Oh, hello there.

This photo was brought to my attention this morning; it is a couple of historical players participating in Junior Rangers Day yesterday at Hamilton National Grange. They are dressed in the first military uniform of Alexander Hamilton, when he was a 19-year-old artillery captain in New York City. His company was known as “Hearts of Oak” and it is the oldest active Army unit.

That kid in the back is working it. His youthful face and small stature easily conjure up the image of young Alex, proudly wearing the smart uniform he had dreamed of most of his life. All that is missing is long auburn hair tied back and braided under that dashing cocked hat. I thought there would be more ruffled sleeves but I suppose those came later with the Continental Army uniforms, designed by General Washington himself.