La Drapeaux (The Flag)
In the infantry regiments, only one flag was white: it was the colonel's flag and not the royal flag.
What indicated French nationality, was the scarf or white tie ( cravat ) which one attached under the spearhead. The use of this tie was adopted after the battle of Fleurus, in 1691. Indeed, the flags colonels of Imperial, the Dutchmen, the English, the same Spaniards were white; their flags of ordinance were similar enough to bring regrettable errors while under combat ( friendly fire ).
After that time to be distinguished from other national units, the French troops attached the white cravat under the spade end of the drapeaux.
In the cavalry regiments there were only standards ordonnances, two by squadrons, carried the days of action by the cornet or a second lieutenant; usually by a sergeant.
The only white standard in the cavalry was that of the general colonel; it was called the white cornet. One entrusted it to an officer belonging to the 1st regiment (general Colonel).
In the infantry, the first ensign carried the white flag colonel; the 2nd sign, the 1st flag of ordinance to the company lieutenant-colonelle. These two officers were always young gentlemen nobles, and after 2 or 3 years, they received the authorization to buy a company. The 14 other flags (3 by battalions) were carried by the second lieutenants, always former sergeants.
A young gentleman entered to the regiment towards the age of 13 or 14 years, with the rank of reformed lieutenant or like junior; around 17 years, it was named titular lieutenant. Towards the 20 years age, it received the authorization to buy a company, and if it were rich, quite related and constant at the Court, it obtained the permission to buy and maintain a regiment with 24 or 25 years.