Below is a view of a Spanish American War-era U.S. Navy ensign's dress coat. re some views of the uniform that belonged to Lyman E. White, a private in Troop G of the "Rough Riders," (1st U. S. Volunteer Cavalry). He joined the Rough Riders on June 27 at Sante Fe, New Mexico.
This particular uniform may or may not have seen service in Cuba. Many members of the unit apparently procured new uniforms at Camp Montauk before disbandment, and others outfitted themselves for reunions. Which of these categories this uniform falls under is not clear.
The uniform is a private's uniform since it bears no signs of having had rank insignia attached to the collar or shoulders. It is early issue and has the additional unofficial branch service facing color on the pocket flaps, plus the original cotton drill belt supplied with the blouse.
Details of the trousers
The hat with crossed sabres insignia and numeral 1 attached above, typical for volunteers.
The leggings are cavalry, as indicated by the correct number of hooks and grommets. However, Rough Rider enlisted men wore only the stable dress dyed light brown during their Cuba service, unlike this one.
Field, Ron, author of Brassey History of Uniforms - Spanish-American War, 1898. (Washington: Brasseys Inc., 1998). This exceptional work is available through Amazon.com.
Jones, Virgil Carrington, Roosevelt's Rough Riders. (Garden
City, NY: Doubleday & Company, 1971). 337
