British Light infantry and facial hair

Pic British Light infantry by Ralph Mitchard

thanks to Rock Seidemann for this reference.

“Our Light Infantry, Highlanders and Rangers they are termed the English Savages. These Light Infantry were a Corps of 550 Volunteers chosen as Marksmen out of the most active resolute Men from all the Battalions of Regulars, dressed some in blue, some in green Jackets and Drawers, for the easier brushing through the Woods; with Ruffs of black Bear’s Skin round their Necks, the Beard of their upper Lips, some grown into Whiskers, others not so, but all well Smutted on that part; with little round Hats like several of our Seamen – Their Arms were a Fusil, Cartouch-Box of Balls and Flints, and a Powder horn slung over their Shoulders.  The Rangers are a Body of Irregulars, who have a more cut-throat, savage Appearance; which carries in it something of natural Savages:  The Appearance of the Light Infantry has in it more of artificial Savages.”

An Authentic Account of the Reduction of Louisbourg.  P. 18-19.