speckled with white according to the 1776 clothing regulations, the Soissonnais of Rochambeau’s command being the other. In this instance a green collar was also worn making an odd if not discordant combination. The 1779 clothing regulations dismissed this pairing in favor of steel gray cuffs only, all other facings being piped in this color. Brass buttons were retained throughout these changes. This regiment carried a unique pattern of drapeau d’ordonnance, each of its black quadrants bearing a centered white square. Following the failed siege of Savannah Viennois was active in continued operations throughout the West Indies, but saw no further service on the American mainland.
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Régiment Viennois Régiment Viennois était l'un de seulement deux régiments pour porter des revêtements de tissu rouge tachetés avec le blanc selon les règlements 1776 d'habillement, le Soissonnais de la commande de Rochambeau étant l'autre. Dans ce cas un collier vert a été également porté faisant un impair si combinaison non discordante. Les règlements 1779 d'habillement ont écarté ceci appareillant en faveur des manchettes grises en acier seulement, tous autres revêtements étant sifflés dans cette couleur. Des boutons en laiton ont été maintenus dans tous ces changements. Ce régiment a porté un modèle unique du d'ordonnance de drapeau, chacun de ses quarts de cercle noirs soutenant une place blanche centrée. Après le siège échoué de la savane Viennois était en activité dans les opérations continues dans l'ensemble des Indes occidentales, mais dans la scie aucun autre service sur le continent américain.
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Régiment Auxerrois Régiment Auxerrois wore the stark combination of black facings on a white regimental coat, a combination it retained despite clothing changes. However, the 1779 regulations required white coat linings and turnbacks. Turnback ornaments therefore reversed their colors. The crimson collar of earlier times also gave place to a white one piped as usual. White cuffs replaced black. The two versions are contrasted in the second and fourth figures from left in the first plate. The first two figures from left depict a grenadier and chasseur. The two figures at right are fusiliers. Their black facing color is remarkably somber in the case of the drummer, relieved only by the King’s livery. Grenadiers in these two plates are shown wearing both the bearskin cap and cocked hat decorated with red and white grenadier’s feathers, it being unknown which headdress was actually worn. Perhaps the red tuft was worn behind the cockade as allowed in 1779. Though required to wear the same uniform coat as their men, officers frequently acquired more capacious versions with turnbacks let down as shown in the second plate. Officers’ epaulettes always conformed to the color of the regiment’s metallics.
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Régiment Auxerrois Régiment Auxerrois a porté la combinaison rigide des revêtements noirs sur un manteau régimentaire blanc, une combinaison qu'il a maintenue en dépit des changements d'habillement. Cependant, les 1779 règlements ont exigé les doublures et les retours en arrière blancs de manteau. Les ornements de retour en arrière ont donc renversé leurs couleurs. Le collier cramoisi des périodes plus tôt a également donné l'endroit à blanc sifflé comme d'habitude. Les manchettes blanches ont remplacé le noir. Les deux versions sont contrastées dans les deuxièmes et quatrièmes figures de la gauche dans le premier plat. Les deux premières figures de la gauche dépeignent un grenadier et un chasseur. Les deux figures à la droite sont des fusiliers. Leur couleur noire de revêtements est remarquablement sombre dans le cas du batteur, soulagé seulement par la écurie du roi. Des grenadiers dans des ces deux plats sont montrés portant le chapeau de bonnet à poils et le chapeau entassé décorés des plumes du grenadier rouge et blanc, il étant inconnu quels headdress ont été portés réellement. Peut-être la touffe rouge a été portée derrière la cocarde comme permis en 1779. Cependant requis pour porter le même manteau uniforme que leurs hommes, officiers a fréquemment acquis des versions plus vastes avec des retours en arrière a laissé vers le bas comme montré dans le deuxième plat. Les épaulettes des officiers se sont toujours conformées à la couleur du metallics du régiment.
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Régiment Cambrésis Régiment Cambrésis wore a particularly distinctive array according to both sets of regulations. Its first incarnation blended violet facings with a pink collar as shown in the first plate. Turnbacks therefore bore white branch emblems. Buttons were of white metal. Note that the grenadier in front wears the somewhat diminutive red tuft behind his cockade, a poor substitute for the towering bearskin cap formerly worn. Knapsacks were a highly utilitarian affair made of cowhide with the hair left on, this to shed rain. The ubiquitous hollowed gourd carried the soldier’s quart of water, occasionally strong spirits if such could be had. Both these items of equipment reappear periodically throughout these plates. The 1779 regulations replaced this rather elegant motif with subtle steel gray applied to lapels and cuffs, also as collar piping. The former violet hue however was of course retained in the regiment’s drapeau d’ordonnance, nicely offset by gold in each quadrant. Here again, note the transitional comparison between the belted waist coat worn by soldiers in the first plate and the more conventional flared waist coat with pockets evident in the second plate. When viewing all this white cloth, one immediate wonders what trials the average soldier was put through to keep his appearance unsoiled.
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Régiment Cambrésis Régiment Cambrésis a porté une rangée particulièrement distinctive selon les deux ensembles de règlements. Sa première incarnation a mélangé les revêtements violets avec un collier rose comme montré dans le premier plat. Les retours en arrière alèsent donc les emblèmes blancs de branche. Les boutons étaient du métal blanc. Notez que le grenadier dans l'avant porte la touffe rouge quelque peu diminutive derrière sa cocarde, un produit de remplacement faible pour le chapeau trés haut de bonnet à poils autrefois porté. Les sacs à dos étaient une affaire fortement utilitaire faite de peau de vache avec les cheveux gauches dessus, ceci pour jeter la pluie. La courge creusée omniprésente a porté le quart du soldat de l'eau, spiritueux de temps en temps forts si tels pourraient être eus. Ces deux organes réapparaissent périodiquement dans tous ces plats. Les 1779 règlements ont remplacé ce motif plutôt élégant avec le gris en acier subtile appliqué aux revers et aux manchettes, aussi comme tuyauterie de collier. L'ancienne tonalité violette cependant naturellement a été maintenue dans le d'ordonnance du drapeau du régiment, a bien compensé par l'or dans chaque quart de cercle. Ici encore, notez la comparaison transitoire entre le manteau ceinturé de taille porté par des soldats dans le premier plat et le manteau évasé plus conventionnel de taille avec des poches évidentes dans le deuxième plat. En regardant tout ce tissu blanc, les merveilles une immédiates quelles épreuves le soldat moyen a été mis à travers pour maintenir son aspect unsoiled.
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Régiment de Dillon (Régiment irlandais) Régiment de Dillon came to the French military establishment as an aftereffect of the Williamite War in Ireland. These were the “Wild Geese”, authentic descendants of the expatriate Irish Jacobite army which followed King James II into French exile as agreed to by terms of the Treaty of Limerick, 1691. The regiment was composed exclusively of Irish refugees who continued to recruit among their own descendants to preserve unit character. Detachments of the regiment were with d'Estaing's troops at the capture of Grenada and again at Savannah. Always jealous of their national identity, red coats faced yellow were retained as at home. Otherwise their clothing and equipment conformed to French regulations. Coat collars however were white. A curious embellishment of the coats was arrangement of four cuff buttons in vertical array, some sources assigning red twist herringbone cords to these, others assigned lace loops. The former are here shown. In like manner Dillon’s colors loudly proclaimed their origin, the crowned Irish harp appearing centrally with quartered crowns on a common central axis. On the cross appeared the Latin motto In Hoc Signo Vinces (Upon this signal conquer). These were among the toughest, most intrepid troops of King Louis XVI. Ever mindful of their treatment at home, they were always enthusiastic to fight the British. Had they been better managed at Savannah these soldiers no doubt would have made their presence keenly felt.
