This Revolutionary War piece depicts a foot soldier delivering a message or "Dispatch" to a Dragoon (an officer on horseback). During the early part of the war American troops were not supplied with uniforms, and were often poorly dressed. Fighting Colonists sometimes wore the stolen uniforms of the enemy that were captured or killed. Thus, this private is dressed in the British uniform as he delivers a "Dispatch" to the officer.
This Revolutionary War piece depicts a foot soldier delivering a message or "Dispatch" to a Dragoon (an officer on horseback). During the early part of the war American troops were not supplied with uniforms, and were often poorly dressed. Fighting Colonists sometimes wore the stolen uniforms of the enemy that were captured or killed. Thus, this private is dressed in the British uniform as he delivers a "Dispatch" to the officer.
Reproductions of this painting were produced.