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Notes

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Thomas Hewitt was commissioned as an Ensign in the 22nd Regiment in 1772, becoming a Lieutenant in 1775. Two years later he was promoted to Captain in the 10th Regiment of Foot and in 1778 he took over command of the regiment’s light company. During the American War of Independence (1775–1783), the 10th Foot’s light company took part in the action at Lexington (1775), firing some of the first shots of the war.

To show that he is an officer on duty, Hewitt wears a silver gorget around his neck. The ‘wings’ on the shoulders of his uniform distinguish him as a member of a light company. He carries a fusil or light musket, a weapon frequently carried by light company officers. Portraits of officers carrying such a weapon are rare.

National Army Museum

London

Title

Captain Thomas Hewitt, 10th Regiment of Foot

Date

1781

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 76.8 x W 64.3 cm

Accession number

NAM. 1977-11-122

Acquisition method

purchased from the Parker Gallery, 1977

Work type

Painting

National Army Museum

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, Greater London SW3 4HT England

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Artist or maker

William Tate

1747–1806

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