Undress Uniform of a Captain in the Spanish Royal Navy

The Decrees of July 9, 1802 outlined the uniform of armed officers as follows: "The King has decreed that the undress uniform for ordinary use in the Navy by Officers of its General Corps will consist of a blue dress coat, as currently worn, with facing, collar, and red lapels, tapered at the top and with the same gold braid that is currently worn on both sides of the lapel, and on the collar and facing; a red dress-coat lining; white waistcoat and trousers with stockings; anchor button; black belt with yellow metal buckle and anchor in relief; cutlass and black bow tie. It should be noted that when not on active duty, breeches may be worn instead of trousers, and these should be regular breeches with a buckle, like those previously worn."

As part of the same raft of legislation, a Royal Decree of August 10, 1802 stated that, "As stipulated in the Royal Decree of July 9 on the appearance of the new undress uniform for ordinary use, approved by His Majesty for the Officers of the General Corps of the Navy, Your Excellency is furnished with the corresponding drawings of the yellow metal buckle that must be attached to the belt, as well as of the hilt of the cutlass, so that there may be appropriate uniformity among every individual of the Navy. His Majesty also decrees that every Officer must wear a red plume in his hat as a military emblem. I communicate this Royal Decree to Your Excellency for your information and compliance."

An acknowledgment of receipt of this Decree, signed on August 14, clarifies what is meant by the hackle and the type of hat: "…It is understood that His Majesty has also decreed that every Officer must wear a red plume in his hat with a braid, as a military emblem."