Every company of foot (about 100 men) had its own ensign with a colour (flag).
This was usually made of painted silk and about 6.5 foot square.
A number of systems of symbols were in use by which individual companies within
a regiment could be identified.
The base colour of a flag also related to the specific values in military honour,
e.g. Red ‘Justice’, Black ‘Wisdom & Sobriety’.
Ensigns were junior officers entrusted with carrying the colour. As officers they
were dressed more richly than the rank and file.
