The flags for the North Carolina Line were made in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, there are no records of their appearance. The return in February 1778 at Valley Forge lists only two regimental flags surviving among the ten North Carolina Regiments. None were on hand at the surrender in Charleston in 1780. The flag we carry today is conjectural, but is based on period details.
The North Carolina Line went through a progression of uniforms. First, they were issued hunting shirts and gaiters. In 1776, they were issued coats made in Philadelphia. These coats were in a wide range of color combinations, such as brown with red facings, blue with brown facings, etc.
In September 1778, after the winter at Valley Forge, the North Carolina Line received French uniforms in blue with red facings and white small clothes. Diaries note that by December these uniforms were already in poor condition. The 1780 regulations called for a blue coat with blue facings and white buttonhole lace. No records have been found of these uniforms being issued, as the NC Line was in captivity at the time.
The next NC levees in the field was a draft of the militia that had left the field at Guilford Court House. These men were intentionally not supplied with uniforms. The NC Archives does record an issue of blue wool to the officers of the NC Line at Halifax who were on parole from Charleston. Perhaps they made up the new uniforms from this material. The final uniform issued to the NC Line was the blue with red facing - 1783 regulation. The 6th NC today wears either the hunting shirt or frock, the 1776 uniform or the 1783 uniform.
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