
the Supply Tent Uniform of the Baltimore Yagers Coatee, waistcoat, and trousers Shako Crossbelts, accoutrements Musket Fatigue cap Gaiters Something to share with us? Uniform of the Baltimore Yagers We are unaware of a surviving example of a original Baltimore Yager uniform. A reliable source indicates the uniform of this company in 1814 consisted of a black coatee trimmed with red; black trousers; and black crossbelts. The shako was described and is covered further below. This 1814 uniform did not adhere to the 1811 and 1812 militia uniform regulations, which specified a blue coatee having red trim. The regulations did, however, allow for a 3-year grace period for already uniformed companies to come into compliance with the new regulations. So it seems the Baltimore Yagers Company had already adopted a black uniform before the new 1811 Maryland State regulations. The State regulations closely followed the United States Infantry uniform color scheme. One Baltimore newspaper from 1810 includes a obituary of a medical doctor from Baltimore, which states that he had been a member of the "Baltimore Yagers". This places the establishment of this independent company well before outbreak of the second war with Great Britain, now known as the War of 1812. The choice of a black (or possibly greenish-black) uniform by Yager/Jager companies is seen in at least one contemporary historic organization of the Napoleonic period in Europe. A contemporary German freikorps (militia) known as "Freikorps von Lützow", had adopted a black uniform in Europe, during the same time period as the War of 1812. That unit was occasionally referred to as "Black Jagers". The Ruckle painting titled "The Defense of Baltimore: Assembly of the Troops at Hampstead Hill", in the Maryland Historical Society, depicts one particular infantry company, in a very dark uniform. It is either black or a dark gray. As noted further below, this company is thought to be either the Union Yagers or the Baltimore Yagers. The Union Yagers were organized as a rifle company in early 1813, and the uniforms for riflemen were already prescribed by State Regulations the previous year. The dark uniform seen in the painting would not have been worn by a rifle company, at least not one in compliance with State regulations. So the probability is greater that this is the Baltimore Yagers rather than the Union Yagers. The painting and other written evidence makes it certain that not all uniformed companies in Maryland in 1814 were in compliance with the 1812 regulations specifying blue coatees. The Maryland militia regulations of 1811 specified that existing uniformed companies would have three years to comply with new regulations directing that militia infantry uniform coats were to be blue, with red trim (cuffs, collar). The Baltimore Yagers uniform color had not been revised to the specification in the 1811 or 1812 regulations, by late summer, 1814. This implies that the uniform style itself must also have been a pre-1811 design. Since already-uniformed companies had 3 years to comply, these companies apparently were still within their compliance "window". Given the exigencies of events in 1814, revising uniforms to regulated colors was most likely a low priority, since most levied Maryland militia did not evidently have uniforms. As to the style or cut of the uniforms of the independent militia companies, the available uniform data on certain other independent uniformed militia companies in Baltimore of the early 19th century shows that uniform styles were imitating the contemporary military fashion trends in England and on the Continent. The "Assembly on Hampstead Hill" and the "Battle of North Point" paintings by Ruckle (Maryland Historic Society) provide us with significant contemporary depictions of many of the Maryland militia uniforms being worn in 1814. Back to Top Coatee, waistcoat, and trousers The style of uniform most likely to have been worn before the 1811 and 1812 regulations probably closely resembled the infantry variant of the 1804 US Artillery coat, shortened to coatee length for infantry wear. Based on information to date, it is believed the coatee looked like the picture below. The coatee length is shorter than the artillery coat (on which the tails plunge to the knee, or even slightly below it.) The shorter infantry coatee is of black wool flannel, with red turnbacks, cuffs, stand-up collar and lappets. The sleeves are lined with much cheaper brown (or natural) linen. The inside of the coatee body is unlined, except for the turnbacks which are lined in the same red wool up to the top of the vents. The coatee was said to have had brass buttons. The coatee is constructed with one faux pocket per side, reflecting a cost-cutting trend which was beginning in this time. The coatee also has one working pocket on the inside. It was probably used to hold personal papers or, perhaps a wallet of some type. The narrow fall trousers (pantaloons) are reported to have been black. Thus they may have been the "winter" issue. (Summer issue per State regulations was to parallel the color choices in the U. S. Infantry, i.e. white for summer.)The pantaloons have been made with 'drill' (cotton duck) in keeping with a contemporary account of winter pantaloons in one of the other uniformed companies of the Fifth Regiment, Maryland Militia in 1814. The pantaloons of the Yagers Company probably had the same style brass buttons as used on the cuffs of the coatee. Note: the inset to the right (from 'Assembly on Hampstead Hill') depicts a company believed to be either the Union Yagers of the 1st Rifle Battalion, or the Baltimore Yagers of the Fifth Reg't, Maryland Militia. As commented on earlier, the Union Yagers were organized in 1813 as a rifle company. The State regulations of 1812 already specified a green hunting frock for rifle companies. So there seems a much better likelihood that the uniform colors being depicted more likely are those of the Baltimore Yagers, and not the Union Yagers. Incidentally, the green uniform with red fringe (in the foreground of the inset) was worn by either, or both, Captain Aisquith's Baltimore Sharpshooters rifle company and Captain Dyer's rifle company, both of the 1st Rifle Battalion. One of these two companies was reported by the battalion's commanding officer at Bladensburg to have been armed mainly with muskets at that battle. The picture supports this as the company depicted in the foreground apparently has bayonets affixed to their arms. This seems to rule out their being armed with rifles at this point in the campaign.) The waistcoat color of the Baltimore Yagers was not stated in the description of the coatee and trousers. But it is assumed to have been black like the trousers. Shirt construction and material were not stated in the State regulations. As was common since Revolutionary War period, it was of white linen. A neck stock