"Southern Mounted Militia Uniform, Or Not" Topic

I have some references that suggest the mounted militia at Cowpens and in the Carolinas actually had uniform coats and fought with sabers. They were either light blue, dark blue, or brown.

So my question is:

If I built a unit, should they be in civilian dress like Fife and Drum or the Perry figures? Or should they have a uniform like the Old Glory 2nd Connecticut? Does anyone even know?

Civilian dress.

I do not know. I can tell you what I am doing and why.

There are two views on the mounted elements of Morgan's command. The traditional view holds there were about 80 members of the 3rd Light Dragoons and 45 mounted militia present. The first I intend to do in ragged regimental clothing. The latter I am assembling using Fife & Drum mounted militia figures. The developing view holds that in addition to these two commands there were elements of the 1st Light Dragoons, the Virginia State Cavalry and the North Carolina Light Dragoons present. Whether these were part of the above two commands, in addition to them or part of each is not clear. The first two at least would have been uniformed earlier in the southern campaign. They would probably have been ratty looking by the time of Cowpens though. I am tempted to do the 1st wearing hunting shirts but with caps, but that will probably require a conversion. Another possibility per Troiani is a blue coat faced green with caps. I think CMH depicts the Virginia State Cavalry in blue coats and buff breeches with hats. Troiani gives them blue jackets with white cuffs, buff breeches and a Tarleton style cap with blue turban. The NC Light Dragoons is an enigma. Troiani depicts them in blue hunting shirts with Tarleton style caps. My bet is civilian clothes.

I am one of those who runs games with generic Americans. Particularly cavalry.
So, I have tons of "militia cavalry". I have Perry and Fife and Drum militia cavalry. Plus Old Glory Mad Anthony Kentucky with Kings Mountain head swaps.
I'm covered for almost any scenario that includes "militia cavalry", from Concord to Kings Mountain or Cowpens.

Bill,

Thanks for your comments. As I have some more 'Southern Theater' cavalry to paint at some time, your comments are very useful.

Jim

Great drawings are or were available of militia volunteers racing to King's Mountain. At the battle field park. Also Cowpens has a good souvenir shop as well.
Civilian dress. Wide brim hat common. Frock coats were common but Vivian shirts and coats too. Pants also varied from frock to civilian trousers.