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First Troop of Rangers, Georgia The
Recreated First Troop of Rangers, Province of Georgia Ron Shephard, Captain of the Troop |
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Uniform of the First Troop Rangers, Colony of GeorgiaOur dress uniform consists of black cocked hat, blue regimental with red facings, red waistcoat, white shirt, black stock, blue breeches, white (“natural”) stockings, and buckle shoes. Appropriate accoutrement are worn dependant on the event. For campaign wear, we have adopted the Bouquet and Knox recommended sleeved jacket in navy with red cuffs, white or blue & white checked shirt, either stock or roller as neckwear, blue or natural breeches, black gaiters, white (natural) stockings, and buckle shoes. The shoes worn on the march may have ties added rather than buckles if you prefer. For head covering, we vary dependant on the situation: Jockey cap with turban, cocked hat, or fatigue cap as appropriate. We also use a linen fatigue shirt to protect our clothing when performing various duties such as pitching camp, throwing up defensive works or cooking. For the period that we represent there is not clear documentation for the dress uniform of the Rangers. To quote Dr. Edward Cashin in Colonial Augusta, “Key of the Indian Countrey”: “The Rangers were wearing a uniform by 1763, but its exact appearance is unknown. However, it may have been basically the same uniform that was apparently designed by Oglethorpe during the 1740s: a black hat and a blue coat with red lapels” (Quoted by Cashin from The Georgia Gazette, 19 January 1764; Wright A Memoir of General Oglethorpe, pp. 355, 356; Wright to Barnard, 1773, Loyalist Claims, Bundle 38, Georgia Archives.) Because the “dress” uniform was basically the same as the original during the third lifespan of the Rangers – the early Revolutionary War – it seems to be an educated assumption that there must have been some attachment to the design developed by the beloved General Oglethorpe. We feel comfortable using this design for our uniform. Our campaign wear is based upon descriptions cited by Richard F.C. Seidemann Jr. in Of the Uniforms of Light Infantry of the Regiments, And in particular that of the 55th Regiment. “In a letter to Robert Rogers, R. Townsend stated that the newly forming light infantry companies of 1759 were to be, “cloathed and accoutred as light as possible.” So that we may fall-in with other provincial ranger and light infantry units at reenactments outside of our area of command, the lighter jacket, gaiters, and cap are our basic attire during these events unless requested otherwise. This may not be documentable to our specific group, but is documentable for the groups that we join and support at “away” events. These are also much more comfortable to wear in the late spring through early fall here in Georgia & Alabama. |
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