of some material was probably worn. This item pre-dated the American Revolution, and was required in the U. S. Infantry forces. Although not shown in the picture of the reproduction coatee above, a neck stock of black leather is considered correct neckwear for a Yagers Company private soldier and NCO. A stock of black cloth is acceptable if leather stock not available. Back to Top Shako For ranks other than officers, headgear was not described explicitly in the regulations. The Ruckle painting of the "Assembly on Hampstead Hill" and a few surviving examples in Maryland indicate the shako can be of either black leather or felt. The leather shako is considered more accurate, in keeping with a written account in the memoirs of John Pendleton Kennedy, who was with the Fifth Regiment at Bladensburg. The exact height of the shako and plume is not known, and probably varied slightly across companies. It appears from the Assembly painting, that some companies' shakos may have been 10" or taller, but a estimated 8"-9" from brim lining to top of crown seems to be more common. Plumes seem to have been 6"-9" tall. The view to the right depicts uniform colors which match those described for the Sixth Reg't, Maryland Militia. Note the height of the shako they wear is slightly longer than the length of the face from chin to browline. Also note the white plumes (of the foreground troops of the Sixth) appear to be nearly as long as the shako is tall. One source states the headgear of the Yagers had white cording, a green plume and brass cap badge. The cording was probably similar to that seen on shakoes worn by US forces. It is not known what was embossed on the Yagers cap badge. So a blank brass badge, similar in size and shape to the US forces of the period is believed to be the most accurate recreation. From the research to date and Ruckles' "Assembly" painting, it is thought that the dark green plume was centered in the front, above the cap badge. The inset shows what is almost certainly a infantry company, as noted earlier. The shakos are clearly black, and if adorned with a plume or plumes, they have no color unless it be also dark. For the Baltimore Yagers, based on the description of the shako, either dark green hackle feather or plume was worn on the shako. Back to Top Accoutrements: crossbelts, cartridge box, haversacks, etc. Crossbelts: Historical deployment and missions of the Baltimore Yagers Company, with research to date, along with a reference to "black crossbelts" worn by this company implies they were armed with muskets and carried bayonets, rather than being equipped with flintlock rifles. The breastplate on the bayonet shoulder belt (baldric) is presumed to have been brass, rather than 'white' metal, to match the coatee buttons. The Pattern of 1808 US Infantry cartridge box was probably in use by uniformed companies which either purchased their equipment, or were equipped from government depots. Both belts are black bridle leather. Haversacks: Haversacks, where used at all by city militia companies, were probably made from natural-color coarse linen. Shoulder straps would probably have been the same material. The size of haversacks actually issued to militia troops in Maryland is thought to have changed but little from the Revolutionary War period. Packs: The Fifth Regiment's packs were known to have been transported by wagon to the battle of Bladensburg. Research indicates there was a shortage of packs in arsenals and depots in Maryland by 1814. The Lherbette style knapsack, was probably not available to the militia. At least some volunteer companies were outfitted with hurriedly sewn linen packs. There are no known publicly-held examples of packs used by Maryland militia during the 1813-1814 period. Back to Top Musket and bayonet One contemporary account by a militiaman at Bladensburg specifically mentions carrying a Harpers Ferry musket, weighing 14 pounds. Reports of the period and other research indicates that some or all of the arms issued to Maryland and District of Columbia militia during the crisis of 1814 came from Federal arsenals and depots. The Government Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, being close to Washington and Baltimore, evidently supplied most of the arms for regional State depots. But at least one contractor-supplied musket believed to be from this period and possibly carried by a Maryland militia soldier at North Point, has survived. It's proof marks establish it was made by a government contractor. It is essentially identical to the Harpers Ferry muskets of the period. Click on the musket image below to read about the 1795 Springfield musket. Back to Top Fatigue cap Little is known of the fatigue caps in actual use in the Maryland militia in the War of 1812. The custom of this period was for some type of head covering was to be worn by soldiers, at all times. Shakoes could be uncomfortably warm and heavy, and expensive to replace. Unless future research provides new insights, the most likely fatigue cap styles are either the 'bonnet de police', or the modified pokalem 'pork pie' style. The pork pie style is shown in the picture to the left. (Note: cap has been stuffed for the picture, to keep it from laying flat.) The caps were sometimes made from left over scraps of coatee material. Linen may be all but impossible to achieve a true black by dyeing it. Dark gray is probably the final color that can be obtained, as shown in the photograph above. Back to Top Gaiters Maryland's State militia regulations indicated that either black gaiters or 'half boots' were to be worn by militia infantry. There is still some question as to whether this was referring to only the summer pantaloons, or to winter issue trousers as well. Ruckle's 'Assembly' painting appears to depict gaiters being worn inside the trousers. Open-bottom pantaloons appear to have been worn in September 1814, as seen in, with the black gaiters on the inside. Back to Top Have Something to share about militia uniforms ? Research into the uniforms, arms and accouterments of the Maryland militia infantry of the period is ongoing. The information provided in the foregoing was based on the research conducted to date using a broad range of primary and secondary published sources, contemporary artwork and surviving museum specimens. If you are aware of sources such as pictures, company records, letters, antiques, museum pieces etc., that you think may be related to militia infantry of the War of 1812 period, then please drop us a line. One purpose of this web site is to increase public awareness about state militia troops in the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake region. If you can help, we welcome your suggestions, and pledge to respect any privacy or other concerns that you may have. Document Last Updated: 12/26/2006
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the Supply Tent

