On this page, we'll examine the uniforms, gear and equipment that a Hunterdon Militiaman would likely have possessed. It's important to bear in mind that while standardization of weapons and equipment was striven for, in practice it was often quite difficult to accomplish. Please note that all items are replicas.
According to the Third Militia Law of October 28, 1775, the equipment required by each militiaman was specified as:
"a good musket or firelock, and bayonet, sword or tomahawk, a steel ramrod, worm, priming wire and brush fitted thereto, a cartouche box to contain twenty-three rounds of cartridges, twelve flints and a knapsack."
According to the Third Militia Law of October 28, 1775, the equipment required by each militiaman was specified as:
"a good musket or firelock, and bayonet, sword or tomahawk, a steel ramrod, worm, priming wire and brush fitted thereto, a cartouche box to contain twenty-three rounds of cartridges, twelve flints and a knapsack."
Tomahawks
A common thing during the colonial era, tomahawks were indeed carried by some militiamen in lieu of a bayonet. They were effective, inexpensive, and utilitarian.
Here we see a typical assortment of forged iron tomahawks. Starting from left to right: a lightweight convenient model, perhaps even designed for throwing. Middle: a heavier, more solid model with a blade that more resembles a medieval combat ax. Right: an even heavier ax, the solid rounded blade and thick hardwood handle suggests a multi-purpose approach - one that can be used for splitting wood or combat.
A common thing during the colonial era, tomahawks were indeed carried by some militiamen in lieu of a bayonet. They were effective, inexpensive, and utilitarian.
Here we see a typical assortment of forged iron tomahawks. Starting from left to right: a lightweight convenient model, perhaps even designed for throwing. Middle: a heavier, more solid model with a blade that more resembles a medieval combat ax. Right: an even heavier ax, the solid rounded blade and thick hardwood handle suggests a multi-purpose approach - one that can be used for splitting wood or combat.
Bayonets
A militiaman was fortunate if he possessed a bayonet, as most did not. It was strictly a military item, not something that might be commonly found in the colonial home as an ax or tomahawk might be. It was often issued and fitted to a specific musket. Through various means however, they did come into the possession of the militia and are therefore included here.
Left is a French styled bayonet in a crude carrier of cheap leather and hemp webbing. Right: is also a French bayonet, in a more proper French styled military scabbard, but still with a non-standard leather shoulder carriage.
A militiaman was fortunate if he possessed a bayonet, as most did not. It was strictly a military item, not something that might be commonly found in the colonial home as an ax or tomahawk might be. It was often issued and fitted to a specific musket. Through various means however, they did come into the possession of the militia and are therefore included here.
Left is a French styled bayonet in a crude carrier of cheap leather and hemp webbing. Right: is also a French bayonet, in a more proper French styled military scabbard, but still with a non-standard leather shoulder carriage.
Canteens
An item quite necessary for any soldier in the field. Some were made by tinsmiths for the military, some were home-made for use in the hot farm-fields, some were simply covered bottles, some were elaborately made from wooden staves or even of formed and waxed leather. Regardless of origin, they were a necessity. In our examples here, we see a wooden-staved canteen sealed with brewers pitch, and a worn but finely crafted tin canteen.
An item quite necessary for any soldier in the field. Some were made by tinsmiths for the military, some were home-made for use in the hot farm-fields, some were simply covered bottles, some were elaborately made from wooden staves or even of formed and waxed leather. Regardless of origin, they were a necessity. In our examples here, we see a wooden-staved canteen sealed with brewers pitch, and a worn but finely crafted tin canteen.
Knapsack and haversacks
A militiaman was expected to possess a knapsack in which to carry essentials, food and extra clothing. While probably the most common means of carrying items, another item which might be found is the haversack (not shown here). Usually smaller and more likely to be used to carry foodstuffs specifically. In our examples we have, Top: coarse linen knapsack with 3 button closures. Left: a similar very basic knapsack that one might make in the home, this made from a fine hemp cloth.
For our impression, we would typically not carry a haversack as that was more a military issued item. NJ Militia law called for the individual to supply himself with a knapsack. Until we uncover evidence of haversacks being used, we discourage their use.
A militiaman was expected to possess a knapsack in which to carry essentials, food and extra clothing. While probably the most common means of carrying items, another item which might be found is the haversack (not shown here). Usually smaller and more likely to be used to carry foodstuffs specifically. In our examples we have, Top: coarse linen knapsack with 3 button closures. Left: a similar very basic knapsack that one might make in the home, this made from a fine hemp cloth.
