A small example was the matter of supplying uniforms. As long as the soldiers were adequately clothed, putting them in uniform had a low priority. Uniforms were, however, found useful to instill pride, establish organization and enforce discipline- if only because a soldier in a uniform with regimental markings was more easily identified by a civilian with a complaint. Moreover, deserters- the bane of armies, particularly considering the recruiting practices of the 18th century- found it more difficult to blend in with the general population.

In its efforts to provide uniforms, a few months earlier in the year the New York Provincial Assembly had made a good buy in linen and started to issue the troops coats and trousers in that fabric. Linen is easily washed and is comfortable in the warmth of a New York summer. But as every housewife of the period knew, and most of the men who made the purchase should have known, linen was no material to wear near fire, or even sparks, such as those produced by the firing of a flintlock, considering the material’s high degree of flammability. The British troops might suffer from the August heat in their pressed-wool uniforms, but they were better protected from incineration in the fires of battle. (JJG)

To learn about the uniforms of the soldiers of Maryland and Delaware go to the site of California's Sons of the Revolution. Click on Colonial Uniforms. Look for Haslet's Delaware and Smallwood's Maryland.