Figure 276
This brass gorget, with wreath and letters in applied silver, is an example of one of the later types worn by Militia. The letters "S F" are interpreted as "State Fencibles," and the "Excelsior" buttons on the ends of the crescent identify the origin of the unit as New York State. Fencibles were basically troop units organized for home defense only. There was a volunteer Militia company called the "State Fencibles" in New York City as early as 1800. It apparently lost its identity as such in 1847 or 1848 when the organization split, half entering the 8th Regiment and half entering the 9th Regiment of New York State Militia.[146]
U.S. Government Printing Office: 1963
Notes
[1]: Parkyn's Shoulder-Belt Plates and Buttons contains a wealth of information on British regimental devices.
[2]: For history of the organization of the Army, see American Military History, 1607-1953; Mahon, "History of the Organization of the United States Infantry"; and Jones, "History of the Organization of the United States Field Artillery."
Unfortunately, there is no single, completely satisfactory source on the militia system of the United States. The following works, however, contain sound information and, when taken together, provide an excellent background on the subject: Todd, "Our National Guard"; Mahon, "Citizen Soldier"; Lundeberg, "History of the North Carolina Militia"; Ansell, "Legal and Historical Aspects of the Militia"; Gronert, "First National Pastime in the Middle West"; and Riker, Soldiers of the States.
[3]: Writings of George Washington, vol. 27, p. 222.
[4]: Ibid., pp. 256-258; also letter dated January 3, 1784, from Henry Knox, Commander in Chief of the Army, to President of the Continental Congress (in Knox papers).