Uniform; Waistcoat

Description

Wool Revolutionary War coat (a) and breeches (b) of Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, aide-de-camp (1776-1783) to General George Washington. Here it is displayed with a replica hat, shirt, boots, and a reproduction waistcoat (1973.69.1), which was based off of an original example worn by George Washington, and in the collection of the Smithsonian. The coat and breeches is believed to date to c. 1779-1781 and are one of few surviving Revolutionary War officer uniforms. Tench Tilghman (1744-1786) was of the wealthy, prominent Tilghman family of Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. He worked as a merchant until 1775 when he was commissioned in the Continental Army and a year later worked directly on Washington's staff. Tilghman served the general until the end of the war and resigned due to failing health.