Uniform of the Baltimore Yagers

Coatee, waistcoat, and trousers

Uniform of the Baltimore Yagers

We are unaware of a surviving example of a original Baltimore Yager uniform. A reliable source indicates the uniform of this company in 1814 consisted of a black coatee trimmed with red; black trousers; and black crossbelts. The shako was described and is covered further below.

This 1814 uniform did not adhere to the 1811 and 1812 militia uniform regulations, which specified a blue coatee having red trim. The regulations did, however, allow for a 3-year grace period for already uniformed companies to come into compliance with the new regulations. So it seems the Baltimore Yagers Company had already adopted a black uniform before the new 1811 Maryland State regulations. The State regulations closely followed the United States Infantry uniform color scheme. One Baltimore newspaper from 1810 includes a obituary of a medical doctor from Baltimore, which states that he had been a member of the "Baltimore Yagers". This places the establishment of this independent company well before outbreak of the second war with Great Britain, now known as the War of 1812.

The choice of a black (or possibly greenish-black) uniform by Yager/Jager companies is seen in at least one contemporary historic organization of the Napoleonic period in Europe. A contemporary German freikorps (militia) known as "Freikorps von Lützow", had adopted a black uniform in Europe, during the same time period as the War of 1812. That unit was occasionally referred to as "Black Jagers".

The Ruckle painting titled "The Defense of Baltimore: Assembly of the Troops at Hampstead Hill", in the Maryland Historical Society, depicts one particular infantry company, in a very dark uniform. It is either black or a dark gray. As noted further below, this company is thought to be either the Union Yagers or the Baltimore Yagers. The Union Yagers were organized as a rifle company in early 1813, and the uniforms for riflemen were already prescribed by State Regulations the previous year. The dark uniform seen in the painting would not have been worn by a rifle company, at least not one in compliance with State regulations. So the probability is greater that this is the Baltimore Yagers rather than the Union Yagers. The painting and other written evidence makes it certain that not all uniformed companies in Maryland in 1814 were in compliance with the 1812 regulations specifying blue coatees.

