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This
is one of only a handful of surviving Rough Rider uniforms that
can be authentically identified and represents service in what
many consider to be our nation’s most famous military regiment.
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Lyman
Whited enlisted in Company “G” of the 1st U.S. Volunteer
Cavalry at the age of 24 and mustered out of service along with
the regiment that after the war was stationed at Camp Wikoff,
Montauk Point, Long Island, N.Y. This uniform came directly
from the family and Whited wrote his name, often more than once,
in each and every piece.
Whited’s
Model 1898 first pattern Cavalry uniform is the 5-button khaki
tunic that was first issued for service on May
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1
Rough Rider Uniform Model 1898 Calvary in khakis – Identified
to Lyman Whited
Private Collection
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23rd,
1898 under General Order #51. These were the only khaki uniforms
issued to troops fighting in Cuba. Colored facings on the collars,
epaulets, cuffs and pocket flaps designated the branch of service:
yellow for cavalry, blue for infantry and red for artillery.
Tunics were issued with matching khaki parade belts secured
by two enlisted man’s brass eagle buttons and matching
straight leg khaki trousers with a size adjustment buckle on
the back and suspender buttons.
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Rough Rider Uniform 5 button khakis tunic with yellow calvary
designation
– Identified to Lyman Whited
Private Collection
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In going
to Cuba the Rough Riders were issued Model 1884 brown fatigue
uniforms issued to the regiment in San Antonio, Texas. In August,
after 12 weeks of heavy use, the men were ordered to burn their
fatigues and wear the new khakis.
Whited’s
cavalry issue khaki leggings are 14 inches tall, stamped “1”
with laces, leather straps and maker’s mark.
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3
Rough Rider Uniform Model 1898 Calvary in khakis – Identified
to Lyman Whited
Private Collection
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Rough
Riders were also issued Model 1889 campaign hats. Whited’s
hat shows the typical signs of service wear. The sweatband remains
in tact, there’s a small separation to the hat ribbon around
the crown.
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4
Rough Rider Uniform Model 1898 hat
Private Collection
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Rough Rider Commemorative medal given to soldier to celebrate
their service with added 1899 reunion ribbon. Identified to
Lyman Whited
Private Collection
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Whited’s
First Rough Rider Reunion badge from the 1899 reunion has survived
as well as the top portion of the medal Theodore Roosevelt gave
to all the members of the regiment to commemorate their service.
These medals where handed out at the time the regiment mustered
out of service.
Top
portion of the medal given to Whited by Theodore Roosevelt
at the time the regiment mustered out.
Roosevelt gave these medals to all the members
of the regiment to commemorate their service.
Private Collection
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