The record-union., 1898-09-05

and half; ten years later the hight
was increased ito reach as far as the
tip Of the ear at the side and back, and
In front as high as the chin would per-
nit IN turning the head" These pre-
posterous collars We're afterward re-
placed by the equally uncomfortable
stocks, but a more rational measure
brought into vogue the present low col
lar Of soft cloth, supplemented in the
case of officers by an ordinary civilian
collar
President Monroe decided, toward
the end of 1921, that the uniforms of
the various regiments should all be
dark blue in color, and that this was to
be in future the national color; the
West Point cadets to have gray coats
and trousers, while the regimental nu-
s1cians We're to be distinguished by
their red coats Facings and orna-
mentations of every description were
abolished. But in 1882 the facings we're
readopted, and shortly afterward the
long coat gave way to the dark blue
Jacket, or "coateee," as it was called,
which came in with the sky blue panta-
looms. Perhaps no more remarkable
uniform was ever worn than that of
appearance and want of smartness on {.
body of troops that were astonishing,
and had already astonished the world
by their wonderful discipline and fight
ing qualities 1t is hard to imagine the
appearance of a regiment of them
dressed like so many Turke in long,
loose, baggy trousers and long coats
with wide bell skirts; and to still fur
ba hlon hn
coat was discarded again in favor of
the loosely fitting "coatee" mentioned
above At this date, also, the soft felt
the sides, was introduced, and three
years later it became universal
| throughout the establishment
Some of the uniforms in the old Con-
tinental army days were undoubtedly
very picturesque and imposing. For in
stance, let us take the Governor of Con-
necticuts regiment of foot guards, Or
ganized in 1771. There were two COM
panies, the first of which wore scarlet
colored coats, richly covered with gold
lace and faced with black; buff cassi-
mere waistcoats, and buff cloth
breeches, high bearskin hats, or 'bus-
bies," and black leggings The second
magnificence by the adoption of white
vests, Freeches and stockings, ruffled
shirts and silver buttons! In addition
one must remember the long powdered
queues and clean-shaven faces Of the
period, so as to form an adequate idea
Of the imposing appearance of these
tall and well-built sons Of Mars. But
think'of a soldier wearing white stock
ings and breeches!
Washington'S own uniform as Com
mander-in-Ch Chief of the army was very
simple and unpretentious as compared
with General Miles latest turnout"
He prescribed for himself and his sue
cessors a long blue coat with gilt but
tons and epaulets, buff-colored facings,
breeches and a plain three-cornered
hat. To prevent mistakes of identity,
which were constantly arising on ac-
count of the similarity of dress among
the superior officers, the great leader
wore a light blue sash or ribbon be-
tween his coat and waistcoat; Majors
and Brigadier Generals wore similar
distinguishing sashes of green, and
aides-de-camps of pink silk.
An amusing account is given in the
memoirs Of the celebrated Baron de
Steuben Of a dinner to which he in-
vited ALL the young officers on General
Washington's staff, with the sole con-
dition that no one who came should
be in possession of an entire suit Of
clothes. It is hardly necessary to state
that change Of clothes was a thing