The Maryland militia regulations of 1811 specified that existing uniformed companies would have three years to comply with new regulations directing that militia infantry uniform coats were to be blue, with red trim (cuffs, collar). The Baltimore Yagers uniform color had not been revised to the specification in the 1811 or 1812 regulations, by late summer, 1814. This implies that the uniform style itself must also have been a pre-1811 design. Since already-uniformed companies had 3 years to comply, these companies apparently were still within their compliance "window". Given the exigencies of events in 1814, revising uniforms to regulated colors was most likely a low priority, since most levied Maryland militia did not evidently have uniforms.

As to the style or cut of the uniforms of the independent militia companies, the available uniform data on certain other independent uniformed militia companies in Baltimore of the early 19th century shows that uniform styles were imitating the contemporary military fashion trends in England and on the Continent. The "Assembly on Hampstead Hill" and the "Battle of North Point" paintings by Ruckle (Maryland Historic Society) provide us with significant contemporary depictions of many of the Maryland militia uniforms being worn in 1814.

Coatee, waistcoat, and trousers

The style of uniform most likely to have been worn before the 1811 and 1812 regulations probably closely resembled the infantry variant of the 1804 US Artillery coat, shortened to coatee length for infantry wear. Based on information to date, it is believed the coatee looked like the picture below.

The coatee length is shorter than the artillery coat (on which the tails plunge to the knee, or even slightly below it.) The shorter infantry coatee is of black wool flannel, with red turnbacks, cuffs, stand-up collar and lappets. The sleeves are lined with much cheaper brown (or natural) linen. The inside of the coatee body is unlined, except for the turnbacks which are lined in the same red wool up to the top of the vents. The coatee was said to have had brass buttons.

The coatee is constructed with one faux pocket per side, reflecting a cost-cutting trend which was beginning in this time. The coatee also has one working pocket on the inside. It was probably used to hold personal papers or, perhaps a wallet of some type.

The narrow fall trousers (pantaloons) are reported to have been black. Thus they may have been the "winter" issue. (Summer issue per State regulations was to parallel the color choices in the U. S. Infantry, i.e. white for summer.)The pantaloons have been made with 'drill' (cotton duck) in keeping with a contemporary account of winter pantaloons in one of the other uniformed companies of the Fifth Regiment, Maryland Militia in 1814. The pantaloons of the Yagers Company probably had the same style brass buttons as used on the cuffs of the coatee.

Note: the inset to the right (from 'Assembly on Hampstead Hill') depicts a company believed to be either the Union Yagers of the 1st Rifle Battalion, or the Baltimore Yagers of the Fifth Reg't, Maryland Militia. As commented on earlier, the Union Yagers were organized in 1813 as a rifle company. The State regulations of 1812 already specified a green hunting frock for rifle companies. So there seems a much better likelihood that the uniform colors being depicted more likely are those of the Baltimore Yagers, and not the Union Yagers.

Incidentally, the green uniform with red fringe (in the foreground of the inset) was worn by either, or both, Captain Aisquith's Baltimore Sharpshooters rifle company and Captain Dyer's rifle company, both of the 1st Rifle Battalion. One of these two companies was reported by the battalion's commanding officer at Bladensburg to have been armed mainly with muskets at that battle. The picture supports this as the company depicted in the foreground apparently has bayonets affixed to their arms. This seems to rule out their being armed with rifles at this point in the campaign.)

The waistcoat color of the Baltimore Yagers was not stated in the description of the coatee and trousers. But it is assumed to have been black like the trousers. Shirt construction and material were not stated in the State regulations. As was common since Revolutionary War period, it was of white linen.

A neck stock of some material was probably worn. This item pre-dated the American Revolution, and was required in the U. S. Infantry forces. Although not shown in the picture of the reproduction coatee above, a neck stock of black leather is considered correct neckwear for a Yagers Company private soldier and NCO. A stock of black cloth is acceptable if leather stock not available.

Shako

For ranks other than officers, headgear was not described explicitly in the regulations. The Ruckle painting of the "Assembly on Hampstead Hill" and a few surviving examples in Maryland indicate the shako can be of either black leather or felt. The leather shako is considered more accurate, in keeping with a written account in the memoirs of John Pendleton Kennedy, who was with the Fifth Regiment at Bladensburg.

The exact height of the shako and plume is not known, and probably varied slightly across companies. It appears from the Assembly painting, that some companies' shakos may have been 10" or taller, but a estimated 8"-9" from brim lining to top of crown seems to be more common. Plumes seem to have been 6"-9" tall. The view to the right depicts uniform colors which match those described for the Sixth Reg't, Maryland Militia. Note the height of the shako they wear is slightly longer than the length of the face from chin to browline. Also note the white plumes (of the foreground troops of the Sixth) appear to be nearly as long as the shako is tall.

