Man's Shirt
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Colonel William Ledyard
American, 1738 - 1781
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1781
MediumHand-stitched linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center front length x width across shoulders): 42 1/2 x 21 1/2in. (108 x 54.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ledyard from the estate of Mrs. Maria Ledyard
DescriptionMan's shirt of fine linen. It is extremely finely stitched, and has whipped ruffles at the center front opening and on the cuffs. There is a 3 1/2-inch high collar, with a closure of three thread buttons (one button is missing). The shirt is cut from one long length of linen, folded at the shoulderline, and slit for fitting the collar. Gussets at the neck edge along the shoulderline provide proper fitting for the collar. The shirt body is gathered around the neckline into the collar. The shoulderline is reinforced with a 1 1/4-inch wide strip of linen. The center front of the shirt below the opening has been replaced, or was pieced in the period, with a very slightly heavier weight linen. The sleeves are full, being gathered into the shoulder and into the cuff with very fine gathers. 11 1/2-inch long slits at the sides of the shirt body are reinforced and widened at the top with the addition of piece of linen. Worked in fine cross stitches in blue thread at the top of the proper left slit is "W L / 2".
This shirt was worn by Colonel William Ledyard at the time he was killed by a British officer at the taking of Fort Griswold on 6 September 1781. The shirt has an L-shaped cut on the back panel below the proper left sleeve, and a horizontal cut below and to the back of the right sleeve, corresponding in size and placement to the cuts on Ledyard's waistcoat (#1841.5.0), if the shirt were slightly twisted, as it would be if Ledyard was actively defending himself against the attack.
This shirt was worn by Colonel William Ledyard at the time he was killed by a British officer at the taking of Fort Griswold on 6 September 1781. The shirt has an L-shaped cut on the back panel below the proper left sleeve, and a horizontal cut below and to the back of the right sleeve, corresponding in size and placement to the cuts on Ledyard's waistcoat (#1841.5.0), if the shirt were slightly twisted, as it would be if Ledyard was actively defending himself against the attack.
Object number1844.48.0
InscribedIn light blue cross stitches on proper left side, "W L / 2".Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
Object/Object
