Newport Light Infantry Miter Cap

Description:

Physical Description

Jacked leather with a painted front plate. At the top of this miter is the motto "Hope." Below is the British royal cipher or monogram, "GR" for Georgeus Rex or King George. It flanks a Rhode Island anchor. In the center of the plate is a female figure labeled "America" standing on a broken chain and a belt bearing the inscription "Patria cara, carior Libertas" or "Nation is dear, but Liberty is dearer."

Specific History

On October 28, 1774, the Rhode Island General Assembly chartered the Newport Light Infantry as a voluntary association of local citizens. These citizens wanted to form a company to obtain better military training than the colonial militia provided. The infantry, 100 strong, demonstrated its patriotic fervor and could be seen around Newport uniformed and armed. With the occupation of Newport by the British in 1776, the company ceased to exist.

General History

A miter is a ceremonial, peaked headdress.

Date Made: 1774

Place Made: United States: Rhode Island, Rhode Island, NewportAssociated Place: United States: Rhode Island

Related Event: American RevolutionRevolution and the New Nation

Subject:

See more items in: Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military, Military, ThinkFinity

Exhibition: Price of Freedom

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1978.2186.01Catalog Number: 84816MAccession Number: 1978.2186Catalog Number: 1978.2186.01

Object Name: cap, mitercap, mitreOther Terms: Cap; cap, mitre; Man; M, Newport Light Infantry

Physical Description: leather (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 10 in x 8 1/4 in x 8 1/4 in; 25.4 cm x 20.955 cm x 20.955 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-52d3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_433170

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.