The 1st NH Regiment

February 14, 1783 – January 1, 1784

February 14, 1783

Washington orders –

“…that the coats issued the previous year would have to be turned and worn again, but that their length must be shortened, and that scarlet only sufficient for the capes, cuffs and perhaps half facings would be furnished.”

Scarlet cloth was so scarce, it was dispersed to regiments by lottery.

Source: IBID, Pg 9

March 1, 1783

The 1st NH is reduced to 9 companies and re-designated the “The New Hampshire Regiment”. The 2nd NH is reduced to 4 companies and re-designated “The New Hampshire Battalion”.

Source: Wright, Pg 197

At the same time an inspection return for the New Hampshire Battalion lists:

• 167 rank and file, in use 1 color
• 210 muskets
• 210 bayonets
• 210 cartridge boxes
• 1 drum
• 3 fifes
• 224 coats
• 223 vests
• 84 hose
• 176 shoes
• 298 shirts
• 148 hats
• 114 blankets
• 3 watch coats
• 78 knapsacks
• 6 canteens
• 12 axes
• 1 pick
• 9 portmanteaus (leather cases)

Source: Zlatich (Vol 2), Pg 19

June 1, 1783

The NH Regt and the NH Battalion are consolidated. The new unit is called “The New Hampshire Battalion” to consist of 5 companies.

Source: Wright

June 5, 1783

Specifications for the materials used in 1783 uniforms from Samuel Caldwell, former assistant to the Continental Clothier:

• “Coat: of an average size
• 1 5/8 yds blue 6/4 cloth for outside
• 1/5 yd scarlet cloth for facing
• 1/2 yds. oznabrigs for pockets
• staying and sleeve linings
• 1/2 yds white shalloon for skirt lining and facing the forepart
• 32 large buttons
• 2 small buttons
• 4 hook and eyes.

Vest:

• skirts 5/8 yd white 3/4 cloth
• 3/8 yd oznabrigs for pockets and staying
• 1/4 yds flannel for lining
• 11 small buttons

Breeches

• 3/4 yd white 6/4 cloth
• 1 5/8 yds dowlas or best oznabrigs for lining and pockets
• 2 lg buttons
• 12 small buttons

Woolen overalls:

• 1 3/8 yds blue 6/4 duffil
• 5/8 yd oznabrigs for pockets and stays
• 2 lg and 5 sm buttons

Linen overalls:

• 2 1/4 yds ravens duck
• 1/4 yd oznabrigs for pockets

Hunting Shirt:

• 2 yds brown Russia sheeting
• thread and fringe

Body shirt:

• 3/8 yds white Irish linen

Shoes:

• 1 Pr.

Stockings:

• 1 pr of white yarn

Hat:

• felt
• finished with metal button
• white looping

Stock:

• Black leather lined with white jean

Source: IBID, Pg 10

January 1, 1784

The New Hampshire Battalion is disbanded in New Windsor, NY.

Source, Wright.