For our impression, we would typically not carry a haversack as that was more a military issued item. NJ Militia law called for the individual to supply himself with a knapsack. Until we uncover evidence of haversacks being used, we discourage their use.
Cartridge or Cartouche boxes
Another very useful item needed by a militiaman or soldier. A cartridge or cartouche box consists of a block of wood with holes drilled to hold musket cartridges held by a leather case with either belt loops to wear around the waist or a shoulder sling to wear slung over the left shoulder. In our examples we have 3 takes on the same basic concept. All are a simple leather envelope style encasing the wooden block. Often one may see more robust boxes that hold far more cartridges and may even contain a tin box stowed below. These are later styled boxes based on British and French designs and would not be correct for our impression. In our examples we have two held with leather straps, one with hemp webbing. They range from 18 to 21 holed blocks. During the previous war - the French and Indian or Seven Years war, there's evidence of a standardized 23-holed box for NJ troops, however there as of yet has been no evidence uncovered to show that the NJ militia was issued such boxes. All we know is that there were some sort of generic (possibly standardized) boxes being made by a leather worker in Hopewell NJ for the regiment, and what was not made by him (a man named "Burroughs") was coming from a large number of unspecified origins.
Another very useful item needed by a militiaman or soldier. A cartridge or cartouche box consists of a block of wood with holes drilled to hold musket cartridges held by a leather case with either belt loops to wear around the waist or a shoulder sling to wear slung over the left shoulder. In our examples we have 3 takes on the same basic concept. All are a simple leather envelope style encasing the wooden block. Often one may see more robust boxes that hold far more cartridges and may even contain a tin box stowed below. These are later styled boxes based on British and French designs and would not be correct for our impression. In our examples we have two held with leather straps, one with hemp webbing. They range from 18 to 21 holed blocks. During the previous war - the French and Indian or Seven Years war, there's evidence of a standardized 23-holed box for NJ troops, however there as of yet has been no evidence uncovered to show that the NJ militia was issued such boxes. All we know is that there were some sort of generic (possibly standardized) boxes being made by a leather worker in Hopewell NJ for the regiment, and what was not made by him (a man named "Burroughs") was coming from a large number of unspecified origins.
Muskets and Rifle
Throughout the war, the American military fielded an astounding array of personal weapons. It is a fascinating study in it's own right in researching their origins. Many came from abroad: Dutch muskets, Spanish muskets, French muskets, and most often, British-made muskets. Along with those, there were also domestically produced hunting muskets known as "fowlers" as well as American-made muskets using salvaged parts of foreign weapons. Discouraged from militia use, but also sometimes seen were finely-crafted rifles.
Supplying these weapons with the proper sized musket balls was a supreme challenge as different muskets often took different sized musket balls. To the left is a sampling of the muskets that one might have found in the hands of the Hunterdon militia. A rifle is included for sake of comparison but is not believed to have been used by our target group.
From left to right:
An American-made musket using parts salvaged from French model 1717 and 1728 muskets. This replica is inspired by an actual American musket on display in the Princeton Battlefield museum (Clarke House). The parts were perhaps salvaged from colonial wars long past, even predating the French and Indian War of 1756-1763, or otherwise perhaps obsolete parts supplied by the French in war aide. Next, is a very early model of a British Brown Bess. A model like this may have been produced by gun-maker John Fitch in Trenton, or perhaps an older model provided by the British Crown to the colonial militia in days long past. To the right is a slightly later model Brown Bess. A model like this may have been captured from the British, either on the high seas by American privateers, or taken from British prisoners. It would also be possible that it was a leftover from the muskets supplied to the Americans by the British in the previous war. Last is a rifle. Often produced by Pennsylvania craftsmen, these were slow and cumbersome to load but were deadly accurate due to the "rifling" grooves cut into the inside of the barrel to stabilize the projectile - a feature lacking in the much less accurate musket. While included here for sake of comparison, it is not a weapon used by the Hunterdon militia during the war.
Throughout the war, the American military fielded an astounding array of personal weapons. It is a fascinating study in it's own right in researching their origins. Many came from abroad: Dutch muskets, Spanish muskets, French muskets, and most often, British-made muskets. Along with those, there were also domestically produced hunting muskets known as "fowlers" as well as American-made muskets using salvaged parts of foreign weapons. Discouraged from militia use, but also sometimes seen were finely-crafted rifles.
Supplying these weapons with the proper sized musket balls was a supreme challenge as different muskets often took different sized musket balls. To the left is a sampling of the muskets that one might have found in the hands of the Hunterdon militia. A rifle is included for sake of comparison but is not believed to have been used by our target group.