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Régiment de Dillon (Régiment irlandais) Régiment de Dillon est venu à l'établissement militaire français comme répercussion de la guerre de Williamite en Irlande. C'étaient "les oies sauvages", les descendants authentiques de l'armée irlandaise expatriée de Jacobite qui a suivi roi James II dans l'exil français en tant que de limites convenues du Traité de Limerick, 1691. Le régiment s'est composé exclusivement de réfugiés irlandais qui ont continué à recruter parmi leurs propres descendants pour préserver le caractère d'unité. Les détachements du régiment étaient avec les troupes des d'Estaing à la capture du Grenada et encore à la savane. Toujours jaloux de leur identité nationale, les manteaux rouges ont fait face au jaune ont été maintenus en tant qu'à la maison. Autrement leur habillement et équipement se sont conformés aux règlements français. Les colliers de manteau cependant étaient blancs. Un embellissement curieux des manteaux était arrangement de quatre boutons de manchette dans la rangée verticale, quelques sources assignant les cordes rouges d'arête de hareng de torsion à ces derniers, d'autres les boucles assignées de lacet. Les anciens sont ici montrés. De manière semblable les couleurs de Dillon ont fort proclamé leur origine, l'harpe irlandaise couronnée apparaissant centralement avec les couronnes divisées sur un axe central commun. Sur la croix est apparue la devise latine dans Signo hoc Vinces (sur ce signal conquérez). Ceux-ci étaient parmi le plus dur, la plupart des troupes intrépides du Roi Louis XVI. Toujours conscient de leur traitement à la maison, ils étaient toujours enthousiastes pour combattre les Anglais. Ils mieux avaient été contrôlés à la savane ces soldats qu'aucun doute n'aurait fait leur présence s'est profondément senti.
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Régiment de Walsh (Régiment irlandais) Régiment de Walsh also numbered among the “Wild Geese” of expatriate Irish fame. As with all Irish regiments in French service, red coats were worn only differentiated by the facing color, in this case the Royal dark blue of home association. In keeping with the 1776 regulation practice, coat collars were yellow. All Irish regiments appear to have worn a peculiar array of sleeve buttons with twist cord or lace loops set in herringbone fashion. Shoulder straps were red piped in the facing color. At left appears a fusilier in front and rear views. Rear views of both a grenadier and a chasseur appear in the second plate, each denoted by the cloth devices sewn to their turnbacks, as well their short swords or “hangers” worn on a waist belt, the mark of all flank companies. Drummers wore the elaborate Royal livery. Though nowhere stated, it is assumed that the pokalem or forage cap conformed to the practice of other foreign corps. For the Régiment de Walsh this would be red trimmed in blue with the usual branch devices conspicuous on the front flap. It also must be assumed that the facing colors for regiments Dillon and Walsh were carried over to the sleeved waist coat. The Walsh drapeau blanc bore the crowned cypher of King James, their exiled patron, and its drapeau d’ordonnance bore the unmistakable mark of regimental origin, the red cross of Saint George bearing the Lion and Crown of former British association, both they and King Louis unshakable in their resolve that James was the rightful Catholic sovereign of all the British Isles.
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Régiment de Walsh (Régiment irlandais) Régiment de Walsh a également numéroté parmi "les oies sauvages" de la renommée irlandaise expatriée. Comme avec tous les régiments irlandais dans le service français, des manteaux rouges ont été portés ont seulement différencié par la couleur de revêtements, dans ce cas-ci le bleu-foncé royal de l'association à la maison. En accord avec les 1776 pratiques réglementaires, les colliers de manteau étaient jaunes. Tous les régiments irlandais semblent avoir porté une rangée particulière de boutons de douille avec des boucles de corde ou de lacet de torsion réglées de mode d'arête de hareng. Les courroies d'épaule étaient rouge sifflé dans la couleur de revêtements. À la gauche apparaît un fusilier dans des vues avant et arrière. Les vues arrière d'un grenadier et d'un chasseur apparaissent dans le deuxième plat, chacun dénoté par les dispositifs de tissu cousus à leurs retours en arrière, aussi bien leurs épées courtes ou des "cintres" portés sur une ceinture de taille, la marque de toutes les compagnies de flanc. Les batteurs ont porté la écurie royale raffinée. Bien que nulle part indiqué, on le suppose que le chapeau de pokalem ou de fourrage s'est conformé à la pratique d'autres corps étrangers. Pour Régiment de Walsh ce serait rouge équilibré dans le bleu avec les dispositifs habituels de branche remarquables sur l'aileron plan. Il doit également supposer que les couleurs de revêtements pour des régiments Dillon et Walsh ont été reportées au manteau gainé de taille. L'alésage de blanc de drapeau de Walsh le chiffrement couronné du roi James, leur patron exilé, et son fâcheux de d'ordonnance de drapeau la marque indubitable d'origine régimentaire, de la croix rouge de Saint George soutenant le lion et la couronne de l'ancienne association britannique, eux et le Roi Louis unshakable dans leur résolution que James était le souverain catholique légitime de toutes les îles britanniques.
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Régiment du Cap In assembling his expeditionary force for the siege of Savannah, Admiral d’Estaing appropriated substantial contingents from five colonial garrison regiments, all intentionally raised for specialized service in the West Indies, often viewed as the maritime chess board to North America. Among these was Régiment du Cap. Though rebuffed at Savannah, de Cap went on to participate in the subsequent successful siege of Pensacola, Florida. French regular colonial regiments had their own clothing regulations and system of supply which alleviated many of the headaches plaguing their home establishment comrades. Colonials wore dark blue coats with turn-down collars and no lapels, the lead edges trimmed in white lace. Cuffs bore three buttons in horizontal alignment, the cuffs themselves also trimmed in white. Six lapel buttons were arranged with one near the neck, two at the chest, and three at the waist, presumably a token concession to ventilation in a tropical climate. The collar and shoulder straps were also piped in white. There is no record of black winter gaiters being issued to colonial regiments for obvious reasons. Bearskin grenadier caps apparently were not issued to colonial regiments for equally self-evident reasons. However, the grenadier's mustache remained a mark of branch. Régiment du Cap wore Saxon green facings and, as did all colonial units, white metal buttons. The design of colonial regiment flags is unknown.
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Régiment du Cap En assemblant son force expéditionnaire pour le siège de la savane, l'amiral d'Estaing les contingents substantiels appropriés de cinq régiments coloniaux de garnison, tous a intentionnellement augmenté pour le service spécialisé en Indes occidentales, souvent vu en tant que conseil maritime d'échecs en Amérique du nord. Parmi ces derniers était Régiment du Cap. Cependant repoussé à la savane, de Cap a continué pour participer au siège réussi suivant de Pensacola, la Floride. Les régiments coloniaux réguliers français ont eu leurs propres règlements d'habillement et système d'approvisionnement qui a allégé plusieurs des maux de tête infestant leurs camarades à la maison d'établissement. Colonials a porté les manteaux bleu-foncé avec ne tournent-vers le bas les colliers et aucun revers, les rebords avant équilibrés dans le lacet blanc. Les manchettes alèsent trois boutons en alignement horizontal, les manchettes elles-mêmes également équilibrées dans le blanc. Six boutons de revers ont été arrangés avec un près du cou, deux au coffre, et trois à la taille, vraisemblablement une concession symbolique à la ventilation dans un climat tropical. Les courroies de collier et d'épaule ont été également sifflées dans le blanc. Il n'y a aucun disque des manchettes noires d'hiver étant publiées aux régiments coloniaux pour des raisons évidentes. Des chapeaux de grenadier de bonnet à poils apparemment n'ont pas été publiés aux régiments coloniaux pour également des raisons de art de l'auto-portrait-evident. Cependant, la moustache du grenadier est restée une marque de branche. Régiment du Cap a porté les revêtements verts de Saxon et, de même que les unités tout coloniales, les boutons blancs en métal. La conception des drapeaux coloniaux de régiment est inconnue.
