I can't conceive why they wear boots

"Wednesday, June 4th, 1777.  This being the anniversary of his Majesty's Birthday, at one o'clock Fort George , the Men of War and Ships in the Harbour fired a Royal salute.  In the evening Lord Howe gave a Ball to the Officers of the Navy and Army and their ladies.  At night the city was illuminated.  I observed it was not generally illuminated.  A number of Hessian Chasseurs or Yaugers arrived in green uniforms and boots, all armed with rifles.  I am told they are as expert with them as the Virginians, but they appear to me to be too clumsy for the Woods and too heavily clothed.  I can't conceive why they wear boots, they must be inconvenient and troublesome in this hot and Woody country.  Spent the evening with Mr. Furneval" (Cresswell, 230-231).

Cresswell, Nicholas. The Journal of Nicholas Cresswell, 1774-1777. New York: L. MacVeagh, The Dial Press, 1924. Print.