Topic: Officers
Things Necessary for a Gentleman to be furnished with, upon obtaining his first Commission in the Infantry (1776)
The Military Guide for Young Officers, Thomas Simes, Esq., 1776
A full suit of cloths; 2 frock suits; 2 hats; 2 cockades; 1 pair of leather gloves; sash, and gorget; fuzee, or espontoon; sword; sword-knot and belt; 2 pair of white spatterdashes (if in the foot guards); 1 pair of black, and tops; 1 pair of short; 1 pair of garters; 1 pair of boots, all regimentals); a case of pistols; a blue surtout coat; a Portugal cloak; 6 white waistcoats; 12 white, and 2 black stocks; 18 pair of stockings; 10 handkerchiefs; 1 pair of leather breeches; 6 pair of shoes; 24 shirts; 8 towels; 3 pair of sheets; 3 pillow cases; 6 linen night caps, and 2 yarn; a field bedstead, and a painted canvas bag to hold it; bed-curtains, quilt, three blankets, bolster, pillow, 1 mattress, and a pailace. Those articles should be carried in a leather valise; a travelling letter-case, to contain pens, ink, paper, wax, and wafers; a case of instruments for drawing, and Muller's Works on Fortification, &c. It is also essential that he should have a watch, that he may mark the hour exactly when he sends any report, or what he may have discovered that is of consequence.
If he is to provide a tent, the ornaments must be uniform, according to the facing of his corps.
Common Dimensions of the tent, for a Captain or Subaltern.
- Length of the ridge pole – 7 ft. 0 ins.
- Height of the standard pole – 8 ft. 0 ins.
- Length from the front to rear of the marquee between half walls – 14 ft. 0 ins.
- Breadth of the marquee between half walls – 10 ft. 6 ins.
- Height of the half-walls of the marquee – 4 ft. 0 ins.
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