From left to right:
An American-made musket using parts salvaged from French model 1717 and 1728 muskets. This replica is inspired by an actual American musket on display in the Princeton Battlefield museum (Clarke House). The parts were perhaps salvaged from colonial wars long past, even predating the French and Indian War of 1756-1763, or otherwise perhaps obsolete parts supplied by the French in war aide. Next, is a very early model of a British Brown Bess. A model like this may have been produced by gun-maker John Fitch in Trenton, or perhaps an older model provided by the British Crown to the colonial militia in days long past. To the right is a slightly later model Brown Bess. A model like this may have been captured from the British, either on the high seas by American privateers, or taken from British prisoners. It would also be possible that it was a leftover from the muskets supplied to the Americans by the British in the previous war. Last is a rifle. Often produced by Pennsylvania craftsmen, these were slow and cumbersome to load but were deadly accurate due to the "rifling" grooves cut into the inside of the barrel to stabilize the projectile - a feature lacking in the much less accurate musket. While included here for sake of comparison, it is not a weapon used by the Hunterdon militia during the war.
Hats and caps
Fashion of the day dictated that a man was not fully clothed without a hat. This held true for civilians, soldiers and militia alike. While some efforts were made to standardize the headgear of the Continental Army, it was never standardized in the militia. Militiamen wore what they saw fit. It could be dictated by practicality - a wide-brimmed hat to block the sun, or aesthetics - a fancy tricorn for the fashion-conscious, or a plain knit hat to stave off the winter cold. To the left are several examples of headgear one might find in the possession of the militia.
Though they are all different styles, they have one thing in common - they are all "round-blocked". This means that when they were made, the crowns were formed over a round mold, rather than an oval mold like hats of a later era were. This is evidenced by extant examples and period artwork. We can tell this in part because when a round blocked hat is properly fitted to the wearer's head, it presents a tell-tale droop on either side. We see this time and again in period artwork. This does not happen with oval-blocked hats.
Fashion of the day dictated that a man was not fully clothed without a hat. This held true for civilians, soldiers and militia alike. While some efforts were made to standardize the headgear of the Continental Army, it was never standardized in the militia. Militiamen wore what they saw fit. It could be dictated by practicality - a wide-brimmed hat to block the sun, or aesthetics - a fancy tricorn for the fashion-conscious, or a plain knit hat to stave off the winter cold. To the left are several examples of headgear one might find in the possession of the militia.
Though they are all different styles, they have one thing in common - they are all "round-blocked". This means that when they were made, the crowns were formed over a round mold, rather than an oval mold like hats of a later era were. This is evidenced by extant examples and period artwork. We can tell this in part because when a round blocked hat is properly fitted to the wearer's head, it presents a tell-tale droop on either side. We see this time and again in period artwork. This does not happen with oval-blocked hats.
Footwear
Shoes were a valued item during the era and were expected to last. Made of leather, they were typically "straight-lasted" which means that there were no left or rights, both shoes would be made the same and on the same mold. The shoe over time would essentially mold itself to the wearer's foot to in essence create a left and right. They would be be resoled when worn out. Buckles usually fastened the shoe and ranged from very basic pewter or brass to jewel encrusted gold depending on the wealth and bearing of the owner. At times they were also fastened with a ribbon or laces similar to how we do so today.
Shoes were a valued item during the era and were expected to last. Made of leather, they were typically "straight-lasted" which means that there were no left or rights, both shoes would be made the same and on the same mold. The shoe over time would essentially mold itself to the wearer's foot to in essence create a left and right. They would be be resoled when worn out. Buckles usually fastened the shoe and ranged from very basic pewter or brass to jewel encrusted gold depending on the wealth and bearing of the owner. At times they were also fastened with a ribbon or laces similar to how we do so today.
