Gaskins's Virginia Battalion (W. Britains)

This soldier loading his musket is a member of Gaskins's Virginia Continental Battalion in 1781.  Virginia's Continental troops had first served with Washington's main army in the North.  When the British began operations in the South, Virginia Continentals were sent to reinforce them.  Since Virginia remained relatively war-free, this was possible.

But everything changed when Benedict Arnold landed at the head of another expedition in late 1780-1781.  Virginia's troops were in South Carolina, and troops were badly needed to stop Arnold's destruction.  Yet more Continental (regular, as opposed to militia) troops were raised, under the command of Colonel Thomas Gaskins.

Despite being a Continental regiment, Gaskins's troops were poorly supplied.  "Virginia lost a great deal of her stockpiled supplies following the sack of Point of Fork arsenal by a Loyalist and British force on June 5, 1781.  Even prior to this, proper linen for hunting frocks was lacking, leading the state clothier to make up 'short coats' or jackets of coarse canvas with blue facings as an expedient summer uniform." [1]

This soldier wears one of these jackets.  His haversack may be issued by the Continental Army, captured from the British, or a private purchase.  His cartridge box is a former British item, and he has not removed the "GR" marking from it. (see photo at left) 

However, this soldier proudly shows his allegiance to the ideals of the American Revolution on his canteen, where he has carved "Liberty" on its side.

The figure began as a Britains "Deetail" Civil War figure.  The kepi was removed and a roundhat with cockade sculpted in its place.  Cuffs and collar were also added, and the bayonet scabbard removed.



Figure painted with Testors and CraftSmart paints; sealed with Mod Podge.



[1] James L. Kochan.  Don Troiani's Soldiers of the American Revolution, pg. 166.