Throughout the American Revolution George Washington's army was desperate for clothing. "Uniforms" were less than uniform, many times depending on what could be had. Captured enemy uniforms were an easy answer, and that is what some units, such as the 4th Light Dragoons, were issued. Inevitably, the case of mistaken identity led to incidents of fratricide ("friendly"fire). Units, such as the Pennsylvania Line, took to overdying the captured gear. The 4th LD was not able to secure dye, and was ordered to wear hunting shirts over their captured coats. Hunting shirts, however, were just another uniform not available to the 4th Light Dragoons!
Throughout the American Revolution George Washington's army was desperate for clothing. "Uniforms" were less than uniform, many times depending on what could be had. Captured enemy uniforms were an easy answer, and that is what some units, such as the 4th Light Dragoons, were issued. Inevitably, the case of mistaken identity led to incidents of fratricide ("friendly"fire). Units, such as the Pennsylvania Line, took to overdying the captured gear. The 4th LD was not able to secure dye, and was ordered to wear hunting shirts over their captured coats. Hunting shirts, however, were just another uniform not available to the 4th Light Dragoons!