42nd Highlander Revolutionary War period question

[Troglodyte]

Colonel David Stewart of Garth's 'Sketches' of 1822 is always a prime reference, as he details the regiments as they formed, how the uniforms differed, and what action they saw during the period you mention.

James Browne's 1838 'History of the Highlands' would be another detailed source for the same reasons, if you need to know which battalions and companies were where, and the actions they took part in.

Osprey Publishing Ltd produces an extensive and well-illustrated Men-at-Arms Series of military reference books, which are a great resource for re-enactors as they detail all elements of period uniforms and weapons with colured illustrations.

There are several which would give the information you need - '18th Century Highlanders' which includes American Highland regiments; 'Highlanders in the French-Indian War' which shows how regimentals were adapted for active service in the colonies; 'Wolfe's Army' and 'British Army in North America' would be good for starters.

Bonnets are detailed, and includes information such as the exchanging of the red toorie during the American War for white or green to distinguish the grenadier companies or light infantry respectively. Also, useful notes that the hair cockade of black bear fur was 'not to be more than five inches in length.'

The dicing you mention is discussed in the Osprey series, as it varied over time, and was even diagonal in some cases. Garth records that the bonnets would also be stuffed and padded to give better protection against sword cuts.