Whitehall 26th November 1797

My Lord, As it is enacted in the 24th clause of the act for raising a Provisional force of cavalry " that every man who shall be enrolled by virtue of that act shall be furnished with and shall appear on every day of muster in a suitable dress for a Private Soldier of cavalry which dress shall be provided by himself, if he shall serve as a Principal, or if he shall serve as a substitute, then by the Person for whom he shall so serve, according to the Person of dress which shall be fined and settled at a General Meeting of lieutenancy for the County, Riding or Place where the Persons shall repectively serve, and which shall have been approved by his Majesty."

I have judged it adviseable to direct that a pattern of a cap, Jacket and Pantaloons should be sent to you to be submitted for the inspection and consideration of a General meeting of Lieutenancy of the County of Nottingham, and should the above dress be fixed and settled as the Pattern dress at such General Meeting of Lieutenancy, it will on your Lordships acquainting me therewith be submitted to His Majesty who I have reason to believe will be disposed to approve thereof I am Portland.

PS. Below is an estimate of the expence of the pattern dress proposed.

Green cloth Jacket faced Scarlet and corded white 19s
Do. Pantaloons feathered Red cloth same as Jacket 10s
Leather Cap and feather 2s 6d
Half Boots 18s
Total: £ 9s 6d

Your Grace will be pleased to acquaint me to what place you would wish the above Dress to be sent.

The Lord Lieutenant of the County of Nottingham.

By kind permission of the Principal Archivist, Nottinghamshire Records Office.

More Notes

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