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Régiment de Guadeloupe This colonial regiment conformed to all requisite clothing nuances associated with their branch. They wore brilliant crimson facings trimmed in white as prescribed for colonial attire. The grenadier second from left, first plate, wears the fringed epaulettes of his branch and his trademark mustache. Colonial regiments universally recruited mulatto drummers from the West Indian islands, presumably for their purported native ability to keep excellent time. Here too Royal livery is believed to have been the norm among musicians which admirably offset these regiments’ facings colors. The rear view of a fusilier at left, second plate reveals pocket trimming and the distinctive anchor device worn on the turnbacks of all colonial units, always in the facing color. The man in sleeved waist coat, second from right, wears the cuff bands of a sergeant, silver piped in the facing color. Conspicuous here and in most other plates appears the Charleville musket, Model 1774, the principal small arm issued to French infantry troops. Its metal furnishings were steel, wooden ramrods replaced with ones made of steel. It was of .69 caliber and weighed about 8 1/2 pounds. Unlike British muskets which had barrels pinned to the stock, this the French equivalent employed barrel bands which slipped off easily to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. The Charleville became the weapon of choice among American troops and was imported in substantial quantities during the alliance. The triangular-section bayonet was understandably a weapon for close-quarters fighting.
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Régiment de Guadeloupe Ce régiment colonial s'est conformé à toutes les nuances requises d'habillement liées à leur branche. Elles ont porté les revêtements cramoisis brillants équilibrés dans le blanc comme prescrit pour le vêtement colonial. Le grenadier en second lieu de la gauche, le premier plat, porte les épaulettes fringées de sa branche et de sa moustache de marque déposée. Les régiments coloniaux ont universellement recruté des batteurs de mulâtre des îles indiennes occidentales, vraisemblablement pour que leur capacité indigène prétendue garde l'excellent temps. Ici on pense que la écurie trop royale est la norme parmi les musiciens qui excentrent admirablement les couleurs des revêtements de ces régiments. La vue arrière d'un fusilier à la gauche, le deuxième plat indique le règlage de poche et le dispositif distinctif d'ancre porté sur les retours en arrière de toutes les unités coloniales, toujours dans la couleur de revêtements. L'homme dans le manteau gainé de taille, en second lieu de la droite, porte les bandes de manchette d'un sergent, argentent sifflé dans la couleur de revêtements. Remarquable ici et dans des la plupart des autres plats apparaît le mousquet de Charleville, le model 1774, le petit bras principal publié aux troupes françaises d'infanterie. Son ameublement en métal était acier, ramrods en bois remplacés avec ceux faits d'acier. Il était de calibre de 69 et a été pesé environ 8 livres de 1/2. À la différence des mousquets britanniques qui ont eu les barils ont goupillé aux actions, ceci les bandes utilisées équivalentes françaises de baril qui ont glissé au loin facilement pour faciliter nettoyer et entretien. Le Charleville est devenu l'arme du choix parmi les troupes américaines et a été importé en quantité substantielle pendant l'alliance. La baïonnette de triangulaire-section était tout naturellement une arme pour le combat de fermerquarts.
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Régiment de la Martinique As with all French colonial units, Régiment de la Martinique bore the title of its garrison posting, the island of Martinique. Its facings were buff with the usual white trimmings. All colonial regiments wore cocked hats trimmed in white worsted tape signifying their climate of operations. In this instance the buff facings on the sleeved waist coat and pokalem cap would seem too indistinct to serve their purpose. In colonial service grenadiers wore epaulettes of the facings color, white for chasseurs. Officers in French service wore a somewhat complicated order of epaulettes, rank distinctions determined by the wearing of one or two, on opposing shoulders singly, and with varying degrees of red woven into the metallic groundwork according to ascending position. Colonial officers wore silver epaulettes in keeping with their silver and the men’s pewter buttons. Equipment issued to colonial units matched that of the regular establishment. However it remains a mystery whether or not the elaborate cartridge box plates were worn in colonial service. Having their own system of quartermaster procurement, it seems possible that these brass plates were not issued to such regiments. In any event, these devices were abolished soon after the war began and were not affixed to subsequent issues of new boxes.
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Régiment de la Martinique De Comme avec toutes les unités coloniales françaises, alésage de la Martinique de La de Régiment De le titre de sa garnison signalant, l'île de la Martinique. Ses revêtements étaient de couleur chamois avec les règlages blancs habituels. Tous les régiments coloniaux ont porté les chapeaux entassés équilibrés dans la bande worsted blanche signifiant leur climat des opérations. Dans ce cas les revêtements de couleur chamois sur le manteau de taille et le chapeau gainés de pokalem sembleraient trop indistincts atteindre leur objectif. Dans le service colonial les grenadiers ont porté des épaulettes des revêtements couleur, blanches pour des chasseurs. Les officiers dans le service français ont porté un ordre légèrement compliqué des épaulettes, distinctions luxuriantes déterminées par le port de un ou deux, sur les épaules d'opposition séparément, et avec des degrés variables de rouge tissés dans le fond métallique selon la position croissante. Les officiers coloniaux ont porté les épaulettes argentées en accord avec leur argent et les boutons de l'étain des hommes. L'équipement a publié aux unités coloniales assorties qui de l'établissement régulier. Cependant ce reste un mystère si les plats raffinés de boîte de cartouche ont été portés dans le service colonial. Ayant leur propre système de fourniture de quartermaster, il semble possible que ces plats en laiton n'ont pas été publiés à de tels régiments. Quoi qu'il arrive, ces dispositifs ont été supprimés peu après que la guerre ait commencé et n'ait pas été apposée aux issues suivantes de nouvelles boîtes.
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Régiment de Port au Prince The colonial garrison regiment assigned to Port au Prince wore red facings trimmed as usual according to colonial regulations. Here it should be noted, as elsewhere, that officers' gorgets were gold bearing the Royal cypher of King Louis in silver. Officers were required by regulation to dress as their men, but their clothing tended to be of far better quality, material and workmanship as an officer’s salary would allow. The regimental sergeant major appears at left in the first plate, his two silver cuff bands having red piping. Waist belts appear to have achieved broad popularity among grenadiers and chasseurs of colonial regiment long before the same could be said for their regular army counterparts. This seems logical given the added strain and discomfort associated with shoulder belts in hot climates. One also tends to speculate that the lighter sleeved white waistcoat also saw wider service in the tropical islands for obvious reasons. Climate always dictated clothing adjustments, especially on far-flung detached service across the globe.
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Régiment de Port au Prince Le régiment colonial de garnison assigné au prince gauche d'Au a porté les revêtements rouges équilibrés comme d'habitude selon des règlements coloniaux. Ici il devrait noter, en tant qu'ailleurs, que les gorgets des officiers étaient or soutenant le chiffrement royal du Roi Louis en argent. Des officiers ont été requis par règlement de s'habiller en tant que leurs hommes, mais leur habillement tendu pour être d'une qualité bien meilleure, d'un matériel et d'une exécution en tant que salaire d'un officier laisserait. Le commandant régimentaire de sergent apparaît à la gauche dans le premier plat, ses deux bandes argentées de manchette ayant la tuyauterie rouge. Les ceintures de taille semblent avoir réalisé la large popularité parmi des grenadiers et des chasseurs de régiment colonial longtemps avant que les mêmes pourraient être dites pour leurs contre-parties régulières d'armée. Ceci semble logique donné la contrainte et le malaise supplémentaires liés aux ceintures d'épaule dans des climats chauds. On tend également à speculer que le gilet blanc gainé plus léger a également vu un service plus large dans les îles tropicales pour des raisons évidentes. Le climat a toujours dicté des ajustements d'habillement, particulièrement sur le service isolé vaste à travers le globe.
