LOL, I lived down in the Virginia/Maryland area for some years, and I fully understand why the British Regulars characterized service in that region as “Hazardous Duty”.
Granted, they had malaria and yellow fever from all the mosquitoes back then which would have been a real hazard, but that humidity and high temperature, all with those woolen uniforms on, must have been a real challenge.
Yes...I don’t miss that part of living around there where your shirt would get soaked through in no time at all, but...I expect many would respect that as it keeps some riff-raff out!
Enjoyed your article, pictures, and the entire thread. Nice to meet a fellow pluviophile.