Black Watch Tartan 1750's

[Orvis]

As to the portrait of Hugh Montgomerie (by Copley), I believe it depicts some of his alleged exploits against Native Americans while he was a lieutenant in the 77th Regiment of Foot (aka Montgomery's Highlanders, or the 1st Highland Battalion of Foot, raised 1757, disbanded 1763) in the French and Indian War. The uniform is in the style of the late 1770's, but shows the 77th's correct facing color of dark (or hunter) green. Copley may have access to articles of Montgomerie's old 77th uniform (particularly the plaid), while other uniform items (bonnet, hose, regimental jacket) he might have accessed from Scottish fencible units. Hugh Montgomerie later became Colonel of the West Lowland Fencibles (1790s) and 12th Earl of Eglington, and some authors have incorrectly stated that Montgomerie wore the uniform of that unit for this portrait.

To those who asked, the white wool or linen waistcoat was mandated as an article of uniform for all British regiments (replacing the red wool waistcoat) in the Royal Clothing Warrant of 1768. The only exception would have been that the waistcoats of each regiment's light infantry company (which were added to each regiment's establishment in 1773) were to be of red wool, laced with regimental lace.