Some years ago I wrote to Joseph Hefter enquiring whether the "frock coat" was the normal campaign dress for the Mexican Infantry [as I'd seen some evidence to that effect], he replied as follows; "The tailcoat was standard issue for all branches and ranks. but on occasion, especially on campaign, frock coats were issued as early as 1832 [there is good evidence they were issued even earlier, C.A.N.]. While evidence is limited, it seems reasonable to suppose they were widely worn on Campaign during the 1845-7 War."

"They were in some cases dark blue with red collar and cuffs, sometimes again with only red piping around collar, cuffs and pockets, but without any cuff flaps. Grey frock coats were worn by Militia and National Guard units and by Light infantry in the field, these had mostly only red piping on the collar and cut ąs with no cuff flap. Note that the piping was not in the Regimental colours but only light or dark red."

COLOUR GUIDE TO PLATE No.3

FIG.1. N.C.O., Active Militia Battalion San Blas at Chapultepec 1847 [after Hefter]. Shako black, yellow top band, red pom pon, National cockade held in place with yellow cord and brass button, base band in black leather, brass unit plate and chin scales. Frock coat medium dark grey, collar grey with red patches and piping, cuff and flaps in red. epaulettes red, brass buttons and buckles, black leather belts, trousers medium blue with red piping.

FIG.2. Lt.Colonel; Xicotencatl, Militia Battalion San Bias at Chapultepec 1847 [after Hefter]. Kepi dark blue, gold piping, red base band, gold lace chin strap above visor, frock coat dark blue, collar dark blue with red patch and gold piping, cuffs and flaps red with gold piping on flap and gold rank lace above cuffs, epaulettes all in gold lace, gilt buttons, black lining to coat. Waist-sash crimson, trousers medium blue with gold stripe, black sword belt, sword knot in gold lace.

FIG.3. Stable cap, Militia Battalion San Blas at Chapultepec 1847 [after Hefter]. Cap dark blue with red base, piping and tassel.

FIG.4. Private [from the painting "Battalia de Angostura" by C.Escalante in the Chapultepec Castle, Mexico.] Shako as Fig 1, but with different unit plate and a white rolled neck cover. Frock coat dark blue, red collar, cuffs, cuff slaps and epaulettes, brass buttons and buckles, white leather belts, trousers white.