Years ago I got a copy of the April 1976 National
Geographic. In it was a color period fold out copy of
the battle of Camden.
[ed. note: See Barron map]
On the map was the battle line of the units before the
battle began. Each unit was depicted with a rectangle
showing coat color and facing color. All units
depicted were as we now know them, but with one
exception.
The British Legion cavalry are in the well-known green
faced black. BUT THE LEGION INFANTRY ARE IN RED FACED
BLACK! Since this is a period map, in color, showing
all unit uniforms, would this not indicate the correct
color for the legion infantry?
[ed. note: While the map is of the period, I recall nothing to date that indicated that Barron was present at the battle.]
Also, there is a reference at the battle of Cowpens
referring to the attacking line of the 7th Foot and
Legion infantry as a "long red line". I believe it is
quoted in the book "Devil of a Whipping".
There is also a reference to the Legion infantry
receiving "leather caps" light infantry style quoted
somewhere - I'd have to ask Todd Braisted.
So given all this information, shouldn't the page on
"Uniforms" on the Camden project webpage be updated to
reflect this info for the Legion infantry? Their
uniform has always been a question mark, and given
this body of evidence it may not be any longer.
[ed. note: With the addition of these comments, it has now effectively been updated to include this very relevant question.]
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