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French Forces in America Rochambeau Standing second from right appears Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau. He wears the luxuriantly gold laced coat, red waist coat and breeches of a superior officer. He also wears the breast badge and crimson sash of the Order of Saint Louis as befitted his station. Rochambeau brought with him to America four infantry regiments, a portion of Lauzun’s Legion, artillery and engineers. He was to act as reinforcement to Gen. George Washington’s Continental forces during operations around New York City. Both forces were quickly diverted to the southern theater when it became known that Lord Cornwallis’s British troops had ensconced themselves at Yorktown, Virginia, there further confined by a newly arrived French force under the Marquis de Saint-Simon. The French commander in chief is depicted surrounded by typical examples of the French command cadre, from left to right an aide-de-camp, a field officer, and an officer of the Corps Royal du Génie, or field engineers, so valuable in siege operations. The latter wears a blue coat faced black, piped in red. Aides-de-camp wore elaborate basket weave embroidery on their coat buttonholes, each with a decorative tassel at each end. Note the transitional differences between the progressively styled cocked hat worn by all but the field officer who retains a more traditional tri-cornered hat laced in gold. Both French and American troops adopted the black-over-white cockade to signify the Anglo-French alliance, colonial black superimposed over French white.
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Forces françaises en Amérique Rochambeau Se tenir en second lieu de la droite apparaît Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau. Il porte richement le manteau lacé par or, le manteau rouge de taille et la culotte d'un officier supérieur. Il porte également l'insigne de sein et ceinture cramoisie de l'ordre de Saint Louis en tant qu'a convenu sa station. Rochambeau a apporté avec lui en Amérique quatre régiments d'infanterie, une partie de la légion de Lauzun, l'artillerie et les ingénieurs. Il devait agir en tant que renfort aux forces continentales de générateur George Washington pendant les opérations autour de New York City. Les deux forces ont été rapidement détournées au théâtre méridional quand il est devenu notoire que les troupes de British de seigneur Cornwallis's s'étaient cachées chez Yorktown, la Virginie, encore là confiné par une force française nouvellement arrivée sous le marquis de Saint-Saint-Simon. Le commandant français dans le chef est dépeint a entouré par des exemples typiques du cadre français de commande, de gauche à droite un aide-de-camp, un officier de champ, et un officier des corps Royal du Génie, ou des techniciens, si valables dans des opérations de siège. Le dernier porte un noir fait face par manteau bleu, sifflé dans le rouge. Les aides-de-camp ont porté la broderie raffinée d'armure de panier sur leurs boutonnières de manteau, chacune avec un gland décoratif à chaque extrémité. Notez les différences transitoires entre le chapeau entassé progressivement dénommé porté par tout sauf l'officier de champ qui maintient un chapeau tri-acculé plus traditionnel lacé en or. Les troupes françaises et américaines ont adopté la cocarde noir-au-dessusblanche pour signifier l'alliance Anglo-Française, blanc français d'excédent superposé par noir colonial.
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La Drapeau Blanc French regiments carried two patterns of flags. The first was known as La Drapeau Blanc or “the white flag”, equally identified as the colonel’s flag. It was made of a white sheet to which was sewn a white Greek cross, stark austerity in all but a few instances. The drapeau blanc represented the King's royal authority and confidence vested in a regiment’s commander. It did not represent a national or state flag which did not as yet exist at this time. One company in each regiment possessed this white flag, often a rallying point with its own color guard. Each of the other companies (or perhaps only battalions) carried a regiment's distinctive d'ordonnance colors. These were in effect the closest approximation to a traditional regimental flag in other national services. Attached to all colors staffs was the cravate, a white bow and trailing gold-fringed streamers which are believed to have come into use to distinguish them from flags of foreign troops, a singularly French hallmark. In addition a brass spearhead, gold and white twist cords, and tassels completed a flag’s array. D'ordonnance flags almost invariably followed a quartered pattern based on the white Greek cross. To avoid redundant depiction, throughout this series the drapeau blanc is not shown among the plates except in instances when that of a certain regiment deviated from the all-white norm.
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La Drapeau Blanc Les régiments français ont porté deux modèles des drapeaux. Le premier a été connu comme La Drapeau Blanc ou "drapeau blanc", également identifié comme drapeau du colonel. Il a été fait d'une feuille blanche à laquelle a été cousue une croix grecque blanche, austérité rigide en tout sauf quelques exemples. Le blanc de drapeau a représenté l'autorité royale et la confiance du roi investies dans le commandant d'un régiment. Il n'a pas représenté un drapeau de national ou d'état qui n'a pas existé jusqu'ici actuellement. Une compagnie dans chaque régiment a possédé ce drapeau blanc, souvent un point de rassemblement avec sa propre garde de couleur. Chacun des autres compagnies (ou peut-être seulement de bataillons) a porté les couleurs distinctives du d'ordonnance d'un régiment. C'étaient en effet l'approximation la plus étroite à un drapeau régimentaire traditionnel dans d'autres services nationaux. Été attachés à toutes les couleurs les personnels ont le cravate, un arc blanc et des flammes or-fringées de remorquage qui sont censés avoir hérité l'utilisation de les distinguer des drapeaux des troupes étrangères, un cachet singulièrement français. En outre un fer de lance en laiton, les cordes de torsion d'or et de blanc, et les glands ont accompli la rangée d'un drapeau. Les drapeaux de D'ordonnance ont presque invariablement suivi un modèle divisé basé sur la croix grecque blanche. Pour éviter la description superflue, dans toute cette série le blanc de drapeau n'est pas montré parmi les plats excepté dans des exemples quand cela d'un certain régiment a dévié de la norme tout-blanche.
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Régiment de Bourbonnais Bearing the namesake of the ruling house of Bourbon, the Régiment de Bourbonnais enjoyed somewhat favored status. It was commanded by the Marquis de Laval de Montmorency. Its second in command was Vicomte de Rochambeau, son of the Comte de Rochambeau. It participate in d'Estouches' naval expedition to the Chesapeake in March 1781 and was present in the Yorktown campaign. In the assault and seizure of Redoubt No. 9 it held a support role to regiments Gâtinaias and Royal Deux-Ponts. The 1776 uniform regulations had mandated crimson facings and brass buttons, but the regiment appears to have served in America clothed according to the 1779 regulations which stipulated white facings piped black with white-metal buttons and other metallic appointments. The two modes are compared in the first plate, equally impressive to the eye. The second plate shows soldiers wearing the pokalem forage cap, a highly practical headdress worn for drill and other fatigue duties. It consisted of a crown, side flaps which could be turned down and tied in foul weather, and a piped turnup front flap to which was sewn the badge of company association in the regimental facing color, a grenade, horn or lily for grenadiers, chasseurs and fusiliers respectively. The figure second from right is the regimental sergeant major, so recognizable by twin silver cuff stripes piped in black, the regimental facing color. The Bourbonnais appear to have retained their grenadiers’ bearskin caps.
