Note 57 — Insignia of the Regular Army
Reading edition
¶ On January 12, 1814, Irvine wrote to the Secretary of War as follows: "I send herewith an infantry cap plate which, with your permission, I will substitute for that now in use. The advantages of the former over the latter are that it is lighter, neater, and will not cost half [the] price. The present plate covers the greater part of the front of the cap, is heavy in its appearance, and adds much to the weight of the cap ...[57]" This proposal was approved on January 18.[58]