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JJDESIGNS NEWS UPDATE 25th AUGUST 2025
THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY COLLECTION
THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
THE RHODE ISLAND TRAIN OF ARTILLERY 1775
The Rhode Island Train of Artillery, also known as the United Train of Artillery, was a significant unit in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
The unit was formed in 1775 and played a crucial role in the early battles of the war.
The unit was reorganized and expanded to include additional companies, contributing to the overall strength of the Continental Army.
The unit was involved in various campaigns, including the New York and New Jersey Campaigns, and was instrumental in the Siege of Boston.
The reorganization and expansion of the Rhode Island Militia in 1774 included the formation of two new volunteer companies, the Providence Train of Artillery and the Providence Fusiliers.
In April 1775, these were combined to form “The United Company of the Train of Artillery of the Town of Providence”, thereafter usually termed “The United Train of Artillery”.
Commanded by Major John Crane, it was assigned to the Rhode Island Brigade, which Brigadier General Nathanael Greene led to join the American forces besieging Boston.
Crane was sometimes referred to as “Captain” and the unit as “Crane’s Company”
During the reorganization of the American Army in January 1776, the United Train, or rather those of its men who would re-enlist, were absorbed into Knox’s Massachusetts Artillery Regiment (formerly Colonel Richard Gridley’s), with Crane becoming the latter unit’s “first major”.
The Rhode Island Train of Artillery’s uniform and equipment were notable for their distinctive features, such as the brown faced red coats and leather caps with gold painted anchors.
Like many other American regiments at the beginning of the war, the United Train wore brown coats. Its facings were red, its buttons brass and were stamped with the Rhode Island’s anchor device.
Waistcoat and breeches were white linen, and enlisted men wore short black gaiters.
The Train’s headgear was unique, a cap made of six triangular pieces of jacked leather with a small red and brown tuft at the crown.
To this was attached a frontal piece whose odd shape may have been inspired by the classic Phrygian or “liberty” cap. Above the Rhode Island anchor motive in the centre is a red scroll with the words “For Our Country” in silver letters.
Below the anchor on a gold scroll is the black lettered motto “In Te Domine Speramus”, (In Thee Lord Is Our Hope)
The Rhode Island Train of Artillery sets will be available in November.
Please note there will also be other American Artillery sets which should be previewed on Monday 22nd September.
Best wishes,
john jenkins
THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY COLLECTION
THE AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
THE RHODE ISLAND TRAIN OF ARTILLERY 1775
The Rhode Island Train of Artillery, also known as the United Train of Artillery, was a significant unit in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
The unit was formed in 1775 and played a crucial role in the early battles of the war.
The unit was reorganized and expanded to include additional companies, contributing to the overall strength of the Continental Army.
The unit was involved in various campaigns, including the New York and New Jersey Campaigns, and was instrumental in the Siege of Boston.
The reorganization and expansion of the Rhode Island Militia in 1774 included the formation of two new volunteer companies, the Providence Train of Artillery and the Providence Fusiliers.
In April 1775, these were combined to form “The United Company of the Train of Artillery of the Town of Providence”, thereafter usually termed “The United Train of Artillery”.
Commanded by Major John Crane, it was assigned to the Rhode Island Brigade, which Brigadier General Nathanael Greene led to join the American forces besieging Boston.
Crane was sometimes referred to as “Captain” and the unit as “Crane’s Company”
During the reorganization of the American Army in January 1776, the United Train, or rather those of its men who would re-enlist, were absorbed into Knox’s Massachusetts Artillery Regiment (formerly Colonel Richard Gridley’s), with Crane becoming the latter unit’s “first major”.
The Rhode Island Train of Artillery’s uniform and equipment were notable for their distinctive features, such as the brown faced red coats and leather caps with gold painted anchors.
Like many other American regiments at the beginning of the war, the United Train wore brown coats. Its facings were red, its buttons brass and were stamped with the Rhode Island’s anchor device.
Waistcoat and breeches were white linen, and enlisted men wore short black gaiters.
The Train’s headgear was unique, a cap made of six triangular pieces of jacked leather with a small red and brown tuft at the crown.
To this was attached a frontal piece whose odd shape may have been inspired by the classic Phrygian or “liberty” cap. Above the Rhode Island anchor motive in the centre is a red scroll with the words “For Our Country” in silver letters.
Below the anchor on a gold scroll is the black lettered motto “In Te Domine Speramus”, (In Thee Lord Is Our Hope)
The Rhode Island Train of Artillery sets will be available in November.
Please note there will also be other American Artillery sets which should be previewed on Monday 22nd September.
Best wishes,
john jenkins
