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.
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