New York Volunteers 1781 (3rd American Regiment)

  One of the very first loyalist fighting regiments they had a long and stories history.  Organized as two independent companies under Captains  Grant and Campbell in late 1775, they fought at the Battle of Long Island although "dressed in rags."  They later took part in the fighting around White Plains New York.  Sent south with Colonel Archibald Campbell in 1779 they fought in Georgia and South Carolina.  After their defense of Rocky Mount their commander Colonel Turnball suggested they were given a standard. In addition a company from the regiment under Captain Coffin was equipped as cavalry and served as dragoons at Hobkirk's Hill and Eutaw Springs battles.  (I am sure you will see these fine fellows on my table too  soon)

   In 1779 they were taken on the American Establishment as the 3rd American Regiment.  This meant they received there yearly clothing and equipment like British regular regiments and from the same sources.  In addition the officers would be able to go half pay at the end of the war.

My uniform is based on returns in 1782 which suggest they wore red coats faced blue. Prior to that it is very unclear and contradictory.  Officers appear to have had silver lace .  For figures I have used Old Glory second edition American Continentals line infantry in round hats.  This is because loyalist uniforms usually did not have regimental lace.  The round hats were very common and would be most useful in protecting the men from the hot sun down south.  I added a set of regimental colors.  These were based on those issued to the Queen's  Rangers.