Those worn by riflemen.
1776. The enemy’s lookouts, perceiving our men close upon the lower part of [Gwyn’s] island cried out, “the shirtmen are coming,” and scampered off.—Providence Gazette, Aug. 17, p. 1/3.
1793. “1520 Rifle Shirts” were advertised for, inter alia, by the Treasury Department: Gazette of the U.S., Aug. 24.