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Régiment de Bourbonnais Soutenant le homonyme de la maison régnante du bourbon, Régiment de Bourbonnais a apprécié le statut légèrement favorisé. Il a été commandé par le marquis de Laval De Montmorency. Sa seconde aux commandes était Vicomte de Rochambeau, fils de Comte de Rochambeau. Elle participent à l'expédition navale des d'Estouches au chesapeake en mars 1781 et étaient présente dans la campagne de Yorktown. Dans l'assaut et la saisie du numéro 9 de redoute elle a tenu un rôle de soutien sur des régiments Gâtinaias et Deux-Ponts royal. Les 1776 règlements uniformes avaient exigé les revêtements cramoisis et les boutons en laiton, mais le régiment semble avoir servi en Amérique vêtue selon les 1779 règlements qui ont stipulé les revêtements blancs ont sifflé le noir avec des boutons de blanc-métal et d'autres rendez-vous métalliques. Les deux modes sont comparés dans le premier plat, également impressionnant à l'oeil. Le deuxième plat montre des soldats portant le chapeau de fourrage de pokalem, les headdress fortement pratiques portés pour le foret et d'autres fonctions de fatigue. Il s'est composé d'une couronne, les ailerons latéraux qui pourraient être tournés vers le bas et attaché dans fétide survivez à, et sifflé tournent-vers le haut l'aileron avant auquel a été cousu l'insigne de l'association de compagnie dans la couleur régimentaire de revêtements, une grenade, le klaxon ou le lis pour des grenadiers, des chasseurs et des fusiliers respectivement. La figure en second lieu de la droite est le commandant régimentaire de sergent, si reconnaissable par les raies argentées jumelles de manchette sifflées dans le noir, la couleur régimentaire de revêtements. Le Bourbonnais semblent avoir maintenu les chapeaux du bonnet à poils de leurs grenadiers.
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Régiment de Royal Deux-Ponts Commanded by Comte Christian de Forbach, this was one of the four line regiments which arrived at Newport, R.I. with Rochambeau in July 1780 and participated solely in the Yorktown campaign. At Yorktown the grenadiers and chasseurs of Deux-Ponts, in concert with the chasseurs of Régiment de Gâtinais, assaulted and seized Redoubt No. 9 making the British position wholly untenable. The regiment wore a deep sky blue coat typical of German mercenaries units in French pay. Turnbacks bore the usual grenade, horn or lily in the facings color for grenadiers, chasseurs and fusiliers respectively, in crimson or yellow according to evolving regulations. Crimson facings had been replaced with bright yellow, though buttons remained white metal. The brass plates of the grenadiers’ bearskin caps bore a flaming grenade in contrast to the Royal arms normal worn by French grenadiers. The grenadier at far right of the first plate has two white lace bars above his cuffs denoting a corporal. One source specifies the wearing of a black, white and red cockade signifying the French alliance with the United States and Spain. It is highly unlikely though that such an elaborate cockade saw widespread use. Royal Deux-Pont’s colors were strikingly elaborate by any measure. Their drapeau blanc—bearing the motto Nec Pluribus Impar (Outnumbered but not overpowered)—was carried by the third company of the second battalion. The drapeau d’ordnonnance was carried by the second company of the first battalion. Both exhibit the lavish arms of the Duke de Deux-Ponts.
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Régiment de Royal Deux-Ponts Été commandé par Comte Christian de Forbach, ceci a un quatre de la ligne régiments qui est arrivée chez Newport, indice de réfraction avec Rochambeau en juillet 1780 et participé seulement à la campagne de Yorktown. Chez Yorktown les grenadiers et les chasseurs de Deux-Ponts, de concert avec les chasseurs de Régiment de Gâtinais, ont assailli et ont saisi le numéro 9 de redoute rendant la position britannique complètement insoutenable. Le régiment a porté un manteau bleu de ciel profond typique des unités allemandes de mercennaires dans le salaire français. Les retours en arrière alèsent la grenade, le klaxon ou le lis habituel dans la couleur de revêtements pour des grenadiers, des chasseurs et des fusiliers respectivement, dans cramoisi ou jaune selon des règlements d'évolution. Des revêtements cramoisis avaient été remplacés avec le jaune lumineux, bien que les boutons soient restés le métal blanc. Les plats en laiton des chapeaux du bonnet à poils des grenadiers alèsent une grenade flamboyante contrairement au normal royal de bras porté par des grenadiers de French. Le grenadier à la droite lointaine du premier plat a deux barres blanches de lacet au-dessus de ses manchettes dénotant un caporal. Une source indique le port d'une cocarde de noir, blanche et rouge signifiant l'alliance française avec les Etats-Unis et l'Espagne. Il est fortement peu probable cependant qu'une cocarde si raffinée a vu l'utilisation répandue. Les couleurs de Deux-Pont royal étaient de façon saisissante raffinées par n'importe quelle mesure. Leur blanc-roulement de drapeau la réglementation d'installations électriques Pluribus Impar de devise (dépassé en nombre mais pas overpowered)- a été porté par la troisième compagnie du deuxième bataillon. Le d'ordnonnance de drapeau a été porté par la deuxième compagnie du premier bataillon. Tous les deux montrent les bras somptueux du duc de Deux-Ponts.
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Régiment de Soissonnais This regiment was commanded by the Comte de Saint Maisme, and its second in command, Vicomte de Noailles, was brother-in-law to the Marquis de Lafayette. Vicomte de Noailles led the 16 October, 1781 charge that recaptured two French redoubts. Per the 1776 uniform regulations, uniforms were faced in red cloth speckled with white, a highly unusual choice of fabric. By all appearances however the regiment was re-clothed before embarking for America according to the 1779 regulations which mandated crimson facings and white collars piped in crimson. Buttons remained of brass. The grenadiers wear red fringed epaulettes contrary to the new clothing regulations. This appears to have been a widespread practice among flank companies, red for grenadiers, green for chasseurs. Grenadiers also appear to have retained their distinctive bearskin caps, also contrary to regulations, with a white over red plume to the side. In this instance the regulation cap plate displays the regulation Royal arms. Drummers wore coats of the King’s livery, dark blue festooned with royal livery of a pattern comprised of interlinking white chain work on a crimson background. With few exceptions, most regiments in fact enjoyed royal patronage, their musicians only differentiated by the facing color on lapels, shoulder caps and cuffs.
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Régiment de Soissonnais Ce régiment a été commandé par Comte de Saint Maisme, et sa seconde aux commandes, Vicomte de Noailles, était beau-frère au marquis De Lafayette. Vicomte de Noailles a mené 16 octobre, la charge 1781 qui a repris deux redoutes françaises. Par 1776 règlements uniformes, des uniformes ont été faits face en tissu rouge tacheté avec le blanc, un choix fortement peu commun de tissu. Par tous les aspects cependant le régiment re-a été vêtu avant l'embarquement pour l'Amérique selon les 1779 règlements qui ont exigé les revêtements cramoisis et les colliers blancs sifflés dans le cramoisi. Les boutons sont restés du laiton. Les grenadiers portent le contraire fringé rouge d'épaulettes aux nouveaux règlements d'habillement. Ceci semble avoir été une pratique répandue parmi des compagnies de flanc, rouges pour les grenadiers, vert pour des chasseurs. Les grenadiers semblent également avoir maintenu leurs chapeaux distinctifs de bonnet à poils, aussi contraires aux règlements, avec une plume rouge d'excédent de blanc au côté. Dans ce cas le plat réglementaire de chapeau montre les bras royaux réglementaires. Les batteurs ont porté des manteaux de la écurie du roi, bleu-foncé festonnée avec la écurie royale d'un modèle consisté en le travail à chaînes blanc de liaison sur un fond cramoisi. À peu d'exceptions, la plupart des régiments ont en fait apprécié le patronage royal, leurs musiciens seulement différenciés par la couleur de revêtements sur des revers, les chapeaux d'épaule et les manchettes.
