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Les Vetements du Milicien
Proper dress for la Milice du Fort Saint-Frederic
La Milice du Ft. Saint-Frederic is a living history group which portrays the life, both military and civilian, of French Canadians living in the Lake Champlain Valley of New York State. We are an extremely authentic unit, and membership requires you meet the guidelines on clothing, equipment, and knowledge of Canadian culture during the seven years war.
Milice clothing, since materials for it were issued to the individual out of the general stores, tends to look very similar with only minor variations in color and cut depending on the tailoring skills of the individual
The following is a pictorial guide for milice clothing for the summer and winter campaign.
Mitasses were made of wool , the color varied from campaign to campaign, depending on what was issued to you. Leg ties were strips of wool, or finger woven. Nothing fancy, no feathers, beading, etc. They went from about 6 inches above the knee to the ankle. No beads, fancy ribbon trim
La Chemise (Shirt)
The chemise was made of white cotton. The collar has 2 ‘ dorset’ or thread buttons, and stands upright. A kerchief or stock was worn on the neck. The sleeve cuffs did not have buttons, but used cuff links. It was knee length, with the front being 4 inches shorter than the rear.
La Brayet (Breechclout)
The brayet was also made of wool, lined if you prefer, with cotton or linen. Held up with a small belt or sash. Although this article of clothing was taken from the Sauvage, it was not embellished with beads and Quill work.
Tuque’s were made of wool, knitted or sewn from material. Red was the predominant color.
No tassels on top! Headrags were made of
silk or cotton.
Colors varied. NO tricorn hats!
Sashes were made of wool. Either strips or finger woven. Nothing fancy, NO leather belts with large buckles!
Soulier du Boeuf was the cow hide shoe. This was not a moccasin, but a shoe. Buckle shoes were not worn by the Milice while on campaign. A woolen slipper (chausson) was worn inside the soulier du boeouf.
Le Capote
Capotes were made of wool & closed with a single button in the right shoulder area. Some were made with large cuffs, like the Justacorps, others had tight fitting cuffs, like the waistcoat. Both are acceptable. Fur trade era blanket capots that tie or button up the middle are not authentic for the Milice. Colors varied but were generally of shades of blue or gray.
Le Gillet is made of wool, and can be sleeved or unsleeved. Color varied from campaign to campaign. This is a winter issued item that was worn under the capot.
The dress was plain and simple, and rather inexpensive to reproduce compared to the uniforms of the troupes de terre and troupes de la Marine’s. Le Fleur de Lyse make some excellent patterns for this clothing, and Steve Delisle’s book ‘The Equipment of New France Militia’ is an excellent source (although sometimes out of print).
As always, this is a work in progress, and subject to change as new information arrives.
Any Questions about this clothing and equipment contact me at Firstulstersgt2@aol.com