One source states the headgear of the Yagers had white cording, a green plume and brass cap badge. The cording was probably similar to that seen on shakoes worn by US forces. It is not known what was embossed on the Yagers cap badge. So a blank brass badge, similar in size and shape to the US forces of the period is believed to be the most accurate recreation.

From the research to date and Ruckles' "Assembly" painting, it is thought that the dark green plume was centered in the front, above the cap badge. The inset shows what is almost certainly a infantry company, as noted earlier. The shakos are clearly black, and if adorned with a plume or plumes, they have no color unless it be also dark.

For the Baltimore Yagers, based on the description of the shako, either dark green hackle feather or plume was worn on the shako.

Accoutrements: crossbelts, cartridge box, haversacks, etc.

Crossbelts:

Historical deployment and missions of the Baltimore Yagers Company, with research to date, along with a reference to "black crossbelts" worn by this company implies they were armed with muskets and carried bayonets, rather than being equipped with flintlock rifles.

The breastplate on the bayonet shoulder belt (baldric) is presumed to have been brass, rather than 'white' metal, to match the coatee buttons.

The Pattern of 1808 US Infantry cartridge box was probably in use by uniformed companies which either purchased their equipment, or were equipped from government depots. Both belts are black bridle leather.

Haversacks:

Haversacks, where used at all by city militia companies, were probably made from natural-color coarse linen. Shoulder straps would probably have been the same material.

The size of haversacks actually issued to militia troops in Maryland is thought to have changed but little from the Revolutionary War period.

Packs:

The Fifth Regiment's packs were known to have been transported by wagon to the battle of Bladensburg. Research indicates there was a shortage of packs in arsenals and depots in Maryland by 1814.

The Lherbette style knapsack, was probably not available to the militia. At least some volunteer companies were outfitted with hurriedly sewn linen packs.

There are no known publicly-held examples of packs used by Maryland militia during the 1813-1814 period.

Musket and bayonet

One contemporary account by a militiaman at Bladensburg specifically mentions carrying a Harpers Ferry musket, weighing 14 pounds. Reports of the period and other research indicates that some or all of the arms issued to Maryland and District of Columbia militia during the crisis of 1814 came from Federal arsenals and depots. The Government Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, being close to Washington and Baltimore, evidently supplied most of the arms for regional State depots.

But at least one contractor-supplied musket believed to be from this period and possibly carried by a Maryland militia soldier at North Point, has survived. It's proof marks establish it was made by a government contractor. It is essentially identical to the Harpers Ferry muskets of the period.

Click on the musket image below to read about the 1795 Springfield musket.

Fatigue cap

Little is known of the fatigue caps in actual use in the Maryland militia in the War of 1812. The custom of this period was for some type of head covering was to be worn by soldiers, at all times. Shakoes could be uncomfortably warm and heavy, and expensive to replace.

Unless future research provides new insights, the most likely fatigue cap styles are either the 'bonnet de police', or the modified pokalem 'pork pie' style. The pork pie style is shown in the picture to the left. (Note: cap has been stuffed for the picture, to keep it from laying flat.) The caps were sometimes made from left over scraps of coatee material. Linen may be all but impossible to achieve a true black by dyeing it. Dark gray is probably the final color that can be obtained, as shown in the photograph above.

Gaiters

Maryland's State militia regulations indicated that either black gaiters or 'half boots' were to be worn by militia infantry. There is still some question as to whether this was referring to only the summer pantaloons, or to winter issue trousers as well.

Ruckle's 'Assembly' painting appears to depict gaiters being worn inside the trousers. Open-bottom pantaloons appear to have been worn in September 1814, as seen in, with the black gaiters on the inside.

Have Something to share about militia uniforms ?

Research into the uniforms, arms and accouterments of the Maryland militia infantry of the period is ongoing. The information provided in the foregoing was based on the research conducted to date using a broad range of primary and secondary published sources, contemporary artwork and surviving museum specimens.

If you are aware of sources such as pictures, company records, letters, antiques, museum pieces etc., that you think may be related to militia infantry of the War of 1812 period, then please drop us a line. One purpose of this web site is to increase public awareness about state militia troops in the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake region. If you can help, we welcome your suggestions, and pledge to respect any privacy or other concerns that you may have.

Document Last Updated: 12/26/2006

Web Published: 03 September 2005