Spanish Colonial Uniform 1767-68
Prior to the Royal Regulations of 1772 the
Spanish colonial soldier's uniform looked much like other European uniforms
of the period.
Soldado de Cuera (pre-1800 Presidial)
The leather jacket, or cuera, was used with a leather shield
(adarga), were to protect the soldiers against Indian arrows. Traditionally,
the Presidial soldiers were split into two categories: the traditional
soldado de cuera and their mounted counterparts, the troopa ligera
(lit."light troops").
Troopa Ligera (pre-1800
Light Troops)
Mobile companies, able to cover vast areas behind the presidial line,
supported the operation of the presidial company as in the case of Alamo
de Parras who supported the Béjar Presidio.
The Flying Company (Troopa Ligera-1836)
Mexican Presidial Soldier (ca.1829)
Lino Sánchez y Tapia, "Mexican Presidial Soldier," watercolor,
1828-29.
Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and
Art, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Militia Trooper & Dragoon Service Dress
Joseph Hefter, ca. 1971 illustration of military uniforms: "Trooper,
Coahuila-Texas Civic Militia, 1835, service dress" and "Officer, Texas
Dragoons, 1836, service dress." Old Army Press.
Infantry Soldier
Joseph Hefter, "Mexican Sargeant, Matamoros Battalion in Texas, 1836."
From Jerome J. Gaddy, Texas in Revolt, 1973
Uniform Buttons
Early Mexican military button. (ca. 1824-1830)
Vest and cuff buttons. (ca.1821-1824)
Photos Courtesy John Powell |
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