Colonial Uniforms

4th Continental Rgt. of Light Dragoons
(Dismounted service),
Capt. John Craig's Troop
July, 1779

A visored leather helmet with a bearskin crest and green turban, tall boots and a red waistcoat make the 4th Continental Dragoons easy to identify. They may be seen in either their green regimental coat with red facings or fringed frock coats of various colors.

Formed in 1777, the regiment served throughout the entire war. Raised primarily in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, they served in both the northern and southern campaigns. They had both mounted and dismounted troops.

As I recall, the only difference between this uniform and the 2nd Cont. was the buff (tan) regimental coat with green facings. Otherwise it was the same epaulets the shoulder covers on a uniform.

During the French and Indian War they were not included. It was only a few yars later during the American Revolutionary War that the epaulets began to appear on the uniforms.

Sometimes the family uniform is described in a will. The uniform I wear was one of those, but it did not include a hat. I added that later. Until I did that (accidentally) the family that had bought the uniform and paid for the tailoring never new which Regiment their Revolutioanry soldier was in.

Now the green jacket with red facings is in other Continental Troops but the possibility remains that he may have been a dreaded dragoon.

Genealogists look at clothing very carefully to examine for clues.

I think this would have been Nathan's uniform. The Salisbury family did not record detailed information of Nathan Salisbury participation in the Revolutionary War. It is noted once in James Henry's letter to Stephen and again in the Military List of Rhode Island. They say he's a Lt. but don't name artillery or which unit.