One of General Washington's first orders issued read,

"As the Continental Army has unfortunately no uniforms, and consequently many inconveniences must arise from not being able to distinguish the commissioned officers from the privates, it is desired that some badges of distinction may be immediately provided; for instance --
 

* Subalterns were the most junior commissioned officers; Ensigns, Second Lieutenants, and Coronets

... that the corporals may be distinguished by an epaulette or stripe of green cloth sewed
upon the right shoulder, the sergeants by one of red.
The subalterns may have green colored cockades in their hats, the captains yellow or buff ..."

"... that the field officer may have red or pink colored cockades in their hats ...
the aides-de-camp and brigade-majors by a green ribband worn
across the heart between the coat and waistcoat ..."

"... the brigadier and major general by a pink ribband worn in like manner.
The major generals' sleeves be distiguished by a broad purple ribband.
The commander-in-chief by a light blue ribband across his heart ..."

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