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Régiment de Saintonge The original Régiment de Saintonge, raised in the province of that name, was formed on 4 September 1684 from the ancient regiment of Navarre. In 1775 the regiment was enlarged from one to two battalions by the incorporation of the regiment de Cambrésis, another regiment of that title then being formed. This regiment was selected in 1780 by the Comte de Rochambeau to participate in the French expeditionary force to America. The Saintonge regiment distinguished itself at the siege of Yorktown under command of Col. AdamPhilippe, Count de Custine de Sarreck. The regiment marched from Providence, Rhode Island to Boston in December 1782, then departed the United States for the French Antilles. Concurrent to the regiment's departure the Comte de Custine was succeeded as colonel by the Viscount de Rochambeau, son of the Comte de Rochambeau. The 1776 clothing regulations prescribed that men of the Saintonge wear aurore facings ( a deep orange hue) on their coats with sky-blue collars and white-metal buttons. These particulars changed in 1779 to white lapels, green cuffs, and brass buttons. Turnback ornaments were now made in the facing color, which was also applied as piping to lapels and collar. The two grenadiers at right, second plate, do not wear the bearskin cap per regulations, a red tuft behind the cockade worn as a substitute. Red epaulettes however are stubbornly retained. At left appears the sergeant major of the chasseur company.
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Régiment de Saintonge Régiment de Saintonge original, élevé dans la province de ce nom, a été formé 4 septembre 1684 du régiment antique de Navarre. Dans 1775 le régiment a été agrandi d'un à deux bataillons par l'incorporation du régiment de Cambrésis, un autre régiment de ce titre alors étant formé. Ce régiment a été choisi en 1780 par Comte de Rochambeau participer à la force expéditionnaire française en Amérique. Le régiment de Saintonge s'est distingué au siège de Yorktown sous la commande de la colonne Adam-philippe, compte de Custine de Sarreck. Le régiment a marché de la providence, île de Rhode vers Boston en décembre 1782, puis est parti les Etats-Unis pour les Antilles françaises. Le concurrent au départ du régiment Comte de Custine a été réussi comme colonel par le vicomte de Rochambeau, fils de Comte de Rochambeau. Les règlements 1776 d'habillement ont prescrit que les hommes du Saintonge portent des revêtements d'aurore (une tonalité orange profonde) sur leurs manteaux avec les colliers et les boutons ciel-bleus de blanc-métal. Ces conditions particulières ont changé en 1779 en les revers blancs, les manchettes vertes, et les boutons en laiton. Des ornements de retour en arrière ont été maintenant faits dans la couleur de revêtements, qui a été également appliquée en tant que tuyauterie aux revers et au collier. Les deux grenadiers à la droite, le deuxième plat, ne portent pas le chapeau de bonnet à poils par règlements, une touffe rouge derrière la cocarde portée comme produit de remplacement. Des épaulettes rouges cependant sont obstinément maintenues. À la gauche apparaît le commandant de sergent de la compagnie de chasseur.
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Volontaires-étrangers de Lauzun Personally raised by Armand-Louis de Gontaut-Biron, duc de Lauzun in September 1778, the vaunted “Lauzun’s Legion” fell far short of its intended strength, mustering about 300 to 600 light infantry and 300 hussar cavalry. Its men were largely of German, Polish and Irish derivation. These hardened veterans had already seen rough service in Senegal and the West Indies before disembarking in America with Rochambeau. The Legion was posted to Gloucester during the siege of Yorktown and, in a pitched cavalry clash with Col. Banastre Tarleton’s British Legion, bested the infamous cavalry leader’s forces and drove them off. The Legion infantry wore medium blue coats faced yellow, but with gray linings and turnbacks to accommodate frequent soiling in hot climates. Grenadiers wore a fur cap without front plate. Cocked hats were bound in white worsted tape typical of colonial forces. Though nowhere stated, the artillery contingent was likely similarly clothed with allowances for that branch of the service. Most far-famed, Lauzun’s hussars were gaily decked out in sky blue and red in the heavily-laced hussar mode with high mirlitons embellished with red-trimmed bags and gold cording and flounders. Red and yellow barrel sashes and elaborately embroidered sabretaches completed the effect. Roughly half the hussars were equipped with lances, lending the added nickname of “Lauzun’s Lancers”. There is no record of the flags carried by the Legion.
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Volontaires-étrangers de Lauzun Personnellement augmenté par Armand-Louis de Gontaut-Biron, le duc de Lauzun en septembre 1778, la "légion du Lauzun vanté" est tombée short lointain de sa force prévue, rassemblant environ la cavalerie 300 à 600 l'infanterie légère et 300 hussar. Ses hommes étaient en grande partie d'Allemand, de poli et de dérivation irlandaise. Ces vétérans durcis avaient déjà vu le service approximatif au Sénégal et en Indes occidentales avant le débarquement en Amérique avec Rochambeau. La légion a été signalée à Gloucester pendant le siège de Yorktown et, dans un désaccord lancé de cavalerie avec la légion britannique de Col. Banastre Tarleton's, bested les forces du chef infâme de cavalerie et les a chassées. L'infanterie de légion a porté les manteaux bleus moyens a fait face au jaune, mais avec les doublures et les retours en arrière gris pour adapter à la salissure fréquente dans des climats chauds. Les grenadiers ont porté un chapeau de fourrure sans plat avant. Des chapeaux entassés ont été liés dans la bande worsted blanche typique des forces coloniales. Bien que nulle part indiqué, le contingent d'artillerie était probable pareillement vêtu avec des allocations pour cette branche du service. La plupart des loin-célèbres, les hussars de Lauzun étaient gaiement ornés dehors en ciel bleu et rouge en mode hussar lourd-lacé avec les mirlitons élevés embellis avec les sacs rouge-équilibrés et attacher et les flets d'or. Les ceintures rouges et jaunes de baril et les sabretaches minutieusement brodés ont accompli l'effet. Rudement la moitié des hussars ont été équipées des lances, prêtant le surnom supplémentaire de "Lancers de Lauzun". Il n'y a aucun disque des drapeaux portés par la légion.
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Royal-Artillerie French artillery regiments embodied the Corps Royal de l’Artillerie. The second battalion of the Regiment Auxonne accompanied the four line regiments that arrived with Rochambeau in 1780 and participated in the Yorktown campaign. A detachment of the Royal Metz Regiment, stationed in the West Indies, came with Admiral de Grasse's squadrons and served under Rochambeau and d'Aboville at Yorktown. Elements of this unit fought at Savannah, under d'Estaing, in 1779. Artillerists were readily discernible by their dark blue coats and small clothes faced in red. These dark clothes were intended to better conceal the dirt and stains of their grimy profession. In the first plate, from left to right, appear, a private of a miner company in sleeved waist coat and cloth belt, a teamster or driver clothed according to the 1776 Regulations, an officer, and a gunner wearing the artillery version of the shortlived redingote or fatigue frock. As one might expect, the pokalem forage cap was also blue trimmed in red. From left to right in the second plate we see gunners clothed in full dress, the sleeved waist coat, a teamster in 1779 Regulation dress, and another gunner armed for battery defense wearing a single gold chevron on his left upper sleeve denoting that he is among the second order of twenty-four men in seniority. Gunners of the first order wore two such chevrons as seen on the man at left. Battery drivers were always set apart by their sky blue facings.
