Epaulettes

are shoulder knots, worn by officers; those for the officers are made of gold or silver lace, with rich fringe and bullions, those of non-commi ioned are of cotton or worsted. They are badges of distinction worn on one or both shoulders. When a serjeant or corporal is publicly reduced, the shoulder-knot is cut off by the drum major in the front or circle of the battalion. Among the French, all the degrees of rank, from a cadet to a general officer, were so minutely marked out by the epaulette, that a common centinel might instantly know what officer approached his station, and could pay the prescribed honors without hesitation or mistake. All officers above the rank of captain wear two in the United States army and militia; captains wear one on the right shoulder: lieutenants and ensigns on the left; serjeants and corporals wear as captains and lieutenants. Epaulettes have been introduced into the British navy. The following are the gradations of rank as distinguished by epaulettes. Masters and commanders have one epaulette on the left shoulder. Post captains under three years, one epaulette on the right shoulder. And after having been post three years, two epaulettes. Rear admirals have one star on the strap of the epaulette, vice admirals two stars, and admirals three stars.