Shirts
Shirts were of a simple and practical design and were very often home-made. A militiaman would typically bring an extra shirt or two with him when on duty. They would be usually made from linen, or wool, sometimes cotton or even a combination of materials. Cuffs should be narrow bands, the underarms should display an extra "placket", and the seam atop both shoulders should be narrow like the waistband
Shirts were of a simple and practical design and were very often home-made. A militiaman would typically bring an extra shirt or two with him when on duty. They would be usually made from linen, or wool, sometimes cotton or even a combination of materials. Cuffs should be narrow bands, the underarms should display an extra "placket", and the seam atop both shoulders should be narrow like the waistband
Breeches
Breeches were the most common form of pant wear. Trousers existed but were cut short, today what we might call "floods" or "high-waters". Breeches were made durable, with some extra cloth in the seat to allow for bending or crouching without splitting seams. The front opened up in a panel rather than a "fly" and was fastened with several buttons. The pant leg fastened just below the knee and over the stockings with several buttons. They held fast to the calf with the final fastener which was most often a buckle, while a button or even a string or ribbon meant to be tied was used. Materials ranged widely with wool or linen being most common but cotton, silk, fustian and even leather being used. In our examples we have from left to right, linen breeches fastening with a button at the calf, center: fustian breeches fastening with a string at the calf, right: wool breeches fastening with buckles at the calf.
Breeches were the most common form of pant wear. Trousers existed but were cut short, today what we might call "floods" or "high-waters". Breeches were made durable, with some extra cloth in the seat to allow for bending or crouching without splitting seams. The front opened up in a panel rather than a "fly" and was fastened with several buttons. The pant leg fastened just below the knee and over the stockings with several buttons. They held fast to the calf with the final fastener which was most often a buckle, while a button or even a string or ribbon meant to be tied was used. Materials ranged widely with wool or linen being most common but cotton, silk, fustian and even leather being used. In our examples we have from left to right, linen breeches fastening with a button at the calf, center: fustian breeches fastening with a string at the calf, right: wool breeches fastening with buckles at the calf.
Waistcoats or weskits
Waistcoats, weskits, or what we now call vests were an integral part of a man's clothing and were worn by nearly all. The cut of vests by the time of the Revolution had undergone a recent change to where they were now made shorter to accentuate a man's form. Still sometimes seen were older patterns from the 1750's and 1760's where the length extended almost to mid-thigh. A variety of materials were used, often reflecting a man's social station. Most common were wool waistcoats but they might also be made from linen, cotton or even fine silks.
In our examples we have to the left, a linen civilian waistcoat, possibly part of a matching suit, to the right, an older pattern waistcoat that has had the lining removed and has been cut down to the newer, shorter length.
Waistcoats, weskits, or what we now call vests were an integral part of a man's clothing and were worn by nearly all. The cut of vests by the time of the Revolution had undergone a recent change to where they were now made shorter to accentuate a man's form. Still sometimes seen were older patterns from the 1750's and 1760's where the length extended almost to mid-thigh. A variety of materials were used, often reflecting a man's social station. Most common were wool waistcoats but they might also be made from linen, cotton or even fine silks.
In our examples we have to the left, a linen civilian waistcoat, possibly part of a matching suit, to the right, an older pattern waistcoat that has had the lining removed and has been cut down to the newer, shorter length.
Wool Civilian Coats
Coats were a reflection of a man's station in society and came in a variety of patterns and materials. Some were of fine silks, but most were of wool or linen. Illustrated here is a wool broadcloth coat cut in a typical style, close-fitting and not actually intended to close but to lay open to display the waistcoat underneath.
Coats were a reflection of a man's station in society and came in a variety of patterns and materials. Some were of fine silks, but most were of wool or linen. Illustrated here is a wool broadcloth coat cut in a typical style, close-fitting and not actually intended to close but to lay open to display the waistcoat underneath.
A very typical wool coat cut in the style of the day. Often a coat like this may be part of a three piece set consisting of matching waistcoat and breeches.
Clothing of the colonial era was not viewed or thought of as we do today. It was considered an important possession and was not taken for granted. Whereas today we will dispose of a worn out coat or a torn shirt, back in that era things were repaired, altered, and recycled whenever possible. A tailor may be hired to create clothing, a wife or mother might have been skilled in making clothing or perhaps some clothing could be purchased at market, but what was clear is that it was not abundant in the quantities that we have now.
In this example we have simulated an older style coat, perhaps from the 1750 or 1760's that has been kept in use by patching, resizing and updating the style over the years.
Wool Stockings
Long, covering the knee and part of the thigh, the stocking is a ubiquitous part of colonial clothing intended to be worn with breeches. They were hand made, sometimes using a special frame on which to form them. It's difficult to see, but the heel is pieced on and there is a seam running up the back. These are made of a thick bleached lamb's wool. Very different from modern socks.
Long, covering the knee and part of the thigh, the stocking is a ubiquitous part of colonial clothing intended to be worn with breeches. They were hand made, sometimes using a special frame on which to form them. It's difficult to see, but the heel is pieced on and there is a seam running up the back. These are made of a thick bleached lamb's wool. Very different from modern socks.