Object Details
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
ID Number
1978.2186.01
catalog number
84816M
accession number
1978.2186
catalog number
1978.2186.01
Object Name
cap, miter
cap, mitre
Other 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
Place Made
United States: Rhode Island, Rhode Island, Newport
Associated Place
United States: Rhode Island
See more items in
Military and Society: Armed Forces History, Military
Military
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Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
related event
American Revolution
Revolution and the New Nation
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_433170