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Royal-Artillerie Les régiments français d'artillerie ont incarné les corps de l'Artillerie royal. Le deuxième bataillon du régiment Auxonne a accompagné quatre la ligne régiments qui est arrivée avec Rochambeau en 1780 et a participé à la campagne de Yorktown. Un détachement du régiment royal de Metz, posté en Indes occidentales, est venu avec des escadrons d'amiral de Grasse's et a servi sous Rochambeau et d'Aboville chez Yorktown. Les éléments de cette unité ont combattu à la savane, sous d'Estaing, en 1779. Artillerists étaient aisément perceptible par leurs manteaux bleu-foncé et petits vêtements faits face dans le rouge. Ces vêtements foncés ont été prévus pour cacher mieux la saleté et les taches de leur profession encrassée. Dans le premier plat, de gauche à droite, apparaissent, un privé d'une compagnie de mineur dans le manteau de taille et la ceinture gainés de tissu, un teamster ou un conducteur vêtu selon les 1776 règlements, un officier, et un canonnier portant la version d'artillerie de la robe de courte durée de redingote ou de fatigue. Car l'on a pourrait prévoir, le chapeau de fourrage de pokalem était également bleu équilibré dans le rouge. De gauche à droite dans le deuxième plat nous voyons des canonniers vêtus de la pleine robe, du manteau gainé de taille, d'un teamster dans la robe 1779 réglementaire, et d'un canonnier différent armé pour la défense de batterie portant un chevron simple d'or sur sa douille supérieure gauche dénotant qu'il est parmi le deuxième ordre de vingt-quatre hommes dans l'ancienneté. Les canonniers du premier ordre ont porté des deux chevrons tels que vus sur l'homme à la gauche. Des conducteurs de batterie ont été toujours placés distants par leurs revêtements de bleu de ciel.
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Engineer Detachments French engineer officers served in all theaters of war where their forces were present. Rochambeau’s command was possessed of two professional types. The two left-hand figures represent the topographical engineers, Ingénieursgéographes, wearing blue coats faced in aurore or deep orange with silver-laced buttons and buttonholes on cuffs and lapels. Though few in number, these officers proved invaluable in navigating the unfamiliar American hinterland. As one would expect, they were usually assigned to headquarters staff for recurrent consultation. The two figures at right represent the more traditional branch of field engineers or Corps Royal du Génie. These officers were principally responsible for placing and erecting Allied counter works to those built by the British for the defense of Yorktown. They personally supervised the work gangs tasked with sapping trenches and out works and, in that capacity, these officers often locally superseded the authority of infantry officers. Attired much like the artillery, engineer officers were customarily mounted and therefore wore boots. Red small clothes and gold buttons plainly differentiated them from topographical engineers. Also note that topographical engineers wore their cuff buttons in lateral array, while those of field engineers were worn vertically to secure a piped cuff slit.
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Détachements D'Ingénieur Les officiers français d'ingénieur ont servi dans tous les théâtres de guerre où leurs forces étaient présentes. La commande de Rochambeau a été possédée de deux types professionnels. Les deux figures à gauche représentent les ingénieurs topographiques, Ingénieurs-géographes, portant les manteaux bleus faits face dans l'aurore ou l'orange profonde avec les boutons et les boutonnières argent-lacés sur des manchettes et des revers. Bien que peu nombreux, ces officiers ont prouvé de valeur inestimable en dirigeant l'hinterland américain peu familier. Car on prévoirait, ils ont été habituellement affectés au personnel de sièges sociaux pour la consultation récurrente. Les deux figures à la droite représentent la branche plus traditionnelle des techniciens ou des Corps Royal du Génie. Ces officiers étaient principal responsables de placer et d'ériger les travaux alliés de compteur à ceux établis par les Anglais pour la défense de Yorktown. Ils ont personnellement dirigé les troupes de travail chargées avec les fossés sapping et hors des travaux et, du fait la capacité, ces officiers a souvent localement remplacé l'autorité des officiers d'infanterie. Attired tout comme l'artillerie, ingénieur que des officiers ont été d'habitude montés et ont donc porté des initialisations. Les petits vêtements et boutons rouges d'or les ont simplement différenciées des ingénieurs topographiques. Notez en outre que les ingénieurs topographiques ont porté leurs boutons de manchette dans la rangée latérale, alors que ceux des techniciens étaient portés verticalement pour fixer une fente sifflée de manchette.
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French Forces in America Saint-Simon While much has been written lauding the long march of Washington and Rochambeau to Yorktown, less so is the key role played by a timely expeditionary sortie made by the Marquis de Saint-Simon. Lord Cornwallis had withdrawn to Yorktown and commenced erection of works as a semi-permanent base of operations. In September 1781 Saint-Simon landed at James Island with three crack French regiments and immediately moved to bottle up Cornwallis in his own works, holding the stymied if somewhat overconfident British general in place until Washington and Rochambeau could reinforce Saint-Simon and lay formal siege. Our first plate depicts the likely appearance of Saint-Simon in front second from right in all the finery commensurate with his rank. At his elbow to the right appears a representation of Admiral de Grasse whose fleet conveyed Saint-Simon’s troops to James Island from the West Indies and who subsequently foiled Cornwallis’s anticipated evacuation from Yorktown by sea. At left we see a typical aide-de-camp on Saint-Simon’s personal staff in the uniform prescribed for that rank. At rear second from left also stands a typical field officer of engineers soon to have abundant duty in the Allied counter-works at Yorktown. If it is unquestioned that the fall of Yorktown sealed the British fate in America, it can be equally said that Saint-Simon’s timely arrival initiated the end game. In concert with Rochambeau and de Grasse, he provided the strategic muscle Washington’s Continental Army invariably lacked.
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Forces françaises en Amérique Saint-Simon Tandis que beaucoup a été écrit glorifiant la longue marche de Washington et de Rochambeau à Yorktown, moins ainsi est le rôle principal joué par une sortie expéditionnaire opportune faite par le marquis de Saint-Saint-Simon. Seigneur Cornwallis s'était retiré à Yorktown et à construction débutée des travaux comme une base de semi-finale-permanent des opérations. En septembre 1781 Saint-Simon débarqué à l'île de James avec trois régiments français de fente et immédiatement déplacé dans la bouteille vers le haut de Cornwallis dans ses propres travaille, juger stymied si le général britannique quelque peu présomptueux en place jusqu'à Washington et à Rochambeau pourrait renforcer Saint-Simon et étendre le siège formel. Notre premier plat dépeint l'aspect probable de Saint-Simon dans l'avant en second lieu de la droite dans toute la parure proportionnée à son rang. À son coude vers la droite apparaît une représentation d'amiral de Grasse dont la flotte a transporté les troupes de Saint-Sim à l'île de James d'Indes occidentales et qui a plus tard contrecarré l'évacuation prévue de Cornwallis de Yorktown par la mer. À la gauche nous voyons un aide-de-camp typique sur les employés personnels de Saint-Sim dans l'uniforme prescrit pour ce rang. À l'arrière en second lieu de gauche tient également un officier typique de champ des ingénieurs bientôt pour avoir le devoir abondant dans l'allié compteur-travaille chez Yorktown. S'il est unquestioned que la chute de Yorktown a scellé le destin britannique en Amérique, il peut également dire que l'arrivée opportune de Saint-Sim lance le jeu d'extrémité. De concert avec Rochambeau et de Grasse, il a fourni l'armée continentale de Washington stratégique de muscle invariablement manquée.
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Régiment d'Agénais Commanded by Baron de Cadignan, the Régiment d'Agénais had suffered heavy casualties in d'Estaing's unsuccessful assault on Savannah in 1779 and no doubt relished opportunity to turn the tables. Two of its battalions were among forces under Saint Simon brought from the West Indies to Yorktown. The regiment was in close support during the French seizure of Redoubt No. 9 at Yorktown on 14 October 1781. According to the 1776 clothing regulations d'Agénais wore pink facings with green collars and white metal buttons, arguably a peculiar color combination. Shown in the first plate, these regulations prescribed the wearing of the belted waist coat, gaiters hitched to the breeches buttons for support. The second plate depicts the 1779 reforms which embraced violet cuffs, this facing color being additional applied as piping to collar, lapels and shoulder straps. Buttons were changed to yellow metal. The sergeant of chasseurs is discernible by his single silver cuff band piped in violet. A fusilier at rear wears the pokalem forage cap with lily device in the facing color. For the Régiment d'Agénais Yorktown was most certainly sweet revenge.
