Revolutionary Flags Pt 4: (Cont Military Flags) Continental Army (U.S.): Colors of the 2nd Regiment of the Continental Light Dragoons: The 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, also known as Sheldons Horse, named after their commander Colonel Elisha Sheldon, was the first of four Dragoon regiments to be raised during the War and the only Dragoon regiment to serve throughout the War. Appointed Colonel Commandant by order of General Washington in December of 1776, Sheldon served as commander of the Second Dragoons until the end of the American Revolution. Under his command, the regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Crooked Billet and the Battle of Yorktown. In this era of slow moving armies with rigid, massed battle formations, Dragoons were unique. Often described as mounted infantry, a combined troop of mounted and dismounted Dragoons could speedily sweep into an enemys flanks, then under the cover fire from the dismounted Dragoons, the mounted Dragoons would assault the enemy with rapid saber charges, then retreat and reform before the enemy could react. This mobility also made them excellent for information gathering. The Light Dragoons have been called Washington´s Eyes, and were reportedly used by Major Benjamin Tallmadge, Washingtons Spy Master, for that purpose. Colors of the 2nd Regiment Continental Light Dragoons 2 (too?)or Sheldons Horse Standard: The 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, also known as Sheldons Horse, was commissioned by the Continental Congress in December of 1776 under the command of Colonel Elisha Sheldon. From March 1777 until January 1781 the regiment consisted of six troops drawn mostly from Connecticut, but with men from Massachusetts , New Jersey, and New York. Although parts of the regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Germantown, and the Battle of Yorktown, the unit never served as a whole, rather the unit was assigned by Washington in various support and special assignments. For example, at the Battle of Saratoga a portion of the regiment not only fought as the sole Continental cavalry, but was assigned to escort Burgoyne to Boston after the British surrender. Elements of the unit comprised Washingtons personal bodyguard, and Sheldons Horse performed the first cavalry charge on American soil. The regiment also provided messengers for Washington between his headquarters and the rest of the colonial forces. At Yorktown, twenty Sheldons Horse were detailed to accompany Washington and Rochambeau to the York peninsula, and Sheldons troopers are depicted in the painting of Cornwallis surrender by John Trumbull. These colors were taken by British forces under Banastre Tarleton at the Battle of Pound Ridge, New York in July 1779. In June of 2006, the flag was returned and auctioned at Sothebys in New York City. Colors of the 3rd Regiment of the Continental Light Dragoons: The romantic story behind this regimental flag is that Jane Elliott, Colonel William Washingtons fiancé made it for him before he left on his campaign through Eutaw and the Cowpens. (Colonel Washington was Georges brother.) According to the legend, Colonel Washington spent an hour with the fair Jane Elliott before the campaign when part of their conversation supposedly went thus: I will await news of the triumph of your flag. But, I have no flag. Then I shall give you one! Where upon, she immediately cut a square of crimson brocade from her living room curtain and hastily made him a flag. He indeed was triumphant, the flag covered it in glory, and according to the legend they later flew it at their wedding. Colors of the Commander-in-Chief Guards or Washingtons Life Guards: In 1776, General Washington had four soldiers hand-picked from each regiment of the Continental Line, that is from each colony, to form the Commander-in-Chiefs Guards or Life Guards. The Guards were under the command of Major Caleb Gibbs and not only protected General Washington, but were at times involved in military operations. They served General Washington until the unit was disbanded shortly after Yorktown. The colors of the Life Guards are listed as White field, horse, coat facings, waistcoat, breeches, sword and crossbelt. Green ribbon and ground. Liberty in light blue, also pennant. Blue coat. Brown American eagle with white head and yellow beak. Union shield: blue at top, red and white stripes, yellow fringe. Brown boots, black half-gaiters, blue and white feather in the cocked hat. However, this flag was probably not designed until 1782, for it bears the American eagle, which was not official before then. There were also traitors in the Guards. Sergeant Hickey and a few others were involved in a plot to kidnap or assassinate General Washington. Hickey was tried and hung, but there are no records of what happened to the other members of the Guards who were accused. This regimental flag is one of several historical flags on display at the George Washington Masonic Memorial and Museum in Alexandra, Virginia.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 16:07:29 +0000
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