PHILADELPHIA LIGHT HORSE

This canton is the earliest known instance of the thirteen stripes being used on an American flag.  In the center of the flag is a blue shield bearing a golden knot from which radiate thirteen golden scrolls like the ends of as many strips of ribbon, a very early example of the idea expressed by the motto: "E pluribus unum".

The head of a bay horse bearing a white star on his forehead appears as a crest, while as supporters are "a Continental masquerading as an Indian", holding a golden staff surmounted by a liberty cap, and an angel with a staff in one hand and a golden trumpet in the other. These figures symbolize liberty and fame.  Beneath on a ribbon is the motto: "For these we strive", and over the crest appears the cipher letters "L.H."

The original of this flag was presented to the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, later known as the First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry, by Capt. Abraham Markoe in 1775, and was carried by the Troop into battle at Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine and Germantown.