Fashion first

Among some documents relating to land deals and legal disputes, were these little drawings and detailed instructions for the design of cavalry uniforms. Benjamin Chew III petitioned the governor of Pennsylvania to fund the manufacture of these fancy uniforms for the 25 members of the Pennsylvania Lancers. Apparently, Colonel Chew picked out the cloth for the jacket and pants, and carefully specified the type of cotton that would be used to create the accents. They were, of course, red, white and blue--blue coat and pants with a red facing on the jacket, red stripes on the pants, and white girthing around. The saber would be hung from a white waist belt. For the summer, a lighter fabric would be used for the pants.

It is unclear whether the governor agreed to Chew's request for funding.