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Régiment d'Agénais Commandé par baron de Cadignan, les d'Agénais de Régiment avaient souffert les accidents lourds dans l'assaut non réussi des d'Estaing sur la savane en 1779 et aucun doute pas relished l'occasion de renverser les rôles. Deux de ses bataillons étaient parmi des forces sous Saint Simon apporté d'Indes occidentales à Yorktown. Le régiment était dans l'appui étroit pendant la saisie française du numéro 9 de redoute chez Yorktown 14 octobre 1781. Selon des règlements d'habillement les d'Agénais 1776 ont porté les revêtements roses avec les colliers verts et les boutons blancs en métal, discutablement une combinaison particulière de couleur. Montré dans le premier plat, ces règlements ont prescrit le port du manteau ceinturé de taille, manchettes accrochées aux culasses se boutonne pour l'appui. Le deuxième plat dépeint les 1779 réformes qui ont embrassé les manchettes violettes, ceci couleur de revêtements étant appliqué additionnel en tant que tuyauterie au collier, des revers et des courroies d'épaule. Des boutons ont été changés en métal jaune. Le sergent des chasseurs est perceptible par sa bande argentée simple de manchette sifflée dans la violette. Un fusilier à l'arrière porte le chapeau de fourrage de pokalem avec le dispositif de lis dans la couleur de revêtements. Pour les d'Agénais de Régiment Yorktown était vengeance le plus certainement douce.
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Régiment de Gâtinais Régiment de Gâtinais was also committed to Admiral d'Estaing's fruitless assault at Savannah. Saint-Simon’s expedition was a chance for the unit to get back into the game. Though here grouped with other regiments of Saint-Simon’s command, the Gâtinais—under command of the Marquis de Rostaing—was subsequently reassigned at Yorktown to a brigade with the Régiment d'Agénais for the grand night assault on British Redoubt No. 9, 14 October 1781. The chasseurs of regiment Gâtinais, formed in column by platoons, were at the head of the column. The first fifty men carried fascines; of the other fifty men in this group eight carried ladders. After them came the grenadiers of the regiment, arranged in files. Next came the grenadiers and chasseurs of the regiment of Royal Deux-Ponts formed in column by sections. The chasseurs of the regiments of Bourbonnais and d'Agénais were a hundred paces to the rear in support, and a battalion of Gâtinais constituted the reserve. Before starting, orders were given that no one should fire until the crest of the parapet of the redoubt had been reached. Under cover of darkness and with speedy daring the men of Gâtinais cascaded into the redoubt and made it theirs despite stiff opposition. For this feat the regiment regained its old title of the "Royal Auvergne.“ The U.S. National Park Service still flies the violet, black and white Gâtinais drapeau d’ordonnance over Redoubt No. 9 in commemoration. The first plate contrasts the regiments attire according to 1776 and 1779 clothing regulations. The second plate features the revered colors of final victory, arguably those of the most noteworthy French regiment to fight in America.
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Régiment de Gâtinais Régiment de Gâtinais a été également commis à l'assaut stérile des d'Estaing d'amiral à la savane. L'expédition de Saint-Sim était une chance pour que l'unité obtienne de nouveau dans le jeu. Cependant ici groupé avec d'autres régiments de l'ordre de SaintSim, Gâtinais-sous la commande du marquis De Rostaing- a été plus tard attribué à nouveau chez Yorktown à une brigade avec les d'Agénais de Régiment pour l'assaut grand de nuit sur le numéro britannique de redoute 9, 14 octobre 1781. Les chasseurs du régiment Gâtinais, formés dans la colonne par des pelotons, étaient à la tête de la colonne. Les cinquante premiers hommes ont porté des fascines ; les cinquante des autres hommes dans ce groupe huit ont porté des échelles. Après qu'ils soient venus les grenadiers du régiment, disposés dans les dossiers. Après sont venus les grenadiers et les chasseurs du régiment de Deux-Ponts royal formé dans la colonne par des sections. Les chasseurs des régiments de Bourbonnais et de d'Agénais étaient cent pas à l'arrière dans l'appui, et un bataillon de Gâtinais a constitué la réservation. Avant de commencer, des ordres ont été donnés que personne ne devraient mettre le feu jusqu'à ce que la crête du parapet de la redoute ait été atteinte. Sous le couvert de l'obscurité et avec audacieux prompt les hommes de Gâtinais ont cascadé dans la redoute et lui ont fait le leur en dépit de l'opposition raide. Pour cet exploit le régiment a regagné son vieux titre "de l'Auvergne royal." Le service de parc national des ETATS-UNIS vole toujours le numéro fini 9 de redoute de Gâtinais de d'ordonnance violet, noir et blanc de drapeau dans la commémoration. Le premier plat contraste le vêtement de régiments selon 1776 et 1779 règlements d'habillement. Le deuxième plat comporte les couleurs vénérées de la victoire finale, discutablement ceux du régiment français le plus remarquable pour combattre en Amérique.
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Régiment de Touraine Saint Simon also brought from the West Indies Régiment de Touraine commanded by the Vicomte de Poudeux. Its early uniform coats had steel gray facings and yellow collars. 1776 clothing regulations prescribed the rather flimsy sleeveless, belted waist coat, the gaiters held up by being buttoned to the breeches buttons, a seemingly extemporized method. The 1779 regulations introduced pink cuffs with like colored piping to other facings. White metal buttons were retained. One can somehow tolerate the pink and blue combination of the drummer when bracketed by Royal livery. Drum shells were of unmarked brass, the hoops always painted in the coat color. When not in use, drum sticks were held in place on the drum sling by two leather loops. The excess cording slung to the bottom of the drum routinely served as a handhold when the drum was carried enroute on the back. It is not known if Touraine grenadiers wore the bearskin cap and red epaulettes associated with that branch, which are nevertheless here depicted, the latter for the earlier period only. The Touraine drapeau d’ordonnance displayed a pleasing variety of opposed primary and secondary colors in each quadrant.
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Régiment de Touraine Saint Simon également apporté d'Indes occidentales Régiment de Touraine a commandé par Vicomte de Poudeux. Ses manteaux uniformes tôt ont eu les revêtements gris en acier et les colliers jaunes. 1776 règlements d'habillement ont prescrit le manteau sans manche et ceinturé plutôt fragile de taille, les manchettes supportées en étant boutonné aux boutons de culasses, a extemporized apparemment la méthode. Les 1779 règlements ont présenté les manchettes roses avec comme la tuyauterie colorée à d'autres revêtements. Des boutons blancs en métal ont été maintenus. On peut de façon ou d'autre tolérer la combinaison rose et bleue du batteur une fois encadré par la écurie de Royal. Les carters de tambour étaient de laiton non marqué, les cercles toujours peints dans la couleur de manteau. Quand pas en service, des bâtons de tambour ont été tenus en place sur la bride de tambour par deux boucles en cuir. Attacher d'excès a lancé au fond du tambour par habitude servi de prise quand le tambour était enroute porté sur le dos. On ne le connaît si les grenadiers de Touraine portaient le chapeau de bonnet à poils et les épaulettes rouges liés à cette branche, qui néanmoins sont ici dépeintes, le dernier que durant la période seulement plus tôt. Le d'ordonnance de drapeau de Touraine a montré une variété agréable de couleurs primaires et secondaires opposées dans chaque quart de cercle.
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